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(Toronto, ON) “Today’s announcement of earmarking $158 billion towards infrastructure investments in the next 10 years is welcome news for construction workers and their families,” said Marc Arsenault, Business Manager of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario. The budget mapped out investments in hospitals, schools, urban transit as well as improved rural transportation routes involving new roads, bridges and highways.
“The real challenge will be for the construction sector to rise to the occasion and make sure that underemployed Ontarians from all walks of life have an opportunity to participate in the building-up of our province. The Building Trades are ready and eager to deliver on that.”
Furthermore, the government is pledging $114.4 million over the next three years towards the Skilled Trades Strategy designed to prepare the next wave of diverse entrants to the construction industry and other trades sectors.
“As Ontario pursues a path of social and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and in light of challenges with inflation, government support for training and apprenticeship opportunities for the next generation of skilled trades workers is absolutely key,” observed James Hogarth, President of the Council.
“These construction projects will offer tremendous opportunities for workforce development,” said Arsenault, adding that “organized labour, employers and government must continue to work together to build the infrastructure assets that the people of Ontario need and deserve.”
“As these investments come through, we look forward to realizing new community partnerships that will improve access to lifelong careers in the construction trades,” concluded Arsenault.
For more information, please contact
Business Manager Marc Arsenault Tel: (647) 402-0390
Email: marc@ontariobuildingtrades.com