Welcome to a new feature of CBTU where I will be sharing regular updates of our activities and general goings on in Ottawa (the town that fun forgot).*

Last week was the Speech from the Throne and the first time I was in Ottawa for such an event. Full of pomp and circumstance; guns and cannons signalled the Governor General's welcome to Parliament, since this year, the crowds did not. While much was expected of the Throne Speech, this one followed suit to years past, offering reiterations of past campaign promises and grand visions for what's next. You can check out the full Speech, here. 

The CBTU and our Board are continuing to push hard to ensure the Federal government commits to investments in infrastructure in the upcoming fiscal update; and that these announcements equal jobs for our members. In addition to the mentions made in the Throne Speech, subsequent announcements have come out including support for offshore oil and gas in Newfoundland and Labrador, and investments by the Canadian Infrastructure Bank in the amount of $10B. We are also emphasizing that these investments must include Community Benefit Agreements. To see samples of our advocacy campaign on CBAs, you can check out the video here, and see samples of our Twitter posts here, and LinkedIn here. 

This week, I was honoured to virtually address the quinquennial convention of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers - the oldest, continuous trade union in North America. This was also special for me since my dad, Brian Strickland (d. 1999), was former director of Canadian Affairs for the BAC. You can check out my video message on our YouTube channel here. 

Enjoy the fine autumn weather. Stay safe. Until next time...

Cheers,
Sean

* With thanks to the late Canadian humourist Alan Fotheringham