b'CCA UPDATEA MESSAGE FROM CCASECURING A STRONG FUTURE FOR THE INDUSTRYMary Van Buren,THROUGH COLLECTIVE ADVOCACY President, CanadianConstruction Associationepresenting 20,000+Our industry can be the path to green andrebuild Canadas workforce NOW2 during R member firms, the Canadianthe road to economic prosperity, but weCCAs annual Hill Day on November 15.Construction Associationneed supportive policies and a national (CCA) is proud of our missionplan backed by a long-term investmentAlthough we applaud the federal to inspire a progressive, innovative andstrategy. Working with our partners atgovernments recent decision to welcome sustainable construction industry.the Western Canada Roadbuilders &up to 500,000 newcomers per year Heavy Construction Association, wefor the next three years, this is not The key to our success is workingreleased a report, From Shovel Ready toenough. Policies that attract and utilize with valued partner associations likeShovel Worthy,1 to strengthen our case forthe construction skills and experience the Southern Interior Constructiona national trade-enabling infrastructureof immigrants and newcomers were Association (SICA). We are powered byplan. It identifies key trade gateways anda key ask. Solutions raised by CCA your engagement. Together, we are drivingcorridors across the country, includingmembers included modernizing Canadas change on key issues that make a realWestern Canada, that will link resourcesimmigration policies, working with impactnot only for the industry, but forto industry, people to jobs and productsprovinces and territories to ensure all Canadians.to market. We are also supporting askills matching is well aligned between media and government relations outreachjurisdictions, and updating the Temporary A SMART INFRASTRUCTUREcampaign to create more momentum andForeign Worker Program.PLAN BACKED BY INVESTMENTsupport for this initiative. Canadas future growth depends on our As the industrys national advocate, CCAability to attract, develop and retain top has been working to help shape a long- WORKFORCE AN talent, and the Canadian construction term plan for sustainable infrastructureURGENT PRIORITY industry recognizes the benefits of a investment. In our meetings withdiverse, inclusive and equitable work government leaders, reinforced by ourIts not news to anyone that Canada isculture. Our Talent Fits Here3 initiative advocacy strategies, CCA has alwaysfacing its most severe labour shortage inis a national public awareness campaign maintained that one size does not fit all.over 50 years. There are over 93,000 opendesigned to attract workers by positioning Every region and municipality, includingjobs in construction that the industryconstruction as a career of choice. our Indigenous communities, haveis struggling to fill nationwide because different needs and priorities. of baby boomer retirements, pandemic aftershocks and, quite simply, a publicFAIR PROCUREMENTWe need to move away from quickmisconception about careers CCAs semi-annual Meech Lake meeting fixes and towards a strategy that focusesin construction. with government leaders resulted in a on long-term solutions and value forcommitment to establish a working group Canadians in the regions they live. It isMore than 70 members from acrosson procurement and project delivery why we engage with our local constructionCanada, representing all sectors ofmethods. We also embarked on a fact-association partners and memberstothe construction industry, met withfinding mission this summer to learn from learn firsthand what is important to youparliamentarians from all parties to discussmembers firsthand about their challenges and your community. the labour crisis and the urgent need towith current procurement practices. 14 SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION'