Canada’s construction industry supports the decision to keep health compliant federal construction project sites open
OTTAWA, April 7, 2020 – The highest priority for the construction industry is the health and safety of our workforce, their families, colleagues and communities. Where compliance with COVID-19 health and safety protocols and the guidance of public health authorities can be maintained, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) supports the decision to keep federal construction project sites open and the workforce employed where those projects involve defence, security, infrastructure and the administration of justice and government.
The construction sector is one of Canada’s largest employers and will be a major contributor to the country’s economic recovery. The industry, 70 per cent which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employs more than 1.5 million Canadians and contributes 7 per cent of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The continuation of critical federal infrastructure projects demonstrates the importance of the industry’s role in delivering these projects while maintaining the health and safety of workers, their families and communities as our top priority.
In March, CCA released its COVID-19 Standardized Protocols for All Canadian Construction Sites. With current and updated guidance from public health authorities, these standardized protocols provide best practices and a consistent national approach for employers and employees to follow to protect themselves and the public at large. They should be consulted along with local health authority directives to help minimize the spread of the coronavirus, allowing work to continue safely. These protocols include measures on prevention, detection, and rapid response based on information and recommendations from respected public health authorities; and will be updated regularly as required.
It’s important that the industry and government continue to work together during this crisis. We are stronger together.
Contact
Rodrigue Gilbert
Vice-President, Public Affairs
613-236-9455, ext. 432
[email protected]