Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has secured endorsements from several unions and construction industry associations ahead of the April 28 federal election, signalling growing support for his pro-trades and infrastructure policies.
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, which represents approximately 12,000 workers across Canada, has thrown its support behind Poilievre and all Conservative candidates. The union praised his “Boots not Suits” campaign platform, which emphasizes domestic resource development, apprenticeship training, and reducing dependence on foreign labour.
Industry associations are also backing Poilievre’s pitch to cut red tape and invest in construction. The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), a leading voice for open-shop contractors, cited the Conservatives’ commitment to industry growth and less bureaucracy in announcing its endorsement.
Merit Canada, which represents non-union construction employers, also endorsed Poilievre, applauding his pro-business approach and focus on housing and infrastructure.
Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) has expressed support for several Conservative priorities, including a pledge to train 350,000 new trades workers over five years through expanded federal funding for union training halls.
Under the Conservatives’ plan, apprenticeship grants of up to $4,000 would be reinstated, and the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) would be expanded to ensure that training centres, especially those operated by smaller unions, are eligible for up to 75 per cent of capital and operating costs.
The platform also proposes:
- Rapid EI access for apprentices through pre-registration by training centres;
- Harmonized health and safety rules across provinces to improve worker mobility;
- A Tradesworkers Fairness Act that would allow tradespeople to deduct travel and living expenses from their income;
- And a commitment to uphold union rights while putting “Canada first” in workforce development.
“Less bureaucracy and more building — that’s the kind of policy the men and women who build Canada need,” LiUNA Canada said in a statement.
Poilievre has also promised to tie federal infrastructure funding to municipal housing performance and expedite approvals for energy projects, aiming to jumpstart construction and restore Canada’s competitiveness.
The growing support from labour and industry groups marks a shift in electoral dynamics, as Poilievre seeks to broaden the Conservatives’ appeal among working-class voters traditionally aligned with other parties.
More information on the Conservative platform is available at conservative.ca/change.
