Prime Minister Justin Trudeau engaged in a significant discussion at the Canada’s Building Trades Unions’ annual conference, held in Gatineau, Quebec. The conference provided a platform for Trudeau to address pertinent issues facing the building trades industry and to interact directly with Sean Strickland, the executive director of the organization.
During the discussion, Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his support for various investments in the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, batteries, chemicals, small modular reactors, and hydrogen projects. Emphasizing the potential for job creation within these sectors, Trudeau highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of unionized construction workers, citing the example of over 1,000 workers currently involved in a project in Windsor.
One of the key topics addressed by Trudeau was the use of the temporary foreign worker program within the industry. He acknowledged the concerns raised about the program’s expansion and underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that Canadian workers have priority access to jobs. Trudeau pledged to work closely with unions to address issues related to temporary foreign workers and labor shortages, emphasizing the importance of fair wages and opportunities for Canadian workers.
Furthermore, Trudeau discussed the government’s recent budget announcements regarding housing and investments in the EV supply chain. He highlighted the significance of attaching labor conditionality to public sector investments in private sector entities, particularly through investment tax credits. Trudeau emphasized the government’s intention to ensure that taxpayer money is directed towards creating good-paying union jobs, thereby benefiting communities and families across Canada.
Responding to questions about the challenges of his role as Prime Minister, Trudeau reflected on the evolving nature of governance and the need for decisive action in the face of global challenges. He expressed optimism about Canada’s potential to navigate through these challenging times, citing the country’s resources, research institutions, and skilled workforce as strengths.
Trudeau underscored the importance of collaborative decision-making and the role of government in creating a fairer and more equitable society. He urged Canadians to consider the values that underpin the nation and to actively engage in shaping its future.