Ontario Report – August, 2012

PCA in Ontario continues to grow in members and in influence. Evidence of this increase was seen at the  annual President’s Roundtable held in Mississauga on May 16th.  Highlights of the roundtable included PC Leader Tim Hudak, College of Trade CEO Bob Guthrie, two additional PC members of provincial parliament and many others.

In addition, the think-tank Cardus presented an initial draft of their research on restricted tendering which suggest that restrictive tendering in Ontario has a major effect on the province’s budget. Pursuant to its recently released Ontario Policy Vision paper, PCA has been active and effective as a voice on this issue.  Proof of this efficacy came in late June when the leader of the opposition, Tim Hudak, included open tendering at the core of its labour policy white paper. This issue remains a top priority for PCA and it is clear that we are recognized as a key voice on this file.

PCA Ontario Director Sean Reid was officially named Chair of the Ontario Construction Employers Coalition earlier this year, and the organization continues to mount strong, well publicized lobbying efforts towards abolition of the Ontario College of Trades. Membership in the Construction Employers Coalition continues to grow, as does opposition to the heavy tax levy which will come as a result of the College’s structure.

In addition to our government advocacy, PCA hosted a seminar for CLAC affiliated contractors. The seminar, entitled “Ministry of Labour On Your Site? What Are Your Rights and Obligations?”, was led by Karen Fields, a Partner with Crawford Chondon & Partners LLP and was attended by 45 supervisors, safety officers and executives.

Membership development within Ontario has continued to keep pace with yearly plans. We are proud to welcome CWS Solutions, Poirier Electric, Jasper Constructors and Velocity Mechanical as four new members to the Ontario PCA community.