Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
A new survey commissioned by Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) and conducted by Abacus Data is highlighting the top priorities and concerns of skilled trades workers across the country.
Polling 500 Red Seal-certified tradespeople between Feb. 21 and 26, the survey is a snapshot of how tradespeople are feeling about the current economic climate, the industry and the future of work.
“Tradespeople are the backbone of Canada’s infrastructure and economy,” said Sean Strickland, executive director of CBTU. “This data reflects their call for bold, forward-thinking policies that support stable, well-paid, unionized jobs.”
Key survey findings:
- 87% of respondents expressed strong support for lowering taxes and increasing take-home pay. Meanwhile, 85% called for wage increases that match inflation and reflect local market conditions
- 87% supported increased investment in domestic infrastructure to boost national self-sufficiency, with 81% backing projects that expand export capacity for Canadian resources
- 83% of tradespeople believe that companies benefiting from public contracts or government funding should be required to pay union-equivalent wages and benefits
- 62% were aware of the existing tax deduction for mobile tradespeople, but only 23% had used it—highlighting a need for broader awareness, greater flexibility, and enhanced benefit caps
- 63% of those surveyed believe the time is right for “big and bold actions” to shape the nation’s future, and 70% want visionary leadership unafraid to challenge the status quo
According to the report, tradespeople want political leaders to prioritize infrastructure investment, job security, and wage fairness. It also calls for more progressive policies to reflect the evolving needs of a workforce that is both proud of its trade and ready to innovate.
“Candidates and parties need to pay attention to what these workers are telling them,” Strickland said. “It’s time to champion policies that reflect their contributions and support a thriving, future-ready construction industry.”
CBTU, which represents 600,000 skilled trades workers from 14 international unions, emphasized that while it remains non-partisan, it expects policymakers of all stripes to prioritize the needs of working Canadians.
To read the full survey results, visit: CBTU Red Seal Trades Survey Report.
