December 31, 2012

Looking back at the past year in construction news: September – December

September

Canadian infrastructure report card unveiled

The message of the first-ever Canadian Infrastructure Report Card is more important than the actual findings, said the president of the Canadian Construction Association.

The report card surveyed 123 municipalities, representing from 40.7 to 59.1 per cent of the Canadian population.

Construction bosses pay cash to Quebec mob

Ties between well-known construction entrepreneurs and the highest figures in the Italian Mafia were laid out before Quebec’s corruption inquiry where, after months of anticipation, witnesses started to name names. These transfers were made at a notorious Montreal Mafia hangout while authorities quietly observed.

October

CCA supports federal red tape action

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) gives a thumbs-up to the federal government’s announced plan to cut red tape. The red tape reduction action plan introduces six changes, intended to reduce the administrative burden on business, make it easier to do business with regulators, and improve service and predictability.

Ontario construction reflects on McGuinty

Dalton McGuinty will be remembered by Ontario construction as the infrastructure premier, said industry stakeholders. Following news of his decision to resign and prorogue Queen’s Park, construction leaders assessed the impact McGuinty had on Ontario construction during his nine-year tenure as premier.

November

OCOT membership fees unveiled

Ontario College of Trades’ (OCOT) membership classes of apprentices, tradespersons and journeyperson candidates will pay $60 annually. Journeypersons and employer/sponsors will pay $120 a year. The college is expected to begin accepting membership on April 8, 2013. OCOT will represent 157 skilled trades.

IO adopts project bundling framework

After a series of meetings with stakeholders from the design and construction sectors, Infrastructure Ontario (IO) adopts a six-point framework for the bundling of projects. The document stipulates that IO will employ measures to protect local and other segments of the design and construction sectors when considering project bundling.

December

Mixed labour reaction to union disclosure bill

Bill C-377, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act (requirements for labour organizations), passes in the House of Commons, further dividing union and open shop organizations in the Canadian construction industry. The bill will require public disclosure of the finances of labour organizations, including unions.

New federal skilled trades program lauded

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is unveiled by the federal government. The program will build the foundation to address construction labour shortages, said the Canadian Construction Association. Previously, workers had to apply through a program which emphasized post-secondary education and official language proficiency.

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