Build Right Nova Scotia

Build Right Nova Scotia, is a cooperative of contractors and the Building Trades. We’ve joined forces with the Mainland Building Trades to promote union-built industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings in Nova Scotia.

The partnership promotes the contributions that many of our highly trained workers and employers make to the community. The 350 employers (along with 3,000 administrative support staff) and 12,000 unionized professional tradespeople will continue to join forces to improve the well being of Nova Scotians.

Choosing contractors and trade unions that are part of Build Right Nova Scotia means choosing the best people to get the job done correctly. It also means choosing to pay that talent fairly.

Build Right Nova Scotia Directors

BRAD SMITH – Executive Director, Mainland Nova Scotia Building & Construction Trades Council
CALUM MACLEOD – Labour Relations Officer, Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association
JULIE CALLEGARI – Business Manager, Labourers’ International Union of North America, Local 615
JONATHAN GAUL – Business Manager, International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council 39 Local 1439
KEVIN ASHLEY – President, Rockingham Electric Limited
ROGER PORTER – Construction Manager, EllisDon Corporation
BRIAN LUND – President, Brilun Construction Limited
TODD MACNEIL – International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 721
TOM GRIFFITHS – Business Manager, IBEW Local 625
ROBERT SHEPHERD – President, Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association

Helmets to Hardhats

Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) is a partnership with Canada’s Building Trades Unions, their many employers across Canada and government stakeholders. Dedicated exclusively to Canadian Forces members making the transition from active duty to full time employment, Helmets to Hardhats offers apprenticeship opportunities to achieve a journeyperson qualification in the building and construction trade of one’s choice.

Trades Exhibition Hall

The Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council (NSCSC) partnered with industry and the Province of Nova Scotia to develop a one-of-a-kind facility to showcase trades and management related occupations in the industrial-commercial-institutional construction sector.

The venue has been designed to provide participants with the opportunity to learn from the Building Trades’ experienced trades professionals, engage in hands-on demonstrations and have career related questions answered.

Students, teachers, career counselors, community groups and the general public have the opportunity to experience the unique qualities of each occupation by visiting interactive “booths” that showcase individual trades and management occupations. Interested groups can choose from experiencing a 1-2 hour “Construction Gallery” viewing; a 4-hour “Speed Trades” exploration; or a full day “Construction Immersion” workshop.

2019 also saw the launch of the Mobile Construction Experience (MCE). This 52-foot trailer is essentially the Trades Exhibition Hall on wheels, and brings this unique experience to the doorstep of various middle schools across Nova Scotia.

Scholarships, Awards, & Bursaries

CAPE BRETON ISLAND BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP BURSARY

“Empowering Youth Through Education”

We are proud to offer multiple bursaries to youth for their future education and have provided more than 100 000 dollars through this particular bursary program. Ultimately, lack of education is proven to be one of the most critical social determinants of health. Bursary applications can be downloaded here and will open in the Spring of 2025. 

Congratulations to the 2024 recipients! 

Ronald Seth Withrow – Ironworkers
Attending St. Francis Xavier University

Abigail Carey – Sheet Metal
Attending Cape Breton University

Alyssa Campbell – Plumbers & Pipefitters
Attending Dalhousie University

Kelli MacPhee – Sheet Metal
Attending Cape Breton University

Kristina Anderson – Operating Engineers
Attending Nova Scotia Community College

Kyra Turnbull – Labourers
Attending Stenberg College

Each year, the Cape Breton Island Building and Construction Trades Council provides financial awards to Nova Scotia Community College Students. For more information, visit their site here Cape Breton Island Building & Construction Trades Council and Unionized Cape Breton Contractors Entrance Bursary – NSCC Student Awards (academicworks.ca)