Fiera Capital Corporation and the Canadian District of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) have launched a new platform to initially invest over C$800m (€489m) in union-built real asset projects across Canada.
The Canadian Built Opportunities Platform initially split its investments equally between infrastructure and real estate, with a plan to reach over C$1bn in assets within three years.
The platform will prioritise greenfield projects in multi-residential housing and essential public infrastructure, with all developments using union labour to ensure high standards for wages, workplace safety and benefits for members of the Canadian District of the UBC.
Infrastructure investments will be managed by Fiera Infrastructure under the leadership of managing director Jamie Crotin. The mandate will focus on social and civil infrastructure, transportation and renewable energy projects.
Real estate investments will be managed by Fiera Real Estate Investments, led by Pierre Pelletier, senior MD and head of development and debt, with a strategic focus on urban and multi-residential developments and industrial projects.
Jason Rowe, Canadian District vice-president, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, said: “The infrastructure and real estate strategy is about building more than just infrastructure and real estate – it’s about building opportunity for union members and delivering lasting value to our communities.
“By investing directly in union-built projects, we’re creating good-paying jobs, supporting apprenticeships and ensuring that the benefits of development stay with the workers who make it possible.”
John Valentini, president and CEO of Fiera Private Markets, said: “Fiera’s teams have delivered significant infrastructure and real estate projects across Canada by combining disciplined investment with operational excellence.
“With this new mandate, we are building a platform that sets a benchmark for value creation and real-world impact.”
Maxime Ménard, global president and CEO of Fiera Capital, said: “The Canadian Built Opportunities Platform is a testament to our ability to design and deliver high-impact, customised investment solutions. Our partnership with the Canadian District of the UBC is building on our experience in managing pension assets for multi-employers and redefining how investment capital can support skilled labour and local communities.
“This initiative is part of our commitment to leadership in responsible investing and to playing a part in building Canada’s future prosperity.”
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