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For those members that were not aware, the OGCA is part of a larger alliance called the Construction and Design Alliance of Ontario (CDAO). The CDAO is a collaborative organization comprised of 19 member associations that have mandates related to Ontario’s infrastructure. The Alliance was formed in 2010 with the objective of providing municipal, provincial, and federal governments a forum to seek input and advice from stakeholders. The collective vision of the CDAO is to ensure Ontario is a province of livable, marketable, sustainable communities for all Ontarians and is known for its leading-edge infrastructure and built environment projects.
Industry News
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) in Ontario is extending the bonus scheme for eligible small employers through 2023.
The Residnetial Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) is putting on courses specifically tailored to the construction industry, and are suitable for organizations at any stage of their DEI. Participants receive a certificate upon completion of each module. Click Here for more information. The OGCA has learned of a new Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) opportunity that may be of interest to OGCA members.
On Tuesday, October 18, the OGCA attended an announcement with Minister McNaughton that career fairs this fall across the Province will prepare the next generation of young people for rewarding and well-paying jobs in the skilled trades. These fairs aim to address labour shortages in high-demand sectors, including construction, and help deliver the Province’s ambitious infrastructure plans.
On April 11, the Working For Workers Act, 2022 received Royal Assent in the legislature and subsequently amended the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”) to require employers with 25 or more employees to have a written policy containing information on whether, how, and in what circumstances the employer monitors employee behaviour through electronic devices. The policy deadline was October 11, 2022.
In August, permit values in Ontario grew across all ICI sectors, especially for institutional permits. Total ICI permit values increased by 76.4% from July 2022 ($1.28-$2.25 billion) and by 70.2% compared to August 2021 ($1.32-$2.25 billion).
The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is sounding the alarm about the urgent need for workers in construction through a new campaign, Rebuild Canada’s workforce NOW.
The federal government has an ambitious growth plan – one that includes repairing, maintaining and retrofitting aging infrastructure while also building for future climate resilience.
The newest affiliate, the Brick and Allied Craft Union of Canada (BACU), splintered from the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers years back, and left the Building Trades fold, but in recent times, BACU President Tony DiMaria, has been sitting in on Building Trades meetings. Click Here to read the full article.
The Construction and Design Alliance of Ontario (CDAO) is pleased to bring stakeholders and the industry together virtually on Friday, October 28 for Procurement Day 2022 – How to Manage and Mitigate Risk.
For more information and to register, please click here.
Since taking full effect on October 1, 2019, The Construction Act has made significant changes to fundamental elements of Ontario’s design and construction industry, specifically those dealing with liens and lien rights, holdbacks, payment timing, and resolution of project disputes.
To understand how the Act is currently being used, the Construction Design Alliance of Ontario (CDAO) launched a survey in partnership with Bramm Research Inc. to understand the impact of the Act on the province’s design and construction economy and how provisions are currently being implemented.
innovation Corner
Construction is complicated, yet it is often generalized as lagging behind other industries when it comes to the adoption of new technologies and processes. We want to know how, and most importantly why, you don’t use technology.
The Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA), in collaboration with SMARTBUILD Construction Solutions, has launched a new survey focused on better understanding the use of construction technology (CONTECH) amongst general contractors, subcontractors, owners, and consultants.
Safety
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) report has been provided to the OGCA.
IHSA has launched a new free webinar, Health and Safety 101 – 'An orientation for small business owners,' that explains how Ontario’s Prevention System Partners (including the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD); WSIB; and IHSA) can assist and support small businesses in their health and safety journey.
Click Here to learn more. The WSIB has announced that the premium rate for G6: Non-Residential Building Construction will remain at 1.55, the same as 2022. See the Board’s 2023 premium rate webpage announcement here.
Member News
Congratulations to Merit Ontario for Advancing Careers in Construction! A new $3.7 million investment in Merit Ontario will prepare over 2,000 workers and jobseekers for well-paying jobs in their communities
The Ontario government is working for workers by investing $3.7 million to help up to 2,500 workers start or advance in well-paying careers in the construction industry. This decade, Ontario will need 100,000 more construction workers to help deliver the province’s ambitious infrastructure plans, including 1.5 million homes by 2031.
Associate Partner News and Events
NORCAT is offering a 15% discount off select equipment and Health and Safety related training, to all OGCA members this fall.
In partnership with Procore Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: PCOR), a leading global provider of construction management software, Dodge Construction Network today released the results of its 2022 Top Business Issues for Specialty Contractors Report. This report highlights key issues impacting specialty contractors, including workforce management, technology, and profitability to help businesses better understand recurring trends while broadening industry awareness of the advantages that can be created by leveraging digital solutions.
This global research was completed by five types of specialty contractors: mechanical, electrical, plumbing, steel and concrete.
Last Monday was World Mental Health Day (October 10). We’d like to share a blog post with you by Jas Saraw, Vice President, Canada at Procore, on how Scott Construction works to address the “silent epidemic” of mental health challenges in construction.
Scott Construction educates employees on mental health and wellness topics in an effort to reduce the stigma of asking for help. The company has formalized its efforts with a Mental Health Committee (MHC).
Legislative & Legal Updates
The latest issue of the Ontario Legislative Reports is now available on the OGCA website. Please click here to access the latest issue. The Ontario Legislative Report is updated every two weeks and explains the intention and status of legislation and regulations that could impact the construction industry. For issues prior to January 2021, please contact Daniela Polsoni at OGCA. Ontarians headed to the polls yesterday to elect Mayors, city councillors, and school board trustees as province-wide municipal elections get underway. Over 6,300 candidates across the province ran on platforms including housing affordability, infrastructure and public transit, COVID-19 recovery, and mental health.
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ONTARIO GENERAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
180 Attwell Drive, Suite 280 | Toronto, Ontario M9W 6A9 Tel 905-671-3969 |
In case you haven’t heard, the WSIB recently announced that the additional financial incentives for smaller businesses through our Health and Safety Excellence program will continue to be available through December 2023! 
