Karen Renkema 🔨
@KRenkema
Followers
703
Following
2K
Media
26
Statuses
1K
Vice President, Ontario for @PCACanada. Construction, Skilled Trades, Competition, Productivity, and Fairness are my professional passions.
Toronto
Joined April 2009
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!
"Successfully we've convinced the youth, but I'm not sure we're quite there with the parents." — @KRenkema (@pcacanada @SkilledTradesON) on the diminishing stigma around trades education, tonight at 8pm with @JeyanTVO and Brian Barron (@OntConstSec) | Producer: Mike Attenborough
0
1
4
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
4
1
4
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!
Always great to see Karen Renkema (left) VP Ontario at @PCACanada at the 2025 Ontario Apprenticeship Summit! #SkilledTrades
0
1
2
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
0
2
3
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 https://t.co/C7YYeIQ4W9 and sign the petition. @clacunion #fedpoli #infrastructure #letsgetbuilding
0
1
1
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: https://t.co/C7YYeIQ4W9.
#fedpoli #construction @clacunion
Conservative's Canada First National Energy Corridor will build pipelines, transmission lines, rail lines and all the infrastructure needed to make Canada an economic powerhouse and break our dependence on the U.S. To bring it home, vote for change. Vote Conservative:
0
1
1
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
Paul de Jong: In the face of today’s economic threats, it’s time for Canada to get building This article is made possible by @PCACanada and readers like you. Full article here:
5
10
29
TO taxpayers are overpaying for city projects by $347 million annually. All because @TorontoCouncil restricts competition. Join our campaign: https://t.co/CHKUTCOA32 and urge council to save, not waste your tax dollars. @cardusca @clacunion #TOpoli #fairandopenTO
0
2
1
#OntarioVotes2025: Congratulations @fordnation on winning a third majority. We look forward to working with you to build a stronger Ontario. Read our release here: https://t.co/n39HOmETEV
#Onpoli #construction #skilledtrades
0
1
3
Here we go again. @TorontoCouncil is considering another hefty tax increase during today’s budget debate. There is better way. https://t.co/6ArHdxqdFr
#TOpoli @cardusca @clacunion
0
1
2
Thanks @ONRoadBuilders for a great discussion on one of my favourite public policy issues. Congrats on a great conference!
Our VP Ontario @KRenkema joined a panel @ONRoadBuilders conference with a message for young people. “Getting a trade certification is not the end of your journey. It could be just the start. Trades open up all kinds of opportunities in construction.”
0
0
3
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.
0
1
5
Thanks @JillDunlop1 @MPPBarnesAjax and @LaurieScottPC for stopping by the @clacunion and @PCACanada Queens Park lobby day reception.
0
2
4
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
The construction sector is a vital part of Ontario’s economic engine. That’s why I was happy to meet with @PCACanada and @clacunion today as we discussed how we can continue to support our skilled trades workers.
0
3
5
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.
A great start to CEO Candice White's first day at Skilled Trades Ontario. Our leadership team, including Michael Barnett and Michael Sherrard, had the privilege of meeting with @clacunion and @PCACanada in Toronto yesterday.
0
0
3
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 👏🏻
Under Premier @fordnation’s leadership, we’re returning over $2.5 Billion to workers and safe employers through WSIB rebates, lower premiums, and health & safety investments. More jobs, bigger paycheques, and safer workplaces - this is how we’re building a brighter future for all
0
2
5
It was a privilege to bring thanks to @fordnation and @DavidPiccini on behalf of our @clacunion members, and especially from those like Shiloh who’ve begun a bright new career in the trades because of SDF support.
Thx to the ON govt for its continuing investment in the Skills Development Fund (SDF). Through SDF-supported programs like CLAC's Construction Bootcamp, CLAC and partners are working to solve the skills gap and worker shortage in the construction sector @fordnation @DavidPiccini
0
2
6
SDF funding recognizes the flexible skills needed for a 21st century job market. Skills that can be transitioned and used across the industry as well as supporting apprentices throughout their journey! Thank you @DavidPiccini and @fordnation
Doug Ford pledges $260M for employers and unions to train workers. Ford said Monday he was boosting the province’s “skills development fund” in order to help fill some of the nearly 300,000 available jobs in Ontario.
1
4
6
Doug Ford pledges $260M for employers and unions to train workers. Ford said Monday he was boosting the province’s “skills development fund” in order to help fill some of the nearly 300,000 available jobs in Ontario.
4
4
12
Thank you @fordnation for announcing additional Skills Development Funding! “PCA members are pleased to partner with CLAC as their SDF funding gives young people the chance to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades,” says our VP Ontario, @KRenkema. #skilledtrades
1
4
12