"Someone will always break ranks."

I have now been President of the OGCA for 16 years and still hear this excuse for not taking action when an owner puts out a very risky Tender. There are some other excuses like, "we have a good relationship with this owner," etc. None justify agreeing to bad, risky and potentially company-destroying clauses or contracts. The industry will not get better if we simply go along to get along.

One of our strengths as an Association is that our history has proven that when we stand together, change occurs, and bad things happen when we don’t.

Click here to read the full article - located in the Members Only section (log in to read).

The WSIB will soon provide coverage for chronic occupational stress. The proposal was presented as the most overlooked provision of the recent Provincial Budget on the last page (294) where it indicates the Budget Act will include changes to entitlement to chronic mental stress. The provision in Bill 127 removes the exclusion for compensating for Chronic Occupational Stress and opens the door for the WSIB to now compensate for the condition.

Across the country, Design and Construction Associations have risen up to oppose these oppressive and unfair clauses which are usually found in a Public Owner’s procurement terms. While there is debate as to the proper term to be used - the other being a "Reprisal Clause" - the usage of such clauses to intimidate suppliers from accessing their constitutional rights to justice through the legal system exists in what might otherwise be an acceptable Exclusion procedure.

OGCA has received notice from one of our members that IO Realty has extended the initial Term of the Agreement which expired on April 30, 2016. Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation ("Infrastructure Ontario") exercised the option to extend the Agreement for a period of one (1) year ending April 30, 2017, under the same terms and conditions applicable to the Initial Term.

Infrastructure Ontario will further extend the agreement for a period of three (3) months ending July 31, 2017, under the same terms and conditions applicable to the Initial Term. This extension will provide the necessary time for Infrastructure Ontario to complete the evaluation process for the new Province Wide Qualified General Contractors Vendor of Record that will be awarded over the next three (3) months.

OGCA has met with IO to discuss this and is in support of the extension. Once the new system rolls out, it will be monitored on its effectiveness, and discussions will continue with IO Realty.

TORONTO, April 27, 2017 - Today, the Ontario Skilled Trades Alliance (OSTA) welcomes the 2017 Budget announcement that the government will be seeking advice from stakeholders on how to implement the Highly Skilled Workforce Strategy to improve training opportunities. As part of the strategy, the government will be developing a new website to help individuals and employers make informed decisions about training and apprenticeship. The 2017 Budget continues to make significant investment into skills development, building upon previous investments.

After 35 years of service to the Canadian construction industry through the CCA, CCA president Michael Atkinson has decided to retire. We have accepted his resignation and agreed to a transition plan with him.

As always, Mike is thinking about the association’s best interest. With the refocus of the strategic plan, Mike knew it would be best for his successor to lead the new plan from the start.

Commencing immediately, the governance committee will start a search for Mike’s replacement utilizing a recruitment firm.

Mike will continue to lead CCA during the search period and has agreed to quarterback CCA’s centennial celebrations in 2018. He will be available to his successor, staff, volunteers and the board through the 2019 annual meeting.

OGCA wishes to thank Mike for all he has done for the construction industry over his term with CCA.

The League of Champions is proud to announce Platform Insurance Management Inc., Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) and Infrastructure Ontario Real Estate as the newest members and Patrons to the League.

As the League expands and builds momentum, it is important to continue raising the bar and raising awareness in the construction industry across the province. All League members are truly passionate about health and safety and it is demonstrated through their leadership, reducing the fatalities that have plagued the construction industry.

The League continues to grow and recognize leaders in the industry, changing the culture related to safety, to ensure that all workers go home safely at the end of the day.

To learn more about the League, watch now! 

For more information on how you can become a member of the League of Champions, contact Lyndsy Miceli at lyndsy@ogca.ca for more details.

As a company that delivers value through a wide range of industry partners, Infrastructure Ontario understands the importance of solid relationships. So it was fitting that IO was able to stand shoulder to shoulder with many of its partners, as one of the supporting organizations for Safety Week 2017. The celebrations included a kick-off with Minister Flynn at Etobicoke General Hospital to start the week and later a barbecue at the Credit Valley Hospital redevelopment site in Mississauga. Both are significant IO projects.

On April 28th, MySafeWork held its first annual Courageous Live-Streaming event which encourages young workers around the provinces to stand up to unsafe work.

If you did not have a chance to hear or participate in this compelling broadcast, tune in here for the full coverage.

It has been an event-filled week with OGCA and League of Champions members as leaders advocate the importance of Workplace Safety among their workers.

Safety Week 2017 was in full swing last week with over 60 construction companies and program sponsors across Canada and the U.S. staging events to promote safety awareness, culture, and leadership. 

Click here to read the article.

20th Annual North American Occupational Safety and Health Week Celebrates 150 Years of Occupational Health and Safety in Canada Ottawa – May 8, 2017 – Over 100 participants, including North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) program partners, federal, provincial, and municipal government dignitaries and agencies, as well as health and safety professionals from across Canada, gathered at the Canadian Museum of Nature on May 8, 2017 to officiate the Canadian launch of NAOSH Week 2017.

GEN-PRO in Burlington is proud to display its affiliation with the IHSA COR program by posting their signage

GEN-PRO just recently received their COR designation.

Congratulations! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc. This award recognizes exceptional workplaces across the nation in the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) category, particularly those with forward-thinking people programs.

Click here to read the exciting news!

Click here for the latest of Marsh's Insights ... this one is on Headrests being properly fitted.

BuildingPoint Canada announces the addition of Angelo Papadimitios as its team in Ontario as Account Manager, and the appointment of Julian Plant as Application Specialist for General Contractor technologies. 

Click here to read the press release. 

Lyme disease was first discovered after an unusual outbreak of arthritis in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975. Today, Lyme disease is widespread across Canada, but the highest risk of exposure is in wooded areas during spring and summer months.

Click here to read the full article and please take care this summer!

The latest Ontario Legislative Report (April 26, 2017) is available here. Previous issues can also be found at the OGCA website (www.ogca.ca) under Government Relations.

Registrations are now open for the OGCA’s annual golf tournament. Monday, July 10, 2017 will see us out at Glencairn Golf Course in Milton, with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start on all three courses. Please go to www.ogca.ca and click on STORE, then Events to select your options – golf and sponsorships.

Please note that Members and Associate Partners take priority when booking foursomes.

Registrations are now open for the 38^th Annual OGCA / A.R. Timms Memorial Golf Tournament and Chairman’s Luncheon. You can visit the OGCA website under Events for the Registration Forms and then visit the STORE to pay.

We expect this to be another sell-out event, so please register today!

The 79th AGM and Conference is being held in Toronto from October 19 – 22, 2017 at the Omni King Edward Hotel. We are pleased to announce that Liberty Silver will be providing the entertainment on Saturday, October 21 for the Chairman’s Dinner and Dance. Registration will be open shortly.