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 of the past year’s advocacy and communications efforts and outlining areas of focus for 2026.
Thank you to everyone for their participation and a special welcome to our new Board members – Mandy Kaiser from Connect Group and Chad Ekdahl from A & H Steel.
2026 Board of Directors
Chair: Wayne Trook, Skyway Canada
Provincial Representative
Vice Chair: Shilling Buck, NWS Construction
Provincial Representative
Treasurer: Deanna Penner, BFI Constructors
General Contractor Representative
Directors:
Shane Beazly, Ellis Don Forming
Chair, Non-Industrial Segment
Todd Grundy, Arpi’s North
Vice Chair, Non-Industrial Segment
Brian Halina, Chemco Electrical Contractors
Chair, Industrial Segment
Adam Green, Brand Safway/Aluma Safway
Vice Chair, Industrial Segment
Jordy East, Waiward
Industrial Representative
Gijs (Guy) Verdeijen, Mammoet Canada Western
Director at large
Mandy Kaiser, Connect Group
Director at large (new)
Chad Ekdahl, A&H Steel
Director at large (new)
President & Secretary: Joe McFadyen (non-voting)
