The 2025 Tax Fraud Days of Action campaign came during a politically charged time in Canada, with simultaneous consequential provincial and federal elections underway, capturing the national focus. Even with many elected officials nationwide focused on campaigning, the UBC Canadian District made significant strides in raising awareness, influencing policy, and advocating for positive legislative change on tax fraud in the construction industry.
On March 7, 2025, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship visited UBC Local 27’s Training Centre in Vaughan, Ontario, the College of Carpenters and Allied Trades, to announce federal immigration initiatives to combat construction industry tax fraud. As part of Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, foreign workers can access apprenticeship programs without requiring a study permit or a work permit. This change provides a legal and stable pathway for foreign workers to avoid the underground economy and become registered apprentices.
Additionally, the federal government announced the creation of a Tripartite Advisory Council – bringing together government, industry, and labour – to identify labour needs in the construction industry. As a member of this council, the UBC will help shape positive future immigration strategies for skilled trades workers.
The UBC met with policymakers at all levels throughout the 2025 Tax Fraud Days of Action Campaign. At the provincial level, conversations took place with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Finance Minister Jim Reiter, members of the Manitoba NDP caucus, and Ministerial Offices in British Columbia.
At the Federal level, now-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney made time during his election campaign to discuss the issue of tax fraud with UBC leadership. As a direct result of these discussions, Carney’s Liberal Party introduced into their platform that his government would incentivize employers to hire apprentices on federally funded capital projects. If implemented, this proposal would help ensure that registered, documented workers are used on large-scale infrastructure developments.
Despite Tax Fraud Days of Action 2025 occurring during a federal election, UBC is pleased to have secured key government commitments to strengthen the efforts to combat tax fraud in our industry.
