Construction Labour Relations Alberta (CLRA) extends its congratulations to Sean Strickland, Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU), on his recent appointment as Chair of the Board of Directors for Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) Canada. Helmets to Hardhats is a vital national non-profit organization that connects Veterans, reservists, military family members, and Afghan interpreters with meaningful career opportunities in Canada’s unionized construction industry. The organization plays a key role in easing the transition to civilian life while helping to address the skilled labour needs of our sector. Sean brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the H2H Board. Through his work at CBTU, he has been a tireless advocate for the skilled trades and for strengthening the unionized construction workforce across Canada. We are confident his appointment will further elevate the mission of Helmets to Hardhats and support continued success for both Veterans and the broader construction industry. We also recognize and thank outgoing Chair Alex Loula for his years of dedicated service and leadership. His contributions have helped shape H2H into the impactful organization it is today. On behalf of CLRA and our members, we congratulate Sean on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to supporting Helmets

CLRA is supporting the training and development of tradespeople in Alberta through a set of new bursaries and grants for apprenticeship students at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). CLRA is donating $30,000 for 60 bursaries and grants of $500 each that will be distributed by NAIT and awarded to students based on a demonstration of both academic and financial need. The bursaries will be available to first and second-period students in the Carpenter, Ironworker, Insulator, Millwright, Plumber, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Roofer Sheet Metal Worker, Steamfitter-Pipefitter, and Welder apprenticeship programs. There will be up to six awards available for each program, including grants for students from historically marginalized and excluded communities. Read the News Release.

CLRA is pleased to announce that we are returning as the Edmonton Elks Tailgate Presenting Partner for the 2025 and 2026 seasons! The partnership extension is a display of our ongoing commitment to community and to attracting more people to work in the skilled trades. As the Elks’ Tailgate Presenting Partner, CLRA has an excellent opportunity to grow awareness about CLRA and promote the skilled trades to thousands of fans at every home game while showing our support for the Elks and the football community in Edmonton and northern Alberta. CLRA will also be serving hot dogs and drinks at the 2025 Elks Fan Day on May 17th at the Emerald Hills Sports Pavilion in Sherwood Park between 10am and 2pm. We are proud to continue this exciting and meaningful partnership! We hope you will join us at a tailgate party and in cheering on the Elks this season. Click here for the schedule Be sure to follow CLRA on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn for reminders and updates on the tailgates. And whether you are at Commonwealth Stadium or watching the game on television, look for CLRA’s in-stadium display ads and signage promoting workalbertatrades.org. Elks Football…Always Edmonton!