Do You Know What You Have Agreed To?
There is an old saying that those who refuse to read and understand the terms of their construction contracts are doomed to failure and bankruptcy. This session will provide general and trade contractors with a checklist of critical issues to be on the lookout for before they enter into an agreement. These include pre-contractual risks (e.g. bidding and payment risks), contractual responsibilities (particularly if it is not a standard contract form) and on-going liabilities.
Sponsored by: Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
The Kyoto Accord on Climate Change
With the Prime Minister’s announcement in September 2002 that Canada will ratify the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change, the debate over how the accord will affect the Canadian economy has begun in earnest. This session will bring together senior business representatives from both sides of the debate to discuss what impacts the Kyoto Accord could have for Canadian businesses, and in particular, to the Canadian construction industry.
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Technology Tools
Applied Inspiration: New Technologies for Construction
The move to integrating revolutionary IT systems into construction projects means that today’s contractors are actually building ‘computers’ - structures that think and interact with users. Discover what megatrends are influencing facility design, construction, and operation - and making projects a completely interactive environment.
Technology Gifts and Gaps
The solutions exist today, but we’re not using them; exploring the cultural change needed for the construction industry to adapt to the next generation of technology tools.
Interoperability: Promises and Pitfalls
What are the exciting opportunities, and challenges, offered by interoperability ... the free dynamic exchange of information amongst all platforms and applications serving the AEC/FM community.
Sponsored by: Black & McDonald
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Business Succession
What are some of the do’s and dont’s in planning the succession of a family business. Learn from those who have actually been through it. What tax problems arise? What about dealing with long-term employees? Why is the third generation a pivotal time in the life of a family-owned enterprise? How do you keep the bonding company and the bank at ease?
Sponsored by: Patterson Palmer Law
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Are Owners Getting What They Pay For?
Best Value takes into account quality, performance and price. A panel of owners will explain their view on best value, how that affects the selection process and their ways to measure whether contract end-results meet their requirements/expectations. Emphasis will be on a better understanding between the owners and contractors to achieve value for money.
Sponsored by: Goodmans LLP
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Exports
Breaking Down Barriers to Exporting
The Canadian Construction Association and Export Development Canada recently conducted a survey with CCA members. The results identified 12 barriers that impede construction exports. This session will discuss the top barriers to exporting, economic factors, political risk assessment, structured finance and credit insurance and bonding.
I did it… A small contractor will share his/her experience in exporting his/her construction service, from beginning to end.
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Managing Human Capital
Effective organizations are those that recognize human capital as their most important resource. Clearly the acquisition, development and maintenance of human capital is key to the continued smooth functioning of the construction industry. In this session we will consider the issues and challenges in attracting and retaining highly skilled construction management personnel.
Also, come and hear about the do’s and don’ts of “constructive dismissal”. Certain actions employers initiate to deal with problem employees may pave the route for an employee to sue for constructive dismissal. Managers must also be aware of what actions they can take respecting disciplinary measures. The cases over the years have indicated that if there is a fundamental change in the employment relationship in the following areas, such a change may very well constitute constructive dismissal and the employee may be able to leave that employment and successfully sue for damages for wrongful dismissal: (1) reduction in salary; (2)change in benefits; (3) change in job content and level of responsibilities; (4) demotion; (5) location transfer; and, (6) forced resignation.
Sponsored by: Blaney McMurtry LLP
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