The election of a PC Doug Ford's government at Queen's Park provides many opportunities for OGCA to advance the interests of our industry and membership.

The next issue of the OEL Newsletter is now available. Click here to access it.

CCA is surprised by the decision of the United States to impose tariffs on Canada for the import of steel and aluminium under section 232 of the Trade Act of 1962. “The imposition of such tariffs will hurt the Construction industry, its workers and fundamentally all Canadians by raising prices for consumers and damaging competitiveness for business,” said Mary Van Buren, CCA’s president.  Click here to read further.

Click here to read the latest issue of the CEO Newsletter.

In addition to Highlights from the CCA Board Meetings in Montreal in May, this newsletter features an article on Community Benefits as a hot topic, an introduction to Hill Day in November, and a section on Diversity. Click here to read the articles.

“Be [a] Champion. Be courageous. Make a difference on the job and at home.” – Rob Ellis

The League of Champions and Safety Ambassador Rob Ellis, President, MySafeWork, partnered for Lafarge’s annual safety BBQ. Held on May 31 for over 500 staff, it was a great way to close out another successful Safety Month.

First up was John McCabe, Lafarge’s VP-GM Concrete. He invited staff to commit to one safety act in the next 24 hours. John was followed by Rob Ellis who shared his son’s story and encouraged attendees to work as a team. Staff enjoyed a catered BBQ, an ice cream truck, raffle prizes, mascot ‘Rocky’ and more.

All in all, it was an excellent event and yet another opportunity to promote health and safety in the construction industry.

To become a Champion or for more information about the League, contact Andrea at andrea@theLOC.ca

Improving fundamental skills can help lead to success in your workplace.

The Safety Pass is the leading program that will provide your employees and subtrades with the basic knowledge of Health and Safety and common hazards in the workplace. Employers are encouraged to set up their employer network with SkillsPass, so you can manage your workers' progress in the Safety Pass program. 

To configure an Employer Network, SkillsPass would simply need a request to support with the following information:

• Company Details
• Employer Admin
• List of employee emails 

Once provided, we are able to create the network, assign the admins and invite the employees. The form is available on OGCA’s website (www.ogca.ca/safetypass)

On June 4, 2018, newly appointed CPO Ron Kelusky attended OGCA’s Safety Committee meeting to discuss and understand the challenges general contractors are faced with in the construction industry.

In construction, hazards are an unavoidable aspect of operations. Reducing these risks through improved safety performance is a strategic priority. OGCA safety leaders and the ministry are eager to work together to provide tangible steps, actions and behaviours to drive a strong safety culture throughout an organization.

Thank you, Ron – we look forward in working together for a better future.

Norm Keith delivered his session on fitness for duty and talked about what contractors need to have in their fitness for duty policies. 

Some of the key areas he presented were the following:

• Commitment by the company to promote the health, safety and security of its workers
• Identifying a worker’s responsibility to report to work fit for duty
• Identifying a zero tolerance policy for use and/or abuse of alcohol and drugs at the workplace
• Application of the Policy (who does it apply to, how will you enforce it, etc.)

If you missed Norm’s presentation, please log on to OGCA’s member's only site to hear more. Just go to www.ogca.ca and log in as a member. Click on the article in News and Events.

We are looking for dynamic, interactive speakers to fill in our fall calendar with some amazing educational webinars!

OGCA surveyed our members, and topics that they would like to hear more about are: 

• Legislation Changes (Lien Legislation, adjudication)
• Technology (P3s, delivery models, etc.)
• More roundtable panel discussions 
• Excess Soil Management | Environmental issues
• Emerging IT solutions for Construction Management
• Technical applications applicable for project managers and site supervisors
• Cannabis and Fitness for Duty
• And more …

Do you have a great topic that would be of interest to OGCA members? Then we want you! Send us a quick overview of your topic and a short bio. 

Don't be afraid! Some of the best speakers started small! If you have questions or comments, please email lyndsy@ogca.ca

We’d love to hear from you! 

Mississauga, Ontario (May 25, 2018) - EllisDon Civil is pleased to announce that Vice President and Area Manager, Toronto Civil and Looby Construction, Max Mantha has been honoured with the 2018 Young Engineer Achievement Award from Engineers Canada at a special ceremony held on Thursday, May 24, 2018 in Saskatchewan.

The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has awarded PCL Constructors Canada Inc. (Toronto) and its partners with its 2018 Excellence in Green Building: New Construction Institutional Award for Humber River Hospital, in recognition of the team’s leadership in delivering a new construction project that exemplifies the merits of sustainable building.

Click here to read the full press release.

The hospital’s built environment is a case study for revolutionizing smart building and sustainable healthcare design. Link to case study: Humber River Hospital – A Model for Sustainable Healthcare Design.

This is the space we have allotted for you to make an announcement, promote your product or service, or just tell everyone about who you are and what you do.

All Associate Partners can use this space at no cost.

All we ask is that you send us your information by Monday at noon for inclusion in the next newsletter, which goes out every two weeks.

The June 6, 2018 issue of the Ontario Legislative Reports is now available. Please click here to read. Other issues can also be found by clicking here.

Now is the time to start working on your submissions for the 2018 Ontario Builder Awards, presented during the 2019 Construction Symposium in Blue Mountains.

Projects must have achieved substantial completion between January 1, 2016 and December 15, 2018.

Submissions must be received prior to December 15, 2018 in order to be included. Judging will take place in early January and the results will be announced shortly thereafter.

Please click here to download the entry form.

Don't forget to mark April 11 - 13, 2019 for the OGCA's biggest event - the Construction Symposium at Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood.

APP members and Sponsors - remember to put aside some funds for sponsorship! Packages will be going out to everyone in August.

See you in Blue!