Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers - SMART Canada

06/18/2026

Earlier this week, Smart Local Union 47 welcomed members of United Way East Ontario - Centraide de l'Est de l'Ontario Indigenous Employment Leadership Advisory Table and the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition to its training centre for an Indigenous employer tour.

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase rewarding careers in the sheet metal and roofing trades and to highlight SMART's world-class apprenticeship training, safety programs, and career pathways.

By building relationships with Indigenous organizations and community partners, Local 47 is helping create new opportunities for Indigenous job seekers and increasing awareness of the immense opportunities with SMART Canada.

Thank you to the Unionized Building and Construction Trades Council of Eastern Ontario & Outaouais Region for organizing this important event.

SMART Local 47 Training Centre

06/17/2026

Last month, the Government of Canada announced a historic $6 billion investment in the skilled trades, providing new support for apprentices and workforce development across the country.

In our latest SMART News video, SMART Canada's Director of Canadian Affairs, Jack Wall, and SMART leaders discuss what this investment means for our members, apprentices, and the future of the unionized sheet metal industry.

Watch the video below to learn more.

06/16/2026

Today, we also mourn the loss of Richard Hayter of the Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec Building Trades Council.

Richard was a champion for all unionized building trades workers and passionate about creating opportunities within our industry. His commitment to community outreach, workforce development, and ensuring that everyone had a pathway into the skilled trades left a lasting impact on countless individuals and organizations.

His leadership, dedication, and belief in the value of the building trades will be missed by many across our industry and communities.

Our thoughts are with Richard's family, friends, and colleagues.

06/15/2026

Roofing Week may have wrapped up, but our appreciation for roofers lasts all year long.

We want to recognize our members who work tirelessly, rain or shine, to keep homes and businesses protected from the elements. From tackling complex roofing challenges to delivering quality craftsmanship on every project, their expertise, dedication, and hard work never go unnoticed.

Thank you to all the roofers who show up every day, overcome obstacles, and take pride in building and maintaining the roofs that keep us safe and secure. We appreciate everything you do!

Canadian Roofing Contractors Association

06/12/2026

Don’t forget to register for Building Partnerships: Indigenous Pathways Into the Trades happening June 22 at 7 p.m. Eastern.

As we recognize and celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day later this month, this session is an opportunity to continue that learning by focusing on real pathways, partnerships, and practical ways to strengthen recruitment, improve retention, and build long-term careers in the skilled trades.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/ujp5zznv

06/11/2026

Today, SMART Director of Canadian Affairs Jack Wall attended the William Davis Miners’ Memorial Day to honour the legacy of workers who fought for safer workplaces, fair treatment, and the rights of working people.

Joined by government officials and representatives from the Cape Breton Building Trades, SMART paid tribute to the sacrifices made by those who came before us and reflected on the progress unions have achieved in advancing workplace safety and workers’ rights.

As union members, we remember their legacy and recommit ourselves to protecting the health, safety, and rights of all workers.

06/11/2026

The Prince Albert Hospital project has officially reached the halfway mark!

Sheet Metal Workers Local 296 (Saskatchewan) members are helping bring this major healthcare project to life, with approximately 40 architectural sheet metal workers from Thorpe Industries and 50 sheet metal workers from POW City on site completing HVAC and cladding work.

Congratulations to all the members involved in reaching this important milestone!

06/10/2026

For the first time, SMART Local 8 (Alberta) has partnered with Trade Winds to Success, an organization dedicated to connecting Indigenous community members with pre-trades training, employment supports, and career referrals.

They are working together to introduce students to the sheet metal trade through hands-on experiences and industry exposure. This partnership helps create meaningful pathways into rewarding careers with SMART while supporting the next generation of Indigenous workers.

Want to learn more about this exciting initiative and how it is making a difference? Join us for our upcoming webinar, where we'll highlight this partnership and discuss how you can get involved with similar outreach.

https://tinyurl.com/ujp5zznv

Checking in with our Sheet Metal crew!

The students started at the Sheet Metal Union last week, getting the chance to roll up their sleeves and experience the trade hands-on. From learning to understand the layout to shaping the metal for their projects, we can't wait to see what they create.

06/09/2026

As part of National Roofing Week, we're taking a look at the evolution of the roofing trade in Canada.

Watch this video to learn more about the history of the trade, how it has evolved over the years, and the exciting opportunities it offers for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3D_NEu23mY&t=11s

06/08/2026

SMART Canada is incredibly proud of two outstanding members who stepped into the ring to support a great cause.

A special congratulations to Alex Petricca, Business Manager of SMART Local 285, who was recognized as the main event thanks to his historic fundraising efforts, raising nearly $43,000 for the Pinball Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to breaking down barriers to mentorship, education, and career opportunities for equity-deserving youth, creating pathways to brighter futures for young people across our communities.

We are also proud of James Robertson from Sheet Metal Workers' & Roofers' Local 30 who stepped into the ring and helped raise funds for this important event. His commitment to giving back demonstrates the leadership, community spirit, and solidarity that define our union.

Thank you to Alex, James, and everyone who supported this incredible fundraising effort. Your dedication is making a real difference in the lives of youth and helping build stronger, more inclusive communities.