OGCA News

For the last few months, the overriding central topic of discussion for the OGCA, our members, industry stakeholders, the media and especially the buyers of construction, has been the subject of price volatility and supply chain risks. The impetus for these sudden and erratic spikes in material costs has been linked directly and indirectly to COVID-19 and the difficulties that have manifested in both the production and distribution of goods used in construction. Although we do not see a clear signal that the price irregularities will quickly dissipate, the OGCA has been very active on behalf of our members to minimize the impacts.

The OGCA has been made aware of onerous tender language in existing and pending Region of Peel projects that may adversely affect the general contractors bidding the projects. The onerous language in question is centered on the Region of Peel mandating 2 PAID SICK LEAVE days for every employee in their tenders that are in addition to any provincially mandated COVID-19 requirements.

The past 16 months have placed difficult conditions on the construction industry, ranging from shutdowns, supply chain interruptions, increased health and safety restrictions, uncomfortable testing procedures, and overall increases in costs. Thankfully, we are finally in a position that first and second vaccinations are available to all adults in Ontario, subject to medical conditions. As we slowly return to normal, employers need to understand their obligations under 25(2)(h) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to "take every precaution reasonable in the circumstance for the protection of workers." For some employers, this will include creating and maintaining a workplace vaccine policy to record who has been vaccinated and can work safely with others.