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.

Open Shop Contractors Launch Merit Canada

November 12, 2008 - Construction association leaders from across Canada met today at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel to finalize the structure, goals and political agenda for Merit Canada - a new national organization established to promote and support Canada’s open shop sector. Read more...

New Support for Apprentices Welcomed

October 6, 2008 - The federal government's announcement of $2,000 completion bonuses for apprentices is welcome news for the construction industry and an important step in the industry's ongoing struggle with skills shortages. Read more...

Union Leaders Out of Touch with Workers: Survey

September 2, 2008 - For Immediate Release - Edmonton - A Nanos Research survey completed in August and released on the Labour Day weekend by the Canadian LabourWatch Association indicates that most union leaders are out of touch with working Canadians. The research also noted a steep 17% decline Read 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...

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...

Edmonton's 13th Construction Boot Camp runs Feb 23-Mar 6, 2009.

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.