Fiera, United Bro launch $800M Canadian projects system

Executive Summary

• Fiera Capital Corp. and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) Canadian District have launched the "Canadian Built Opportunities Platform," a new real assets investment strategy.
• The platform has a dual mandate: generating risk-adjusted returns for investors and creating long-term employment opportunities for UBC union members through the use of union labor.
• The platform launches with an initial commitment of over $800 million, split equally between infrastructure and real estate, with a target to reach over $1 billion in assets within three years.

Key Details

• Initial Commitment: Over $800 million, divided equally between infrastructure and real estate investments.
• Growth Target: Aim to reach over $1 billion in assets within three years.
• Labor Requirement: All projects developed by the platform will utilize union labor, ensuring high standards for wages, workplace safety, and benefits for UBC members.
• Infrastructure Focus: Managed by Fiera Infrastructure Inc. (led by Jamie Crotin); focuses on social/civil infrastructure, transportation, and renewable energy projects.
• Real Estate Focus: Managed by Fiera Real Estate Investments Ltd. (led by Pierre Pelletier); focuses on urban/multiresidential developments and industrial projects.
• Project Type: Investments will prioritize greenfield projects in multiresidential housing and essential public infrastructure.
• Strategic Goal: Strengthen local economies, support apprenticeships, and deliver lasting value to communities while providing stable returns.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Rowe, Canadian District Vice-President, UBC: "The infrastructure and real estate strategy is about building more than just infrastructure and real estate -- it's about building opportunity for union members and delivering lasting value to our communities. By investing directly in union-built projects, we're creating good-paying jobs, supporting apprenticeships and ensuring that the benefits of development stay with the workers who make it possible."
• John Valentini, President and CEO, Fiera Private Markets: "Fiera's teams have delivered significant infrastructure and real estate projects across Canada by combining disciplined investment with operational excellence. With this new mandate, we are building a platform that sets a benchmark for value creation and real-world impact."
• Maxime Menard, Global President and CEO, Fiera Capital: "The Canadian Built Opportunities Platform is a testament to our ability to design and deliver high-impact, customized investment solutions. Our partnership with the Canadian district of the UBC is building on our experience in managing pension assets for multiemployers and redefining how investment capital can support skilled labour and local communities."