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I enjoy learning from our OGCA members. Some of that education is rooted in technical specifications and the mechanics of how to build what we build while other aspects circulate around the betterment of the tender process and clarifying contract language. Interestingly enough, it is the knowledge that occurs serendipitously and without the members’ knowledge that I find the most useful.
On Tuesday, May 25, OGCA President Giovanni Cautillo and Director of Government Relations David Frame presented to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Development in support of Bill 288, Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021. The OGCA has previously talked about the significant issues with the Ontario College of Trades' functionality, particularly its inability to promote the skilled trades. We have advocated for a new organization responsible for recruiting new apprentices and providing the full suite of services to future tradespersons. The proposed legislation will create a new crown cooperation, Skilled Trades Ontario, to focus on training, certification, promotion of the skilled trades, and the development of a registration and customer services portal. Giovanni Cautillo spoke to the skills shortage and the challenge it presents for the construction industry over the next ten years in our deputation. He welcomed the proposal for the government to partner with students, employers, unions, training centres and industry organizations to meet the challenge. David Frame then expanded on the need for Skilled Trades Ontario, specifically that the division of responsibilities and we believe it provides a more significant opportunity for success. In his deputation, he argued that this approach will effectively work in concert with the other key areas, such as enforcement and apprenticeship ratios, that this government has aimed to address. It is expected that the Bill will pass the legislature before the Ontario Legislature rises for the summer on June 4. OGCA will work closely with the Minister to support implementation and make plans to address the skills gap. The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has retained Nanos Research to gather views from important stakeholders in the construction industry. The CCA is seeking input to support a vision for Canada’s infrastructure investments.
Industry News
Please find attached a media release (English and French versions) from the Surety Association of Canada (SAC) announcing the introduction of updated Standard Bond Forms. More information about the forms can be accessed on the SAC website by clicking here.
For information on becoming a protegee or a mentor, please click here.
innovation Corner
Every company in the world has to make safety management decisions on a routine basis. Many of these vital decisions, however, are not made in board rooms. They are made by employees in the field, on the shop floor, and in real time. Companies need a quantitative method for field personnel to make decisions in real time. Without one, companies are leaving themselves open to unsustainable outcomes.
The LOC proudly held our first AGM on May 19, 2021, as an incorporated Not-for-Profit. Join us in welcoming our new Board of Directors.
The smiling group below shows just a few of the members who were in attendance. Thank you to all Champions who were able to attend, and especially to our new Board of Directors.
We cannot believe that May is almost over. This also means that Construction Safety Month is also coming to a close. Our Champions know that Safety is an Every Day Event and not just something that is recognized in May!
Are you a Safety Champion? Do you know a Safety Champion? Do you know a company who would be a great addition to the LOC? Have you considered joining the League of Champions? If you have any questions or want to learn more about the League of Champions, just let us know. We are here to help. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Judith Reda at judith@theloc.ca 
Safety
If you missed the 2021 Courageous virtual event, you can now watch it by clicking here. MySafeWork would like to say thanks again for your commitment to educating the leaders of tomorrow. Our future looks bright!
Member News
It is with a broken heart that we have to announce the death of our dear friend Ian Somerville. Ian passed away peacefully on Monday, May 10, his wife Linda and his daughters Jennifer and Christine by his side.
Associate Partner News and Events
Cobalt Safety Cobalt Safety is the first Canadian company to receive the prestigious World Safety Organization award in 2019 and is also an ISO 45001:2018 Certified company. Click here to view the Cobalt Saftey Profile Page. Sherrard Kuzz LLP The firm’s construction practice is extensive, long-standing and industry-leading. Firm members regularly advise and assist construction clients navigate the full range of workplace matters. Click here to view the Sherrard Kuzz LLP Profile Page. What is the impact of a collective agreement on management’s ability to organize the workplace? How can workplace leaders effectively manage and discipline employees in a unionized environment?
Don’t miss the 2021 Procore Innovation Summit! This year the focus of the event is on “A connected project lifecycle is your key to profitability.” Learn how connecting preconstruction teams and activities with real-time construction data can protect your project's budget and profitability. Join our global panel of industry experts and Procore product leaders to:
More information available at https://www.procore.com/en-ca/lp/innovation-summit Thank you to those of you who were able to join Faren Bogach, Krista Chaytor and Jeff Scorgie and special guest Sierra Bilyk, Counsel at Metrolinx, at our fourth webinar in the Tools for Success series. Don't worry if you couldn't make it! The links to the presentation and recording are below. Here are two things to consider:
Construction Contracts can be complicated, but your legal fees don’t have to be. Check out our fixed fee offering or email fixedfeesolutions@weirfoulds.com. If you have other questions, feel free to contact Faren Bogach, Krista Chaytor and Jeff Scorgie. For lawyers: This program qualifies for 1 hour of substantive content by the LSO.
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 2020, please contact Mary Wademan at OGCA. A recent decision of the Ontario Superior Court, Coutinho v. Ocular Health Centre, could open the floodgates to constructive dismissal claims against employers from employees temporarily laid off as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Briefing Note breaks down the decision for employers. AODA is pleased to provide accessible English and French copies of the 2019 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) Annual Report. The Report provides a comprehensive review of the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility’s 2019 accomplishments, highlights of the activities of the various Standards Development Committees, the Ministry’s work on the compliance and enforcement of the AODA, and initiatives with various partners on raising awareness advancing accessibility and inclusion in communities across the province. The Report is available online at our website in both English and French. Thank you for your commitment to an inclusive and accessible Ontario. Sincerely, Mary Bartolomucci Education & Events
In case you missed this important session held on May 12, we have included the link to the webinar for your viewing pleasure. Please click here to access the webinar. Please use Passcode $x*3MeuW With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, changes to construction methods and the changing nature of insurance in the construction industry, OGCA members are likely experiencing higher insurance pricing.
To help better prepare construction employers, the OGCA and Aon are proud to present "Construction Technology and Risk – A Data-Driven Strategy to Implementing Technology" to explain how insurance underwriting will change to account for technology and why that will help you achieve the best insurance (and finance) terms for your projects.
Join us on June 17 and June 24 from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. to take part in Research Day! The Prevention Division at the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills and Development and the WSIB’s Grants Team have partnered to highlight and showcase six funded research projects. Each event date will feature three research presentations, a panel discussion and a Q&A segment. These two events will be your opportunity to learn more about our respective current and upcoming research in the field of injury and illness prevention, occupational health and safety, return to work and recovery, and a chance to offer feedback on future research priorities. Register now by clicking the button above. Feel free to forward this invite to others who might be interested in this event. If you require any accommodation to participate in these events, please let us know. Calendar of Events
Registration is now open for the AGM and Conference in Quebec City, September 29 - October 3. Click here for the registration form. If you are planning to take a drive to old Quebec City for the 83rd AGM and Conference, September 29 - October 3, but your car isn't equipped with the latest GPS equipment, why not reach out to CAA and download a TripTik? Click here for more information. Available for members of CAA only. 
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ONTARIO GENERAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
180 Attwell Drive, Suite 280 | Toronto, Ontario M9W 6A9 Tel 905-671-3969 |
The Prosperity Project™ is a not-for-profit organization founded to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Canadian women who are being disproportionately affected.
