Tradespeople Need Child Care to Build Up Ontario
LiUNA Local 506 is a key partner in developing Ontario’s skilled trades workforce. We have a frontline view on what is working to bring new workers into the skilled trades and what barriers prevent us from developing and sustaining the skilled trades workforce that Ontario needs.
One major barrier has become increasingly clear: the lack of access to quality child care that aligns with the needs of workers in the building trades.
Why Child Care is a Barrier for Tradespeople
There are a number of factors which make skilled trades work in construction distinct, creating challenges to accessing child care. These factors include:
- Early start times
- Overtime
- Start and end times, which can be unpredictable
- Regularly changing worksites with differing amounts of time needed to get to work
- Time-limited projects for multiple contractors
- Unexpected last-minute changes, including due to weather
- Periods off work in-between jobs
Together, these realities make it hard for parents in the skilled trades – both men and women – to access licensed child care that is generally designed around a typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday.
Our Response: The Construction and Child Care Research Initiative
To address this challenge, we launched the LiUNA Local 506 Construction and Child Care Research Initiative in 2024-25 with the support of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund.
Through this project, we conducted research on barriers to child care access for tradespeople. We consulted with more than 30 stakeholder organizations, partners and experts – including Local 506 members.
Research Findings
Building Up Child Care for Workers in the Skilled Trade
Final research report shares findings of the whole project and what needs to change in the system
Practical Toolkits for Tradespeople and Partners
To help you navigate the current child care system as a tradesperson:
- Short version with key points and critical information for parents
- Long version for a more detailed perspective and to continue building your knowledge and confidence
Highlights the top three actions that employer and labour partners can take to create change
Identifies steps that municipal, provincial, and federal governments can take to improve child care for the trades workforce
Project Leadership
The Construction and Child Care Research Initiative was led by the LiUNA Local 506 Training Centre with the support of Medow Consulting and special advisor Martha Friendly and the team at the Childcare Resource and Research Unit (CRRU).
Looking Ahead: Phase Two Coming in 2025-26
With further support from Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, the LiUNA Local 506 Training Centre is continuing to explore what child care solutions can look like for our members and all skilled tradespeople in Ontario in 2025-26.
Further Resources Linked in Toolkits
LiUNA Local 506 Construction and Child Care Research Initiative – Toolkit Resources
Tradespeople Toolkit – Full version
- Ontario Ministry of Education – Licensed Child Care Search
- City of Toronto – Licensed Child Care
- Region of Peel – Children & Parenting
- York Region – Children’s Services
- Durham Region – Finding Quality Child Care
- Durham Region – Child Care Programs Map
- Legislative Assembly of Ontario – Current Members
- House of Commons – Members of Parliament
- Child Care Now – About Us
- Childcare Resource and Research Unit – Homepage
- Building Child Care – Homepage
- Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care – Homepage
- Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care – Parents for Child Care
Tradespeople Toolkit – Short version
- Ontario Ministry of Education – Licensed Child Care Search
- City of Toronto – Child Care Locator
- Region of Peel – Child Care Directory
- York Region – Children’s Services Map
- Durham Region – Child Care Programs Map
- Legislative Assembly of Ontario – Current Members
- House of Commons – Members of Parliament
- Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care – Take Action
Employers and Labour Toolkit
