Stacey Noronha | May 21st, 2025
On May 7, 2025, exactly eleven years to the day since Build a Dream was founded, we found ourselves standing at Queen’s Park, not just reflecting on how far we’ve come, but focused on how much further we can go.
Why Advocacy Matters
Our first-ever Advocacy Day and evening reception at the Ontario Legislature was a powerful reminder that raising awareness among government leaders is not only essential, but also impactful.
Build a Dream’s mission has always been rooted in advancing equity in workforce development. This work is about breaking down barriers, amplifying underrepresented voices, and creating real opportunities so that every individual can thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
Key Conversations That Moved Us
Throughout the day, we met with Members of Provincial Parliament and policy leaders across parties, discussing the urgent need for solutions that support women and underrepresented groups in the workforce:
- We met with Essex MPP and Deputy Government House Leader Anthony Leardi to share the growing concerns our career support specialists are hearing from women in skilled trades, particularly around how tariffs are affecting their livelihoods and employment stability.
- With Alexa Gilmour, NDP Critic for Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, we addressed issues of pregnancy discrimination in the trades and the persistent lack of access to affordable childcare, both of which are major barriers to retention in male-dominated fields.
- In our meeting with Chris Glover, NDP Critic for Technology and Innovation, we explored how modular housing training could serve as a dual solution to both the housing crisis and the skilled labour shortage, particularly by upskilling and reskilling women.
“These conversations reflect the deep connections between policy, equity, and economic resilience, and we’re proud to be part of driving that dialogue forward.”
An Evening of Purpose-Driven Leadership
That evening, we welcomed MPPs, industry leaders, advocates, and Build a Dream supporters for a reception celebrating inclusive leadership and future-focused collaboration.
We were honoured to have Associate Minister of Women Charmaine Williams open the evening with powerful words on the importance of equity, access, and opportunity. We also heard inspiring remarks from MPP Catherine McKenney, MPP Andrew Dowie, MPP Karen McCrimmon, and MPP Mike Schreiner, each expressing their support for our work and our shared vision for a more inclusive workforce.
Our gratitude also extends to our incredible industry partners. Leaders from sectors including mining, energy, construction, manufacturing, and technology, joined us in the room. Their continued collaboration is vital to building real, sustainable pathways for the next generation of talent.
What’s Next
Our work doesn’t end with a single day of advocacy. In the weeks ahead, we’re committed to continuing these important conversations through follow-up meetings with key decision-makers.
“Our goal is to move the needle on the issues that matter most to the communities we serve”.
We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter their background, gender, or postal code. Together, with our partners in government, industry, and community, we’re not just building awareness, we’re building the future of Canada’s workforce.