Press releases

CCA Board of Directors – June 2021 update

CCA’s Board met on June 22, 2021 via Zoom for our first full business meeting of the 2021-2022 Board. Here are the highlights of the meeting along with recent developments:

INCREASED CCA PROFILE AND CONSULTATION WITH PARTNER ASSOCIATIONS IN SUPPORT OF ADVOCACY

Over the past six months, CCA’s outreach efforts have paid off, with a 127 per cent increase in media versus the same time last year. In addition, CCA has been working collaboratively to support the Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association in promoting a vision as Canada’s trade gateway to Asia.

We also appreciate the many contributions that allowed CCA to finalize its submission on the National Infrastructure Assessment by the June 30 deadline. A special thank you to the many local construction associations who endorsed CCA’s submission. We will keep you apprised of next steps.

EXPENSE MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT IN VALUE

CCA continues to manage its financials conservatively and has reduced its office space by approximately 50 per cent, which will allow CCA to invest in new staff to drive our advocacy and policy work forward.

MEMBER AND STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK: MATERIAL COSTS AND DELAYS TOP OF MIND

Reports to the CCA Board by partner associations were circulated, summarized and discussed by the Board. These provide important information, context and insights for the Board from a regional and local perspective. You can find the report summary and individual reports here.

The Board also heard from the National Advisory Council chairs providing information and context on strategic issues and opportunities from the five Council perspectives – Civil, Trade, General Contractors, Manufacturers, Suppliers & Services, and Local Construction Association partners.

Top issues raised were:

  • Material cost escalation and delivery delays – Many LCAs and the CCA are providing real time guidance on how to mitigate escalation and delay on current projects, as well as practices to improve contract terms and mitigate impact on future jobs;
  • Labour force and skilled workers – CCA’s Talent Fits Here campaign is moving into its second phase, reaching out beyond the construction industry. CCA is also pursuing a strategy for federal government participation in the program to expand and diversify the workforce in Canada;
  • Delays in getting funding approved at the project level – CCA continues to advocate for an ‘uncluttered’ funding model for federal contributions, by removing funding conditions like workforce quotas and unspecified community benefits.

GOVERNANCE MODEL PULSE CHECK

You may recall my comment in March that the change in CCA governance came with a promise to keep looking for ways to improve the way CCA works for you. CCA’s Governance and Nominating Committee will be conducting an informal review of CCA’s new governance model to identify what is working well, and any areas that may need some adjusting. We appreciate that the model was brought in just as the pandemic hit, and so we have not been able to hold the face-to-face meetings, which are so beneficial to exchanging ideas and building relationships.

The Governance and Nominating Committee will also be reviewing the composition of the National Advisory Councils, with a view to considering how we might strengthen the link to the volunteer leaders of our partner associations.

CCA VALUE PROPOSITION RECOMMENDATION PRESENTED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The CCA Board received a report and presentation from the working group chair, Stephen Coote. There was strong support for the proposed value proposition of “Trusted Partner. Trusted Advisor. Trusted Advocate.” At its September meeting the Board expects to receive and consider further recommendations from the working group to strengthen the value of CCA to members, partner associations and stakeholders.

CCDC 16 & 24 ENDORSED, CCA 1 APPROVED

The Board moved to endorse CCDC 16 – A Guide to Changes in the Contract, and CCDC 24 – A Guide to Model Forms and Support Documents, and to approve CCA 1 – Stipulated Price Subcontract.

It was acknowledged that CCDC 16 replaces CCA 16, which had made specific reference to recommended markup percentages on changes. The Board noted that CCDC does not endorse specific pricing or markup issues in its documents, but on balance decided that the benefit of having CCDC endorsement of this document was important. CCA staff will prepare a CCA guidance document for consideration by the Board in September that is expected to include references to markup on changes that can be used by contractors, LCAs and other stakeholders in discussion with project owners.

NEXT CCA BOARD MEETING

The next meeting of the CCA Board, chaired by Ray Bassett, will be on September 8, 2021.

NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS

The National Advisory Councils will be meeting in August and you are invited to attend as observers. Please mark your calendars!

As always, we are happy to participate in your AGMs, Board or member meetings. Just reach out to Carly Pagliarello at [email protected] to schedule us!