Toronto, ON — June 19, 2025 — Meridian Credit Union is proud to announce a new partnership with Building Up, a Toronto-based social enterprise that helps individuals facing barriers to employment build careers in the skilled trades. The collaboration is part of Meridian’s Reframe initiative, a flagship community impact program designed to tackle Ontario’s skilled labour shortage and housing affordability crisis.
Launched in 2024, Meridian’s Reframe program provides a comprehensive support system for individuals facing systemic and economic barriers, offering hands-on skilled trades training as well as personalized financial confidence coaching from Meridian employee volunteers. Participants also receive employment navigation support, helping them build resumes, prepare for interviews, and secure job placements. With nearly 90% of graduates securing employment in critical infrastructure and housing sectors, Reframe has already made a measurable impact.
“Reframe is more than a sponsorship program. It’s a comprehensive initiative that empowers individuals through financial confidence-building, personalized coaching for economic well-being, job readiness training, access to essential banking services, and a range of supports that address the broader social determinants of health,” said Jay-Ann Gilfoy, President & CEO of Meridian Credit Union. “By partnering with organizations like Building Up, we’re investing in people and helping them build new skills, gain confidence, and secure meaningful employment. At the same time, we’re helping to fill critical gaps in Ontario’s workforce and support the development of more affordable housing.”
Backed by investment from Meridian and strategic partnerships with organizations like Building Up, and Community Builders, the program has expanded from Barrie to the Greater Toronto Area, empowering more people to build sustainable careers while contributing to stronger, more resilient communities.
“This partnership with Meridian is a game-changer for our trainees,” said Marc Soberano, Executive Director of Building Up. “By combining our hands-on training with Meridian’s financial coaching and employment support, we’re not just preparing people for jobs—we’re helping them build sustainable careers and brighter futures. Together, we’re proving that inclusive workforce development is not only possible, but essential to solving Ontario’s biggest challenges.”
To officially launch the partnership, a launch event will be held at 10:30 a.m. on June 20, 2025, at Building Up’s training facility located in Etobicoke. The event will include media interviews, photo opportunities, and remarks from key stakeholders, including Jay-Ann Gilfoy, President & CEO of Meridian Credit Union.
Media are invited to attend the June 20 launch event. Interviews and visual assets will be available on-site.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
Debra Quinn, spPR
debquinn@sppublicrelations.com
About Meridian
Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, and one of the largest in Canada. Guided by our purpose, “helping you achieve your best life,” Meridian delivers personal, and wealth financial business solutions to over 380,000 Members. Our bold Meridian for Good strategy is aimed at helping people get access to the money and advice they need; plan for a better future that is clean, resilient, and diverse; and be financially confident. Meridian also operates one subsidiary: Meridian OneCap Credit Corp. For more information, please visit: meridiancu.ca.
We acknowledge the land on which we operate is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
About Building Up
Building Up is Canada’s largest non-profit construction social enterprise. By leveraging construction contracts and a comprehensive pre-apprenticeship program, Building Up provides both in-class training and hands-on experience for community members with barriers who are ready to launch meaningful careers in the trades. Since 2016, they’ve empowered nearly 900 participants, with 85% transitioning into long-term careers. What sets Building Up apart is its commitment to sustainable careers—not short-term placements. They work with participants from pre-apprenticeship to journeyperson status, ensuring they have the support, skills, and opportunities they need to build lasting futures in the trades.