The Community Benefits Movement

Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) play an important role in ensuring that, when large property developments take place in low-income communities, the investment is leveraged to create good union jobs, local hiring, youth training, and affordable housing.

The Labour Council supported the founding of the Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN) in 2013.  TCBN is the city’s leading organization advocating for and negotiating effective and legally enforceable CBAs that respond directly to each community’s distinct needs.  It aims to promote equitable economic inclusion and workforce development as well as neighbourhood and environmental improvements.

The Labour Council has endorsed and supported the growth of the community benefits movement because it aligns with our justice-seeking values.  Read the Labour Council’s January 2013 statement for more. 

CBAs have been negotiated for ongoing major infrastructure projects including the Eglinton Crosstown, the Casino Woodbine expansion, and the West Park Healthcare Centre development.  These developments’ approvals by the City of Toronto are contingent upon compliance with the CBAs, making them accountable to their commitments.

In July 2019, the City of Toronto passed a landmark community benefits framework which sets the standard for all future developments within the City as well as its agencies, boards, and commissions.