UA Canada

06/05/2026

June is Men's Mental Health Month.

Too often, men are told to tough it out, stay silent, or carry the weight alone. But looking after your mental health is a sign of strength—not weakness.

As sisters and brothers, we look out for one another. Check in, reach out, and remember: support is available. No one has to face life's challenges alone.

Visit uacanada.ca/wellness for more information on the programs available to UA members and your families.

06/01/2026

This Pride Month, we celebrate our LGBTQ2S+ members, families, and communities who help make our union stronger.

As UA members, we believe that everyone deserves dignity, respect, and equal opportunity—on and off the job site.

The UA is a family—there is a place for everyone.

05/31/2026

Congratulations to all competitors who participated in the 2026 Skills Canada / Compétences Canada National Competition in Toronto.

This year, more than 550 of Canada's top skilled trades and technology competitors gathered from across the country to showcase their talents, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

The United Association was proudly represented by competitors from 10 UA Local Unions who earned their place at Nationals as provincial champions.

UA competitors brought home seven medals across five trades, including podium sweeps in both the Plumber and Sprinkler Fitter competitions.

We are proud of every competitor who accepted the challenge and represented the UA, their local, trade, and province or territory on the national stage.

Thank you to the National Technical Committee members, judges, competition designers, volunteers, and participating local unions who dedicated their time and expertise to supporting this year's event.

Gold Medalists
• Parambir Singh – UA Local 324 – Plumber
• Nathan Brehaut – UA Local 496 – Sprinkler Fitter

Silver Medalists
• Joshua Nowen – UA Local 56 – Plumber
• Dawson Mazerolle – UA Local 325 – Sprinkler Fitter

Bronze Medalists
• Michael Hiscock – UA Local 740 – Plumber
• Matthew Stewart – UA Local 324 – Steamfitter/Pipefitter
• Adam Arseneau – UA Local 56 – Sprinkler Fitter

05/29/2026

More photos of our skilled UA members competing in their respective crafts at Skills Canada / Compétences Canada!

05/29/2026

It was a pleasure to welcome The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, and The Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), to the UA Canada booth at the Skills Canada / Compétences Canada National Competition this week in Toronto.

The ministers rolled up their sleeves to try their hand at copper soldering while learning more about the rewarding careers available in the unionized piping trades. Pictured alongside are UA Canada Director of Canadian Training Mike Gordon and UA Special Representative for Youth, Diversity and Indigenous Relations Alanna Marklund, who were proud to showcase the hands-on training and opportunities available to the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Thanks to Training Specialist Jamie McPherson and our journeyperson and apprentice volunteers for helping deliver a safe, engaging, and memorable experience for all participants.

05/29/2026

The Skills Canada / Compétences Canada National Competition will come to a close today. We wish all UA competitors the best of luck as they wrap up their projects!

Thanks as well to all of the judges who are working long hours to ensure that the competition is run safely and efficiently!

05/28/2026

Congratulations to UA Director of Canadian Training Mike Gordon on being named the recipient of the 2026 Darryl Cruickshank Red Seal Industry Award!

This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated inspirational leadership in workplace education and apprenticeship across Canada. As a Red Seal Journeyperson in multiple trades, an educator, mentor, and strong advocator of union values, Mike has played a tremendous role in strengthening apprenticeship pathways, advancing training innovation, and supporting the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your continued leadership and dedication to excellence in the skilled trades.

05/28/2026

The UA Canada team is proud to be at the Skills Canada National Competition this week at the Enercare Centre in Toronto! As a proud long-time partner of Skills Canada / Compétences Canada, this event is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the exciting careers available in the unionized skilled trades and to engage with industry, educators, students, and government leaders—including the Honourable Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini.

Best of luck to all of the talented UA competitors showcasing their skills and representing their trades on the national stage. We are also proud to have UA Canadian Director Terry Snooks, Director of Canadian Training Mike Gordon, Special Representatives Alanna Marklund and Paul Boyle, as well as UA Canada Training Specialists and staff onsite supporting the event and promoting opportunities in the skilled trades.

Be sure to stop by the UA Canada booth, where students from across the GTA can take part in our hands-on Try-a-Trade activities, including copper soldering, virtual welding, and fusion courtesy of our long-time partners at McElroy Manufacturing!

05/22/2026

Congratulations to Brother Hostrawser and the Toronto Rock!

We would like to congratulate Local 853 member Bill Hostrawser on winning the National Lacrosse Championship with the Toronto Rock lacrosse team. Well done Bill.

05/15/2026

UA Administrative Assistant to the General President Trevor Robertson was thrilled to welcome Prime Minister Mark Carney to UA Local 496 in Calgary today!

As the federal government focuses on strengthening Canada’s skilled trades workforce, improving labour mobility, and advancing major infrastructure projects across the country, highly skilled, safety-focused UA members will continue to play a key role.

When we work together, we grow together.