The Merit Contractors Association was formed in Alberta following the 1982-85 recession by owners and senior representatives of 15 general contracting firms concerned about the state of employee relations. At the time, recessionary and competitive pressures had emaciated the workforce and depressed wages. As well, few open shop contractors were providing benefit, retirement or training programs to their employees. Merit's founders felt a more cooperative approach to employee relations was required in the construction industry.

In 1994, the Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba was incorporated, enabling Manitoba's open shop contractors to participate in the Merit benefit plans.

Besides Manitoba, Merit Contractor associations are also found in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. Refer to Links to view their individual websites.

Merit Canada was established in November 2008 as a united national voice for the eight provincial Open Shop construction associations.

Merit Canada member organizations administer the largest multi-employer benefit plan in Canada's construction industry.

Edited by Contribute 2004-03-19