Our Advocacy

Championing Good Jobs, Strong Communities, and Fair Construction Policy

At Manitoba Building Trades, advocacy is at the core of what we do. We represent thousands of skilled trades workers whose hands build the infrastructure that keeps our province moving forward. Our advocacy efforts focus on creating a policy environment where unionized construction thrives, workers are respected, and local communities benefit from public investment.

Whether it’s pushing for fair and open tendering, advancing apprenticeship integrity, or securing better labour standards across the industry, we advocate for the long-term strength of Manitoba’s construction workforce.

What We Advocate For:

Manitoba Jobs First

We fight for procurement policies that ensure public dollars create good jobs for Manitobans. That means hiring local workers, supporting local contractors, and investing in apprenticeship pathways that reflect the diversity of our province.

Workforce Development

We work with government, industry, and education partners to build a strong pipeline of skilled trades workers. From apprenticeship reform to training infrastructure, we advocate for policies that support sustainable, high-quality careers in construction.

Fair Tendering

Our members deserve access to work on the public projects their tax dollars fund. We champion tendering rules that ensure unionized contractors can compete on a level playing field.

Safe, Respectful Workplaces

We advocate for robust health and safety laws, mental health supports, and respectful workplaces—because every tradesperson deserves to go home safe and be treated with dignity on the job.

Strategic Industry Growth

From industrial development to green energy and northern infrastructure, we support forward-looking investments that create long-term opportunities for unionized skilled trades

Making an Impact

Our advocacy happens on job sites, at the bargaining table, and in the halls of government. We engage regularly with decision-makers at every level to ensure workers’ voices are heard in policies that shape our industry.

Whether through formal submissions, public campaigns, or behind-the-scenes negotiations, we stay focused on what matters: creating good construction jobs, protecting unionized work, and building a better Manitoba for all.