b'BCCA UPDATEChris Atchison, President, BCCAAN UPDATEFROM THE BCCAA HOLISTIC APPROACH TO INDUSTRY ISSUEShe health of an industryto provide guidance as they take theirOn the question of prompt payment T depends as much on proactiveplace within our industry. legislation, which dominated our measures taken by those whoThe continued success of the BCCAadvocacy efforts this year, we moved want to see it thrive, as it does on howfrom a position of optimism to one well they perform under pressure. AtIntegrating Newcomers (BCCA- of disappointment as it became clear BCCA, we adopt a holistic approachIN) program and the Skilled Tradesthat our objective wouldnt be achieved to addressing the issues faced byEmployment Program (STEP).within the current legislative cycle. Our B.C.s construction industry as itThese longstanding programs todaymessage to government is clear: prompt deals with workforce shortages andefficiently and effectively address needspayment legislation is good for B.C.s other challenges to the viability of theidentified over a decade ago. construction industry, good for B.C.s companies that make up its numbers.Five years of Builders Codeeconomy and good for the taxpayers of Our focus this past year remainedBritish Columbia. We continue to strive consistent with our mission: buildinginfluencing acceptable behaviour infor this win-win-win. We continue to a vibrant workforce, supportingthe workplace. demonstrate to government that we construction delivery and reinforcingThe annual Construction and Skilledcan be both an effective partner andour communities.Trades Month, with companies anda reliable sounding board as we work Workforce development programs are aorganizations recognized for excellencetogether to ensure a bright future for cornerstone of our efforts to eliminatein leadership, culture our province.the shortages that threaten our industry.and procurement.This year has seen BCCA continue BCCA activity and achievements thisIt is encouraging to see these programsits path of reconciliation with past fiscal year included: and initiatives meet the expectations ofIndigenous communities. I invite the The resounding success of thepeople seeking to advance in an industryindustry to consult BCCAs Truth and that needs them. Reconciliation: Industry Priorities page Builders Life promotional campaign,and access resources for B.C. employers. which increased notoriety of theBCCA continued to advocate on behalfJoin us on a journey that is meaningful trades among the general public.of industry, particularly with regardsand rewarding.The powerful message of a Buildersto prompt payment, lien reform and Life resonated with both job seekersadjudication. We led over 30 industryAs we turn the page on another year and employers across B.C. andpartners in co-signing a letter to theand look towards the future, I cannot directly resulted in the developmentAttorney General demanding theoverstate how appreciative I am of of talentcentral.ca, a construction- enactment of prompt payment legislation,contributions made by our staff and focused job board for B.C. and commissioned a cross-jurisdictionalboard, and how grateful I am to be analysis that we delivered to the Premier,collaborating with the leadership at the the Attorney General and the Minister of The successful delivery of thefour regional construction associations Apprenticeship Services program,Finance. Our ongoing commitment toand other stakeholder organizations.which surpassed its objectives,fair, open and transparent procurementTogether, we build B.C.injecting well over $16 million intopractices and contract terms found a voice B.C.s construction economy. Thein our successful Owners Only series, program created over two thousandwhich continues to educate public ownersnew first-year apprentices for B.C.,on important topics such as Contract including more than one thousandA, the B.C. Builders Lien Act, change from equity-deserving groups.orders and project delivery methods.The ramping up of the BuildingThis work seeks to open dialogue andBuilders program, which sawbuild trust with public sector ownersChris Atchison mentees matched with mentors ableacross B.C.President, BCCA12 SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION'