Robert Blakely is the Canadian Operating Officer of Canada’s Building Trades Unions, assuming this national leadership role in 2000. He is a respected voice in Ottawa for the 14 unions affiliated to the Canadian Building Trades which represents almost 450,000 skilled tradespeople across Canada. Mr. Blakely has an in-depth understanding of the Canadian mosaic and the unique challenges facing construction industry stakeholders in various provinces and trades.

Mr. Blakely earned a law degree from the University of Alberta and was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1978.  He was also credentialed as a Certified Human Resources Professional by the Human Resources Institute of Alberta. A journeyperson plumber and pipefitter, Mr. Blakely worked at his trade through University. As a member of the Edmonton-based Law Firm Blakely & Dushenski his expertise in Labour Relations, practicing on the employee side, is widely recognized. In 2008 Mr. Blakely received an Honorary Doctorate Degree (Law) from the Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland.  In 2012 he was appointed as a Queen’s Counsel.

Mr. Blakely joined the Canadian Forces (Naval Reserve) in 1969 and rose through the ranks to command various HMC Ships at sea and ashore. He also led the team that developed the Distance Learning Command & Staff Program used for senior Canadian and Allied Officers.  In 2004 he was promoted to Commodore and appointed Commander of Canada’s Naval Reserve a position he held until his retirement in 2010 from the Naval Reserves. Mr. Blakely was born and raised in Edmonton. He is a third generation Albertan and the third generation to have completed an Alberta Apprenticeship.