Labour Day is a time to honour the Canadian labour movement’s victories for workers, and recommit ourselves to continuing that work.
The labour movement fought for the eight-hour workday, safe job sites, fair wages, meaningful benefits, and the dignity and respect every worker deserves. These necessities were achieved through the collective strength, solidarity and determination of working people who stood together in the pursuit of fairness.
Thanks to their efforts, our industry can enjoy protections that many only dreamed of. And just as past generations fought to make our working lives safer and fairer, we have a responsibility to do the same for future generations.
At SMART Canada, we remain committed to defending the rights of our workers, inspiring every member and building an inclusive, respectful workplace for all. The work of the labour movement is not done, but together, we will continue to raise the bar for progress.
Big and exciting developments are underway in Canada’s unionized construction industry, signaling strong growth, major investments and new opportunities across the country.
One standout moment reflecting this momentum was the welcoming of General President Michael Coleman and General Secretary-Treasurer John Daniel to our Canadian Convention, where they had the opportunity to meet with local leaders and witness our talented apprentices showcase their craft during the highly anticipated skills competition.
SMART Canada is also celebrating the recent mobilization of over 450 members to support Local 235 in Windsor for the Stellantis electric vehicle battery plant megaproject, one of the largest green energy projects in the country. At the project’s peak, more than 950 SMART members were on site, demonstrating our union’s capacity to rapidly scale up a skilled workforce to meet the industry’s demand. Our signatory contractor, Lancaster, was particularly impressed with the efficiency and impact of the mobilization, which showcased SMART’s reputation as a reliable partner in delivering complex and high-profile projects.
We are building on this megaproject momentum as Canada’s newly elected prime minister, Mark Carney, successfully passed Bill C-5, An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility Act and the Building Canada Act. This legislation will provide the regulatory reform that Canada’s Building Trades Unions have been advocating for to expedite the construction of major projects. Projects deemed in the national interest will have a reduced approval time, from five years to two years, enabling thousands of SMART members to access jobsites more quickly and provide long-term job stability and economic benefits to our members and their families.
As the nation continues to prioritize sustainability and nation-building projects, there will be an increased focus on green energy projects, which SMART is fully prepared to support with a skilled, job-ready workforce. Through a recent $8.9 million investment in federal funding, more than 2,000 SMART members will be able to upgrade their skills through training curricula and online learning tools focused on the future of clean technology. This funding announcement is a sign that Canada’s federal government sees SMART workers as key to building Canada’s future.
Another key investment in the skilled trades, and in SMART specifically, is the Government of Ontario’s funding of over $1 million to build a training centre in Thunder Bay at Local 397. This investment will support the construction of a dedicated facility for sheet metal workers and roofers, with the capacity to train and upskill 760 individuals over a five-year period through pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships.
This investment is a testament to SMART’s strong and collaborative relationships with all levels of government, reflecting the recognition that labour unions play a critical role in expanding career opportunities, driving economic growth and delivering state-of-the-art training. Together, we are helping to create a stronger skilled trades workforce across Canada.
As we continue to strengthen our relationships with provincial and federal governments, we are growing in capacity, preparing for increased work opportunities and building a stronger, more secure future together.
SMART Canada reps were proud to attend the Skills Canada National Competition in spring 2025, showcasing the top student and apprentice talent across the country. Skills Canada inspires youth to explore careers in the skilled trades through hands-on experiences and strong industry connections.
The SMART sheet metal project, a replica of the world’s largest coffee pot, was a fan favourite and showcased the precision, talent and pride that go into the sheet metal trade every day. SMART brothers Mackenzie (Local 409, Halifax) and Raine (Local 296, Saskatchewan) competed in the competitions — a true testament to the next generation of talent coming up through the ranks.
Canada’s unionized construction industry is experiencing significant victories for workers. From prevailing wage requirements on green infrastructure projects, to tax deductions for travellers, to new federal legislation designed to expedite nation-building projects, the future is bright for SMART members and the broader labour movement.
As Canada gears up for a wave of megaprojects from coast to coast, it is more important than ever to remain focused on organizing. Organizing victories ensure SMART has the capacity, skill and strength to meet the demands of high-profile, intensive projects, while protecting the wages, benefits and working conditions that members deserve.
Across the country, SMART locals are rising to this challenge by prioritizing organizing and expanding their reach. On the West Coast, Local 280 (Vancouver) has grown its membership by 35%, thanks to successful organizing campaigns involving 15 new companies. Their most notable victory was organizing a roofing company with over 50 members, marking a significant step forward for both the local and broader construction industries in B.C.
In Northern and Eastern Ontario, smaller locals are also ramping up their efforts. Local 504 (Sudbury) and Local 269 (Kingston) have hired full-time organizers for the first time, a sign of their commitment to signing nonunion companies and preparing for the influx of new projects.
Newly organized Local 562 member Brian Vos in the shop in Kitchener, Ontario
Meanwhile, in Southwestern Ontario, Local 562 (Kitchener) achieved a breakthrough after years of determined efforts, welcoming 56 new members who made the switch from the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC). The turning point came when CLAC compared their current wages and benefits, which highlighted the clear advantage of SMART membership. Even with a recent $18/hour raise from CLAC, the workers realized they were still behind SMART’s collective agreements. Ultimately, this move wasn’t just about higher wages; it was about joining a union that provides meaningful representation and long-term security.
But our largest organizing victory came in Windsor, where Local 235 mobilized 450 SMART travellers to support work on the NextStar Energy megaproject. At peak, the site had 950 union members working, a clear demonstration of SMART’s capacity to scale up organized labour.
Looking ahead, more megaprojects are on the horizon. From the PowerCo (Volkswagen) battery plant to multiple hospital builds across the country, these projects offer incredible opportunities for SMART members to develop their skills, secure steady employment and sustain rewarding careers in their local communities.
But seizing these opportunities requires organizing. It is only through continued organizing efforts that we can ensure all construction workers, regardless of their location in Canada, can reap the benefits of union representation. Better wages, safer worksites and stronger worker protections start with a commitment to grow our union. Together, we’re building more than infrastructure; we’re building a stronger future for every SMART member across Canada.
On behalf of the SMART General Executive Council, I want to wish all our Canadian members and their families a very happy Canada Day!
As you celebrate Canada’s rich history, diverse cultures and the spectacular landscapes that span across coasts, it is also a moment to recognize and celebrate you, the individuals who make Canada the prosperous nation it is today. The hardworking members of SMART across Canada exemplify service, dedication and solidarity, helping to build a stronger, more reliable future for all.
This Canada Day, we also celebrate a future rooted in sustainable growth powered by skilled sheet metal workers and roofers. From the installation of green roofing systems to energy-efficient air systems and sustainable technologies, our members are leading the way in upgrading buildings, improving indoor air quality and constructing better communities. Together, we’re helping to build a cleaner economy and preserve Canada’s great outdoors for future generations.
As we celebrate Canada Day, I hope we are also reminded of the strength we find in our numbers, of the progress we achieve through our solidarity and the bright future we are building together.
Thank you for the work you do every day to uphold our shared values and advance our mission. From all of us at SMART, across Canada and the United States, we stand with you, today and every day.
Happy Canada Day. Enjoy the holiday, and please stay safe!
As Canada kicks off its 6th Annual National Roofing Week, it’s a great time to be a SMART member and a roofer.
Roofers, as skilled trades professionals, play a critical role in building and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps our communities safe and resilient. This week is an opportunity to celebrate the legacy projects that span coast to coast to coast — from hospitals in British Columbia to long-term care homes on the East Coast and innovative library projects in Ontario; our dedicated members are truly building the future.
As Canada enters a new era of growth, focusing on green energy projects and the transition to net-zero, roofers stand at the forefront of this transformation. From solar-ready roofs to green roofing systems, our members are leading with integrity, respect, and pride as they build a clean and sustainable future. With hundreds of thousands of skilled trades jobs needed to meet Canada’s climate goals, roofers play a crucial role in creating resilient communities and supporting the transition to a green economy.
Let’s take this opportunity to recognize the contributions of roofers and emphasize the importance of skills development and training, ensuring that we have a diverse and powerful workforce ready to meet Canada’s needs.
My name is Jack Wall, and I’m honoured to have been appointed director of Canadian affairs for SMART in December 2024. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and I’m proud to follow in the footsteps of those who served before me. Like them, I’ll work hard every day to represent our members and do what’s best for our union.
We’re at an important moment — not just for SMART Canada, but for the broader labour movement across North America. This year has already brought significant political changes and new challenges. Ongoing tariffs continue to impact our sheet metal, roofing and production sectors here at home and for our SMART brothers and sisters in the United States. But beyond the headlines, your Canadian staff is pushing forward — advocating, organizing and working to strengthen the future of our locals from coast to coast. Despite the challenges we face, I firmly believe the future is bright for SMART members.
Years of advocacy at all levels of government have resulted in real, concrete wins — from funding grants to labour-friendly language in clean energy legislation. These achievements didn’t happen by chance — they’re the result of hard work, persistence and unity. Now, we need to build on that momentum. That means growing our capacity and continuing to invest in the future of our members.
Over the past year, and with the full support of SMART leadership, we’ve added key resources to help us make progress — both politically and publicly — across Canada. I’m pleased to welcome two new staff members to our dedicated team:
Bob Gougeon, former business manager and financial secretary-treasurer of Local 285 in Toronto, has joined as our new International representative for government affairs and megaprojects. Bob brings years of experience and a strong understanding of what our locals need on the ground.
Aidan Strickland, previously director of communications for Helmets to Hardhats Canada, is our new communications specialist. She will help raise SMART’s public profile and share the stories and successes of our members in a variety of forums.
Together, our Canadian team brings the knowledge, experience and energy we need to keep moving forward. I’m confident we’re stronger with them onboard — and that their work will make a meaningful difference for members from coast to coast to coast.
I also want to acknowledge the continued uncertainty caused by shifting tariff policies. I know the toll this takes on our industries, our locals and our families. But I also know that General President Michael Coleman has been clear: Canadian locals and members have his full support. His commitment to unity across borders — Canadian and American alike — remains one of our greatest strengths. I share that commitment, and I know it will carry us through whatever comes next.
As we look ahead to the rest of 2025 and beyond, we’ll stay proactive — whether it’s organizing in our communities or working with officials at every level of government to advance our cause. You have my word: I, along with the rest of the Canadian staff, will give everything we’ve got to secure a strong future for SMART members across this country.
On March 18, 2025, Steven MacKinnon, minister of Jobs and Families in Canada, visited the SMART Local 47 (Ottawa, Ontario) training centre to announce $67 million in funding for unions to enhance training, aimed at ensuring skilled trades workers lead the transition to the clean economy of the future. The funding, awarded through the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) Sustainable Jobs Stream, included a possible $8.9 million for SMART.
“We’re thrilled that the government has awarded this project to SMART,” said Jack Wall, SMART director of Canadian affairs. “This funding will go a long way to significantly improving the quality of the training our members receive and will help more than 2,000 of our members upgrade their skills, and build a new permanent resource for every apprentice and journey-worker in our trade.”
SMART Canada has been working for years to make sure Canada’s green future is built union. Since the Canadian government announced its ambitious goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, SMART has worked to promote strong labour standards in federal policy, secure funding for training programs such as Canada’s Building Trades Unions’ “Building It Green” initiative, promote the union sheet metal and roofing trades as pathways to good jobs, and more.
Partnering with CBTU and SkillPlan Canada to help secure financial assistance for new training is the next step in that process. Overall, the funding announced by MacKinnon in March will go to 10 union-led projects across Canada, training nearly 29,300 tradespeople with the skills they’ll need to build Canada’s new clean economy. The Local 47 training centre was one of the beneficiaries of that funding; CBTU and SMART also received funding to develop a national online training curriculum, empowering sheet metal workers nationwide to access always-available training to develop crucial skills for clean energy work.
“This is an exciting day for our organization,” Wall concluded. “This will be a team effort to help redevelop some of our curriculum and help train our members to be better prepared for green projects — and to pass those skills on to future generations.”
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) issued the following statement from General President Michael Coleman in response to announced tariffs impacting members across North America:
“For generations, the United States and Canada have benefited directly from the hard work of SMART members across North America. Union sheet metal workers and roofers in both nations have built strong, cooperative economies that support communities on either side of the border — working hand-in-hand to assure the mutual progress of American and Canadian families.
“For that reason, SMART strongly opposes the imposition of blanket tariffs that threaten jobs, raise costs and disrupt the long-standing economic partnership between the United States and Canada. These tariffs will harm SMART members, jeopardize industries that depend on our integrated supply chains and damage cross-border trade.
“We need trade policies that strengthen North American industries, protect union jobs and reinforce the shared success of the United States and Canada. What we are getting instead are policies that weaken the U.S.-Canada relationship, threatening the industries that put union members to work.
“Union workers across North America want the same things: good, family-sustaining jobs, stellar pay, a retirement with dignity. We will continue to work directly with our two governments to advocate for solutions that recognize the value of a strong, fair and balanced trading relationship between our two countries.
“Most importantly, we will not be divided. We are union brothers and sisters, regardless of what state, province or nation we call home. SMART members across North America will always stand together in solidarity, and we call on our federal governments to negotiate fair trade policies that put workers first.”
In November 2024, the SMART General Executive Council voted to appoint longtime SMART leader Jack Wall as the new director of Canadian Affairs, the latest step in a journey spent advocating for workers in provinces and territories across Canada.
“Brother Jack Wall has dedicated his life to advocating for the workers who make up our industry,” said SMART General President Michael Coleman. “With his four decades of knowledge in the sheet metal industry, we look forward to Jack’s leadership in Canada and wish him great success in his new role.”
Brother Wall began his career as a sheet metal worker with Local 56 (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia) 38 years ago. He began serving his fellow union members as recording secretary in 1990 and held that position through 2005, when he became business manager and financial secretary-treasurer. Over the next 19 years, he dramatically increased membership diversity at the young and growing local, demonstrating a commitment to the values of our union.
On October 1, 2021, Wall was elected to the SMART General Executive Council; after nearly three years serving on the GEC, he became an International representative in 2024, working in that capacity until his appointment as director of Canadian Affairs.
Throughout his career, Wall has sat on various boards and councils, including on the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council and the executive board of the Canadian Council of Sheet Metal Workers and Roofers since 2008. He serves as the president of the Cape Breton Island Building and Construction Trades Council, has been a member on the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Committee for the last 16 years, and has sat as a trustee to the Local Union & Council Pension Fund since 2018. He is a sitting member of the Nova Scotia Labour Board and has been listening to hearings since 2019. And in March 2024, he was appointed as the SMART delegate to the General Presidents’ Maintenance Committee for Canada & National Maintenance Council for Canada (GPMC/NMC).
As SMART’s new director of Canadian Affairs, Wall will work closely with International staff, local union officers and more to support our union’s efforts to organize and grow, from Vancouver to Toronto to St. John’s (and everywhere in between).
It’s an exciting time to be a sheet metal worker, a roofer and a trade unionist in Canada, and I’m honored to be given the opportunity to serve our members as the new director of Canadian Affairs,” Wall said. “To every single member of this great labour organization: I will work tirelessly to represent you to the best of my abilities.”
