Friday, February 2, 2024 from 10am – 1pm

BHM – Exploring Careers in the Finishing Trades

Dream Legacy Foundation in collaboration with Toronto Community Benefits Network invites you to join us for a tour of the Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario training centre. Hear from our community and labour partners and try out a trade from a live instructor or through virtual reality!

This is a Black History Month event, celebrating Black excellence in construction! Doors open at 9:30am. Light refreshments served.

Monday, February 5, 2024 from 3pm – 4pm

NexGen Builders Information Session for Cohort 2/2024

Are you ready to build your future in construction? The NexGen Builders Mentorship Program invites you to attend one of our information sessions for the upcoming cohort.

During these sessions, discover how our mentorship program will transform your career in construction. Learn about our comprehensive online sessions, industry-leading mentors, and the incredible opportunities awaiting you in construction.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 10am – 3pm

Build Green Career Fair 2024

We are excited to announce our second Build Green Career Fair organized by Toronto Community Benefits Network in partnership with our community, labour and industry partners.

To post your current and upcoming jobs on our Employer Portal or to become an exhibitor, please contact [email protected]

Apply before Thursday, Feb 29th , 2024

Transit Expansion Construction Mitigation Grant Program

Is your community affected by major transit infrastructure project? Do you have an innovative project that address the negative impacts of construction? Are you a non profit organization that supports small businesses?

Apply before Tuesday, April 30th 2024 

Building Diversity Awards – Nominations Open

Are you, or do you know an individual or organization in Canada who is leading on diversity in the construction industry? Nominate them for an award in this year's Building Diversity Awards scheduled for June 14th at the Meridien Arts Center in Toronto. Nominations now open and will close March 31st.

This is a two-step process. Once the nomination is made, a TCBN staff will reach out to the nominee for them to accept the nomination and provide any additional information to complete the their profile, highlighting what they are doing to create and support a respectful, and inclusive workforce and economy.

A Decade Of Excellence – Derrick Fagan

This Black History Month, meet Derrick Fagan, the creative force behind DF Media Productions Toronto, acclaimed for his work with giants like Netflix, Google, and Youtube Pulse. Derrick is not just a videographer, he's the storytelling heartbeat of TCBN, dedicating his craft to the Black community's narratives.

City Budget 2024

This year, the City of Toronto expects to spend $4.6B in state of good repair and capital investments. By aligning these investments with the City’s commitment for Community Benefits Agreements and TransformTO goals to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto to net zero by 2040, we can ensure these investments prioritize good local green jobs and opportunities for Indigenous, Black and equity deserving groups while taking actionable steps on climate change and building community wealth by reinvesting dollars back into Toronto communities.

TCBN Ontario Line Advocacy

On January 24th the TCBN attended the City of Toronto’s Toronto East York Community Council, where Rosemarie Powell made a presentation on the Ontario Line. TCBN continues to advocate for Metrolinx to commit to a Community Benefits Agreement as part of the estimated $18 billion Ontario Line public transit project and that all contracts include requirements for Community Benefits and Workforce Development plans that ensure local and equitable hiring targets with transparency and community oversight.

We thank the TEYCC and Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik who took action and supported a motion asking Metrolinx to include updates on these items in the next quarterly report.

CLC Downsview Arbo District Plan - North York Community Council

Canada Lands Company is moving forward with its Downsview Arbo District Plan with a proposal to build 1,100 to 1,400 residential units for a total of 3,600 to 4,000 units. The current plan includes 20% affordable housing at 80% Average Market Rent for 25 years and commitments to support a Downsview community centre.

On January 24th, TCBN participated at the North York Community Council meeting and urged support for our CBA for Downsview campaign which calls for a Community Benefits Agreements, commitments to neighbourhood improvements, environmental sustainability and investments in community infrastructure, public recreation and services and deeply affordable or Rent Geared to Income housing.

TCBN is looking for Youth Delegates to join our Youth Policy Table. Organizations that are invested in equity-deserving groups accessing good jobs in the construction sector, are encouraged to refer youth delegates. We are seeking referrals of Black, Indigenous, and other racialized (BIPOC) youth aged 16-25.

The Ontario Line, Canada’s largest public infrastructure project in history, risks being built without any meaningful benefits for the community. In November 2022, Metrolinx awarded 50% of the project in contracts with private developers, valued at about $15 billion, without any mention of the promised Community Benefits Agreement as announced.

Construction Employers: Sign up to the Employer Portal today! Post your jobs for work-ready candidates. Offset costs with financial incentives for training and onboarding.

Job Seekers: Sign up to create your profile in Employer Portal and upload your resume to be accessed by potential employers.

Dream Legacy Foundation's Career Edge program is specifically designed for Black youth interested in the skilled trades who wants to gain unique hands-on experience. The program provides innovative construction career exploration through virtual reality paired with real-world exposure through construction site visits and job shadowing to enhance your learning.

Provides professional development training and work placement  opportunities for Black youth aged 16-34, who are interested in pursuing a career in construction.

It also provides mentorship through peer mentors and professionals mentors and other wraparound supports to address barriers to successful employment.