It started with toilet paper. Then it was lumber. Now, more than a year and a half into the COVID-19 pandemic, high demand, limited manufacturing capacity and supply chain woes continue to roil every sector of the economy, including residential and commercial construction.

“The industry is experiencing a number of issues with a lot of steel products, especially pre-engineered structural steel components,” says Giovanni Cautillo, president of the Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA). By email, he shared a recent example from one of his members.

Please click here to read the full article from the Ontario Construction Report.

The Ontario concrete industry has been acknowledging excellence and innovation over the past 20 years with the Ontario Concrete Awards. This event offers an outstanding opportunity for you to meet with some of the greatest owners, designers and contractors in the Ontario construction industry. It will also include a short presentation highlighting each of the award-winning projects. Click here to see the winners.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre – South Building – Room 718A
Registration: 5 p.m.
Cost: $185 per person or $1345.00 per table (seats 8)

As capacity is limited, tickets are first come, first serve. Please note, there is a mandatory vaccination policy in effect at this venue.

Register here: https://www.concreteawards.ca/banquet-registration/

CBM Aggregates (CBM) wishes to continue to keep the community informed about the project, and, as a result, they are hosting a virtual information session to provide an update to the community regarding the proposed project. Under normal circumstances, they would host an in-person information session to provide project updates and to answer questions you may have. However, due to restrictions related to COVID-19, they will be hosting a virtual session instead. The session will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Please click here for more information.

On October 25, the Government of Ontario Released Bill 27: Working for Workers Act, 2021.

The proposed legislation contains eight substantive legal changes to various Ontario employment law statutes, including: 

• substantial WSIB premium rate reductions, including dropping the Non-residential general contractors class rate to $1.79
• the distribution of WSIB funds over a certain funding level
• a 'disconnect from work' policy
• removing barriers for internationally trained professionals
• a requirement for recruiters and temporary help agencies to have licences to operate

Together with the CEC, the OGCA supports the proposed policy changes to the WSIB and will work with the government to implement policy that supports full funding of the WSIB while distributing excess funds to construction employers. Continued analysis on Bill 27 will be provided as the associated regulations are introduced.

Association Partner Norm Keith of KPMG Law LLP has provided the attached summary for OGCA members with an analysis of Bill 27 for employers. Please read the summary for more information.

AECO Innovation Lab has launched the Canadian Construction Technology Survey 2021 in collaboration with buildingSMART Canada and researchers from L'École de technologie supérieure Montréal, University of British Columbia, and University of Waterloo. The survey features 48 questions that investigate the use of BIM and Technology, commonly held beliefs, benefits and barriers of technology, application and need of standards and resources, and the future of technology in our industry.

The Canadian architecture, engineering, construction, owners, operators and other stakeholders within this industry are generalized as lagging behind its international counterparts when it comes to the adoption of new technologies and processes. Understanding the uptake and beliefs surrounding these technologies is critical for their adoption in Canada. The survey aims to capture the state of BIM and other transformative technologies within the Canadian industry and provide a benchmark for their implementation in Canada.

Taking part in the survey will allow for a greater understanding of where the industry is today to help shape the future of the Canadian construction industry.  Let your voice be heard and be eligible for a draw for an Oculus headset and other prizes offered by our partners!

The link to the survey:

English Version: https://forms.gle/A6GubVWnPF1f8FAW7
French Version: https://forms.gle/PxdPvx4iG6GC8kig7

LOC staff had the pleasure of participating in the OGCA Safety Awards last week. Thank you to all of our Champions who were able to attend our first in-person event in nearly two years. As Giovanni Cautillo expressed earlier in his President’s report, there was a very noticeable feeling of gratitude. I would also like to add how empowering it is to be in a room of Industry Leaders, all celebrating our combined successes in safety. For me, it never ceases to be a source of encouragement listening to LOC and Safety Committee Chair Craig Lesurf, reminding us that together, we are making a difference, and that we are all responsible for safety, both on and off the job site. Thank you, Craig for continuing to lead by example! We look forward to seeing everyone at the next event.

As we are quickly approaching the end of 2021, we at the League have some great things on which to look back. As our industry continues to navigate through the ups-and-downs of COVID and our ‘new normal,’ 2021 has been one of growth for the League of Champions: our incorporation as a not-for-profit, a new board of directors, and incredible growth in membership. We want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support of our activities. Without you, none of what we do would be possible.

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

Please join us for our 2022 technical rate sessions for Schedule 1 employers. Having held 2021 premium rates steady at 2020 levels to help support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are resuming the transition approach to our rate-setting model in 2022.

We are offering two technical rate session webinars hosted by our actuarial team where you will learn more about how 2022 premium rates were set. Register now for one of the following sessions:

December 7, 2021 from 10 to 11 a.m.
December 9, 2021 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Once you have completed the registration form, you will receive an email confirming your participation and a link to the upcoming webinar.

If you are interested in receiving the presentation materials in French or have any other questions about the sessions, please contact us at communications@wsib.on.ca.

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is here to help. When an injury or illness happens on the job, we move quickly to provide wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and support to help people get back to work. Funded by businesses, we also provide no-fault collective liability insurance and access to industry-specific health and safety information. We are one of the largest insurance organizations in North America covering over five million people in more than 300,000 workplaces across Ontario.

OGCA is pleased to announce the winners of the OGCA Category Awards which were presented on Friday, November 19, 2021.

Category III - under 100,000 derived hours worked over a three year period without an LTI - G.S. Wark Limited
Category II - between 100,001 and 200,000 derived hours worked over a three year period without an LTI - Cambria Design Build Ltd.
Category I - over 200,001 derived hours worked over a three year period without an LTI - PCL Constructors Canada Inc.

Awards were also presented to those companies which have achieved milestone hours without an LTI.

Mike Barron of Maystar General Contractors receives his over 500,000 hours Milestone Award.	Past Chairman Joel Melloul of Melloul-Blamey Construction receives his over 1 million hours Milestone Award

Over 500,000 hours:

• Frey Building Contractors
• Graceview Enterprises Inc.
• J.J. McGuire General Contractors
• Maystar General Contractors Inc.

Over 1 million hours:

• Curran Contractors Ltd.
• Kenalex Construction Company Limited
• M. Sullivan & Son Limited
• Matheson Constructors Limited
• Melloul-Blamey Construction Inc.
• Rutherford Contracting Ltd.

Over 2 million hours:

• Eastern Construction Company Limited
• Magil Construction Ontario Inc.
• Newman Bros. Limited
• Pomerleau Inc.
• PCL Constructors Canada Inc.

Over 3 million hours:

• Alberici Constructors, Ltd.

There were also 148 Safety Awards presented to OGCA members for zero lost time injuries. Congratulations to all of those who received awards.

Ontario Mine Rescue (OMR) teams provide essential services to support emergency preparedness to the Mining Industry across the province. Through risk assessments, OMR teams are cognizant and trained in hazardous scenarios that can occur during adverse events specific to the mining industry.

Please click here for the Press Release.

The OGCA is proud to be partnering with Member Benefits Alliance to bring you corporate discounts and unique benefits to aid you through any project. All OGCA members will have access to a member benefits portal where you can access financial, business and group benefit services.

Some benefits include: 

• Employee discounts at up to 25,000 locations such as Lenovo, Rogers, HP and more
• Corporate discounts on courier services, equipment and hardware
• Lifestyle-related benefits on travel and roadside assistance
• Access to free financial education, coaching and counseling
• View the full list of benefits by clicking here

To ensure that your team has proper access, please fill out the attached form and email it to sabrina@ogca.ca. OGCA members will receive up to five complimentary registrations. These perks are a part of your OGCA membership. A selected member of your choosing must be named the administrator, with the others being indicated as regular members. 

For additional company registrations, the OGCA has negotiated a special discounted rate.

Submissions are required by Wednesday, December 1, 2021 by NOON. 

If you have any questions about the member benefits form, please contact Sabrina Tropiano at sabrina@OGCA.ca.

RESCON is hosting its Third Annual Mental Health and Addictions in Construction Symposium via Zoom on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, from 1 – 2:45 p.m., in recognition of National Addictions Awareness Week.

This event is an excellent opportunity to hear from the Chief Prevention Officer, Dr. Joel Moody, Dr. Ash Bender, an Occupational Psychiatrist, Carissa Tanzola, Partner at Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP, as well as an interactive conversation with Rob Trymbulak, Ironworker with Local 700, on his lived experience with addiction. Check out the event flyer attached!

To register, click here: https://bit.ly/3mqaZ7t or contact Ahd AlAshry (AlAshry@rescon.com).

FTI Consulting Construction Solutions
FTI Consulting Construction Solutions is a leading global provider of project advisory, construction claims analysis and expert witness services. With a unique breadth of experience and skills, we provide construction expertise and advice to contractors, subcontractors, lenders, owners, developers, funders and lawyers.

Our multilingual construction experts draw on diverse backgrounds and in-depth industry experience to provide a multidisciplinary approach to help prevent, manage and resolve construction issues. Click here to access their website.

Intact Insurance
Intact Surety is the market leader in Canada and one of the largest sureties in North America. Our network of 12 surety branches across Canada includes over 220 surety employees committed to supporting the construction and real estate development industries. Intact Financial Corporation is the largest provider of property and casualty (P&C) insurance in Canada and a leading provider of specialty insurance in North America and globally.

As leading surety experts, Intact Surety creates innovative solutions tailored to meet customer needs in an ever-changing marketplace. We are experienced in all types of contractors and our financial strength gives us the capacity to support the needs of contractors of all sizes. We offer seamless cross-border service, along with access to a dedicated surety claims and risk management team of lawyers, accountants, engineers and project managers. Click here to view their profile page.

Masters Insurance
Independently owned and operated, Masters Insurance has a distinguished history in the development and construction communities. With over 55 years in business, we are attuned to the specialized insurance and surety needs of each project – providing tailored solutions supported by best in class consulting services and terms. Our reputation is built on a highly knowledgeable and dedicated team, along with endorsements from Canada’s leading insurers. We also offer commercial and personal insurance, group benefits and financial planning services. Click here to access their website.

At 68 per cent, Canada led among its global counterparts in knowing where they are making or losing money at any given moment; however, less than 20 per cent are spending the right amount on technology.

Please click here to read the full Press Release from Procore / Dodge Data & Analytics. 

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 March 2020, please contact Mary Wademan at OGCA.

Addressing issues related to mental health and addictions is critical. RESCON, with the help of industry partners and the government, will continue to work hard to bring attention to and help find solutions to mitigate mental health and addictions challenges within the workforce.

Please join RESCON for its "Third Annual Mental Health and Addictions in Construction Symposium" on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, from 1 - 3 p.m. Flyer Attached!

This event is a great opportunity to hear from the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions - Michael Tibollo, Chief Prevention Officer - Dr. Joel Moody, Occupational Psychiatrist - Dr. Ash Bender, Carissa Tanzola - Partner at Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP, as well as an interactive conversation with Rob Trymbulak - Ironworker with Local 700, on his lived experience with addiction.

Please click here to register or contact Ahd AlAshry (AlAshry@rescon.com)

This isn’t your average webinar!

You’re invited to Roundtable Express: Interactive Safety Discussions, a unique "choose your own adventure" approach to webinars where you decide the content and engage with industry experts. What path will you choose?

Join NORCAT, Sofvie, and special guests on November 30, 2021, from 1 - 2:30 p.m. for interactive speed rounds of safety discussions. The topics will feature emerging trends and technologies, brushing up on the basics, streamlining compliance, and more!

Participants will choose three topics from a list of eight to register for.

Join us and share your opinions and ideas on how we can all work together to make workplace health and safety incidents a thing of the past.

Limited spots available. Register for FREE online now at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/roundtable-express-interactive-safety-discussions-tickets-167879629491.

PRESENTED IN COOPERATION WITH THE OGCA BY
Thurston Consulting Services Inc. and McMillan

This program will provide an overview of the procurement, tendering and award of Construction projects, including Prequalification, types of Bids, Contract A and resulting legal history governing construction procurement, bonding and more. Attendees will be provided with a comprehensive overview of our systems with suggested best practices as well as references and supporting materials. This program will be of interest to Owners, Procurement Specialists, Construction Mangers, Consultants, Contractors and Trades.

Further details on how to register and participate in this informative session will be provided in subsequent OGCA Newsletters.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022
8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Continental Breakfast included.
OGCA Offices, 180 Atwell Dr. Ste. 280, Toronto, Ontario M9W 6A9

On January 20, 2022, please join us for the first Chairman's New Year's Event at The Loft on King, located at 485 King St. W., Toronto.

Several local politicians have been invited, and this is a perfect opportunity for our Associate Partner and OGCA members to meet and mingle with the OGCA Board of Directors. Registration will be avaialble on Friday, November 26. A bulletin will be sent to members and APP members to advise the link. The cost to attend is $150 per person plus HST.

Payment can be made online at the OGCA store. Sponsorship in the amount of $1,500 is also available for our APP members by clicking here.

Please note that this is an OGCA event and only open to OGCA and APP members.