Who We Are
We connect Canada’s industrial facilities with qualified skilled trades through streamlined maintenance agreements—making complex projects simpler.
The General Presidents’ Maintenance Committee and National Maintenance Council for Canada represents an alliance of 13 building trades unions, working with more than 120 employers. Our agreements facilitate over 12,000 jobs and $1 billion in annual wages—making us Canada’s premier industrial maintenance partnership.
Our Heritage of Excellence
What began with a single contract at a Sarnia refinery has grown into a nationwide network generating $1 billion annually in wages and benefits. For over 70 years, we’ve built our reputation on a simple principle: bringing together the best trained, safest, and most productive workforce in the nation. Today, our agreements cover every major industrial sector, from oil sands extraction in Alberta to power generation in the Maritimes, providing the skilled trades that keep Canada’s economy running.
Partnership in Action
Our success comes from the strength of our tripartite relationship—uniting project owners, signatory employers, and labour providers in a shared commitment to excellence. We simplify complex maintenance projects by providing one agreement that covers all trades, whether for routine maintenance or critical plant shutdowns. This streamlined approach helps contractors bid more effectively, gives industrial facilities immediate access to qualified workers, and ensures projects are completed safely, on time, and on budget.
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce
Beyond maintaining today’s infrastructure, we’re investing in the future. Through our annual $50,000 bursary program, we support the next generation pursuing post-secondary education. Our Canadian Safety Achievement Awards recognize excellence in workplace safety, while our charitable giving strengthens the communities where our members live and work. Every project we facilitate creates stable, long-term employment that supports thousands of families across Canada—proving that good jobs and industrial progress go hand in hand.
Canadian Safety Achievement Awards
Each year, we recognize outstanding safety achievements in the unionized maintenance industry through six Canadian Safety Achievement Awards. Join us in honoring the companies and workers who are setting new standards for health and safety across Canada.
By the Numbers
$1B
Annual contribution to the Canadian economy through maintenance wages and benefits
20M
Craft hours worked each year under GPMC | NMC agreements
12k+
Full-time jobs sustained annually through our maintenance contracts
74+
Years of building Canada’s industrial workforce since 1952
Our Team
The GPMC/NMC is governed by representatives from 13 international building trades unions working together to administer maintenance agreements across Canada. Our committee members and staff bring decades of collective experience in labour relations, contract administration, and industrial maintenance to serve signatory employers, union members, and industry partners.
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Brett McKenzie
Executive Director
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Trent Valentine
Labour Relations
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Charmaine Symmers
CS2A Program Director
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Sam McKenzie
National Representative
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Angela Bamberger
Executive Assistant
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Carter Leung
Communications Coordinator
“What truly sets CS2A apart is the spirit of collaboration it fosters among industry partners. Despite the competitive nature of our field, the program highlights how, when it comes to safety, we are united by common goals. We put aside our rivalries to ensure that every member of the workforce is protected to the highest standards. Safety is not just an expectation—it is non-negotiable and remains our number one priority, always.”
Curtis Ledger
CAM Industrial Solutions ULC
“The Canadian Safety Achievement Awards (CS2A) Program stands as a beacon of recognition for safety excellence within one of the most challenging and hazardous industries in our country. CS2A provides a proper and respected forum where organizations and individuals committed to safety can be celebrated for their dedication and achievements.” Adam Green, AlumaSafway, Inc.”
Adam Green
Vice-President – Wood Buffalo
“The GPMC/NMC provides the predictability and stability that the maintenance industry requires to move forward with confidence. Their transparent processes, clear communication, and steadfast commitment to industry standards give Clients and partners assurance that projects will be executed smoothly while providing cost certainty. With the GPMC/NMC as a partner, organizations can focus on innovation and growth, knowing that their workforce needs are in capable hands and that the path ahead is stable.”
Mitch Soetaert, P.Eng.
Vice President & General Manager – Melloy Industrial Services Inc.
“The Committee’s decisions are consistently driven by prevailing market conditions, ensuring that strategies and actions are both relevant and effective. Throughout its history, the GPMC/NMC has not shied away from making the difficult decisions required to provide true leadership. Their willingness to adapt and respond proactively to the ever-changing environment has set a standard for organizational responsiveness and resilience.”
Mark Ramsden, P.Eng.
Senior Vice President, North American Operations – CAM Industrial Solutions
“Over the years, I have witnessed the unwavering commitment of the General Presidents’ Maintenance Committee for Canada and the National Maintenance Council for Canada (GPMC/NMC) to the advancement and stability of our industry. You can always count on the GPMC/NMC to be there to support the industry, regardless of the challenges or circumstances that arise.”
Glenn Tardif
V.P. Operations – Edmonton Exchanger
“The GPMC/NMC’s steadfast presence provides employers, unions, and workers with confidence and reassurance, knowing that there is a reliable and thoughtful body working to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders. Their dedication to fair solutions and industry best practices has had a profound positive impact, fostering growth and stability for the entire sector.”
Kyle MacDonald
Area Manager, Irving Refinery and Halifax Branch – Aluma Safway
“A particular strength of the GPMC/NMC is their ability to work seamlessly with local unions. Their deep understanding of labour dynamics allows them to meet craft personnel requirements efficiently, ensuring that Clients have access to the skilled workforce they need—when they need it. This responsiveness is critical in an industry where timelines are tight and project success depends on having the right people in place. The GPMC/NMC’s respectful and constructive engagement with union partners fosters a cooperative environment that benefits both workers and employers alike.”
Jean-Marc Ringuette
Business Manager – Local 502, IBEW
Our Partnership Model
GPMC | NMC’s success is built on bringing together three essential partners who each play a critical role in maintaining Canada’s industrial infrastructure. This tripartite relationship ensures projects are completed safely, efficiently, and with the highest skilled workforce available.
Project Owners & Clients
Major industrial facilities—from oil refineries to manufacturing plants—that need reliable maintenance to keep operations running. These companies depend on access to large numbers of skilled tradespeople for both routine maintenance and critical shutdowns.
Signatory Contractors
The maintenance companies that manage and execute work on industrial sites. They coordinate the workforce, ensure safety standards, meet project deadlines, and deliver quality results while providing stable employment and fair working conditions.
Skilled Trades Unions
The 13 International Building Trades Unions and their local affiliates who supply the trained workforce. These are the actual workers on-site—electricians, pipefitters, welders, and other specialists—who perform the critical maintenance that keeps Canada’s economy moving.