What is the consortium? The Consortium will work with government, industry partners and other stakeholders throughout New Brunswick to create a province wide streamlined approach to increase opportunities and labour market participation in the skilled trades.

How we got here? In 2022, CANB along with NBBTU and Skilled Trades NB commissioned a jurisdictional scan of skilled trades delivery in N.B. Through industry consultation, a consortium model similar to sector councils was preferred to ensure underrepresented groups were being targeted by existing programs.

What has happened so far? In September 2024, CANB hired two new staff to ensure the success of the consortium. Dr Francis Bennett was hired as the Senior Director of Workforce Strategy and is responsible for leading the creation, development, implementation, and evaluation of activities of a new construction arm of the CANB. Tara Cranna will be responsible for the research and the development of policies and legislation to support the growth of skilled trades awareness and labor market participation.

CANB issued an open call for interested parties in joining the CANB Skilled Trades Consortium. Deadline for submission was December 31st, 2024. 40+ members of industry, government and DEI support organizations expressed interested and the consortium was born – a powerful coalition ready to shape the future of skilled trades in New Brunswick.

To ensure meaningful collaboration, a dual-committee structure was created: a 25-member Technical Advisory Committee and a 13-member Executive Committee. This framework guarantees that all six underrepresented groups, along with key voices from industry and government, are represented. The structure balances inclusive representation with effective governance, ensuring that strategic goals remain in sharp focus.

These objectives, rooted in the lived experiences of consortium members and partners, represent not just a strategic roadmap — but a shared commitment to reshaping New Brunswick’s skilled trades future. As the demand for skilled trades continues to grow, New Brunswick is leading the way with a proactive, inclusive, and collaborative approach — proving again that when industry and government come together, the results can be transformative.