The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario’s platform for government under leader Doug Ford represents a big victory for Operating Engineers and other skilled trades.
Released on Monday ahead of Thursday’s provincial election, the Plan to Protect Ontario lays out the priorities of a PC Party government if returned to power. It includes pledges to make big investments in jobs, training and new infrastructure.
Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher and his leadership team have worked tirelessly to convince Doug Ford and his government of the need to support Union trades and unlock the potential of critical industries, such as mining and energy. The PC Party’s platform represents the successful conclusion of those efforts.
“The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793, has more than 20,100 highly skilled operators, mechanics and heavy equipment operators across Ontario,” Business Manager Gallagher said. “For over 100 years, we have been involved in the construction of all major infrastructure and housing projects in communities throughout the province.
“We maintain two training campuses in Ontario, one in Morrisburg and the other in Oakville. To meet the growing demand for workers in our trade, we are now constructing a third campus in Oro Medonte with the support of the Skills Development Fund.
“The Ford government is one of the few governments we’ve seen that recognizes the only way to keep building our great province is by supporting and training highly skilled operators and other trades.
“We fully endorse the PC platform released today because of the continued investment in training.”
Business Manager Gallagher also thanked Local 793 Business Reps and other staff who have volunteered their time to help the PC Party’s message reach more voters in key ridings. Their work is helping to protect members’ jobs and ensure the Union continues to get the support it needs to train the next generation of Operators.
Click HERE to view the PC Party’s 2025 Election Platform.
