Former Ontario Minister of Labour Monte McNaughton Visits Local 1 Saskatchewan Training Centre

In April, former Ontario Minister of Labour Monte McNaughton visited Local 1 Saskatchewan’s training centre to tour the facility and discuss issues facing the unionized construction industry. Now an advisor to the Saskatchewan Building Trades, Mr. McNaughton has a strong track record of advancing worker protections and supporting skilled trades training and apprenticeship opportunities. 

During the visit, Mr. McNaughton, Saskatchewan Building Trades Executive Director Jeff Sweet, and Local 1 officers discussed a variety of topics, including the ongoing lack of masonry on government-funded projects and across the construction industry in general, despite masonry’s proven value over time. There are many masonry buildings in Saskatchewan that are over a century old yet continue to stand strong with proper maintenance.  

The Building Trades and Local 1 leadership also raised concerns about unqualified individuals performing masonry work on several projects, including publicly funded work, where the quality of installation has not met the standard it should, leading to repairs much sooner than expected.  

Finally, they discussed challenges facing the apprenticeship program and potential solutions to maintain a strong and consistent training program to support the next generation of tradespeople.  

“Mr. McNaughton was very engaged and genuinely concerned about the issues facing our industry. We had a great conversation, and he showed strong interest in the work we are doing as a union and training centre. With his political background and experience, he will help connect us with the right decision makers to effectively advocate for these issues. We are looking forward to working with him moving forward,” shared Local 1 Saskatchewan President Derek Halldorson.

Celebrating 145 Years of Can-Am BAC Solidarity

Although much of this issue of the Journal is dedicated to celebrating the July 4 birthday of the United States and BAC’s role in building that nation, July 7 marks a special anniversary for both Canadian and US members of our union. It was on that date, in 1881, that Local 1 of Hamilton, Ontario received its charter as BAC’s first Canadian affiliate.  

“For 145 years, masons from Canada and the US have been united by our craft and by BAC’s bonds of solidarity,” said BAC President Tim Driscoll. “And while politicians in both Washington and Ottawa occasionally try to play our nations off against each other, we’ve proven for nearly a century and a half that BAC members will not be divided, regardless of their home country. We know that our countries, just like our union, are stronger when we respect our differences but work closely together.”