Press Releases
CCA Concerned Changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Program Will Harm the Construction Sector
The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is very concerned that the changes to the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) and Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) programs announced yesterday will reduce the sector's ability and capacity to meet the increased demand for construction services across Canada.
“From a construction industry perspective, the TFW program is a stop-gap measure, which allows industry to keep pace with rising demand across Canada for construction services," said Michael Atkinson, president of the Canadian Construction Association. “The cost of recruiting and employing temporary foreign workers in the construction sector makes this an option of last resort, but a necessary tool for the industry in terms of meeting industry demands."
Canadian Construction Association Supportive of 2013 Federal Budget
Budget 2013 highlights importance of infrastructure and better labour market training to Canadian prosperity
OTTAWA, Thursday March 21, 2013 – The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) was encouraged by several important measures contained in today’s federal budget, including the announcement of the new Building Canada Plan and government commitment to improve labour market training across Canada.
“Sustained investment in infrastructure is critical to Canada’s long-term economic growth,” said Michael Atkinson, president of the Canadian Construction Association. “The investments announced today will help governments across Canada continue the process of infrastructure renewal and set Canada on the path to a more globally competitive economy. We look forward to working with the federal government to ensure a seamless and efficient implementation of these investments.”
Canadian Construction Association Appoints Frank Rizzardo 2013 Chair of the Board of Directors
LA MALBAIE, March 7, 2013- The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is pleased to announce that Frank Rizzardo has been installed as the 2013 chair of its board of directors. Mr. Rizzardo was sworn in at the annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday March 7, 2013, in La Malbaie, Quebec. He takes over the position from John Schubert, president of McCaine Electric and vice-president of business development for the Canem Group.
Canadian Construction Association Celebrates 2012 National Award Recipients
LA MALBAIE, March 6, 2013- The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) presented 11 well-deserving recipients with its national awards at a luncheon and ceremony sponsored by Jardine Lloyd Thompson in conjunction with CCA’s 95th annual conference.
The CCA awards recognize the outstanding individuals, firms and associations that represent the Canadian construction industry. “Listening to the awards ceremony, I really felt the breadth and width of talent in our industry,” said John Schubert, chair of CCA. “The CCA award recipients truly raise the bar for everybody involved in the industry. There are so many great minds that do so much not only for our industry but for communities across Canada.”
Canadian Construction Association Supports Chamber of Commerce Report
Barriers to Competitiveness report identifies many of the issues the construction industry now faces
OTTAWA, February 12, 2013 -- The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) was pleased to see the release today of the Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, which once again stressed the importance of ongoing infrastructure investment, the need for increased innovation and productivity, and—ranked as the number one issue—the need to address the skills shortage in Canada.
“For the Canadian construction industry, this report highlights much of what our members across Canada are now facing as barriers to their own competiveness,” said Michael Atkinson, president of the Canadian Construction Association. “As an industry, we are pleased to see those issues being brought up in discussions across Canada, and hope that our industry, amongst others, can assist in finding solutions to these barriers.”
February 5, 2013 @ 05:03 PMCanadian Construction Association Awards 38 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals
Medals recognize individual Canadians for their outstanding contributions to community and to Canada
OTTAWA, February 5, 2013 -- As part of the ongoing celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee year in Canada, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) was pleased to accept and distribute—with its partner associations and members—38 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medals to outstanding individuals across Canada.
The Diamond Jubilee celebration marks the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne. Only one other time in history—Queen Victoria in 1897—has this historic milestone been celebrated in Canada.
Canadian Construction Association Pleased That New Federal Skilled Trades Program Will Provide Fast and Flexible Immigration System for Construction
New program will streamline application process and place greater emphasis on industry needs
OTTAWA, December 10, 2012 – The Canadian Construction Association was pleased to hear today’s announcement that the new Federal Skilled Trades Program is being launched on January 2, 2013. This new program will build the foundation to address labour shortages in the Canadian construction industry, while supporting increased growth for the Canadian economy.
“The introduction of a dedicated and streamlined program for skilled trades addresses many of the shortcomings from the current Federal Skilled Worker Program,” said Michael Atkinson, president of the Canadian Construction Association. “The new program ensures greater consideration is given to the needs of industry when processing eligible immigration applications.”
CCA National Awards Program Now Accepting Nominations
Awards recognize individuals, firms and associations for their contribution to industry
OTTAWA, November 8, 2012 – Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 Canadian Construction Association National Awards Program, which recognizes the important contributions of projects, people, firms and associations that promote and enhance the Canadian construction industry. The awards program is open to all relevant organizations and individuals who meet the requirements of each award.
“For many years, the CCA National Awards Program has recognized the outstanding people and businesses that make up our industry,” said John Schubert, 2012 Chair of the Canadian Construction Association Board of Directors. “This program provides an opportunity to celebrate those individuals and organizations that, through their hard work and dedication, help build Canada’s future."
New Guide Helps Improve Cost Predictability of Construction Projects
Joint federal government and industry cost predictability taskforce guide now downloadable from the Canadian Construction Association website
OTTAWA, November 5, 2012 – The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) announced today the availability of a new guide on cost predictability of construction projects. Prepared by a joint taskforce consisting of senior representatives from the construction industry and the federal government, the guide offers practical advice on ways to improve construction project cost predictability.
Canadian Construction Association Supports Introduction of Navigation Protection Act
New legislation will enhance certainty, timeliness and predictability for industry
OTTAWA, October 18, 2012 – The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) was pleased with today’s introduction of the Navigation Protection Act, noting that the new legislation will help streamline processes, while increasing predictability and certainty for the industry.
“Today’s announcement recognizes the importance of project certainty for the construction industry,” said Michael Atkinson, president of the CCA. “Through the streamlining of approval processes, and eliminating uncertainty in those processes, the construction industry can continue to build the infrastructure that is essential for a healthy Canadian economy.”
Conference to Examine Integrated Project Delivery
OTTAWA, October 9, 2012- The Institute for BIM in Canada (IBC), with its constituent organizations, is holding a conference November 8-9 in Toronto examining the topic of integrated project delivery, or IPD, and how this new project delivery method can benefit the construction industry.
The conference, being held at the Allstream Centre at Exhibition Place, is themed: Implementing IPD: A ‘Win-Win’ Solution in Construction. “We have heard a lot about the emergence of IPD, as well as some Canadian examples of how it is being utilized,” said Dave Pelletier, Chair of the Institute for BIM in Canada. “This project delivery method has shown its ability to maximize efficiencies for all parties, the added value of using BIM, and bring a new level of collaboration to construction projects. This conference program will explore those topics, and will provide valuable insight for all stakeholders. ”
October 12, 2012 @ 04:06 PMOttawa’s Newest Landmark Takes First Place Design-Build Award for CDBI
St. John’s, NL -- The Canadian Design Build Institute (CDBI) announced today the winners of its 10th Award of Excellence in design-build at the 2012 National Design-Build Conference, held this year from October 11-12 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
The 2012 Award of Excellence was awarded to the Ottawa Convention Centre, while two runner-ups were also awarded.
The Ottawa Convention Centre design produced a 34,000 square meter overall enclosed space of which over 20,000 square meters represent rentable space, supported by kitchen, storage, administration and support space. The center is spread over five floors, in addition to intermediate mechanical and electrical space. The project is presented by PCL Constructors Canada Inc. and Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects.
Canadian Construction Association Pleased with Partnership Announcement to Build Windsor-Detroit Bridge
Construction of a second bridge highlights the importance of Canada’s core infrastructure as it relates to economic growth
OTTAWA, June 15, 2012 - The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) was very happy to see the Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s announcement today of a new partnership with Michigan to build a second bridge in the Windsor-Detroit transportation corridor.
"Today's announcement shows the Government of Canada recognizes the importance and significance of new infrastructure as it relates to the Canadian economy," said Michael Atkinson, president of the CCA. "Transportation corridors such as Windsor/Detroit help to transport millions of dollars in goods between Canada and the U.S., and construction of these projects not only provides economic stimulus during the project, but ensures a reliable and efficient infrastructure system exists to maintain a strong Canadian economy."
Canadian Construction Association Supports Measures to Eliminate both the Federal and Infrastructure Deficits
CCA also encouraged by measures to introduce regulatory reform that can increase industry competitiveness
OTTAWA, Thursday March 29, 2012- The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) was pleased to see the federal government announced a number of measures that will address several longstanding issues of concern to the Canadian construction industry, while affirming its long-term commitment to the renewal of Canada’s aging infrastructure. These measures will ensure Canada remains set on a path to future prosperity.
“The reforms promised by the budget to the environmental assessment process and immigration will ensure the country is well placed to take advantage of the more than $500 billion in major economic projects expected in Canada over the next ten years,” said Michael Atkinson, president of the CCA.
March 21, 2012 @ 05:33 PMThe Canadian Construction Association Announces Mr. John Schubert as the 2012 Chair of the Board of Directors
OTTAWA, March 21, 2012- The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is pleased to announce that John Schubert has been installed as the 2012 Chair of its Board of Directors. Mr. Schubert was sworn in at the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Construction Association on Friday March 16, 2012, in Savannah, Georgia. He takes over the position from Nadine (Dee) Miller, Vice President of JJM Construction and President of F.A.S.T. First Aid & Survival Technologies Limited.
Mr. Schubert joined the Canadian Construction Association Board of Directors in 2003, and became a member of the Executive Committee in 2006, where he served as First and Second National Vice-Chair and Honorary Secretary/Treasurer for the Board. In addition to his time with the Executive Committee, Mr. Schubert has been actively involved in many of CCA’s Councils and Committees, and he has served as Chair of its Finance Committee and Gold Seal Committee.
March 14, 2012 @ 07:26 PMCanadian Construction Association Announces 2011 National Award Recipients
SAVANNAH, March 14, 2012- The Canadian Construction Association announced today the 2011 recipients of the CCA National Awards Program. A total of 11 awards were handed out at the CCA Annual Conference, held in Savannah, Georgia. The CCA National Awards Program recognizes the outstanding individuals, associations and firms that represent the Canadian construction industry.
Canadian Construction Association Strongly Supports the Government of Canada’s Direction Regarding Immigration Reform
Suggested measures could help address labour shortages in the Canadian construction industry
OTTAWA, March 2, 2012- The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) was very pleased to learn of the proposed reforms to Canada’s immigration system, as outlined by the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, in his keynote address to the National Metropolis Conference on Thursday.
Canadian Construction Industry Applauds Federal Infrastructure Announcement
Announcement an important step to build and maintain vital Canadian infrastructure
OTTAWA, November 30, 2011 – The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) welcomed today’s federal government announcement unveiling its strategy to develop a successor program for the current Building Canada Plan.
“CCA applauds this announcement, which is an important first step in the development of a long-term national infrastructure plan,” said Michael Atkinson, president of CCA. “This will ensure that there will be no federal funding gaps when the existing Building Canada Plan expires in March of 2014.”
October 31, 2011 @ 03:52 PMCanadian Construction Association and CIQS Sign Certification Agreement
New arrangement allows CIQS members and Gold Seal Certificate holders to pursue dual certification
OTTAWA, October 31, 2011- A new certification agreement between the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) and the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) allows for cross pollination of both Associations’ Members and more importantly recognises the importance of gaining currency in professional associations. CIQS, through its certification standards, will provide a path for Gold Seal Certificate holders to further their ambitions and pursue certification as an internationally recognised best-in-class construction professional.
CCA National Awards Program Now Open for Nominations
OTTAWA, October 20, 2011- Nominations are now being accepted for the 2011 Canadian Construction Association National Awards Program, which recognizes the important contributions of projects, people, firms and associations that promote and enhance the Canadian construction industry. The awards program is open to all relevant organizations and individuals who meet the requirements of each award.
“These awards are a great way to recognize the outstanding work being done in our industry,” said Dee Miller, Chair of the Canadian Construction Association. “There are so many individuals, projects, and organizations in Canada that are doing great things within the industry, and are very deserving of this recognition.”
October 14, 2011 @ 07:36 PMDuchess Park Secondary School Wins Top Design-Build Honours for CDBI
EDMONTON, October 14, 2011- Canadian Design Build Institute (CDBI) announced today the winners of its 9th Award of Excellence in design-build at the 2011 National Design-Build Conference, held October 13 & 14 this year in Edmonton, AB.
Judges representing Owners, Consultants and Design-Builders had a difficult task of selecting top contenders for this year’s CDBI Award of Excellence. When high-quality submissions vie for recognition in the Canadian Design-Build Institute’s Award of Excellence, the task involved a multi-faceted weighted rating system and lengthy discussion to get consensus.
Canadian Construction Association Launches New CCA Website and Opens Registration for 2012 Conference
OTTAWA, October 7, 2011- The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) today launched a brand new website for the organization, featuring streamlined navigation, a modernized look, and updated content for CCA members and the general public.
The bilingual website is part of an overall strategy to improve CCA communications to its membership and to those outside the organization. The new website also features CCA social media links, including YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter, where members and the general public can find out more about CCA activities.
CCA Pleased with Permanent Gas Tax Fund Transfers to Aid Municipalities with Infrastructure
OTTAWA, October 4, 2011 - The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is pleased to see the government moving forward with its commitment to introduce legislation to make permanent the annual transfer of funds to municipalities under the Gas Tax Fund. This marks the first time a federal infrastructure program has become a permanent fixture.
“As the only permanent federal support for municipal infrastructure development and maintenance, this program is critical to the redevelopment and modernization of our nation’s infrastructure”, said Michael Atkinson. “Canada’s cities are the economic engines that will continue to drive growth and prosperity for future generations of Canadians. Unfortunately, without access to growth taxes, many municipalities are struggling to keep pace with the growing demands our aging infrastructure is placing on their municipal tax base. Making permanent an annual per-capita transfer under the Gas Tax Fund will help to address their infrastructure needs.”
IBC is Seeking Input on BIM Use in Canada
OTTAWA, September 21, 2011- The Institute for BIM in Canada (IBC) is reaching out to Canada’s designers, constructors, operators, and owners of vertical and horizontal infrastructure to take part in a short survey to help assess the current BIM environment in Canada.
The institute has developed a number of strategic priorities for BIM, including an awareness program and the development of a practice manual for BIM users.
Construction Industry Leaders Forum Gathers Top Companies in Toronto
OTTAWA, September 15, 2011- With registration closing at the end of September, there are limited spaces available for Canadian Construction Association’s Construction Industry Leaders Forum being held in Toronto October 25 - 26, 2011.
Sponsored by Reed Construction Data, this year’s forum, themed Re-Thinking the Basics, focuses on some of the many questions facing the industry, and how to best prepare for the future. In addition to panel and roundtable discussions from some of the construction industry’s leading minds, the event will feature a keynote speech from Robert Herjavec, chief executive officer of The Herjavec Group and star of CBC’s Dragon’s Den.
September 1, 2011 @ 04:09 PMCCA Announces Improvements to Gold Seal Construction Management Certification Program
Ottawa, September 1, 2011 – Canadian Construction Association (CCA) today announced the planned improvement to its Gold Seal certification program for construction management professionals. In addition to changes to program requirements in terms of education, training and application fees, in the upcoming months CCA will be launching an online application system, a learning management system facilitating preparing for the examination as well as significant improvements to how potential applicants can find information about the certification program.
CCA Welcomes Long-Term Infrastructure Plan Committment
OTTAWA, June 6, 2011 – The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) today welcomed the federal government’s announcement in Budget 2011 of its intention to strengthen public infrastructure by introducing legislation to formalize the current $2 billion annual Gas Tax Fund transfers to municipalities and to work with provinces, territories, municipalities and other stakeholders to develop a long-term plan for public infrastructure that extends beyond the expiry of the Building Canada Plan.
“Within the next 10 years much of our infrastructure will need to be replaced or expanded to avoid economic stagnation. Canada needs to remain focused on the renewal of these critical assets as they are the foundation of our economy and the pillars that support a competitive and export-focused Canadian economy,” said Michael Atkinson, President of the Canadian Construction Association.
CCA Launches a New Resource for Youth to Explore a Career in Civil Construction
OTTAWA, May 10, 2011 - Canadian Construction Association’s Civil Infrastructure Council last week launched a new website, http://www.careersincivilconstruction.ca, aimed mainly at high school and college students but applicable to anyone looking for information on civil construction careers. Civil construction, also called heavy construction, has to do with infrastructure like roads, tunnels, bridges and dams.
“The civil construction sector offers a whole gamut of careers from project managers to technicians, estimators, to heavy equipment operators. This site provides young people exploring career options with information about the industry and the resources they will need to get their careers in civil construction started,” said Gilbert Brulotte, Chair of the CCA’s Civil Infrastructure Council.
CCA Welcomes Ongoing Federal Commitment to the Renewal of Canada's Infrastructure
OTTAWA, March 22, 2011 – Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is very pleased with today’s announcement by the federal government in Budget 2011 that it plans to work with provinces, municipalities and other stakeholders to chart a path forward in meeting Canada’s future infrastructure needs by recapitalizing the Building Canada Plan in 2014.
“The investments made by all levels of government over the past 24 months have been critical to slowing the growth of our national infrastructure deficit. Not only were these investments long overdue, but they helped generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in tax revenues at a time when our economy was in dire need of stimulus,” said Michael Atkinson, President of the CCA.
Canadian Construction Association and it's partners raise more than $600,000 to rebuild Haiti trade school
CCA Chair praises partners, cites cooperation for successful fundraising efforts
OTTAWA, March 21, 2011— Efforts to rebuild École Lakay, a Port-au-Prince trade school devastated in the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, can now get underway thanks to successful fundraising efforts by the Canadian Construction Association and its partners.
The more than $600,000 raised will be used to rebuild the workshops at the school and replace damaged or stolen machinery and equipment.
Canadian Construction Association Honours National Awards Recipients
OTTAWA, March 15, 2011 – The Canadian Construction Association presented its National Awards to honour excellence and outstanding contributions of the people and companies who make up the non-residential construction industry in Canada. The award ceremony took place during the CCA’s 93nd Annual Conference, March 9, 2011.
The Canadian Construction Association is pleased to announce Nadine (Dee) Miller as 2011 Chair of the Board of Directors
OTTAWA, March 15, 2011 - The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) would like to announce the installation of Nadine (Dee) Miller as the 2011 Chair of the Board of Directors. Mrs. Miller assumed her new duties on March 11th during the CCA’s Annual General Meeting and takes over the Chair position from Mr. Wayne Morsky of the Morsky Group of Companies.
Mrs. Miller joined the Board of Directors of the Canadian Construction Association in 2003, became a member of the Executive Committee in 2006 and an Elected Officer in 2008. She has served as First and Second National Vice-Chair and Honorary Secretary/Treasurer for the Board. During her time on the CCA Board, she chaired the International Business Committee and co-chaired the Membership and Promotion Committee.
The Canadian Construction Association is pleased to announce Mr. Wayne Morsky as 2010 Chair of the Board of Directors
March 23, 2010 – The Canadian Construction Association would like to announce the election of Mr. Wayne Morsky as the 2010 Chair of the Board of Directors. Mr. Morsky was sworn in March 21st during the CCA’s Annual General Meeting, he takes over the position from Mr. Brad Greene.
Previously Mr. Morsky has served as the First and Second National Vice-Chair of the CCA, Honourary Secretary / Treasurer and is Past Chair of the CCA Environment Committee.
Visit CCA Program Sites
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
FIND THE CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION NEAREST YOU