Saluting Canada's Building Tradespeople

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 10, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

At the site-dedication ceremony conducted today for the new Canadian Building Trades Monument, the Government of Canada announced that it has provided $100,000 for this memorial that will be a place for workers and their families to celebrate their achievements and commemorate the losses they suffered while carrying out their work.

The funding, which comes from Canadian Heritage's Celebration and Commemorations Program, is being used to support the realization of the monument and the development of educational materials, including a video.

Canada's Building Trades Unions (CBTU), the organization managing the project, is responsible for coordinating the design competition, development, construction and special events. Canadian Heritage-which facilitates the development of new commemorative monuments of national significance in Canada's Capital Region-is working closely with the National Capital Commission (NCC) to provide advice on design. The NCC is providing the federal land and will be responsible for maintenance when the monument is completed.

Quick Facts

• The Canadian Building Trades Monument will be located in Major's Hill Park in Ottawa.
• The design, conceived by Halifax-based sculptor John Greer and architect Brian MacKay-Lyons, features oversized plumb bobs-among the oldest building tools known to humankind-and engraved tools.
• The unveiling of the monument is scheduled for spring 2017.
• CBTU is the national association that represents over half a million Canadian workers in the building, construction, fabrication and maintenance industries.

Quotes

"National memorials create a sense of belonging and allow us to understand more about our heritage and history. I am very pleased to support this unique monument that tells the story of the wonderful work undertaken by our skilled Canadian tradespeople and construction workers, and recognizes the sacrifices they made to build our country."

-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"It is very appropriate that this memorial overlooks the Ottawa River, Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill-all locations where skilled tradespeople laboured on iconic Canadian environments and buildings. The monument will be a thank you from all Canadians to those who build with their hearts and minds, constructing with integrity and care so our built environments are secure and safe."

-The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament (Ottawa Centre)

Associated Links

Canadian Building Trades Monument

Canada's Building Trades Unions (CBTU)

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