Congratulations to Local 579 member Ford Hibbs who was presented with his Gold card for 50 years of service at the local’s holiday membership meeting on Dec. 10. Ford was instrumental in starting the Carpenters’ Training Institute, which later became the Carpenter Millwright College. Considered an icon by his peers, the executive and membership of Local 579 and Local 1009 congratulate and thank Ford for his numerous contributions to the union.
Cloudy skies and a cool autumn chill didn’t damper the sprits of approximately 200 members, guests, and their families who attended an event to boost union awareness at Centennial Park in Moncton on Saturday, October 24.
Coined ‘Let’s Take it Outside,’ the outdoor event was aimed at members and non-members alike working in the construction industry. Attendees came from across New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada, with many bringing their families and young children.
New Brunswick Minister of Energy and Mines and UBC Brother Donald Arseneault was also on-hand and praised the “new, modern thinking” of today’s unions to partner with different levels of government to get members to work near where they live. Arseneault is optimistic that capital investment throughout New Brunswick will lead to more jobs and opportunities for members.
In addition to a barbeque lunch and prizes, the Carpenter Millwright College staged skills demonstrations for scaffolding, door and hardware, and drywall. A number of booths were also on-hand from Belmont Health and Wealth, Dewalt, and the Sisters in the Brotherhood Committee that provided information and had representatives available to answer questions.
It is that time of year when lower temperatures bring challenging driving conditions. I would like to remind all members to be prepared for driving in snowy and icy conditions. Here are a few tips to ensure you stay safe when out on the road:
Remember, safety starts with you!
Gus Doyle
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The ACRC has pledged $20,000 to support research and programs in the fight against prostate cancer.
Stanfield’s Pants Off for Prostate Cancer is a fundraising effort from Prostate Cancer Canada Atlantic Region that seeks to raise awareness of a cancer that affects one in eight men. The organization estimates tha tmore than 23,000 Canadian men and their families will be impacted by prostate cancer this year alone.
The ACRC will be participating in events that planned throughout Atlantic Canada. The first Pants Off party was held at the Halifax Waterfront on April 16. More than 300 people partied in their underwear – all to support a good cause. In addition to Pants Off, a series of Wake Up Call breakfasts will also take place throughout the year. Events are planned for Cape Breton, Moncton, NB, and St. John’s, NL.
For more information on the events and the cause, visit http://www.pantsoff.ca
Tradespeople are in high demand in Canada. Studies and industry reports show that large populations of skilled trades’ workers are gearing up for retirement, and they are taking their skills and knowledge with them. According to BuildForce Canada, an estimated 100,000 new workers will need to be recruited from outside the construction industry between 2013 and 2021 to help compensate for this gap. This number doesn’t even include average labour increases, or new entrants under the age of 30 to the industry. In Canada, women represent only four per cent of the construction trade workforce. This is an enormous opportunity for women seeking secure, well-paid, and fulfilling employment.
Two major conferences were held earlier this year with a focus on recruiting and expanding opportunities for women to work in the skilled trades. In addition to the UBC women’s conference, Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) held a national building trades conference in Ottawa. CBTU represents the interests of more than half a million construction workers across multiple trades. In addition to actively working to recruit women into the trades and supporting them on the job, the CBTU sponsors J♀urneyman, a national program that promotes, supports, and mentors women in the skilled construction trades. Representatives attend networking and mentorship functions, Skills Canada events, trade shows, and career fairs. Their role is to share experiences, be a mentor, and to promote careers in the skilled trades.
Toni Drover, a 4th Year Apprentice with Local 579, attended both conferences and says events like these are important to bring women together to help promote and advance themselves in the construction trades.
“I think it’s an amazing opportunity for women to join the trades; great salaries, benefits and pensions,” Toni says.
Inheriting an interest in carpentry from her father’s side of the family, Toni originally pursued a career in interior and architectural design before turning her focus to learning carpentry and the construction side of things.
“The construction industry is constantly changing and there is always something new to learn. It gives great satisfaction and pride to look back on something you have built.”
Toni thanks her employer M&M Engineering, and the Carpenters Union, Local 579, for supporting her during these conferences.