Construction Labour Relations Alberta (CLRA) held its Annual General Meeting on November 18th, 2025, bringing together members to review the past year’s accomplishments and chart the course for the year ahead. Honourable Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, kicked things off, speaking about the shared commitment between government and CLRA to maintain a competitive and innovative construction industry across the province. The discussion highlighted how collaboration remains essential to meeting these objectives in an increasingly complex environment. A central theme emerged around the importance of government, CLRA and member companies working together to address the skilled worker shortage. Attendees recognized that coordinated efforts will be crucial to growing Alberta’s economy and ensuring the construction sector can meet rising demand. Following the business portion of the AGM, including the election of officers and directors, Lovey Sidhu, SkillPlan CEO, shared insights on new and innovative mentorship approaches designed to support workforce development in the construction sector. She emphasized the importance of harnessing advanced training systems that are aligned with the needs of the construction industry, regardless of changes in society or the economy. The meeting concluded with Lee Funke from Big Picture Public Affairs providing members with an overview

As host of the 2025 National Construction Labour Relations Alliance Conference in Calgary, CLRA Alberta welcomed industry leaders, government officials and workforce advocates from across Canada for two days of focused discussion on the future of skilled trades. After the first day proceedings for REOs, EBAs, AMCC contractors, union international representatives and industry stakeholders, the full conference opened with remarks from NCLRA Chair Tony Fanelli who emphasized the need for collaboration across provinces and sectors to meet growing labour demands. Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education Myles McDougall followed with a clear call to action. He outlined how the Government of Alberta is investing in talent and challenged employer organizations to help attract youth to construction careers and support workforce development across regions. Updates were provided by a number of partner organizations, and attendees also heard from Ben Rainforth, Alberta’s Skilled Trades Youth Ambassador. Adam Legge from the Business Council of Alberta shared insights from “Laying the Foundation: Solving Labour Supply in the Skill Trades”, a report that highlights how reducing trade barriers and regulatory friction is key to solving labour supply challenges. His remarks reinforced the importance of policy alignment in enabling mobility and expanding opportunity for skilled workers. Corey

Construction Labour Relations Alberta (CLRA) is supporting a new initiative launched by the Government of Alberta that invites trades professionals to help shape the future of skilled trades across the province. The initiative, called My Skilled Trades Network (MSTN), is a voluntary program designed to connect subject matter experts with government representatives. The goal is to ensure Alberta’s trades policies and programs are informed by the people who know the industry best: those working in it every day. “This is a timely and important opportunity for our contractors and trades professionals to share their knowledge and experience in a meaningful way,” says Joe McFadyen, President of CLRA. “Whether you’re a journeyperson, employer, instructor or active participant in the trades, this is your chance to share your expertise with government and help build a stronger future for Alberta’s workforce. We encourage our members and industry partners to consider applying and lending their voice to this important work.” Participants in MSTN may be asked to complete surveys, attend meetings or provide input on projects that influence policy and planning. If selected, you’ll become part of a growing network of professionals who are helping to bridge the gap between industry and government. Your