March 5, 2021 – Developers, contractors, unions, associations and workers are uniting in a growing coalition supporting the Toronto Declaration of Inclusive Workplaces & Communities, reports the Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario (CDCO).

The Greater Toronto Electrical Contractors Association is among the signatories to the Declaration.

“We believe it is important that leaders of the industry—both management and labour—send a strong message that we support and encourage an inclusive workplace, and that acts of racism and discrimination will not be tolerated in the construction industry,” said Bob O’Donnell, GTECA executive vice-president.

The urgency for action against discrimination was ignited when, last year, nooses were found on various construction sites in Toronto.

“We worked together with the industry to find ways to bring an end to racism within the sector,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory. “This Declaration was a result of those meetings and an important step in the industry’s plan to move forward, support their employees, and to build a more inclusive workplace for everyone.”

“As developers, contractors, supervisors and skilled workers, we recognize that systemic racism is a reality in today’s world—and that discrimination in any form—harms our construction community,” reads an excerpt from the Declaration. “We commit to standing up for the rights and dignity of all in order to promote inclusive, equitable, safe and respectful workplaces and communities.”

“Systemic racism and discrimination harm our construction industry. Bigotry has no place in our communities, and we commit to standing up for the rights and dignity of all to promote inclusive, equitable, safe, and respectful workplaces,” writes CDCO.