News & Events

What’s happening
at the local.

Updates from Local 409 and from SMART’s Canadian office — the news that reaches our membership across mainland Nova Scotia.

November 1, 2025Milestone

Local 409 marks 80 years of strength, solidarity and progress.

Chartered on November 1, 1945, Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers Local 409 turned 80 in 2025 — eight decades representing the tradespeople of mainland Nova Scotia. The milestone caps a stretch of real momentum: membership has climbed from 265 to roughly 375, with a 100% employment rate over the past two years on the back of a province-wide construction boom.

Business Manager George MacDonald points to a culture members want to stay in: “Come to 409, you are treated well, and treated fairly, and you can have a great career in our union.” The local has welcomed newcomers and members crossing from other trades, secured architectural-cladding jurisdiction, and is staffing the generational QEII hospital build — with a Local 409 training centre on the horizon.

Source: SMART Union · smart-union.org

May 19, 2026SMART Canada

New resources and support for Canadian members

SMART Canada Director Jack Wall has announced three new supports for Canadian members. (1) A dedicated Canadian Facebook page for member stories, local successes and updates from the Canadian office. (2) Enriched Academy financial wellness, now added to the Health & Welfare package — covering budgeting, debt management, investing and retirement planning, available to members and their immediate families. Reach out to the local for enrollment. (3) A Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy funding opportunity covering up to 50% of eligible training-equipment costs for Red Seal trades; SMART will promote proposals to locals for facility upgrades.

2025Jurisdiction

Architectural cladding designated under SMART in Nova Scotia

Architectural cladding is now an official trade under SMART's jurisdiction in the province — opening a path for carpenters, glaziers and non-union cladders to organize and build a career with Local 409. It's a meaningful expansion of scope and a direct driver of recent growth.

Feb 2025Project

QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion

The first phase of the Halifax Infirmary redevelopment — among the largest construction projects in provincial history — entered main construction in 2025 and calls for more than 130 sheet metal workers. It anchors years of work for the local.

May 2024Apprentices

Local 409 places at the Canadian Council apprentice competition

At the Canadian Council of Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers convention in Saint John, New Brunswick, apprentice Matthew Rector represented Local 409 with a second-place finish — and the local proudly fielded its first-ever female roofing competitor, who also placed second, recognized for her torching skill.