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The BC Lions is hosting its second annual \u201cSalute the Trades\u201d game night on Friday, Sept. 7, when the Lions take on the Ottawa Red Blacks.<\/p>\nThe BC Lions is hosting its second annual \u201cSalute the Trades\u201d game night on Friday, Sept. 7, when the Lions take on the Ottawa Red Blacks.<\/p>\n
The first BC Lions \u201cSalute the Trades\u201d game night was held last September, inviting BC\u2019s registered apprentices to purchase generously discounted tickets. The Lions also extended a similar opportunity to all B.C.\u2019s construction workers and tradespeople. Over 20,000 attended the game, with the first 3,000 receiving collectible safety-grade construction hard hats courtesy of Mark\u2019s Commercial.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re very pleased that the BC Lions have again made this meaningful acknowledgement to the hard-working men and women of our industry\u201d says Chris Atchison, BCCA President. \u201cThere are a lot of football fans in our workforce of 235,000 and it\u2019s great to give them this chance to experience a game together on a night dedicated to their skills and achievements.\u201d<\/p>\n
Construction is booming in BC yet the industry predicts a shortage of more than 14,000 skilled tradespeople over the next eight years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re proud to show how much the industry matters in the football community\u201d said George Chayka, VP of Business for the Lions. \u201cIt\u2019s a moment to consider the hard work and dedication that it takes to build structures such as our home at BC Place, and also the many stadiums and recreational facilities across the province which are so important to BC\u2019s sports fans.\u201d<\/p>\n
With more than 23,500 construction companies in B.C. contributing 8.6% of provincial GDP, the industry\u2019s skilled workforce reaches into every community and plays a crucial role in BC\u2019s local economies.<\/p>\n