Ontario Construction News staff writer
Chris Campbell will work with industry, community groups, municipalities and school boards to promote inclusion and diversity in the Ontario construction industry.
Campbell was recently appointed as Equity and Diversity Representative at the Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario (CDCO). He will work in partnership with various carpenters’ locals throughout the province, working to create a safe and equitable industry for more than 30,000 tradespeople.
As construction professionals and city-builders, the CDCO will “continue to support all apprentices looking to pursue a career in the trades, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity.”
The construction industry is becoming more diverse and learning crucial lessons along the way about the importance of creating safe and inclusive workplaces. We are always learning and growing and looking for great people who are considering an interesting and fulfilling career in the trades.
“The CDCO has a duty to do our part to ensure the future of the construction industry is an inclusive one,” said Mike Yorke, President of the Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario.
“Chris’ appointment is an opportunity for the CDCO to continue setting a great example for the industry by championing the recruitment and mentorship of the next generation of leaders and trade professionals.” The CDCO will continue to support inclusive and diverse workplaces, and as an industry, strengthen our collective commitment to equality, respect, and dignity for all.
Campbell will foster relationship building between the CDCO and members of the community to encourage all Canadians to get involved in the trades and provide guidance through the apprenticeship process.
A long-time champion of diversity, Campbell has been a business representative of Local 27 since 2003, and dedicates his free time to community-building initiatives.
“I have been volunteering in the local community for many years during evenings and weekends while working for the CDCO full-time,” Campbell said. “I’ve worked with the Toronto Police Service, the Jamaican Canadian Association, Helping Hands Jamaica, and many carpenters’ union community outreach projects.”
He is looking forward to working closely with the Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN), where he currently is a board member, and other community organizations across the province as they are established, to encourage opportunities for equity, inclusion, and diversity in the construction industry.
“Everyone, especially young people from difficult backgrounds, deserve access to mentorship opportunities and the resources necessary to succeed in the trades,” he said.