NEWS
Mar 17, 2025
Federal government to provide billions in low-interest loans for Toronto rental housing
The federal government will provide billions in low-cost, long-term financing to help build thousands of rental units in Toronto, including more than 1,000 affordable homes. A total of $2.25 billion will be allocated through Ottawa’s Apartment Construction Loan Program.
Mar 4, 2025
U.S. tariffs to hit today; Canada will retaliate
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has confirmed that Canada will implement retaliatory tariffs against the United States. Tariffs will be placed on U.S. goods including steel and aluminum, orange juice, peanut butter, wine, coffee and vehicles, in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to place 25 per cent tariffs on most Canadian imports and 10 per cent on energy, starting Tuesday.
Feb 28, 2025
Pension Update for CG Group Members
The Building Union of Canada determined that the CG Group failed to comply with the pension rates according to the present Collective Agreement (withheld some pension contributions) over a period of several months. Upon discovering that the pension contribution was incorrectly remitted, BUC contacted the employer CG Group, who paid in full the contributions owed to our 50 members.

Feb 18, 2025
Mental health advocates urge Ontario leaders to address opioid crisis hitting construction industry
While welcoming former RCMP deputy commissioner Kevin Brosseau’s appointment as Canada’s new ‘fentanyl czar,’ mental health organizations say Ontario leadership candidates need to sharpen their focus on an overdose crisis that has taken a disproportionate toll on construction workers.
Feb 17, 2025
Ontario construction sector navigates shifting landscape: Unemployment rises, building costs moderate but remain high
The Ontario construction sector is facing a complex economic picture in early 2025, marked by a significant jump in unemployment alongside a welcome, though incomplete, cooling of building cost inflation, according to a report released Tuesday, 2025, by the Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS), representing unionized contractors and construction trade unions.
Feb 12, 2025
Ontario builders seek alternative suppliers as U.S. tariffs threaten construction costs
Ontario builders are eyeing a pivot to local and offshore suppliers of construction materials currently sourced from the U.S. including ceramics and architectural glass, specialized machinery and HVAC components.
Dec 31, 2024
Happy New Year from The Building Union of Canada!
As we welcome 2025, we look forward to building on our successes and creating new opportunities together.
Here’s to a safe, prosperous, and productive year ahead for all our members and partners. Let’s make it our best year yet!

Dec 30, 2024
Investment in building construction falls in October
Statistics Canada is reporting a 1.1 per cent drop in building construction investment to $21.4 billion in October. Investment in the residential building construction sector decreased by $312.3 million to $14.9 billion in October and non-residential building increased by $69.0 million to $6.5 billion.
Dec 24, 2024
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our Members and Partners
Thank you to our members and partners for your hard work and support this year. Together, we’ve built more than projects—we’ve strengthened our community.
Wishing you and your loved ones joy, peace, and a safe, prosperous 2025!

Dec 19, 2024
CECCO’s Peterson urges co-operation as ICI contract season inches closer
The Construction Employers Council of Ontario (CECCO) has assured the Ontario Building Trades it is committed to being a better partner at a critical time for both councils, with negotiators representing the province’s unionized ICI sector preparing to hammer out a new set of three-year contracts for 25 trades.
Dec 3, 2024
Ontario launches $74 million funding to expand skilled trades training
The Ontario government is taking action to address the growing demand for skilled workers. Last Friday (Nov. 29), the government announced a second round of funding for the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, with more than $74 million available to support the construction, expansion, and renovation of training facilities in areas like construction, manufacturing, healthcare and technology.
Nov 29, 2024
Our Thoughts Are with Steve Tarsitano and His Family After Tragic Accident
We are deeply saddened to share that Steve Tarsitano, a valued member of the Building Union of Canada, was involved in a serious multi-car accident and is now in serious condition in the ICU.
On behalf of the union, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Steve’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. To support them, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-tarsitano-family
Thank you for your generosity and solidarity. Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and his family.