The purpose of the CMAW is to negotiate pay and work conditions on behalf of its 8,000 members in British Columbia and Alberta.

The Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers Canada (CMAW) was officially formed in 2007 following an 11-year struggle[clarification needed] with their American-based international parent union, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA).

[citation needed] CMAW-organized employers have constructed projects in Western Canada such as the Waneta Dam, the John Hart Dam, Site C dam, Alcan Aluminium Smelter, CNRL Horizon major projects, Mosaic Potash and the National Ship Building Procurement.

[1] CMAW comprises ten locals in BC and Alberta and is governed by a 12-person executive board of directly elected representatives.

The officers are elected by delegates at CMAW's biennial convention.