How do we build a more equitable future in the skilled trades?

On this episode of Deconstructed, host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Dr. Eden Hennessey, Research and Programs Director at the Laurier Centre for Women in Science, to talk about her photo research exhibit Building Equitable Trades.

From the systemic barriers women and gender-diverse people face, to the urgent labour shortages ahead, Dr. Hennessey shares why time alone won’t fix representation in the trades — and how policy, mentorship, and cultural change can. With stories of resilience, allyship, and a call for more data, this conversation is both a reality check and a roadmap for building a stronger, more inclusive industry.

You're invited to share your thoughts in the Perception of Experiences in the Trades survey.

What if the future of construction wasn’t just about building, but about reusing, repurposing, and reimagining what we already have? In this episode of Deconstructed, host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Carly Connor, founder and CEO of Green Salvage Materials, to explore how the industry can move from a waste-heavy model to a truly circular economy.

From heritage brick to surplus windows, Carly shares how her team is creating systems of trust and marketplaces that connect what contractors, designers, and municipalities throw away with those who need it most. With landfill space running out and construction costs on the rise, her vision offers not only an environmental solution, but also an economic one.

If you’ve ever wondered how construction waste could become construction’s greatest untapped resource, this conversation will open your eyes to the possibilities.

In this episode of GVCA Deconstructed, host Mandy Bujold chats with Stefanie Bruinsma and Emily Pyke, co‑founders of AutoCate, about their mission to help women feel confident in the garage and behind the wheel.

They share how AutoCate’s hands‑on workshops teach practical skills—like changing a spare tire, boosting a battery, and reading your owner’s manual—while tackling the “pink tax” and breaking down stereotypes in the trades. You’ll hear how their work is inspiring new confidence, building community, and showing that everyone belongs in the shop.

00:00 – Stefanie’s journey into the trades
04:15 – From shop class to engineering
06:45 – The inspiration behind AutoCate
08:03 – Workshops: spare tires, batteries, and more
10:15 – Hands‑on learning builds confidence
11:30 – Tackling the “pink tax”
13:30 – Stories from participants
21:23 – Emily’s perspective and Women of the Year award
24:54 – On‑call advice for car owners
26:21 – What better looks like in the industry