Mike Yorke

Mike Yorke is a prominent figure in Ontario's construction industry with over 40 years of experience.15 He started his career as an apprentice carpenter in 1980 and rose through the ranks to become a respected union leader and advocate for the construction sector.12

Key aspects of Mike Yorke's career and background include:

Union Leadership

Yorke served as the president of the Carpenters' District Council of Ontario (now called the Carpenters' Regional Council) and president of Local 27, representing 10,000 members in the Greater Toronto Area.12 He was known for his strong leadership and commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry.2

Advocacy and Community Involvement

Throughout his career, Yorke has been actively involved in:

• Promoting sustainability and training initiatives in the construction sector
• Advocating for greater participation of women and minorities in the industry
• Supporting youth training programs, especially for those facing mental health and addiction challenges
• Serving on boards of organizations like the Ontario Construction Secretariat and Toronto Arts Council
• Participating in community fundraising initiatives and volunteering1

Political Engagement

Yorke has been involved in politics, running for Toronto city council in 1994 and as an NDP candidate provincially in 1999.1 He has maintained connections with political figures and has been involved in various campaigns and policy discussions related to the construction industry.2

Current Role

After retiring from his union leadership positions in March 2023, Yorke launched Mike Yorke Consulting in September of the same year.1 His consulting firm focuses on sustainability and training, with operations in Toronto and Halifax.14 In this role, he continues to contribute to the industry by:

• Presenting seminars for the provincial government
• Developing ideas for training the next generation of tradespeople
• Offering expertise in labour relations, negotiation, and construction industry matters3

Mike Yorke's legacy in the construction industry is marked by his dedication to building relationships, advocating for workers' rights, and contributing to the development of Toronto's infrastructure and skyline.2