BY PAUL JUNOR
Chris Campbell is passionate about improving the construction industry for everyone. He is well-known within the construction sector as a transformational leader and positive social agent of change. His rise up the ladder of union leadership from an apprentice and journeyperson to foreman, supervisor, instructor, direction of equity, diversity and inclusion, to vice-president and currently President of the Carpenters’ Union Local 27 Toronto is a notable success story. It reflects years and decades of hard work, perseverance, dedication and resilience. Campbell is thankful to his: family, friends, colleagues, membership, leadership, and General Vice President Jason Rowe for their support over the years.
I sent Campbell a list of questions in order to get a better understanding of this classic, renaissance man. He was born in Jamaica and his father Trevor Campbell, who came from St. Mary worked as a construction worker in Kingston. His mother was a homemaker where she loved and took care of him and his two sisters. He attended Calabar All Age School during his elementary years and later St. Andrew Technical School (STATHS) where he excelled in subjects such as: Math, Physics, and Biology. He noted that chemistry was challenging.
Campbell credits the influence of his two uncles: Percy Wright, an electrician and Winston Wright, a welder. In 1987, he migrated to Canada and credits two mentors: Frank Lake and Rose Wright, who personally helped him and were able to help him get in the trades. He was fascinated about the construction of large infrastructure projects, and this was a catalyst for his desire to pursue a career in the trades. He notes, “I was drawn to the city’s infrastructure and the income was sustainable.” Thankfully, his family was also a source of encouragement for his pursuits.
Campbell attended night school at York Memorial Collegiate Institute. He completed the apprenticeship program and passed Ontario’s Red Seal Exam in 1994. He was recruited by Janice Gairey and Ivan Dawes and has been active in the Coalition of Black Trade Unions (CBTU) where he is now a board member. He states, “I have deep respect for the advocacy work CBTU does for the BIPOC workers in the labor movement.”
Campbell shares the advice that Bromley Armstrong, the Canadian civil rights leader gave him about navigating the union process. Armstrong told him, “Study essential texts, like your local’s bylaws, union constitution, and Robert’s Rules of Order, attend general meetings, and let your voice be heard.” He also encouraged him to engage in community outreach and government lobbying. He was also told to, “Learn the rules of the game and follow them.”
With respect to exposure to racial incidents, macroaggressions, and discriminations, Campbell rises above these challenges. He states, “It’s important not to let a few negative experiences deter you. Stay focused on your dreams and keep moving forward.” Campbell has specific advice for youths who are thinking of pursuing a career in the trades, “Find a mentor, do thorough research, and plan ahead. Look into high school credits needed, as government requirements vary by trade. Understand factors like pay rates, physical work environments and apprentices timelines.”
Campbell is grateful for the advice that Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown College and Marsha Brown gave when he decided to launch an endowment fund in his name. He is grateful to the many industry officials who donated to this fund that will support youths who are pursuing careers in the trades.
As a trained carpenter, Chris has been a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America union for over 34 years. He has been a part of the Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN) since it was launched where he currently serves as Chair. He was a strong proponent for corporations, organizations and business to sign the community benefits agreement for the Eglinton LRT Line, “We need strong solid wording from Metrolinx and contractors to include and have 10% or more of the project benefiting local communities. This is about Metrolinx the corporation to include the 10% for our local youth, for our apprentices at our Union Hall. Our unions represent the demographics of the community. It is critical that the local youths be able to start and complete an apprenticeship on these projects. These projects are multi-billion-dollar projects right in our neighbourhoods.”
I saw Chris on Saturday, October 19th, when he received an Impact Award for his stellar and spectacular leadership within the Carpenters’ Regional Council where he serves as Director of: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and has since November 2020 as well as his stint as Vice-President of the Carpenters’ Union Local 27 from December 2021 to May 2024. He assumed his present role as President of the Carpenters’ Union Local 27 in May 2024. “I cannot forget the pivotal role that Mike Yorke, former President of CDCO played as a mentor and leader who encouraged me to attend union meetings and learn about union activities,” Chris shared.
Campbell has been actively involved in many volunteer and philanthropic activities over the years. His selfless service has been recognized with many awards. Two individuals commented on Campbell’s spirit of giving back in a local community newspaper. Mike Yorke states, “He is someone that gives back, mentoring apprentices of our next generation, or through Habitat for Humanity in place like Haiti and in Memphis and building a school in his home country of Trelawney, Jamaica with a team of Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation/Food For The Poor.”
Dr. Sylvanus Thompson, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council member states, “In breaking barriers and building a future where every craftsman’s voice is heard, the appointment of Chris Campbell as the first black President of the Carpenters’ Union in Canada is a historic step towards equality and strength in unity. The moment celebrates not just as a leader within the Carpenters’ Union but a trailblazer who embodies the spirit of progress and inclusion in the broader community.”
In an article by Angela Gismondi on June 10th, 2024, for Daily Commercial News, Campbell shares his vision of what it means to be a leader of the 10,000 strong union. He states, “My vision is to encourage people from all backgrounds who aspire to work in the industry, or to become carpenters to step forward and become a member. My vision is to continue to grow the organization. My vision is to have the organization be a symbol of what our construction unions should be: in terms of representation, in terms of community involvement, and in terms of reflecting the local community that they’re serving. I want to build on the legacy of previous presidents and leadership.”
