Karen Renkema 🔨

🎧 Tune in to a new episode of the #ConstructiveThinking podcast: tinyurl.com/3tbm92x2 Mental health in construction gets a lot of attention - but what about financial wellness? The two are closely connected, and both play a critical role in building a more productive, engaged workforce 🏗️ 🎤 Listen as Kevin McCarthy of Enriched Academy and PCA’s Karen Renkema explore how improving financial wellness can support better outcomes across the construction industry.

🚧 Roadblocks to construction in Toronto & BC: similar labour challenges exist, but thanks to principled leadership this could change. Read an op-ed by PCA's Karen Renkema featured in The Hub Canada: tinyurl.com/3z2e3bzv

.@KRenkema: Construction procurement policies compound Toronto and B.C.’s fiscal challenges This article is presented in partnership with @PCACanada. thehub.ca/2026/03/17/con…

This Women in Construction Week, PCA recognizes the women across our member companies who are leading projects, managing teams, mentoring apprentices and driving innovation across Canada’s construction industry. As Canada faces labour shortages and major infrastructure demands, expanding opportunity and participation in the workforce is critical. Supporting women in construction isn’t symbolic — it’s essential to building the skilled workforce Canada needs. #WomenInConstructionWeek #WIC #SupportingWomenInConstruction

Thank you @JeyanTVO and @therundowntvo for having me to chat about a subject I am obviously incredibly (maybe too!) passionate about - simplifying and increasing pathways into the skilled trades, and the dynamic construction industry!

Great evening at the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada reception with partners from Christian Labour Association of Canada Valuable conversations with leaders driving innovation, supporting apprentices, and building opportunity as we strengthen Ontario’s workforce

Great to spend the day with old and new friends at the 2025 Ontario Apprenticeship Summit. Shout out to the CLAC Jobs and Apprenticeship team for all the great work they are doing mentoring and supporting our next generation of skilled trades!

ICYMI: ‘Things are shifting and moving so quickly’: @BrianDijkema and @Chris_Griz on the political realignment reshaping Canadian politics and policy. This episode is made possible by @PCACanada and listeners like you. Full episode here: thehub.ca/podcast/audio/…

Fast-tracking major resource projects will attract investment, strengthen communities, and diversify trade partners. Let's Get Building to secure our economic future. Go to letsgetbuilding.ca and sign the petition. @clacunion #fedpoli #infrastructure #letsgetbuilding

Yes! The sooner these projects are built the sooner Canadians benefit from new jobs, investment and energy security. Support our Let’s Get Building campaign by signing our petition. Go to: letsgetbuilding.ca. #fedpoli #construction @clacunion

Don’t let it be said that Canada can’t build energy infrastructure. In fact, the decade prior to 2015 saw several projects built. This included: —Kinder Morgan’s Anchor Loop increased Trans Mountain pipeline capacity between Alberta and British Columbia by 40,000 barrels per day. It received its National Energy Board approval in 2006 and was in service in 2008. —TC Energy’s original Keystone pipeline converted an existing gas line to crude oil with a further 370-kilometre new pipeline, and created 435,000 barrels per day capacity. It received National Energy Board approval in 2007 and was in service in 2010. —TransCanada’s Cushing expansion, with 156,000 barrels per day of new capacity for Keystone, received national Energy Board approval in 2008 and was in service in 2010. —Enbridge’s Line 9B reversal project received National Energy Board approval in 2014 and was in service in 2015. Its 300,000 barrels per day capacity helped replace foreign oil. —Enbridge’s Alberta Clipper, received its National Energy Board approval in 2008 and was in service in 2010, and also received a U.S. Presidential Permit as it crosses the border. —The first phase of Enbridge’s Clipper Expansion Project added 120,000 barrels per day of expanded capacity. It received National Energy Board approval in 2013 and was in service the same year. —The second phase of Enbridge’s Clipper Expansion Project added 230,000 further barrels per day of expanded capacity. It received National Energy Board approval in 2014 and was in service the same year. —Enbridge’s Line 4 Extension Project created 880,000 barrels per day of new capacity. It was approved by the National Energy Board in 2008 and in service as of 2009. —Enbridge’s Edmonton to Hardisty project added 570,000 barrels per day. It received National Energy Board approval in 2015 and was in service the same year. —@PCACanada

TO taxpayers are overpaying for city projects by $347 million annually. All because @TorontoCouncil restricts competition. Join our campaign: fairandopentoronto.ca and urge council to save, not waste your tax dollars. @cardusca @clacunion #TOpoli #fairandopenTO

#OntarioVotes2025: Congratulations @fordnation on winning a third majority. We look forward to working with you to build a stronger Ontario. Read our release here: tinyurl.com/52442wyk #Onpoli #construction #skilledtrades

Here we go again. @TorontoCouncil is considering another hefty tax increase during today’s budget debate. There is better way. tinyurl.com/39en7jjh #TOpoli @cardusca @clacunion

Thanks @ONRoadBuilders for a great discussion on one of my favourite public policy issues. Congrats on a great conference!

Our VP Ontario @KRenkema, a panelist @ONRoadBuilders conference. Karen credits changes by @fordnation including lower apprenticeship ratios and an end to the Ontario College of Trades for a major shift in welcoming more Ontarians to the #skilledtrades.

Thanks ⁦@JillDunlop1⁩ ⁦@MPPBarnesAjax⁩ and ⁦@LaurieScottPC⁩ for stopping by the ⁦@clacunion⁩ and ⁦@PCACanada⁩ Queens Park lobby day reception.

Thank you @PaulCalandra for your time and your Government's strong partnership with the industry to continue to build our skilled trades workforce and infrastructure for the next generation. @PCACanada @clacunion

Thank you @SkilledTradesON for your generous amount time, and great discussion. And thank you Candace for taking this time on your first day! We look forward to continuing to support you as you help grow our skilled trades workforce and support apprentices.

This government is laser focused on reducing barriers to entry in the skilled trades.Reducing the exam fee for apprentices is just one example of @fordnation and @DavidPiccini leadership on this file.WSIB rebates for safe employers allow for a reinvestment in safety innovation 👏🏻