Canadian Affairs Report: A stronger future

As we begin the new year, there is a lot to be thankful for. Our industry is thriving, our members are supported through existing and newly negotiated collective agreements, and we are preparing to take on an increased number of megaprojects in healthcare, the industrial sector and housing. At the same time, our production units continue to be busy.

We are entering 2026 well-positioned to build on this momentum. Supporting our members and the union­ized construction industry more broadly is the 2025 Federal Budget, passed on November 17, that included significant investments in infrastructure, housing and megaprojects across the country.

Some of these major investments include:

• $75 million over the next three years to fund the Union Training and Innovation Program.
• $51 billion over 10 years through the Build Communities Strong Fund to support provincial and local infrastructure projects.
• $115 billion over five years for infrastructure in healthcare, transit and wastewater systems.
• $25 billion to accelerate homebuilding and address housing needs across the country.

SMART members have always played a critical role in building community infrastructure that keeps our cities thriving. Looking ahead, we will remain key in delivering transformative megaprojects, with the federal government’s goal of “building an enormous amount of infrastructure at speeds and scales not seen in genera­tions.” SMART members will be on the front lines, shaping Canada’s future while leading the shift toward modern, low-carbon construction.

This is the work our members have excelled in over the centuries. Now, that expertise will be formally recog­nized through the SMART Green Certificate program, which is currently being developed. This program will reaffirm our members’ knowledge and readiness to contribute to upcoming clean-economy projects. The SMART Green Certificate program is being established in collaboration with Canada’s Building Trades and Skill Plan Canada.

In the new year, SMART will continue working on the development of this program, which will feature sheet metal-specific learning modules tailored to today’s evolving industry and will provide unified, industry-leading green training nationwide. Down the road, this certification will increase employability, support greater mobility between provinces and give our members pride in the environmental leadership that SMART Canada is striving for.

SMART Canada was proud to host Secretary of State for Labour, Minister Zerucelli, at the Local 47 Training Centre (Ottawa, Ontario) for the re-announcement of the SMART Green Certificate. The visit highlighted how government, industry and unions continue to work together to strengthen our training and support the future of our trades.

We closed 2025 on a high note and look forward to what 2026 will bring as these major infrastructure and training investments begin to take shape. Together, we can build a stronger future for our members, our industry and our country.

In solidarity,

Jack Wall

Director of Canadian Affairs