b'CCA UPDATEMary Van Buren, President, Canadian Construction AssociationA MESSAGE FROM CCAADVANCING THE NEED FOR FOUNDATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND WORKFORCE CAPACITY THROUGH COLLECTIVE ADVOCACYepresenting 18,000+procurement modernization. ThisFirst Ministers meeting dedicated to R member firms, the Canadiancampaign was bolstered by our annualdiscussing the priorities of a strategic Construction AssociationHill Day event on November 7,trade corridor infrastructure federal (CCA) is proud of our mission towhere close to 100 industry experts program and its link to Canadas inspire a progressive, innovative andincluding SICAs CEO, Clifford Kshykeconomic growth and competitiveness. sustainable construction industry. met with parliamentarians to discuss the construction sectors essentialAs an essential trade gateway and The key to our collective successrole in creating and maintainingleading exporter, British Columbia is working with valued partnerthe infrastructure Canadians usestands to benefit from this strategy.associations like the Southern Interiordaily. This includes the foundational Construction Association (SICA).infrastructure at the heart of newCCA thanks our coalition partners, Together, we are driving impactfulhomes and communities. Over 70which include the Canadian Chamber change on key issues, benefitting notmeetings were held throughout the day,of Commerce, Canada West just our industry, but British Columbiafollowed by a reception that eveningFoundation, Canadian Manufacturers and all Canadians.where CCA, our members and partner& Exporters, Civil Infrastructure association leaders were joined byCouncil Corporation and Western several parliamentariansincluding theCanada Roadbuilders, for this A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR Minister of Employment, Workforceimportant step towards achieving a A STRONGER CANADA Development and Official Languages,Canadian Trade Infrastructure Plan. With many Canadians distressed Randy Boissonnaultto discuss the about the housing crisis, high costindustrys critical needs. of living and economic uncertaintyWORKFORCE REMAINSimpacting their daily lives, CCAADVANCING A CANADIAN TRADEAN URGENT PRIORITYlaunched an industry call to actionINFRASTRUCTURE PLANWe achieved some headway with the urging the federal government toThe industry is gaining traction infederal government on our collective partner with the construction industryits pursuit of more investment in keycornerstone issue to rebuild Canadas on building a strong foundation for atrade gateways and corridors across theworkforce through immigration reform. stronger Canada. 1 country. Canadas declining reputationThe Department of Immigration, as a global trade partner was a topRefugees and Citizenship recently Housing isnt just about buildingconcern at a meeting of premiers andannounced a new process under the houses and making them affordable.territorial leaders in Winnipeg, where I,Express Entry program to welcome The government needs to consider thealong with two other coalition partners,skilled newcomers with work experience infrastructure necessary to connectmade a breakfast presentation on Julyin occupations considered a priority housing to sewers, clean water, roads12 advocating for a Canadian Tradein Canada. Ten occupations in and accompanying social infrastructureInfrastructure Plan. construction, including carpenters, such as schools, clinics, fire stations, etc.plumbers, welders and electricians, are Canadas premiers recognized thatincluded in the list of nearly 83 jobs.Through CCAs online advocacytrade-enabling infrastructure is an platform, the Construction Actionindispensable part of Canadas economicOur collective efforts to make the Network, hundreds of letters wereprofile, supporting supply chains andworkforce shortage issue a priority for sent to local MPs reminding themthe growth of businesses while alsothe Government of Canada, bringing of the urgency to partner with thehelping to fund vital social servicesthe message locally, provincially and Canadian construction industryand public infrastructure from thefederally through our Hill Day and on a comprehensive infrastructurerevenue earned. They also called onsemi-annual Meech Lake meetings, have plan, workforce development andthe federal government to convene aalso generated government support for 12 SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION'