Category: Union News

The federal government released its latest budget on Thursday, with key spending commitments that will be of interest to Operating Engineers, especially in energy, housing, infrastructure and major projects. Budget 2026: Masters of our Destiny expands Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Invest in Canada program, aimed at diversifying and protecting Canada’s economy. In total, the government has pledged $400 billion in capital investment over the next five years and $22 billion of new affordability measures. The latest budget includes $4 billion in a national electricity strategy, launching renewable energy and grid […]

The federal government released its latest budget on Thursday, with key spending commitments that will be of interest to Operating Engineers, especially in energy, housing, infrastructure and major projects.

Budget 2026: Masters of our Destiny expands Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Invest in Canada program, aimed at diversifying and protecting Canada’s economy. In total, the government has pledged $400 billion in capital investment over the next five years and $22 billion of new affordability measures.

The latest budget includes $4 billion in a national electricity strategy, launching renewable energy and grid modernization projects across Canada, including major support for major transmission infrastructure such as high voltage lines. With demand for electricity expected to double by 2050, Canada’s nuclear power sector is also being strongly supported.

Adding to this, $44.7 billion dollars has been committed to housing, including the expansion of non-profit and co-op housing.

To support these major projects, the government has said it will continue to prioritize the recruitment and training of skilled workers.

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher welcomed the major investments in infrastructure and energy.

He said, “Prime Minister Carney is right to focus on making our country much more energy independent and these major investments, especially in the energy sector, is good news for our members.

“With new measures in place aimed at tackling the housing crisis, including by building more non-profit and transitional housing, that will not just provide more work for members in a sector that has been struggling, but give more of our young people the chance to get a foot on the housing ladder.”

With $142.1 billion in fresh spending announced, the federal deficit is projected to hit $62.3 billion for 2026-27.

Ontario’s budget, announced last week, outlined Premier Doug Ford’s strategy to protect workers, businesses and communities while strengthening the province’s economy.

The plan includes targeted investments to support key industries affected by tariffs and enhance Ontario’s competitiveness, as well as attracting investment and creating good-paying jobs in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, critical minerals mining and refining, artificial intelligence and defence.

Business Manager Gallagher welcomed the government’s investment in workforce training, infrastructure and key industries, but noted that more could be done in areas such as housing, healthcare and education.

He said, “We can give the government credit where it’s due, but we can’t ignore the fact that people are still struggling to find housing, and too many are still homeless.

“In healthcare, it does nobody any good to be waiting in a hallway because there aren’t enough nurses or hospital beds. Why isn’t more money going toward healthcare when the need is so clear?

“I’m also concerned about the Ontario government’s lack of investment in education, beyond strictly skills training where they have been very supportive. But our members also have children going to college or university for careers in other key areas, such as medicine and the law. In the past, support for universities and colleges was higher with OSAP and grants.

“I would encourage the government to think holistically about the province’s needs and better support healthcare and education for citizens.”

The Business Manager also raised concerns about the impact of higher interest rates following the Bank of Canada’s recent decision to raise rates by 25 basis points to 2.50%, arguing that families are already feeling the pressure of rising costs.

He said, “You can’t tell people not to eat or not to drive to work. Raising interest rates puts even more pressure on people who are already struggling.”

Dear Members, It is with immense sadness that I must report the death of Local 793 member Michael Stellato, who was struck and killed at a jobsite in Pickering on Monday, November 2. Brother Michael was working for the Crupi Group when he was struck by a reversing dump truck. Despite the heroic attempts of his fellow members to save his life and the efforts of first responders who quickly arrived on the scene, Michael succumbed to his very serious injuries. The driver of the dump truck was transported to […]

Dear Members,

It is with immense sadness that I must report the death of Local 793 member Michael Stellato, who was struck and killed at a jobsite in Pickering on Monday, November 2.

Brother Michael was working for the Crupi Group when he was struck by a reversing dump truck. Despite the heroic attempts of his fellow members to save his life and the efforts of first responders who quickly arrived on the scene, Michael succumbed to his very serious injuries. The driver of the dump truck was transported to hospital suffering from shock.

This is a devastating loss for everyone at Local 793, including the many members who knew and worked closely with Brother Michael over several years. Aged just 35, his loss will also be keenly felt by his family, friends and colleagues at Crupi. Our hearts go out to all who knew and loved him.

Both police and officials from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development have been on site, with independent investigations now underway to find the cause of this tragic incident. We will provide updates to members when more information becomes available.

In the meantime, please continue to look after yourselves and your fellow brothers and sisters while working and keep Brother Michael’s loved ones in your thoughts.

For anyone who needs extra support during this very difficult time, please contact Local 793 Director of Health and Safety Brian Alexander at 416-936-0059 for information on counselling services freely available through Members Health.

Fraternally,

Mike Gallagher, Business Manager, Local 793

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher has celebrated the outcome of Monday’s referendum in Alberta, noting that our country – like our union – is always stronger together. CBC is projecting that 76% of Albertans rejected the proposal to begin the separation process. Brother Gallagher said, “A united Canada is a strong Canada. With this referendum behind us, it’s now time for the country to get on with job of improving the lives of everyone who calls Canada home. “With the U.S. president threatening to make Canada the “51st state” […]

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher has celebrated the outcome of Monday’s referendum in Alberta, noting that our country – like our union – is always stronger together.

CBC is projecting that 76% of Albertans rejected the proposal to begin the separation process.

Brother Gallagher said, “A united Canada is a strong Canada. With this referendum behind us, it’s now time for the country to get on with job of improving the lives of everyone who calls Canada home.

“With the U.S. president threatening to make Canada the “51^st state” and then imposing sanctions that harm all of us, now was not the time for separatists to drag us down this dead-end road. In current circumstances, the separatist leaders’ secret meetings in Washington with American officials can be viewed as at best selfish and at worst treasonous.

“This result clearly shows that the push for a referendum was always more about United Conservative Party internal politics than any real desire by Albertans to split from Canada.”

The Business Manager, visiting Washington this week in his role as International Vice President, also bemoaned the high cost of the exercise, which some estimates have placed at $134 million.

He said, “It has been a colossal waste of money, not just in direct costs but in lost investment. If that money had instead been applied to issues that really matter, such as tackling homelessness, we would be a stronger country with far fewer Canadians suffering.

“We must now turn our attention to cross-country cooperation on things such as pipelines, infrastructure and workforce development so we can build up the economy, tackle real societal problems and make our great country even better.”

I wish to offer sincerest condolences, on behalf of the officers, staff and members of IUOE Local 793, to all those impacted by Saturday’s terrible fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta. I am deeply saddened for the families who have lost loved ones, and wish those who have been injured a full and speedy recovery. I also want to pass on this union’s gratitude to the first responders and health care workers who rushed to help and continue to support all those caught up in this tragedy. Our Canadian Armed […]

I wish to offer sincerest condolences, on behalf of the officers, staff and members of IUOE Local 793, to all those impacted by Saturday’s terrible fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta.

I am deeply saddened for the families who have lost loved ones, and wish those who have been injured a full and speedy recovery. I also want to pass on this union’s gratitude to the first responders and health care workers who rushed to help and continue to support all those caught up in this tragedy.

Our Canadian Armed Forces work day and night to keep this country safe. Today, everyone associated with Local 793 stands with them.

IUOE Local 793 has lowered all flags at its offices to half-mast in honour of the victims of the fire and to express solidarity with their families and the wider Wainwright community.

Mike Gallagher, Local 793 Business Manager

The 69th Annual Ontario Building Trades Convention took place on October 15-16 in Ottawa, bringing together union leaders, industry stakeholders and government officials. Business Manager Mike Gallagher led the Local 793 delegation in the capital, which included President Dave Turple, Vice President Mike Scott, Recording-Corresponding Secretary Steve Booze, Treasurer and OETIO Executive Director Rick Kerr, and Financial Secretary and Director of Health and Safety Brian Alexander. During the conference, which was focused on worker safety, construction industry outlooks and ways to invest in skilled workers, Business Manager Gallagher addressed the […]

The 69th Annual Ontario Building Trades Convention took place on October 15-16 in Ottawa, bringing together union leaders, industry stakeholders and government officials.

Business Manager Mike Gallagher led the Local 793 delegation in the capital, which included President Dave Turple, Vice President Mike Scott, Recording-Corresponding Secretary Steve Booze, Treasurer and OETIO Executive Director Rick Kerr, and Financial Secretary and Director of Health and Safety Brian Alexander.

During the conference, which was focused on worker safety, construction industry outlooks and ways to invest in skilled workers, Business Manager Gallagher addressed the board to emphasize that with a strong demand for labour and a shortage of workers, the priorities should be addressing Labour Board delays, improving health and safety, and retaining qualified workers in the building trades rather than asking workers to accept less.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford used the event to reiterate his government’s backing of the skilled trades, touting its $2.5-billion investment in the Skills Development Fund and ongoing support of apprenticeships, which it says has delivered 14,000 new registrations and 9,100 apprenticeship completions in 2026.

There was more good news for training providers such as the Operating Engineers Institute of Ontario (OETIO) and workers wanting to build a career in the trades, as Federal Secretary of State (Labour) John Zerucelli announced on Thursday more than $430 million over five years to expand union training facilities, modernize equipment and support apprenticeship programs.

Business Manager Mike Gallagher addresses the board to highlight key issues facing the building trades industry.

Local 793 President Dave Turple serves as an Executive Board member with the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario.

Vice President and Energy Sector Manager Mike Scott in Ottawa.

OETIO Executive Director Rick Kerr.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announces a big boost to the Skills Development Fund.

The Government of Canada has announced more than $430 million in new funding over the next five years for the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP). The investment is designed to allow union training providers such as the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) to build new facilities, purchase equipment and improve access to and quality of training. John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), said the new funds will help Canada attract more people to a sector that is projected to have 1.4 million job openings in the decade […]

The Government of Canada has announced more than $430 million in new funding over the next five years for the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP).

The investment is designed to allow union training providers such as the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) to build new facilities, purchase equipment and improve access to and quality of training.

John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), said the new funds will help Canada attract more people to a sector that is projected to have 1.4 million job openings in the decade up to 2033.

Local 793 is currently in the early stages of building a new regional office and with training facilities in Stoney Creek and has plans to develop further hubs in Sarina and Sudbury.

Last month, Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher hosted Zerucelli at our new training state-of-the-art campus in Oro-Medonte, where he told the Secretary of State that with the right government support the union could build the three new facilities in two years instead of five.

It was a weekend to remember for the nine Local 793 delegates who attended the Trades Women Build Nations Conference in Houston, Texas. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event in Kansas City, Missouri!

It was a weekend to remember for the nine Local 793 delegates who attended the Trades Women Build Nations Conference in Houston, Texas. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event in Kansas City, Missouri!

The curtain came down on another Trades Women Build Nations Conference on Sunday, with our nine delegates waving goodbye to Texas before flying home to get back to work building Ontario. Having fuelled up on plenty of sisterhood and empowerment, we know that even the darkest and coldest of Canadian winters will not be enough to stop these talented women from continuing to blaze a trail in the skilled trades as role models for the next generation of female Local 793 Operating Engineers.

The curtain came down on another Trades Women Build Nations Conference on Sunday, with our nine delegates waving goodbye to Texas before flying home to get back to work building Ontario.

Having fuelled up on plenty of sisterhood and empowerment, we know that even the darkest and coldest of Canadian winters will not be enough to stop these talented women from continuing to blaze a trail in the skilled trades as role models for the next generation of female Local 793 Operating Engineers.

Some of our female members take a moment to share their thoughts on a special weekend in Texas during Saturday night’s visit to the IUOE International Training and Education Center in Crosby.

Some of our female members take a moment to share their thoughts on a special weekend in Texas during Saturday night’s visit to the IUOE International Training and Education Center in Crosby.

Team Local 793 and their sisters from other IUOE locals took a break from the TWBN Conference in Houston on Saturday to make a special road trip to the IUOE International Training and Education Center (ITEC) in nearby Crosby. General President John Downey hosted the event, which concluded with a special dinner. ITEC is our union’s flagship training facility and the most comprehensive training centre for union Operating and Stationary Engineers in North America. Our delegates were driven through the expansive training grounds before receiving a guided tour of the […]

Team Local 793 and their sisters from other IUOE locals took a break from the TWBN Conference in Houston on Saturday to make a special road trip to the IUOE International Training and Education Center (ITEC) in nearby Crosby.

General President John Downey hosted the event, which concluded with a special dinner. ITEC is our union’s flagship training facility and the most comprehensive training centre for union Operating and Stationary Engineers in North America.

Our delegates were driven through the expansive training grounds before receiving a guided tour of the state-of-the-art facility itself, where the Sim room proved a popular stop. ITEC has installed the same advanced simulators from Montreal-based CM Labs that Local 793 purchased for its own OETIO training centres in Oakville, Morrisburg and Oro-Medonte.

Thank you to everyone at ITEC and especially Brother Downey for making it such a memorable evening!

Remember, all members of Local 793 in good standing can apply for any of the training programs available at ITEC, with all travel and living expenses covered. You can explore everything the centre has to offer by visiting the website here.

IUOE General President John Downey hosted the Local 793 delegation of (L-R) Amanda Harrington, Thea Hawkyard, Daniella Dines, Emma Hamilton, Carla St. Louis, Torie Coqu, Isobel Keating-Downey, Michelle McDonald and Sarah Blais.