On September 15, CLRA welcomed Robert Fernandez, Chair of Invest Alberta’s Board of Directors, for an Industry Insights session on Alberta’s investment climate and the growing interest in AI and data infrastructure. With investment decisions directly influencing the construction industry, the major projects our members build, and the workforce needed to deliver them, the discussion was top of mind for construction employers. The conversation looked at Alberta’s position in a changing global investment landscape and what it will take for the province to stay competitive as major projects move ahead. Fernandez spoke about Alberta’s strong foundation of resources and talent, and the group discussed how the province can build on that strength by improving productivity, adopting new technology and delivering projects on time and on budget. Fernandez said confidence plays a major role in attracting investment, and Alberta’s ability to execute projects well is central to that. Fernandez also talked about Canada’s high standing with global investors and what that means for Alberta’s ability to secure capital for major resource projects and critical infrastructure. With the scale of projects coming online, the demand for skilled labour will be significant. He highlighted the need for creative approaches to workforce attraction, including

September 16, 2026 – Construction Labour Relations Association (CLRA) and seven of Alberta’s local building trades unions have signed a Preferred Project Agreement (PPA) that will make NAIT’s new $779 million Advanced Skills Centre (ASC) a first of its kind worksite as a classroom for apprentices. The agreement comes at a time when Alberta is preparing for roughly $22 billion in energy investment and more than 20,000 new construction related jobs by 2030. The PPA means project owners, contractors and the building trades agree to make apprenticeship training part of how a project is built. Contractors are expected to create apprenticeship opportunities in each of the on-site trades where project needs allow, support apprentices in gaining the on-the-job hours required for their progression and explore opportunities to move apprentices to another contractor on the project if their current employer’s work wraps up. The goal is to treat the work site as part of the learning environment and give apprentices more consistent and predictable opportunities to progress. CLRA is piloting this model with NAIT on the ASC, which will be a major training hub for apprentices. The PPA helps ensure a steady supply of skilled tradespeople and stable labour relations throughout

CLRA has renewed its support for skilled trades students at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) for the 2026–27 school year, continuing its commitment to the training and development of future tradespeople in Alberta. CLRA is donating $30,000 for bursaries and grants, which will be distributed by NAIT and awarded to students based on demonstrated academic and financial need. The bursaries will be available to first and second period students in the Carpenter, Ironworker, Insulator, Millwright, Plumber, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Roofer, Sheet Metal Worker, Steamfitter‑Pipefitter and Welder apprenticeship programs. Up to six awards will be available for each program, including grants for students from historically marginalized and excluded communities, helping remove barriers and create opportunities for those entering or advancing in the trades. With five intakes throughout the year, these awards provide meaningful assistance to apprentices who demonstrate financial need, academic achievement and personal commitment to their training. “This sponsorship is helping build a strong, local pipeline of apprentices, journeypersons and future supervisors, starting with education, training and mentorship,” said Joe McFadyen, President of CLRA. “Supporting students at the beginning of their careers is how we plant the seeds of a homegrown workforce. These students are building