Category: Union News

The Ontario government is conducting a feasibility study exploring how best to establish a new energy corridor from Alberta-to-Ontario. On August 13, 2025, Business Manager Mike Gallagher spoke with CBC to endorse the pipeline project. “As far as I’m concerned, the sooner this gets done the better,” Gallagher told the CBC. “In a time of rising global crises and a rockier relationship with the US, it’s clear that Canada needs our own source of oil.” Today, Canada relies on oil coming from the United States through Line 5, but the […]

The Ontario government is conducting a feasibility study exploring how best to establish a new energy corridor from Alberta-to-Ontario. On August 13, 2025, Business Manager Mike Gallagher spoke with CBC to endorse the pipeline project.

“As far as I’m concerned, the sooner this gets done the better,” Gallagher told the CBC. “In a time of rising global crises and a rockier relationship with the US, it’s clear that Canada needs our own source of oil.”

Today, Canada relies on oil coming from the United States through Line 5, but the Governor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer has made it her mission to shut down the pipeline.

“For us to be reliant on oil coming from the US through Line 5 at a time when the governor of Michigan is fighting so hard to close it down leaves Canada in a vulnerable position, as it would affect all aspects of our day-to-day life,” said Gallagher.

Local 793 endorsed Prime Minister Carney in the latest federal election because of his commitment to pursue major energy and infrastructure projects that will make Canada self-reliant and create thousands of good jobs for members.

“A new pipeline would not only create jobs, it would strengthen our country’s independence and is exactly the kind of nation-building project that Prime Minister Carney promised to deliver,” Gallagher said.

Canadians are united on this subject. Recent polling shows an overwhelming majority of Canadians support building new pipelines from the West Coast to the East.

“Modern pipelines are safer than they’ve ever been and issues that do arise are quickly addressed by contractors,” said Gallagher.

“Of course, we must consult with all communities that will be affected along the line, and it is the right strategy to partner with Indigenous workers so that the economic benefits of any new development are shared by all Canadians.”

The proposed energy corridor would include new Alberta-to-Ontario pipelines, bringing Western Canadian oil and gas to refineries in Southern Ontario and tidewater ports including a new deep-sea port on the coast of James Bay. Local 793 will continue to advocate for these projects that will bring strength and greater prosperity to Canada and our union.

Exciting times ahead! We’re proud to see the Oro-Medonte Operating Engineers training facility in the spotlight. Thanks to OrilliaMatters for the feature story about the importance of our trade and for highlighting the benefits that the facility will bring to the local community. Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher was quoted in the article underlining the importance of the project and explaining why the time is right to invest in skilled trades training. He said, ” We had an economic study and report done by Prism Economics that showed that […]

Exciting times ahead! We’re proud to see the Oro-Medonte Operating Engineers training facility in the spotlight. Thanks to OrilliaMatters for the feature story about the importance of our trade and for highlighting the benefits that the facility will bring to the local community.

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher was quoted in the article underlining the importance of the project and explaining why the time is right to invest in skilled trades training.

He said, ” We had an economic study and report done by Prism Economics that showed that the increasing rate of Local 793 retirements alongside the record levels of provincial construction activity point to the need to increase the number of crane operator apprentices for our trade.

“We decided that we should invest in growth to accommodate these factors, and building another training centre will help to achieve our goals.”

Local 793 is also thrilled to announce that the banquet hall portion of the build has been increased in size, adding to the already planned classrooms and staff offices for the 21-acre site off Hwy 11.

The new facility is being built by signatory company Bird Construction and is scheduled to open in late 2026.

Click here to read the full story: https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/ideal-location-crane-operator-training-facility-rising-in-oro-medonte-11078208

Please note that ALL monthly district meetings across all areas will resume in September. Click on this link: https://iuoelocal793.org/events-meetings/ for more info. Alternatively, you can log in to the members’ website and click the “Events & Meetings” tab or download the Local 793 mobile app by visiting https://iuoelocal793.org/members/services/mobile-app/ for your district schedule.

Please note that ALL monthly district meetings across all areas will resume in September.

Click on this link: https://iuoelocal793.org/events-meetings/ for more info. Alternatively, you can log in to the members’ website and click the “Events & Meetings” tab or download the Local 793 mobile app by visiting https://iuoelocal793.org/members/services/mobile-app/ for your district schedule.

Local 793 Steward Jason Caissie and wife Michelle will be proud parents today as their son, Owen Caissie, steps onto the field at Rogers Centre for what could be his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago Cubs. Owen grew up in Burlington, where his love for baseball was nurtured within the family. His work ethic was built over countless hours swinging a heavy axe in the backyard chopping up old, abandoned hydro poles. Now 23 years old, Owen was the top Canadian selected in the 2020 MLB Draft by […]

Local 793 Steward Jason Caissie and wife Michelle will be proud parents today as their son, Owen Caissie, steps onto the field at Rogers Centre for what could be his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago Cubs.

Owen grew up in Burlington, where his love for baseball was nurtured within the family. His work ethic was built over countless hours swinging a heavy axe in the backyard chopping up old, abandoned hydro poles.

Now 23 years old, Owen was the top Canadian selected in the 2020 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. He became the highest-drafted Canadian outfielder to date and was the second-youngest batting qualifier in the Triple-A International League last season.

Jason and Michelle will be cheering from the sidelines this afternoon as the Cubs face off against the Blue Jays in a series decider.

Local 793 congratulates Brother Jason and the entire Caissie family on this very special day and wishes Owen a long and successful career in the big leagues.

This afternoon’s game is available to watch on Sportsnet from 2:30 p.m.

Photo Credits: Jason and Michelle Caissie, @dunham19

Last Saturday, members of Local 793 came together for the annual Toronto Area Golf Tournament, enjoying a day of sunshine and camaraderie. The event provided an excellent opportunity for members to connect outside the workplace, strengthening the bonds of solidarity that define our Union. We thank Toronto Area Supervisor Justin O’Neill for organizing this event. His dedication and the invaluable support of all the golfers, sponsors, and volunteers ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Events like these are a testament to the strength of our community and […]

Last Saturday, members of Local 793 came together for the annual Toronto Area Golf Tournament, enjoying a day of sunshine and camaraderie. The event provided an excellent opportunity for members to connect outside the workplace, strengthening the bonds of solidarity that define our Union.

We thank Toronto Area Supervisor Justin O’Neill for organizing this event. His dedication and the invaluable support of all the golfers, sponsors, and volunteers ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Events like these are a testament to the strength of our community and the importance of coming together to celebrate our Brotherhood and Sisterhood.

According to The Weather Network, temperatures are expected to rise significantly across Ontario, Quebec, and parts of Atlantic Canada beginning this weekend and continuing well into next week. Daytime highs are forecasted to exceed 30°C, with humidex values potentially reaching the low 40s. When the temperature rises, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat stress. Stay hydrated and stay safe, Brothers and Sisters! Follow these steps to manage working in hot weather: ✅Drink water regularly ✅ Take cool-down breaks ✅ Wear light, breathable clothing ✅ Watch for signs of heat stress […]

According to The Weather Network, temperatures are expected to rise significantly across Ontario, Quebec, and parts of Atlantic Canada beginning this weekend and continuing well into next week. Daytime highs are forecasted to exceed 30°C, with humidex values potentially reaching the low 40s.

When the temperature rises, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat stress. Stay hydrated and stay safe, Brothers and Sisters!

Follow these steps to manage working in hot weather:

✅Drink water regularly
✅ Take cool-down breaks
✅ Wear light, breathable clothing
✅ Watch for signs of heat stress

Read more here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing-heat-stress-work
The Weather Network news: https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/weather/forecasts/widespread-heat-wave-set-to-scorch-ontario-and-atlantic-canada-hot-summer

OETIO not only prides itself on producing some of the best operating engineers in Canada, we also support world class equipment manufacturers based right here in Ontario. When a new telehandler was required for our training centre in Oakville, we turned to DeMelo Construction Equipment in north Toronto – makers of the Melo Lift. The family-run enterprise designs its own range of telehandlers, rough terrain forklifts and mortar mixers, while also providing top-notch sales, rentals, parts and service. Owner Tony Demelo also made sure that the new machine would check […]

OETIO not only prides itself on producing some of the best operating engineers in Canada, we also support world class equipment manufacturers based right here in Ontario.

When a new telehandler was required for our training centre in Oakville, we turned to DeMelo Construction Equipment in north Toronto – makers of the Melo Lift.

The family-run enterprise designs its own range of telehandlers, rough terrain forklifts and mortar mixers, while also providing top-notch sales, rentals, parts and service.

Owner Tony Demelo also made sure that the new machine would check all the boxes on our wish list, including the installation of air conditioning. It has a rated capacity of 8,000 lbs and a maximum lift height of 42 ft.

The machine is currently being fabricated by another Ontario company, Load Lifter, part of the Stouffville-based Stanmore Equipment group of companies that has been in business for more than 60 years.

With the forks and back carriage manufactured in Guelph, the cabs built in Huron Park near London and the powder coating applied by a firm in Listowel, our new machine is truly a made-in-Ontario marvel.

Purchased in part with a grant from the Ontario government’s Apprenticeship Capital Grant Base Funding, OETIO’s choice of the Melo Lift Telehandler is the right one for our students and for skilled workers across our province.

The new machine is 70% complete and is expected to be delivered to the Oakville training centre at the beginning of September.

(L-R) Load Lifter manufacturing supervisor Jean-Noël Li Yam Nam, OETIO Training Supervisor JP Gregorio, Demelo Construction Equipment owner Tony Demelo and Load Lifter engineer Carlos Fernandes pose next to the soon-to-be completed Melo Lift telehandler.

OETIO’s new telehandler taking shape on the production line.

Known around the world for its line of four-wheel drive forklifts, Load Lifter moved to its current manufacturing facility in Stouffville in 2008.

This is a gentle reminder that all Local 793 offices will be closed on Monday, August 4th, and will resume office hours on Tuesday, August 5th. Wishing you all a Happy Civic Holiday long weekend!  

This is a gentle reminder that all Local 793 offices will be closed on Monday, August 4th, and will resume office hours on Tuesday, August 5th.

Wishing you all a Happy Civic Holiday long weekend!

Local 793 Director of Organizing Kyle Schutte and Organizer Chad Willet joined more than 1,000 organizers from across North America at the second annual International Union of Operating Engineers Organizing Conference in Crosby, Texas. The conference focused on strategy, solidarity, and strengthening our Locals. It also addressed the challenges faced by our operating engineers and emphasized on sharpening the tools we need to organize, grow, and protect what workers have fought hard to build.  

Local 793 Director of Organizing Kyle Schutte and Organizer Chad Willet joined more than 1,000 organizers from across North America at the second annual International Union of Operating Engineers Organizing Conference in Crosby, Texas.

The conference focused on strategy, solidarity, and strengthening our Locals. It also addressed the challenges faced by our operating engineers and emphasized on sharpening the tools we need to organize, grow, and protect what workers have fought hard to build.

The Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) is proud to once again welcome inspectors from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) to its Oakville campus for a comprehensive training session focused on job site compliance and safety inspections. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensure that industry standards are met and proper job site compliance is maintained to decrease workplace accidents. OETIO extends its sincere thanks to the MLITSD for its continued trust and partnership and looks forward to building on this vital work […]

The Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) is proud to once again welcome inspectors from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) to its Oakville campus for a comprehensive training session focused on job site compliance and safety inspections.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensure that industry standards are met and proper job site compliance is maintained to decrease workplace accidents.

OETIO extends its sincere thanks to the MLITSD for its continued trust and partnership and looks forward to building on this vital work to strengthen Ontario’s safety standards through high-quality training and education.