As members of the OGCA, you are aware of the efforts that your organization makes to represent your interests on the broader scale of procurement. Over the years, we have been at the forefront in combating unacceptable supplementary general conditions, procurement issues, as well as working on perfecting or improving contracts, including the CCDC2.

As a result of the efforts of your organization, we have been very successful with many owners in creating a collaborative and positive relationship, as well as developing good practices, but more needs to be done.

Right now, we are facing one of the greatest challenges to our rights under the law and under the charter of rights to resolve disputes. The normal processes of ADR, as well as the new Construction Act, are at risk because of this situation.

The remainder of this article is located in the Members Only section of the OGCA website. Please click here to access it.

Is your company or association a Safety Leader? Are you a Safety Champion and want to make a difference in Ontario's construction industry? Do you want to join an organization that inspires leaders to be health and safety champions?

League of Champions Members and Patrons are committed to inspiring leaders to be health and safety champions. Please visit the LOC website, Facebook and Twitter page for more information about the League of Champions. To apply to become a Safety Champion, please contact Marjorie Javier by email or by phone 905-671-3969.

Harbridge + Cross Limited was formed and incorporated in 1967, by H.A Harbridge & M.H. Cross. Over the last 47 years, they have built a reputation among business partners for being a competent, professional and enduring General Contracting firm. Their resounding success can be attributed to their consistency in providing quality workmanship and expertise; resulting in successful projects and satisfied clients.

A major factor in the growth of Harbridge + Cross Limited over the decades is their repeat clientele, which includes many well-known organizations; Hospital For Sick Children, Hamilton Health Sciences, Sanofi Pasteur, Ontario Power Generation, University Of Toronto, and many private organizations.

Welcome to the team, Harbridge + Cross Safety Champions! Together we will inspire and influence leaders to become a health and safety champions. Click here to read more about Harbridge + Cross.

LOC and OGCA Members, learn how to improve your safety programs and receive significant rebates and recognition for your achievements. A MUST event for all contractors.

A few weeks ago, Minister Monte McNaughton announced the SOSE Accreditation Program that will allow for accreditation of employers who have achieved an updated COR^TM 2020.

WSIB Chair Elizabeth Witmer also announced the Health and Safety Excellence Program that will provide funding for employers who successfully complete its modules. It will support the implementation of COR^TM and accreditation.

In the next few weeks, the IHSA will introduce an updated COR^TM 2020 that is recognized by Chief Prevention Officer Ron Kelusky to achieve standing in the SOSE Accreditation program.

On Wednesday, February 12, 8 am - 12 pm at Verdi Convention Centre, the League of Champions and OGCA will sponsor presentations on Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employer Program (SOSE), the Health and Safety Excellence Program, and COR^TM 2020.

This IMPORTANT event is FREE of charge to all LOC and OGCA members and invited guests.

Please click here for more information. To register, click here.

The latest issue of the Ontario Legislative Reports is now available on the OGCA website. Click here to see the latest issue, and contact Mary Wademan for any issues prior to February 2019.

The safety incentives provided by the MOL and WSIB have been reinvented. Cad 7 experience rating and safety groups have been replaced and COR is receiving an update. The WSIB and Ministry of Labour Training and Skills Development are now offering your company financial incentives to support your success in their new safety programs.

On Wednesday, February 12, OGCA and the League of Champions will sponsor presentations on Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employer Program (SOSE), the Health and Safety Excellence Program, and COR^TM 2020. All contractors now have an opportunity to improve their safety programs and receive significant rebates and recognition for their achievements.

Please click here for more information. To Register for this event, please click here.

Construction leaders understand that they must continually update their approach to support a safety culture. Our annual Leadership Day provides you with the information you need to navigate the changing safety climate, and to effectively manage your safety program.

COR^TM 2020 is now available for you to update your program and accredit your company under the new SOSE program. The Minister and CPO will both discuss the opportunity you will have as an accredited company.

For more information and to register to attend Leadership Day on March 6, 2020, please click here.

If you wish to pay by credit card on the OGCA website, please click here.

Clive Thurston is retiring! Plans are underway for a party to celebrate his 19 years at the OGCA. Tickets will be available starting April 3, 2020.

For the next issue of The Generals magazine, we have asked members and APP members to submit any comments they might like to address to Clive. These will be included, and if we have too many, we will add them to a scrapbook to be presented to Clive at his retirement. In the meantime, please SAVE THE DATE.

Remember to watch this space for news of the July 6, 2020 Golf Tournament, at Glencairn Golf Course in Milton.

The tournament sells out quickly so be sure to register as soon as it is posted.

With news of the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus making headlines internationally and two positive cases now in Toronto (one confirmed and one presumptive), risk of potential exposure may cause concern for employees and employers. In this environment of heightened awareness, an employer must balance its legal obligation to take every reasonable precaution to protect the health and safety of employees against its obligation to provide a workplace free of harassment and discrimination.

Learn more in the attached Briefing Note.

SHERRARD KUZZ LLP | Employment & Labour Lawyers
250 Yonge Street, Suite 3300, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2L7