This first-ever recognition program in Canada spotlights community minded contractors who are playing their part to build communities throughout Canada.

Calling attention to the growing problem of construction industry tax fraud, The United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) proudly inaugurates the ‘Community Builder’ 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.

Construction industry tax fraud, labour trafficking and the underground economy hurt everyone and cost the Canadian economy billions. 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 the total GDP, in 2021.

The recognition program launched in Canada is part of a broader annual industry campaign titled ‘Construction Industry Tax Fraud Days of Action,’ where carpenters and millwrights throughout Canada and the United States are combatting tax fraud in the construction industry and calling on municipal, provincial, state and federal governments to partner with them and take steps to tackle this growing issue.

The ‘Community Builder’ recognition campaign in 2023 recognizes carpenters and millwrights and their contractor partners in UBC’s 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.

The recipient of this recognition in the Greater Toronto Area Arsenal Constructors. is Joe Zamparo, President,.

Acknowledging the company’s contribution, Jason Rowe, Executive Secretary-Treasurer for the Carpenters’ Regional Council, said, “Congratulations to Arsenal Constructors, one of the most well-deserving contractors we work with. They’re a company that operates ethically and is well trusted in our industry. They are building communities by following fair practices, supporting worker rights, and industry excellence, and are paving the way for all contractors to follow.”