Toronto, ON — The Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN) welcomed a distinguished guest to their offices today, hosting John Zerucelli, Member of P
Toronto, ON — The Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN) welcomed a distinguished guest to their offices today, hosting John Zerucelli, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North and Secretary of State for Labour. The meeting focused on the vital intersection of federal investment, unionized labor, and local workforce development.
Empowering Apprentices through UTIP
A primary focus of the discussion was the federal government’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP). This initiative is playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap for unionized apprentices by providing:
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Customized Programming: Tailored training modules that meet the evolving needs of the modern construction and labor landscape.
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Mentorship: Connecting seasoned journey persons with newcomers to ensure knowledge transfer and career longevity.
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Career Support: Strengthening the pipeline for workers as they navigate their journey from apprentice to master of their craft.
Strengthening Infrastructure with Community Benefits
Beyond training, the conversation turned toward the federal government’s commitment to high-standard labor practices. Secretary of State Zerucelli reaffirmed the government’s stance on integrating specific requirements into new federal infrastructure projects, both in Toronto and across Canada. These conditions include:
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Good Union Jobs: Ensuring that large-scale builds provide fair wages and safe working conditions.
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Apprenticeship Training: Mandating opportunities for the next generation of workers to gain on-site experience.
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Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs): Guaranteeing that local residents and underrepresented groups directly benefit from the economic activity generated by major projects.
A Collaborative Vision
The TCBN expressed their gratitude to the Secretary of State for his visit and for the ongoing dialogue regarding inclusive economic growth. By aligning federal policy with local community needs, organizations like TCBN and leaders like Zerucelli are ensuring that “building for the future” includes building opportunities for everyone.
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