Ontario Construction New staff writer
Ontario’s largest construction union has officially thrown its support behind Premier Doug Ford in his re-election campaign.
“LiUNA Local 183 proudly stands with FordNation as we continue strengthening Ontario’s skilled workforce and investing in the future,” LiUNA representatives posted on social media. “Ahead of a tariff election, his government will protect Ontario, protect workers, and protect the future of good-paying union jobs while keeping our province moving forward. LiUNA, representing over 120,000 workers across the province, announced their endorsement of Ford and the Ontario Progressive Conservatives.
The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) also supports the decision by Premier Doug Ford to seek a new mandate as the province must have the strongest and most effective leader in place to deal with a new aggressive U.S. administration, tariffs and persistent housing supply crisis.
“The proposal announced by President Donald Trump to impose a 25-per-cent tariff on Canadian exports to the U.S. and the dire state of housing supply in our province are both serious issues that threaten to undermine the economic health of Ontario and they need strong leadership in place to address them,” RESCON president Richard Lyall said in a statement.
“At such a crucial moment in the history of Ontario and Canada, our provincial leader must have the support and authority from the people to stand up and fight the tariff threat as well as address municipal and federal barriers to new housing getting approved and built.”
Since Ford was first elected his government has invested more than $60 million into skilled trades training for LiUNA and its local chapters. This includes funding a new training facility in Vaughan, which will double its capacity, helping nearly 100,000 people acquire the skills necessary for well-paying construction jobs.
LiUNA workers are also integral to the more than $200 billion worth of publicly funded construction projects happening across Ontario.
“LiUNA members show up day in and day out to build Ontario. They are the men and women who have boots on the ground to build, maintain and strengthen our roads and transit, hospitals and housing, energy and public infrastructure. In return, they expect a government who shows up for them. That government is the Doug Ford government,” said Joseph Mancinelli, LiUNA International vice-president and Canadian director. “In the history of our province and in my 47 years at LiUNA, we have never had a provincial government this dedicated to working in collaboration to advance skilled trades and enhancing apprenticeship pathways, understanding that without a skilled, safe and productive workforce, our province and our economy cannot succeed.
“There is work ahead. But I am confident that with the focus and leadership of this government, together we will continue to build a stronger, prosperous Ontario, protect Ontario and power Ontario forward, today and for our future.”
Ford visited LiUNA Local 183’s training centre Jan. 30.
“I am truly honored to have the support of LiUNA members in Ontario,” he said. “These dedicated workers are the backbone of our province.
“They’re the ones building our critical infrastructure—roads, highways, homes, and even expanding clean and reliable nuclear energy. We remain committed to supporting Ontario workers, especially in uncertain times, through continued investment in training, workforce development, and policies that keep Ontario a great place for businesses to thrive.”
