Trades NL is calling on all party leaders in the province to put a community benefits lens on all infrastructure and resources development activity in this province to ensure maximum job opportunities for local workers.

Executive Director Darin King says the umbrella group, which represents trades workers in the province, has written all four political leaders asking them to implement a community benefit agreement similar to those in Quebec, Alberta, BC and Manitoba, if elected.

He says building and diversifying the economy and supporting greater opportunities in the trades sector for under-represented workers is key.

King says the easiest way to do that is to ensure that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are hired first. King is surprised that none of the parties seems focused on that issue at this time.