b'INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLERG:The construction industry hassome initial confusion, most of theseand relatively few cases of COVID-19 always been an important pillar ofissues were resolved very quickly, whichduring the first wave of the pandemic. the Canadian economy, and ourenabled construction employment toSome of this can be attributed to restarts designation as an essential serviceremain relatively stable throughout.at several of the provinces larger projects throughout the country is indicativeOnce the emergency measures in Quebecwhere congregate living conditions exist of this. Wecontribute significantly toand Ontario were lifted, employmentfor workers traveling in to work on the Canadas GDP and employ more thanrebounded in both provinces ratherproject. Employers are being extremely 1.4 million Canadians. Our industry hasquickly, although employment levels incareful with start-up operations to ensure largely remained operational throughoutmost provinces have remained slightlyworker safety is notcompromised. the pandemic. Despite the change inbelow those recorded in 2019. In B.C., case numbers, CCA members haveemployment has been slower to reboundRG:The industry has adapted well to continued to take additional measuresto pre-pandemic levels, despite thethe ever-changing circumstances of the to ensure their adherence to healthprovinces strong containment measurespandemic; of course, some adjustments and safety directives and protocols at every turn. Throughout the year, the industry was able to adapt, becoming a major force of the economy while other industries have had to stop theirFrom left to right, Mark Danielson, Alison Cathcart, Jeremy Burgess, Alf Kempf, Justin Daltonactivities. This is why we believe we will be a major player in the recovery tocome.HAS CONSTRUCTIONS DESIGNATION AS AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE LESSENED THE OVERALL ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY? CA:Yes, our workforce has been able to keep working for the most part, and that has been a tremendous advantage for skilled tradespeople during this time. However, we cant overlook the issues that remain and continue to pose challenges to employers. Our industry is operating in a high-risk, low-margin environment at the best of times, and COVID-19-related costs have been borne by small andConstruction involves medium companies that were already struggling with increases in operatinga high degree of risk.costs. Also, issues like prompt payment continue to be our Achilles heel. Its a travesty when our tradespeople put in the hours, apply their skills, deliverOurconstructionlawyershavetheknowledgeandindustry their projects and then dont get paid.experience to guide clients through all phases of the construction Were hoping Premier John Horganproject and when needed will aggressively pursue matters in court and his cabinet will introduce promptto protect the rights of our clients.payment legislation in B.C. this year and follow other provinces lead on this importantissue. 3011665 Ellis StreetBF:Most provinces did declare theKelowna, BCV1Y 2B3construction sector an essential service,250.762.2108except for Quebec and parts of thewww.pushormitchell.comindustry in Ontario. While there was SICA CONSTRUCTION REVIEWSpring 202137'