The UBC COMMUNITY BUILDER Recognition Campaign

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters is calling attention to the growing problem of construction industry tax fraud.

Carpenters and Millwrights throughout Canada and the United States will be combatting fraud in the construction industry from April 13–19 with a variety of events. 

Tax fraud hurts everyone, and it is a big problem in the Canadian economy. According to Statistics Canada the gross domestic product (GDP) at market prices for underground economic activity in Canada was estimated to be $68.5 billion, or 2.7% of total GDP, in 2021.

In the construction industry, tax fraud happens when workers are paid off the books or intentionally misclassified as independent contractors by shady subcontractors and labour brokers who are hired by contractors to underbid law-abiding businesses. 

When contractors play by the rules, we all win. 

Builders who follow fair practices contribute to building their communities — to roads, bridges, hospitals and schools, and to social services. 

UBC is inaugurating the COMMUNITY BUILDERS Recognition Campaign to shine a light on some of the many contractors who play by the rules, honouring their steadfast dedication to fair practices, worker rights, and industry excellence.

This recognition will draw attention to the contribution towards community building that’s made by carpenters and millwrights and their contractor partners in the five councils in Canada including Atlantic Canada Regional Council of Carpenters, Millwrights & Allied Workers, Conseil Régional Québécois, National Construction Council, Millwright Regional Council, and Carpenters Regional Council.