We all pay taxes. Lots of taxes. But we know that the taxes we pay are part of our contract with each other. They are what pays for the health care, the hospitals and schools, the roads and bridges, and the services that build our communities. They are part of the reason that year after year this country ranks as one of the best places in the world to live.So, it should go without saying that tax fraud hurts everyone. What may not be as obvious is how big a problem tax fraud is in this country. According to Statistics Canada, the gross domestic product (GDP) for underground economic activity in Canada was estimated to be $68.5 billion, or 2.7% of the total GDP, in 2021.In the construction industry, tax fraud happens when workers are paid off the books or intentionally misclassified as independent contractors by shady subcontractors and labour brokers who are hired by contractors to underbid law-abiding businesses.Last week, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters was focused on calling attention to this growing problem with our Construction Industry Tax Fraud Days of Action, an annual campaign that seeks to educate taxpayers and government representatives about the real harm that comes from construction industry employer tax fraud. We were pleased and proud to meet with the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau who listened carefully to our concerns and committed to backing the UBC on its tax fraud initiatives.But today, our focus is on the other side of the ledger. Today we want to shine a light on some of the many ethical contractors who play by the rules.That is why UBC is inaugurating the Community Builders recognition. We want to honour the builders who follow fair practices and recognize their contribution to building their communities — yes, those hospitals and schools, roads and bridges, and social services.We are recognizing honest contractors across the country, in UBC's five Canadian councils, for their contributions to growth and development for all. Several recipients have been announced in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec. More announcements will roll out over the coming days.We hope that when you drive by a building site and see the UBC Community Builder banner you will hit the horn or tip your hat to join us in celebrating them.Because, when contractors play by the rules, we all win.Jason Rowe is Canadian District Vice President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters one of North America's largest building-trades unions, with over a half million members working in the construction and wood-products industries. The UBC is committed to providing the next generation of construction professionals with the tools and resources they need to succeed in a demanding and competitive business. UBC's five councils in Canada are the Atlantic Canada Regional Council of Carpenters, Millwrights & Allied Workers, le Conseil Régional Québécois, the National Construction Council, the Millwright Regional Council, and the Carpenters Regional Council.