March 17, 2026
Al Phillips, President
“LET ME BE DIRECT: We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition…
Canadians know that our old, comfortable assumptions — that our geography and alliance memberships automatically conferred prosperity and security — that assumption is no longer valid.
We are no longer relying on just the strength of our values, but also on the value of our strength. We are building that strength at home.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney captured the world’s attention with his hard-hitting speech at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Carney’s speech was celebrated by Canadians and people around the world for stating, bluntly, that “the rules-based order” of our world is “fading”.
For Canadians, we know exactly what he’s talking about. We know that Canadian sovereignty has been threatened. We know that Canada has been hit by American tariffs aimed at damaging crucial industries and our economy as a whole. We know that there are threats of separatism coming from inside our own borders.
It is clear that forces are trying to undermine our country, and in the face of that, Prime Minister Carney has rightly pointed out that our response must be grounded in both our values and our strength, a strength that continues to build.
Building is where BC Building Trades members must play a crucial role. For Canada to maintain and build upon its sovereignty, we must be self-sufficient. That means the dire need for major infrastructure projects at an unprecedented rate.
Here in B.C., the provincial government has created the Look West plan. Look West aims to strengthen our workforce by focusing on skilled trades training and connecting industry to training opportunities.
Look West also lays the blueprint for delivering major projects faster by streamlining permitting, reducing barriers, and eliminating regulatory duplication. The provincial government’s ambition with this plan is to leverage B.C.’s natural resources to deliver these important major projects.
With this approach, B.C. has already secured nearly half of the major projects announced by the federal government, including LNG Canada Phase 2, the Northwest Transmission Line and the Red Chris Mine Expansion.
Through the Look West plan, B.C. plans to double investment in skilled trades training by 2028 29, build major projects faster with $200 billion in investment and faster permits, and secure 35 per cent of federal defence vessel contracts.
Not only is B.C. focused on 18 major projects in the short term, Prime Minister Carney recently said the federal government plans to announce a national electrical strategy to expand the national power grid.
All of these major projects provide incredible opportunities for BC Building Trades members. These are opportunities not only to work, earn good wages, and support families, but also to build Canada. To fight for our country.
Despite the challenges we face, Canada has an incredible opportunity to become self-sufficient and a world leader in major infrastructure, and BC Building Trades members are poised to be part of that.
I know our members are ready. To ply their trade with the highest level of skill and professionalism. To band together to complete crucial projects of national significance quickly and to the highest standards of excellence. To build this country with pride.
I know BC Building Trades members are ready to fight for Canada. So, let’s do what we do best and build.
By Al Phillips,
President