February 12, 2010
Economic update
What the latest U.S., Canada GDP numbers mean for the recovery
New gross domestic product figures for the U.S. and Canada are strong, says CanaData chief economist Alex Carrick. But what do they say about the state of economic recovery in both countries?
“We’ve got two questions,” Carrick notes. “Given the strength of the numbers, when will labour markets turn around. And secondly is the U.S recovery self-sustaining at this point?
“We’re going to have a high unemployment rate throughout this year,” he adds, “because even as jobs are added people who left the labour force are going to come back into the labour force, and that’s going to keep the unemployment number high.”
“But the increase in jobs is going to be very positive for the economies of both the United States and Canada.”
Pursuit of LEED could result in professional negligence, insurance executive warns
By adhering to a “recipe” or “formula” in order to earn points toward LEED certification, design professionals might be at risk of neglecting their responsibility to clients, says an insurance company executive.
The head of the Ontario General Contractors Association is praising a report from Workers Safety & Insurance Board chair Steven Mahoney that looks at ways to reform the WSIB
‘You don’t create job opportunities by cutting off business:’ Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters CEO
The new Buy America agreement between Canada and the U.S. doesn’t offer Canadian firms access to stimulus contracts that have already “gone out the door,” says the head of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.
WSIB shouldn't rush rate hikes to cover unfunded liability: COCA president
In its effort to eliminate the unfunded liability, the Workers Safety & Insurance Board should not hike premiums too quickly or it could make Ontario an unattractive place to do business, says the president of the Council of Ontario Construction Associations.
Canadian Construction Association strengthening research and innovation efforts
The Canadian Constrruction Association has made progress in the past year in its efforts to nurture connections with educational and research institutions across the country, reports CCA chair Brad Greene.
Construction worker’s fatal fall didn't involve swing stage
A construction worker is dead after falling as much as six storeys from a building in east Toronto Thursday. Police say a piece of metal may have fallen and hit the worker, knocking him off the building.
Is the U.S. recovery sustainable?
The U.S. might be starting to mend its economy, but there are still a number of uncertainties about whether a recovery will be sustainable, says CanaData chief economist Alex Carrick.
Ontario Road Builders’ Association launches green award
The Ontario Road Builders’ Association has announced a new green award to recognize efforts made by the industry to protect the environment.
Canadian Construction Association eyes international reciprocity for Gold Seal
The Canadian Construction Association plans to explore the idea of negotiating international reciprocity agreements for its Gold Seal certification.
