Brothers and sisters throughout Canada,
Pleased Canada Day from myself and the SMART Normal Govt Council. Wherever you might be immediately, in cities and cities throughout the provinces and territories, I hope you possibly can take the time to chill out with family and friends.
Canada Day commemorates the day of Canada’s Confederation in 1867. And since that day — even earlier than it — unionists within the labour motion have been bravely organizing, striving to raise the working and residing circumstances of all Canadians.
Union sheet steel staff and roofers have been an integral a part of the nation’s progress all through its historical past. And immediately, SMART Canada members have simply as very important a task to play, whether or not constructing the green-energy economic system of our sustainable future or serving to deliver new members into our trades.
The Authorities of Canada has set its sights on attaining a net-zero-emissions society by 2050. It’s an bold and vital purpose, and it’s one that you simply — sheet steel staff and roofers — are going to make occur. Whether or not putting in inexperienced roofs that assist scale back carbon emissions or bettering the vitality effectivity of constructing envelopes in faculties, workplace buildings and new housing, our members will likely be vital to the Canada of tomorrow.
We’re already seeing the advantages of a worker-first inexperienced transition, such because the NextStar EV battery plant venture in southwestern Ontario. I’m proud to say that SMART Canada is seizing on these alternatives to raise extra households into the higher life that we offer: recruiting new members, organizing nonunion staff and spreading the phrase far and extensive about careers in our trades. As I discussed earlier, Canada’s wealthy historical past is intertwined with the story of the union motion. Our vibrant future will likely be as effectively, and it’s incumbent on all of us to be organizers; to assist our fellow staff obtain the liberty and dignity of a union profession, and to welcome each single particular person — regardless of who they’re — into our union.
Lastly, as you have fun Canada Day with family members, I hope you’ll be part of me in honouring the generations of Canadians who’ve given the final word sacrifice to guard our freedoms and democracy.
Pleased Canada Day. Benefit from the vacation, and please keep protected!