Three top executives of the Carpenters' Regional Council, one of Canada's largest construction unions, have resigned amid an internal investigation into the organization's real estate purchases in Ontario, according to internal staff emails obtained on May 25, 2026.
Executive secretary-treasurer Jason Rowe, his wife and senior union official Stacey Rowe, and union president Tom Cardinal stepped down from their posts.
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The inquiry by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America was triggered by media revelations about a $4-million home in Nobleton, Ontario.
Property records show that a numbered company directed by the Rowes bought the Nobleton home in November 2022.
The union acknowledged the couple lived in the luxury house for two years before it became a rental property.
The same numbered company purchased a second nearby home for $2.489-million in January 2024.
Both properties, featuring luxury amenities, were later transferred for $0 to the Carpenters' Regional Council Building Corp. The union did not explain the purpose of these transactions.
The Globe and Mail reported that the union's executive board was initially unaware of the luxury real estate acquisitions.
The board reportedly did not vote on the initial $4-million purchase, according to an unauthorized source familiar with the matter.
The regional union initially claimed the residential property was not intended for any single individual.
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It later stated the home served as short-term housing for Mr. Rowe during an organizational restructuring.
The regional council previously said purchase details were shared with leadership.
Management maintained the acquisition followed proper internal bylaws and governance protocols, though officials declined to confirm if an official board vote occurred.
The initial 2022 property transaction took place while the regional branch operated under an international trusteeship.
US Department of Labor records indicate the supervision was established to correct internal financial malpractice, which allowed Mr. Rowe to assume his leadership role.
Before the resignations, the union used its political influence and training funds to back major campaigns.
It endorsed Ontario Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservatives in 2025 after securing $27-million from the provincial Skills Development Fund.
The regional council represents 60,000 members across Ontario and Western Canada while managing extensive pension funds and government training grants.
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The international parent union confirmed its internal investigation into the Canadian branch remains active.
