Canada’s Building Trades Unions praise Prime Minister Harper and the Government of Canada for supporting Helmets to Hardhats

An announcement by Prime Minister Harper and Minister Blaney means a great deal to the construction industry and large industrial construction clients. It means Canada’s construction workforce will be complemented by the transitioning Canadian Forces Veterans who have the valuable skills that the construction industry needs. Canada’s Building Trades organizations are leading the program to transition those interested Canadian Forces Veterans into our skilled trades.

The Helmets to Hardhats Program and the Building Trades have a track record in the U.S. of integrating military professionals into well-paid, highly respected technical jobs in the construction industry. The program also assists in placing veterans who are interested in supervisory and engineering roles as needed by our industrial partners.

Joe Maloney, international vice-president for the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and chairman of the Canadian Executive Board of the Canadian Building Trades says “this program is a game changer for young veterans–we aim to place as many of the transitioning military professionals as possible each year. This is a cross promotional venture–good for the Military and good for our trades. We look forward to continuing our working relationship with the Government of Canada on this venture, the Government of Canada has really stepped up to the plate for Canada’s Construction industry.”

Robert Blakely, director of Canadian Affairs, for the Canadian Building Trades says “he is encouraged by the participation of the Government of Canada and also Transcanada Corporation, a key player in Canada’s energy market. “The Prime Minister is showing leadership with Canada’s Veterans and labour market policy with this announcement. In addition, Transcanada’s participation is a reflection of the partnerships we have developed with them on other issues.”  Blakely adds: Canada’s construction industry is a key beneficiary of economic activity in the energy industry, and Helmets to Hardhats ought to assist with the provision of skilled trade labour to these important engines of our economy. Finally, he indicated this program will give Canadian Forces veterans, serving reservists and disabled veterans opportunities for challenging, well paid careers in one of Canada’s most dynamic industries.