News & Events

National Day of Mourning 2025

On April 28, 2025 we will honour all those who lost their lives, or were gravely injured while working on the job. While we do our best to commit to safety practices, unfortunately sometimes the worst happens. To honour those lost,and the families and friends left to mourn, we renew our commitment to job-site safety, […]

CMAW Canada Training Society Secures nearly $3 Million from Employment and Social Development Canada to Support Skilled Trades Training.

Funding will increase education access, promote diversity, and prepare aspiring tradespeople for in-demand jobs. BURNABY, BC, March 25, 2025 /CNW/ – CMAW Canada Training Society is proud to announce the receipt of nearly $3 million in funding from the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. This funding marks a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to broaden trades training opportunities, foster inclusivity, […]

A GROUNDBREAKING & HISTORIC MOMENT FOR CMAW CANADA!

CMAW Canada attended the 52nd Annual Convention of the BC Building Trades held in Victoria, BC on March 9-12, 2025.  This event was more than just a gathering – it was a moment of representation on a whole new level.  CMAW Canada was invited to join the BC Building Trades and, moving forward, will represent […]

CMAW Canada’s new Secretary Treasurer

BC Opioid Treatment Access Line

CMAW is happy to see that the BC Government continues to expand on the resources offered to treat opioid-use disorder in BC. If you are in BC and struggling with addiction please reach out for help. New provincewide Opioid Treatment Access Line provides same-day access to care. The Opioid Treatment Access Line is a provincewide […]

Allied Hydro Council ratifies new collective agreement!

Local 2423`s New Office!

A CMAW Canada representative recently stopped by Local 2423`s new office in Hope, BC, to say hello and help move some furniture. The opportunity to visit with Jan and Shannon was great. The new space will give local members and executives some privacy and a quiet place to work and think. CMAW Canada would like […]

CMAW Celebrates 20 Years!

On July 7, 1999, Union Members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA) traveled to Port Alberni to meet with UBCJA`s General President. The UBCJA members from British Columbia had two questions for the General President – #1 Do members have a right to vote on the proposed merger of their […]

Congratulations on 55 Years!

At a recent CMAW Local 2020 membership meeting, local business rep Andrew Brown presented Fred Kuhn with a 55-year member pin. Many of us knew Fred as the local 2020 Business Rep for many years before he retired, and Andrew took over the position. Fred also served as a trustee for our pension and benefit […]

CMAW Job Steward Course – Vancouver May 4 & 5, 2024

CMAW Canada has grown to represent multiple trades and groups of workers and will keep on growing. We will continue to speak our minds and fight for our Members in an increasingly challenging world. By becoming a Job Steward, you are doing your part to keep CMAW Canada strong at every leadership level. On behalf […]

National Day of Mourning 2024

On April 28, 2024 we will honour all those who lost their lives, or were gravely injured while working on the job. While we do our best to commit to safety practices, unfortunately sometimes the worst happens. To honour those lost,and the families and friends left to mourn, we renew our commitment to job-site safety, […]

Statement on Administrative Professionals’ Day 2024

Recognition deserved everyday of the year. CMAW President Chris Wasilenchuk and the CMAW Canada Executive Board recognizes the individuals who keep our offices and pension and benefit plans running smoothly. Administrative Professionals collectively contribute to our success and are appreciated every day. Without the adaptability, compassion and resources of Administrative Professionals, CMAW would not be […]

CMAW Target Pension Plan Special Announcement

More Exciting News From Your CTPP Board of Trustees!

CMAW Celebrates International Women’s Day

CMAW is a proud supporter of women in the trades. Today, we recognize the women who’ve broken down past barriers and shown younger generations that trades are for everyone.

Managing Your Money For Tradespeople

Free Health Programs Available to BC Residents

See links below to access free health programs available to BC Residents who are dealing with Diabetes and Chronic Conditions. Program 1 – Reversing Type 2 Diabetes Program for reversing Type 2 Diabetes – https://lifestylerx.io/ A vetted program guided by physicians designed to reduce insulin resistance and the use of medications in Type 2 diabetics. It […]

CMAW attends the CCU Labour School/ Executive Board Meeting

Our CMAW Canada Executive Board Members, Andrew Brown VP Vancouver Island and Neil Niles VP Underrepresented attended the CCU Labour School/ Executive Board Meeting in Nanaimo on March 2&3, 2024. On the Saturday, the CCU affiliated members toured Harmac Pulp Mill and were surprised by the size of the operation and that the employees held […]

Bentall Memorial

Reflecting on the solemn but crucial reminder from the Bentall Memorial this January 7th. CMAW Representatives attended the Bentall Memorial outside Burrard Station in downtown Vancouver on Friday January 5th, 2024, to remember the four construction workers who tragically died on the job 43 years ago. We pay tribute to Carpenters Gunther Couvreux, Brian Stevenson, […]

A Message from the President

Congratulations!

Congratulations Sue! Thank you for your service and dedication as office manager at Local 506 throughout the last 10 years. We hope you enjoy your future, doing your favorite hobbies, travelling, visiting family and friends as much as we’ve enjoyed having you in the office. Cheers to your retirement.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

As 2023 draws to a close, from all of us here at CMAW Canada we wish you and your family a holiday season that is full of wonderful surprises, treats and nonstop laughter. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!   Looking Back and Planning Ahead     Oftentimes the end of the year can evoke […]

Provincial Travel Support for Cancer Patients

On September 27, 2023, the BC Provincial Government announced an investment of $20 million towards the enhancement of travel services for BC cancer patients living in rural, remote, and smaller communities. The funding will be split equally between the Canadian Cancer Society and Hope Air. Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) Funding CCS offers three different travel […]

Local 2300 Training

Excellence Thank you to all the members that sacrificed their weekend and or took time off work to participate in the local training visit. Courses held were Rigging and Hoisting, Elevated Work Platform, Rough Terrain Forklift, Counter Balance Forklift, Confined Space and Fall Protection. Congratulation to those who successfully completed the training.

Giving Back to Local Charities

CMAW Local 1998 had the opportunity to partner with AFDE, IUOE Local 115, AND LiUNA! Local 1611 to support local charities this Christmas season. Together we raised $40,000 to distribute to five charities in Fort St. John. We’re so happy that we’re able to make a positive impact on the community! Pictured left to right: […]

International Human Rights Day

Fighting for human rights depends on unity, collective force, and concerted action. Whenever and wherever they are threatened, trade unions are there to defend them. There is no more powerful transformative force in our societies than organised workers. We can shift the balance of power at the workplace and in our communities through the power […]

Local 1995 Scaffold Qualification Course

A job well done! Congratulations to the Local 1995 members who participated in the recent Scaffold Qualification Class. Their hard work and determination during inclement weather and rigorous schedule really paid off. Thank You to Excel Scaffold Solutions for allowing the use of their Langley yard as a training facility.

BC Hydro Site C Video

Construction progress on Site C Dam project BC Hydro has released a video which details construction progress at Site C through the fall of 2023. AFDE is proud of the outstanding outcomes that have resulted from the tremendous efforts of our entire team. CMAW Canada would like to thank all our members for their hard […]

Remembrance Day

On this Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to the brave souls who served our nation – their sacrifices shape our world. Let’s remember all veterans, both past and present. Lest we forget. #remembranceday #lestweforget

CMAW Member Training – Local 2020

CMAW Canada’s Trainer Jason Terry visited Local 2020 on Oct. 21, 2023 – Nov. 3, 2023 to train our members. Participation was great! Members were trained and certified on the following courses: Introduction to Scaffolding Course ABCS Fall Protection Training ABCS Mobile Elevated Work Platform Training ABCS Confined Space Training IVES Counterbalance Forklift Certified Operator […]

New protections coming for people working with asbestos

The B.C. government is bringing in new protections to help keep workers safe from the danger of asbestos. Click here for more info: New protections coming for people working with asbestos | BC Gov News Asbestos training, certification & licensing: WorkSafeBC is implementing mandatory training and licensing for asbestos abatement work to help keep workers safe […]

Flush toilets will be required at large construction sites

Details of the new rules are still being worked out, but flush toilets will be required on sites with 25 workers or more. “If we want people to work in the trades, if we want to show people that this is a great way to support your family and build your community, the basic ability […]

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Statement from President Chris Wasilenchuk and Board of The Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers Canada (CMAW) Saturday, September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to remember that at least 150,000 Indigenous children from across the country who were forcibly separated from their families and their communities. It is […]

New return-to-work requirements for employers and workers starting January 1, 2024

As part of Bill 41, the provincial government has made amendments to the Workers Compensation Act that affect return to work. Starting January 1, 2024, employers and workers will have a legal duty to cooperate with each other and with WorkSafeBC in a worker’s timely and safe return to work following an injury, and certain […]

Site C Tour

Thank you AFDE On September 18th, students from McLeod Lake Indian Band (A Treaty 8 First Nation) toured our Project. Part of the tour was led by Lionel Chingee (left), one of our 4th year Carpentry Apprentices who is from their community. A big Thank you to Superintendent Tyson Crant, and Safety Officer Harley Brown […]

Local 1995 Playland Picnic

CMAW Local 1995 members and their families had a fantastic time at the Playland Family Picnic! It was a special event on a beautiful day, where members and their families’ received wristbands to access rides all day and eat a picnic lunch. A huge thank you to CMAW Local 1995 for sponsoring this joyous gathering […]

CMAW Canada Training Society

EXCITING NEWS! CMAW Canada Training Society is excited to announce that they have received a grant from Employment and Social Development Canada, under the Union Training and Innovation Program for Training Equipment. This generous funding will support CMAW Canada and the Western Canada Training Expansion Project, which will launch in the Fall of 2023. This […]

The Dam News from AFDE Issue 40 – May 2023

Featuring our very own CMAW Member Octavia Holden

Reminder of the CMAW Target Pension Plan Special Announcement

*Reminder Exciting News From Your CTPP Board of Trustees! All CTPP Members should have received a plan update explaining the recent 10% Pension increase for all members. If you haven’t already, please update your contact information with the plan administrator and they will send you another copy.

Membership Meeting in Parksville

On April 1st, 2023, CMAW’s Canada President, Secretary Treasurer, and Chair of the CMAW Benefit Plan & CMAW Target Pension Plan attended a Local 2020 membership meeting in Parksville! The visit was a great opportunity for local members to ask questions and talk about the current and future direction of union business in CMAW.  We […]

Job Fair at Saskatchewan Polytechnic

CMAW Local 99 President Brandon Polson and Bob Stewart had an incredible time at the March 23rd job fair at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon, SK! This event focused on the trades people currently taking apprenticeship programs as well as trade pre employment courses.  Our CMAW representatives had the opportunity to educate the students about who we […]

Jobs Canada Job Fair in Saskatoon, SK

First trade show of the year! CMAW Local 99 participated in the Jobs Cananda event in Saskatoon SK on March 15th 2023, where we had a great turn out with lots of interest in CMAW. Our representatives were extremely busy for the entire event—we had a constant stream of people lined up at the booth with […]

Skills Canada National Competition 2023

What to Expect Through SCNC, we promote skilled trade and technology careers to Canadian youth. The Skills Canada National Competition is an ideal way to connect with tomorrow’s workforce and to discover new and exciting careers! SCNC is the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country. Each year, more than […]

CMAW Canada Supports the National Day of Mourning

The Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers Canada (CMAW) issue the following statement today on the National Day of Mourning. April 28th is a day that is important to all Canadians. On this day, we remember and honour every worker in Canada who has died, been injured, or suffered illness because of workplace hazards, accidents, or […]

Statement on Administrative Professionals’ Day 2022

Recognition deserved everyday of the year. President Chris Wasilenchuk and Board of The Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers Canada (CMAW) wish to recognize the professionals who keep an office running smoothly every day on this year’s International Administrative Professionals’ Day. Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have had to learn new ways of working. Whether remote, […]

Endless Savings & More for CMAW Members

CMAW has teamed up with Endless Savings & More.  Save on everyday purchases from hundreds of businesses.  Click here for more info on the CMAW version of the ESM mobile app.

Winner of the David Flynn Bursary for 2021

DAVID FLYNN BURSARY WINNER: JESSIE MORRIS Women in the Workplace and the Importance of Unions Unions often represent the idea that workers should be treated fairly and that there are certain standards that need to be upheld in the workplace. If these standards are not upheld, then the union will intervene on the person’s behalf […]

CCU/CSC John St-Amand / Madeleine Parent 2021 Bursary Notice

The CCU/CSC will provide annual bursaries of $1,000 for dependent children of members of unions belonging to the CCU/CSC for the purpose of furthering their post-secondary education. The draw to select recipients will occur at the Executive Board meeting on Tuesday October 19, 2021. Successful applicants (recipients) will be contacted by email shortly after (by […]

CMAW Announcement

CMAW is pleased to announce Ron Harry as our Director of Business Development.  We look forward to working with Ron and growing our organization in Western Canada. Click here to see our New Director of Business Development.

Canada Day 2021

In the days leading up to Canada Day, Indigenous community leaders and advocates have urged people to cancel any celebrations. Instead, they are asking for the day to be one to reflect on the real history of Canada and to support Indigenous people. Several Canadian cities have scrapped their Canada Day celebrations in response to […]

Mike Handford’s Covid Battle

Mike Handford. Son. Husband. Father of 8. Grandpa. Brother. Uncle. Nephew. and Friend.     In April of this year, Mike arrived at a job in Fort Mac for a job he could not afford to turn down. Happy to supply an income for his family, he arrived at camp to do a common ‘turn around’. […]

CMAW Celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day

The Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day, which recognizes the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Metis. The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples. Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, […]

Six Calls to Action In Solidarity with Indigenous Communities in Canada

215 Indigenous children at a residential school site in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc have been found in an unmarked mass grave; some believed to be as young as three years old, and all these missing children are believed to be undocumented deaths. Indigenous communities and allies are demanding that the search continues. Because 150,000 First Nations, […]

National Day of Mourning, 2021

April 28 as a Day of Mourning started in Canada in 1984. This is a day set aside each year to remember those who have been killed, seriously injured of fallen ill due to the workplace. Internationally, it began in 1989 as an international day of remembrance and known as Workers’ Memorial Day. The Canadian Parliament passed […]

Shutdown Schedule 2021-2023

Click the link below to find an updated shutdown schedule: CMAW Shutdown schedule 2021 to 2023

BC Recovery Benefit

The BC Recovery Benefit is a one time payment to help working people recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government will start taking applications on December 18th. Click here for more info: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/recovery-benefit

CMAW at the BC Natural Resources Forum

CMAW is proud to be a Keynote sponsor of the Virtual 18th Annual BC Natural Resources Forum. We look forward to seeing you online January 26-28, 2021. https://bcnaturalresourcesforum.com/

Notice on COVID-19

Important Information for Members CMAW Benefit and Pension Plans A message from the Trustees of the CMAW Target Pension Plan For additional information, please visit the following websites: BC Centre for Disease Control:  http://www.bccdc.ca/   Healthlink BC: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/   WorkSafeBC: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/news-events/announcements/2020/M… Government of Canada Public Health: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html 

Winners of the David Flynn Bursary for 2019

Normally there is just one winner of the David Flynn Bursary, but this year there are two because they tied. Congratulations to the winners, and click below to read the winning essays. Alyson Martin – Women Excelling in Trades Jacob Rawlings – The Winnipeg General Strike

A Message from Chris Wasilenchuk, President

At the CMAW 7th Convention, held at the River Rock Casino Resort, I was humbly elected as the new President for our Organization and I can tell you it was a very emotional moment for me. Not only because of the overwhelming support and encouragement I have received but also because I understood the significance […]

Did You Move This Year?

National Day of Mourning – April 28, 2019

In 1990, Parliament passed the Workers Mourning Day Act to recognize April 28th as the day to remember workers killed or injured on the job. Over 1,000 Canadians lose their lives at work every year. On this day, the labour movement honours those whose lives have been forever changed by a workplace incident. The motto […]

Pension Plan Name Change

Please be advised that effective September 13, 2018 the name of the Carpentry Workers’ Pension Plan of BC has been changed to the CMAW Target Pension Plan. Also note that all information regarding Pension and Benefits can now be found on this site.

National Day of Mourning – April 28, 2018

In 1990, Parliament passed the Workers Mourning Day Act to recognize April 28th as the day to remember workers killed or injured on the job. Over 1,000 Canadians lose their lives at work every year. On this day, the labour movement honours those whose lives have been forever changed by a workplace incident. The motto […]