In the trades, you never work alone. Mental health should be no different.
The Forge is an initiative developed to address the skilled trades’ mental health crisis. With the input of tradespeople with lived experience, we are developing supports that foster trust, reduce stigma, and connect workers to resources that will support their pathway to wellness. Our approach is simple: Tradespeople supporting tradespeople.

Why Now?

The construction industry has the highest suicide rate of all industries in Canada:

  • 53.2 suicides per 100,000 workers—five times higher than all other construction-related fatalities combined.

  • 83% of workers report experiencing mental health struggles.

  • Substance abuse rates in the trades are nearly double the national average.

A culture of “toughing it out” prevents workers from seeking help. 

The Forge seeks to change this because we recognize:

  • Workers trust their fellow tradespeople.

  • Peer support mirrors the apprenticeship model—learning from those with experience.

  • Lived experience creates stronger connections and real recovery opportunities.

Our Partners

The Forge is made possible through the support of organizations that believe in mental health, trades, and community.

Let's Talk

Contact The FORGE team!

We are planning to launch The FORGE later this year.  In the meantime, we’re here if you have a question or just want to chat!

Contact Us
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.