Canada's Green Technology Projects Set to Revolutionize Unionized Construction Industry
Key Ideas
  • Canada's Building Trades Unions achieved a significant victory by ensuring that owners of upcoming clean technology projects must pay prevailing union wages, protecting workers' rights.
  • The government's Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits offer substantial incentives, with projects like hydrogen, small modular reactors, and carbon capture eligible for tax credits of 15-40%.
  • The implementation of the investment tax credits involves a complex approvals process involving Natural Resources Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency to ensure compliance with Bill C-59.
  • The initiative also includes apprenticeship requirements, with 10% of work hours on projects needing to be done by apprentices, showing a commitment to workforce development.
A wave of green technology projects in Canada has the potential to transform the unionized construction industry. Canada's Building Trades Unions successfully advocated for prevailing union wages to be paid on upcoming clean technology projects, safeguarding workers' rights. The government's Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits provide substantial incentives, ranging from 15 to 40%, for projects like hydrogen, small modular reactors, and carbon capture. These tax credits are part of a $93 billion federal incentive program by 2034–35. The approvals process for these projects is intricate, involving validation by Natural Resources Canada and vetting by the Canada Revenue Agency under Bill C-59. The prevailing wage for projects is based on Canadian collective agreements, ensuring fair compensation for workers. Projects eligible for investment tax credits include various clean energy initiatives like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Canada's Building Trades Unions are actively involved in ensuring compliance with the prevailing wage requirements and apprenticeship mandates. The initiative aims to have 10% of work hours on projects completed by apprentices, promoting workforce development. The union is preparing to engage with project stakeholders and educate members on the new system to maximize success. Overall, this initiative marks a significant step towards green technology adoption in Canada's construction sector, with a focus on supporting unionized workers and fostering sustainable practices.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2024 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.