Representing the voice of open shop construction in Alberta, Merit Contractors Association focuses on the human resource needs of contractors offering employee benefits, training, retirement programs, tuition refunds and more.

Contractors Support Labour Mobility Agreement

July 21, 2008 - For Immediate Release - Edmonton - Leaders of Canada’s largest open shop construction associations are calling the agreement on labour mobility reached by Provincial and Territorial First Ministers an historical and vital development for Canadians.

The agreement, to be implemented in 2009, will allow many of the over one million people working in Canada’s construction industry to pack up their tools in one Province and use them in another without having to deal with needless red tape. Read more...

Contractors Association Recognizes Local Apprentices and Businesses

June 6, 2008 - For Immediate Release - Edmonton - Merit Contractors Association celebrated its 22nd anniversary at its Annual General Meeting on June 3, 2008 in Edmonton.

The evening showcased various award winners including two companies who received Employer of Excellence awards: Muth Electrical Management Inc. (Edmonton) and Synergy Projects Ltd. (Edmonton). Read more...

New Labour Legislation Restores Fairness Across Construction Industry

June 3, 2008 - For Immediate Release - Edmonton- Canada’s largest open shop construction association, Edmonton-based Merit Contractors Association called yesterday’s tabling of Bill 26 in the Alberta Legislature a much needed step to restore balance and fairness to all sectors of Alberta’s construction industry.

Bill 26 addresses longstanding concerns with unfair organizing tactics and construction project subsidy schemes run by some construction union locals. Read more...

Merit's Construction Fair in London, ON

Merit's First Construction Recruitment Fair in London, Ontario was very successful. With the booming construction industry in Alberta, skilled tradespeople are in short supply. This Fair was an excellent opportunity for skilled tradespeople to meet prospective employees (see pictures below).

Thank you to all the participants:

• Alberta Glass Company Ltd.
• Allied Projects Ltd.
• Clark Builders
• Cobra Group of Companies
• Dowland Contracting Ltd.
• Flint Energy Services Ltd.
• FWS Group
• JV Driver Projects
• Scott Builders Inc.
• SRS Industrial
• Stuart Olson Contracting Inc.

Hundreds of Ontario construction tradespeople attended the Recruitment Fair. Good luck to all who were hired, Welcome to Alberta!

Stay tuned to this website for more information on Merit's next Recruitment Fair. It will take place in early 2009.

Simple Rule Change Would See More Construction Workers Trained in Alberta

For immediate release - March 18, 2008 Edmonton: A survey of construction companies by Edmonton-based Merit Contractors Association of Alberta reaffirms that the shortage of skilled workers is an ongoing concern for the industry. Read the news release...

Contractors Group says Union Leaders 'Secret Agenda' will hurt Albertans

For immediate release - February 27, 2008 Edmonton: "Edmonton-based Merit Contractors Association of Alberta launched a second ad campaign challenging union leaders fronting the "Albertans for Change" coalition to come clean about their secret agenda for Alberta..." Read the news release... View first ad... View second ad...

National Post Story: Stelmach target of union attack ads

By Kevin Libin, Published February 15, 2008, National Post "As assuredly as dogs hate vacuum cleaners and kids hate flossing, it is one of the universe’s cosmic truths that unions detest conservative governments..." Read more...

Union Leaders are Putting YOUR money where THEIR mouths are

For immediate release - January 24, 2008 Edmonton: "Union Leaders are putting YOUR money where THEIR mouths are" This statement is the theme behind an ad campaign co-sponsored by the National Citizens Coalition and Merit Contractors Association of Alberta. Read the news release...   Read more...

New Merit Partnership with Reed Construction Data (RCD)

For immediate release - January 22, 2008 Edmonton: Reed Construction Data (RCD) is pleased to announce their new alliance partnership with Merit Contractors Association. Read more...

Edmonton's 12th Construction Boot Camp runs September 29 - October 10, 2008.

If you want to work in a construction trade, click here to find out more about Construction Boot Camp.

Boot Camp Employers Rave About Results

"Excellent process for screening and initial training." - Paul Paridaen, Fillmore Construction Management Inc.

"Great program that is producing quality, motivated employees who want a career in the construction industry." - Coram Construction

Merit Signs Available

Crane signs, site signs, safety signs and site sign stickers are available to Merit members. For more details or to order materials, refer to the Signage Request Form

Construction Statistics Page

We have put together a collection of statistics related to the construction industry. Click to visit our Construction Statistics page.