The Carpenters Union should receive the Leading Diversity Award due to its outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion in the construction industry. The union's approach prioritizes training, educating, and representing a diverse range of skilled professionals, ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities for success. Through its proactive efforts, the union not only meets but exceeds the demands of the modern construction landscape, cultivating a more inclusive and dynamic workforce. One of the key reasons the Carpenters Union deserves recognition is its dedication to diversity in training. The Carpenters union actively recruits and trains individuals from diverse backgrounds, including minorities, women, and underrepresented groups. By providing comprehensive training and support, the union equips these individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the construction industry, breaking down barriers and opening doors to opportunity. Moreover, the Carpenters Union demonstrates a strong commitment to equal representation within its ranks. Regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity, the union advocates for the rights of all members, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. By prioritizing equal representation and advocating for the rights of all members, the union creates a supportive environment where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute their talents. Overall, the Carpenters Union's dedication to diversity and inclusion sets a commendable example for the construction industry and beyond. Through its proactive recruitment and training efforts, as well as its commitment to equal representation, the union creates opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to succeed. By recognizing the union's efforts with the Leading Diversity Award, we can celebrate its role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce for the future.

Millwright Local 2309 believes strongly that our Union needs to reflect our communities. The local frequently attends job fairs and tradeshows for just that reason. Our most recent programs have focused on attracting and placing indigenous peoples as well as Women into the Millwright trade for what we hope to be a lifelong career at a fair wage for a fair day's work.

The Canadian District of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCIA) deserves the Leading on Diversity Award for its pivotal role in supporting the Technical Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Apprenticeship Programs. This committee, comprised of over 40 experts, including CSA Project Managers, worked tirelessly to develop a standard aimed at addressing the low participation and retention rates of underrepresented groups in skilled trades and apprenticeships. By investing in this initiative, UBCIA has demonstrated its commitment to fostering more inclusive work environments and expanding opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. This effort not only promotes equity but also helps meet the growing demand for qualified workers in the skilled trades. Additionally, the financial backing provided by UBCIA, along with support from the Government of Canada’s Union Training and Innovation Program, has been instrumental in bringing this important standard to fruition. The commitment of leadership within the organization to enhance diversity in its workforce and implement policies and plans to achieve this objective is pivotal in fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace environment. This Standard was meticulously crafted to integrate equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) strategies into every facet of the apprenticeship journey, spanning from pre-apprenticeship stages to recruitment, onboarding, registration as an apprentice, on-the-job training, and eventual recognition as a journeyperson. Its requirements and recommendations serve as a comprehensive roadmap for organizations to embrace and customize, catering to the unique needs of their workforce, apprentices, and equity-deserving communities. Encompassing all phases and aspects of the apprenticeship trajectory in skilled trades, this Standard extends its reach to activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting opportunities within the skilled trades, facilitating pre-apprenticeship programs, initiating recruitment drives, and sponsoring apprentices, providing on-the-job training, offsite training, and guiding progression through various apprenticeship levels up to testing and certification endorsed by the designated apprenticeship authority. The commitment of organizational leadership to advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives, supported by the implementation of policies and plans grounded in the principles of this Standard, is fundamental in building a workforce that is reflective of the diverse society it serves. It's a commitment not only to equity and fairness but also to organizational resilience, innovation, and sustained growth. It also ensures a pipeline of talent that reflects the richness of diverse perspectives and experiences. By implementing policies and plans aligned with the principles outlined in this Standard, organizations can proactively address systemic barriers and create pathways for underrepresented individuals to thrive in the skilled trades. Moreover, fostering diversity in the workforce isn't just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. Diverse teams are known to be more innovative, adaptable, and better equipped to solve complex problems, ultimately driving organizational success and competitiveness in today's dynamic global marketplace.