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OTTAWA \u2014 Canada\u2019s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) has announced the release of its Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP), a national, structured framework that\u2019s designed to advance Indigenous participation, leadership and economic opportunity across the unionized construction sector.<\/p>\n
According to a release, the plan was led by the CBTU\u2019s director of workforce development Lindsay Amundsen in partnership with\u00a0Mokwateh, an Indigenous-owned consultancy.<\/p>\n
It establishes a co-ordinated, sector-wide approach to reconciliation,\u00a0providing tools, commitments and measurable pathways for CBTU affiliates and provincial councils to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and expand access to careers in the skilled trades.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe stand at a defining moment for Canada\u2019s skilled trades,\u201d\u00a0said Sean Strickland, executive director of the CBTU, in a statement.\u00a0\u201cWith unprecedented investment in infrastructure, we have a responsibility to ensure Indigenous engagement and partnership are embedded across every jobsite and community. Canada\u2019s Building Trades Unions\u2019 Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan is that unified national voice.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are four pillars to the plan:\u00a0workforce participation, learning and engagement, economic reconciliation and representation.<\/p>\n
The pillars outline 41 commitments\u00a0for the CBTU to\u00a0complete by 2029,\u00a0from developing culturally relevant pre-employment programs and Indigenous procurement policies to\u00a0establishing\u00a0an Indigenous Advisory Committee and embedding reconciliation into CBTU governance structures, the release adds. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis plan is a formal commitment born from listening, learning and working alongside Indigenous communities and our members across the country,\u201d\u00a0added Robert Kucheran,\u00a0chairman\u00a0of the CBTU Canadian Executive Board.<\/p>\n
The IRAP builds on the CBTU\u2019s 2017 adoption of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada\u2019s Call to Action #92, reaffirming commitments to meaningful consultation,\u00a0equitable\u00a0access to jobs and training, and education on Indigenous history, rights, and cultures.<\/p>\n
The Daily Commercial News will have more on this story in an upcoming article.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n