The Generals - Spring/Summer 2014 - (Page 7)
CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE
A
s we move into the summer months
ahead, we are all grateful to have
made it through one of the harshest
winters in recent history. Gone are
the frigid temperatures, high winds and heavy
snowfall that affect our daily decisions that
have an impact on our winter protection costs,
additional labour hours, lack of production and
possible project delays. Weather conditions
are just one of the many challenges we, as
contractors, face on a regular basis. We accept
the fact that we do not have control of what
Mother Nature has in store for us. We accept
the conditions and adapt based on our project
needs and company benefit.
Both as a contractor and as an industry,
there are many ever-changing trends that will
play a role in the coming years. Unlike the
weather, however, we can have some control,
be involved and have a say in how these trends
will affect our industry. At the OGCA, we are
fortunate to have an extremely competent and
dedicated staff that stays on top of these issues
as they are presented and ensures that we are
heard, not as individual members but as a strong
collective industry voice. This can and does
make a difference.
As we all are drawn into the upcoming elections and new leaders are elected, the effect on
the industry will need to be addressed. What
new legislation will be introduced or what
changes to current legislation are proposed?
How will the new Ministry of Prevention affect our
industry and govern our decisions as to how we
do business?
At one point, we thought that we were on the
same page with WSIB and now they are strategizing with WSIB reform. How will this affect our
rate group, the rating system and the elimination
of the unfunded liability?
These days, more so
than ever, it seems that
in our ever-changing
environment, there are
many issues for which we
need to stand unified.
It is of no surprise that OGCA members have
one of the best safety records in the industry
and continue to do so year after year. This year,
OGCA has teamed up with the Infrastructure
Health and Safety Association to provide a
comprehensive 3rd Annual Leadership Day.
This day will allow industry leaders to reinforce
their ongoing commitment to improved safety
performance and obtain valuable information
on implementing and obtaining CoR certification. Without a doubt, obtaining certification
requires dedication to the cause. Your association has worked hard to bring CoR to Ontario
and to have this designation as the respected
safety requirement. Now we all need to do our
part and involvement in Leadership Day is a
good start.
As public owners struggle with the deficit
and minimal tax increases, they are looking at
alternative construction/financing models to
move ahead with public projects. This process
is fairly new and invites a whole different set of
challenges. As they bundle projects to make
this a viable model, how will it affect our small
and medium sized contractors?
In addition to these new and varying challenges, we are consistently being faced with
owners who are willing to compromise the bidding and tendering process, refuse public openings, propose onerous supplementary conditions
and insist on unacceptable risk transfer. Make
no mistake, some of these issues have been
around forever and it is only with the involvement of your association that we are able to
challenge them as an industry. We need the
OGCA to remain strong, unified and focused
on our specific concerns. These days, more so
than ever, it seems that in our ever-changing
environment, there are many issues for which
we need to stand unified. Our members and
industry stakeholders are depending on it.
As Chairman, I am honoured to be representing the association in this milestone year.
The Ontario General Contractors Association
celebrates its 75th Anniversary at the Fairmont
Royal York Hotel on May 31, 2014 and I welcome
our members, sponsors and invited guests to
what promises to be a great event as we return
to the location of our first AGM, which was held
in 1939.
I would also like to thank all of our members, sponsors and spouses who dedicated
the time and resources to attend the AGM
and Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, this
past October. It was a perfect location with
great weather and was thoroughly enjoyed
by all who attended. Hope to see you all this
September at the AGM and Conference in
Las Vegas.
■
Sam Cutruzzola
President
Inzola Construction, Inc.
Spring/Summer 2014
7
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Generals - Spring/Summer 2014
Chairman’s Message
President’s Message
Member Milestones
Government Relations Report
Index to Advertisers
Partnering: The Deliberate Creation of Culture that Supports Collaboration
75th AGM and Conference – Scottsdale, Arizona
2014 Conference: Las Vegas
OGCA Affinity Program
OGCA 75th Anniversary Gala
The Winds of Change Help Transform the WSIB
COR Designation Provides Safety to Construction Workers and Buyers
Thinking, Working, Growing: Ledcor Group
Bill C-45: Ten Years Later
Workshield Health and Safety Solutions Inc. Formed to Meet the Requirements of New Legislation (297/13)
The Generals - Spring/Summer 2014
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