Op-Eds
Community Benefits Agreements needed to fix 16 years of mishandling apprenticeships and training
Much has been written recently about whether British Columbia’s new Community Benefits Agreements process for major public construction projects are a good thing. But what hasn’t been much discussed is why. Community Benefits Agreements are needed. It’s pretty simple:...
Busting myths about the community benefits agreement
As president of the Allied Infrastructure and Related Construction Council of B.C., which is the formal body tasked with administering the new Community Benefits Agreement for members of all the affiliated unions, I feel like my title is more fittingly “myth buster,”...
Building Trades shares ‘truth’ on Community Benefits Agreements
I'm not sure what headline the Journal of Commerce editors will put on this column, but I’m going to suggest “For the record” or, “Just the facts, please.” Or if those are too short, “The truth about Community Benefits Agreements” (CBAs) works well too. Chances are,...
B.C. Taxpayers Deserve More Than Just The Public Project On The Blueprint
What if public infrastructure projects built in B.C. came with more than just the bridge, tunnel, dam or highway listed on the construction blueprint? What if they came with significant benefits to your community? They can — and they can help us address the looming...
There is ‘real evidence’ that projects built without PLAs can cost taxpayers dearly
To the Editor, Re: British Columbians can benefit from PLAs, but only when they are truly fair and open, an April 19 Letter to the Editor. The accusation from Paul de Jong, president of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA), that the BC Building...
B.C.’s future is built on the trades
Over the next three years, the province will invest $15.8 billion in taxpayer-funded infrastructure. Dear Editor, Wanted: Skilled tradespeople. Must enjoy great wages, rewarding work, and a bright future. As employment ads go, does this sound too good to be true? It’s...
Community benefits should be embedded in public projects
Date: Monday, March 26, 2018 There is a better way to build in B.C. — a way that provides opportunities and a legacy of skills and experience to qualified local workers, apprentices, women in trades and Indigenous workers. By Tom Sigurdson Executive...
There’s a monster on the loose
Date: Monday, March 12, 2018 To ignore the underground economy is to ignore the practices of tax evasion, money laundering, and human trafficking. David Holmes, Business Manager District Council 38 What do you think $84.7 million could buy today? Here in B.C.,...
Pattullo Bridge replacement is a chance to build B.C. better
Date: Friday, February 16, 2018 Statement from Tom Sigurdson, Executive director BC Building Trades The BC Building Trades welcomes the announcement today by the NDP government that construction will start on a new Pattullo Bridge in 2019. We are heartened...
Building Trades encouraged by throne speech
Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2018 Statement from Tom Sigurdson, Executive director BC Building Trades We offer sincere congratulations to Premier John Horgan and his government for today’s speech from the throne, which builds on earlier commitments to...
