Built by Tradespeople. Backed by Community. Rooted in Recovery.

The FORGE is a support initiative designed by and for skilled tradespeople, tackling the mental health and addiction crisis facing the industry. With the highest suicide rate of any sector in Canada, the trades are long overdue for a solution that speaks their language and understands their challenges.

We’re not here to offer band-aid solutions. We’re here to change the culture.

Launching on Southern Vancouver Island, The FORGE brings together peer-led support, recovery-focused services, and industry-informed care to ensure that no tradesperson has to face their struggles alone. Whether it’s addiction, trauma, burnout, or isolation, there’s a way forward, and we’re building that path together.

Why The FORGE?

Because the trades community deserves support that’s:

Relatable

Delivered by people who’ve lived it

Relevant

Designed around the realities of job sites and shift work

Reliable

Offering real help, when and where it’s needed

From peer connections to professional care, The FORGE is a safe, stigma-free space where tradespeople can recover, rebuild, and rise.

This is more than a program. It’s a movement toward healing, connection, and long-term recovery in the skilled trades.

Meet The Team Developing The FORGE

We are deeply grateful to our Advisory Committee—an exceptional group of industry professionals and community leaders—who generously share their time, insights, and expertise with us. Their guidance is instrumental as we work to develop meaningful pathways that support people at all stages of their journey. With their support, we’re building a responsive, inclusive, and effective program that reflects the real needs of the people we serve.

Thank you to the entire advisory committee.

Abigail Fulton is the Executive Director of the Construction Foundation, a Canadian charity focused on building the next generation of skilled workers. A lawyer by profession, Ms. Fulton has extensive experience working with industry and government on regulatory and policy issues impacting the construction industry. Throughout her career, Ms. Fulton has been very active in promoting industry training, apprenticeship and supporting workforce development, with an emphasis on labour market attachment for women, indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada and youth at risk. Prior to moving to BC in 1998, Ms. Fulton practiced law in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Abigail Fulton, B.A. LL.B

Executive Director

Jenny comes to the Construction Foundation with a wealth of experience in the non-profit community services sector. With a deeply held commitment to harm reduction in all its complexities, the bulk of her experience has been working alongside individuals living with homelessness and addiction concerns. She has had the privilege of providing case management, advocacy, and frontline crisis response to Victoria’s resilient populations for 15 years. Jenny is passionate about creating spaces of belonging and opportunities for wellness within our marginalized and underserved communities.

Jenny Nadeau

Director of Outreach and Community Programs

With nearly 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Trevor has built a solid reputation as a Red Seal Journey Carpenter, Superintendent, and is recognized as a dynamic leader and for his contagious enthusiasm. In 2022, Trevor was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Victoria and named an Honorary Citizen by the City of Victoria. These honors were awarded for his dedication to community leadership, positive social impact, and his advocacy in sharing his personal recovery experience related to addiction and concurrent mental health challenges to create awareness and opportunities; to create space so others might realize recovery in their own lives.

Trevor Botkin

Manager of Industry Relations

Colleen has been with the Construction Foundation of BC (CFBC) since May 2016, serving as the Director of Public Relations. In this role, she has significantly contributed to the growth and sustainability of CFBC’s brand and operational capacity. Colleen enjoys working across CFBC’s initiatives, connecting with donors and bursary recipients. Prior to joining CFBC, Colleen spent two decades in sales and marketing roles, honing her skills as a brand evangelist , managing large-scale event activations and volunteering her time to support community impact efforts. She is currently pursuing her MA in Leadership at Royal Roads University.

Colleen McConnell

Director of Public Relations

Jordan brings a mix of experiences working in industry and with youth programming. He completed a research degree in International Development Studies in Lund, Sweden before returning to Canada to work as a carpenter’s helper in commercial construction. Jordan has led youth programming for the United Way Greater Victoria's Youth in Action initiative as well as a on a volunteer basis developing youth Ultimate programming. Before joining the Foundation, he was working on BC Construction Associations workforce development initiatives. Jordan has lived in the Middle East and Europe and has a passion for building strong community locally and internationally.

Jordan Perrault

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Mike Manhas holds a Master’s Degree in Education and a BA Honours in History and Political Science. He spent a decade working in education locally and abroad before transitioning to social work, where he has dedicated the past 12 years to mental health and addiction support. Mike is the founder of the Rewired Recovery Foundation and SoberFest, two initiatives focused on recovery and community healing. Through tireless advocacy and hands-on work, he has become a driving force for change, committed to helping those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges reclaim their lives with dignity and hope. Mike is a proud father and husband. With his wife Darah, he is raising two beautiful girls (Makena, 7, and Veyda, 1).

Mike Manhas

Director of Philanthropy

Laura is a dedicated administrative professional with over 15 years of experience in administration and sales. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and brings strong organizational skills and a passion for community to her role at CFBC. As the welcoming voice behind the office phone, Laura ensures daily operations run smoothly and provides key support to CFBC programs. Originally from Saskatchewan, she has lived on Vancouver Island for the past 12 years. Outside of work, she volunteers with the Women’s Auxiliary to Langford Fire Rescue and local animal rescue organizations. A proud dragonboater, Laura spends her summers training and competing in festivals across the Island.

Laura Horstman

Programs Support Administrator

Patsy, traditionally named, Spirit Woman, was born and raised in Fort St. John, BC and is a member of Bigstone Cree Nation in Wabasca, Alberta. Patsy works one-on-one with First Nations communities across the province. In 2005, Patsy obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Northern British Columbia. Since that time, she has worked with Indigenous people and communities in a variety of capacities. Patsy is a mother of four and kohkum (grandmother) of two. Her interests include Indigenous culture, law, hockey, and music.

Patsy Greyeyes

Catalyst, Indigenous Communities

Alberto is a visual designer with a background in branding, editorial, packaging, web, illustration, and advertising. He brings big-agency expertise and a love for storytelling to his work. He has worked across Mexico, Argentina, and Canada—collaborating with charities, magazines, cultural publications, and restaurants. He believes design is about solving problems, and he brings that philosophy to every project at the Construction Foundation. Outside of work, he enjoys biking, cooking Mexican food, and spending time with his family.