OGCA hosts Racism in Construction: A Conversation with EllisDon
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On Wednesday, December 9, the OGCA hosted Addressing Racism in Construction: A Conversation with EllisDon. Giovanni Cautillo, president of the OGCA, was the moderator for the panel, which included Jennifer Khan, head of inclusive diversity, Geoff Smith, president and CEO and Samuel Ajobo, an estimator with the firm, who is leading its new Alliance of Black Employee Experience and Leadership (ABEEL).
You can find a full video of the webinar here.
At the event, Geoff Smith talked about the acts of racism on the Michael Garron hospital project in June when nooses were found on construction equipment being used by Black workers.
Since the incidents, EllisDon has started an anonymous reporting line. It has made it easier to bring forward concerns on-site, enhanced security features at sites and provided education such as toolbox talks and webinars on microaggression and unconscious bias.
The event is also part of an industry-wide movement towards addressing issues of racism in the construction industry. The OGCA recently launched a new page on their website oriented towards respectful and inclusive worksites with resources like template diversity policies.
OGCA also has a new YouTube page, where you can check out all of the webinars posted online.
