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

Since the announcement of Canada’s new Major Projects Office (MPO), Construction Labour Relations Alberta (CLRA) is paying close attention to the list of nation building projects that are being released. Our member contractors are essential to Alberta’s economic growth and have a significant stake in seeing large-scale, long-term projects move forward to construction. Already, the Prime Minister has announced the first projects being referred to the MPO—representing more than $60 billion in investment and thousands of well-paying jobs. Premier Danielle Smith also announced that Alberta will be the lead proponent for a West Coast pipeline application. “While promising, and clearly a priority for the federal government, the MPO and its ambitious timeline will require extensive collaboration with provinces, industry, communities, and those representing skilled trades workers,” said Joe McFadyen, President of CLRA. CLRA looks forward to supporting these critical infrastructure projects, knowing our members have the skilled workforce and expertise to deliver. Industry groups like the Business Council of Alberta have welcomed the first wave of projects, but BCA emphasized the need to dismantle policy and regulatory barriers to investment. The Canada West Foundation noted that defining what qualifies as “projects of national significance” will be a critical—and transparent—challenge. Canada’s plans for building our country’s critical infrastructure will