Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) has introduced its Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP), a national framework aimed at increasing Indigenous participation, leadership, and economic opportunity across Canada’s unionized construction sector.

Developed under the leadership of Lindsay Amundsen, CBTU Director of Workforce Development, in partnership with Mokwateh, an Indigenous-owned consultancy, the plan provides practical tools, measurable goals, and implementation guidance for CBTU affiliates and provincial councils.

The IRAP builds on CBTU’s 2017 commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action #92, reinforcing priorities such as meaningful consultation, equitable access to training and employment, and education on Indigenous history, rights, and cultures.

According to CBTU Executive Director Sean Strickland, the construction industry’s growing infrastructure investment creates an important opportunity to embed Indigenous partnership and engagement across jobsites and communities nationwide.

The Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan is built around four strategic pillars designed to create long-term impact across the skilled trades sector:

• Workforce Participation: Expanding Indigenous access to training, career pathways, and trade opportunities.
• Learning & Engagement: Strengthening cultural awareness, education, and knowledge-sharing across the CBTU network.
• Economic Reconciliation: Increasing Indigenous involvement in procurement, contracting, and project supply chains.
• Representation: Enhancing Indigenous leadership, governance, and accountability within CBTU.

Together, these pillars establish 41 action commitments to be completed by 2029, including culturally relevant training programs, Indigenous procurement policies, governance reforms, and the creation of an Indigenous Advisory Committee.

The IRAP includes accountability measures at the organizational level, including annual progress reporting, an Indigenous Advisory Committee reporting to the Board, and a dedicated Indigenous Relations lead to oversee implementation.

Designed to be flexible and scalable, the framework allows CBTU affiliates and provincial councils to adopt reconciliation practices regardless of regional context or existing capacity.

Beyond reconciliation goals, CBTU positions the plan as a strategic investment in the future of Canada’s construction workforce — supporting labour supply, leadership development, Indigenous partnerships, and stronger industry-community relationships.

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