CCA Overview
About CCA
Construction - It's a Huge Success Story
CCA joined the picture in Ottawa in 1918. About 200 energetic industry leaders met and their collaboration sowed the seeds of today's association. They wanted to improve conditions and inform people about the industry - and they succeeded.
They used their collective strength to shine a light on industry relationships and practices, standards for business ethics, education and labour matters. Their efforts have had a powerful voice and a source of support for the Canadian industry.
Today, construction is a gigantic industry that touches the life of every person in Canada. It's a deeply entrenched and important part of our history, yet stretches dynamically into our future.
Who's the Power Behind CCA Today?
The short answer is industry people. The major decisions and directions are made by an executive committee, an elected volunteer board of directors from accross the country as well as various councils and standing committees. These people are the driving force for the organization.
At the same time, the day-to-day machinery of CCA is nurtured and guided by its full-time President and staff in the Ottawa office.
We're Always Working on it at CCA
Building on the idea of "Strength in Numbers", networking is an integral part of the association's activities and one of the most valuable benefits of membership. Conferences, seminars, association involvement and international meetings create significant opportunities for members to build relationships, exchange ideas and co-ordinate efforts.
The roster of regular networking activities in Canada include:
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The annual meeting of Chief Operating Officers of member associations; and
Industry Seminars - Keeping on Top of Legislation and Government Relations
A great deal of CCA energy goes into lobbying the federal government on legislation, policies, practices and standards.
Our Methods?
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Building relationships;
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Making presentations to committees, commissions and legislative working groups;
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Playing a consultive role in order to provide information and present industry positions; and
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Occasionally, intervening on behalf of one or more members when the interpretation of laws or regulations are in question.
The Focus?
Issues vary widely from current concerns to providing a vision for the future. Some of our involvements include:
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Commenting on everything from employment insurance reform, tax structures and government tendering practices to labour relations and environmental regulations. Playing an integral part in developing and promoting such national programs as the systematic construction and repair of highways and infrastructure through TRIP Canada and in a standardized apprenticeship program.
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Keeping members on the Leading Edge of industry practices with communications, promotion and information news, professional guidance and industry directories, research and analysis. All main publications are free to every member.
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National Review - CCA's annual magazine celebrates the association's successes and presents ideas for the future.
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CCA National Newsletter - Quarterly newsletters introduce happenings, ideas and members.
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Bulletins - Regular and frequent publications provide updates and analysis on important industry issues such as human resources, finance, standard documents, international construction opportunities, the environment and more.
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Directories - Annual listings of member firms, associations and a directory of construction exports.
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Other valuable information is offered with significant discounts for members.
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Documents - Standard CCA and Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) Documents facilitate Industry business.
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Guides - News and analysis are key in CCA guides on legislation, construction contracts and procedures, and ideas such as improving cash flow withing the industry.
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The availability of standard CCA and CCDC documents electronically.
Expanding Construction Markets - Growing into the Future
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Seminars on various aspects of export business.
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A directory of members pursuing business internationally is distributed regularly to trade organizations and agencies world-wide as well as professional offices such as architects and engineers.
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Annual tripartite conferences with the U.S. and Mexico to maintain close ties with sister organizations.
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Board-member participation in international conferences of CICA (Confederation of International Contractors Association).
Taking Construction in to the Millennium
Solid Industry Initiatives
To recognize and ensure quality within the industry, CCA has developed and is expanding such ideas as:
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The Gold Seal Program - It's a Program of recognition that has already been an unqualified success. Based on criteria such as education, experience and examination it certifies proficiency for project managers, superintendents, estimators, and construction safety coordinators.
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The Canadian Design-Build Institute was established in 1997. The aim is to support and promote design/build contracting in suitable situations through networking, information exchange and recommending solutions for problematic areas.
Enhancing Foreign Business
CCA has a host of plans to provide the Canadian industry with unprecedented foreign opportunities. Under construction are ideas such as market information kits, support, and sponsorship for activities such as trade missions and joint ventures.
Call up Members
The logic is simple. Through affiliation, CCA members gain perks such as easy access to standardized documents, information on current and pressing issues as well as on-line links to business opportunities.
With the support and diligence of CCA staff in Ottawa, members have the resources to voice opinions, stay current and in touch with each other. Assets that help them make choices in today's fast paced and increasingly globalized world of construction. Basically, it's synergy in action.
For more information:
Canadian Construction Association
400-75 Albert Street
Ottawa, ON K1P 5E7
Tel: (613) 236-9455 Fax: (613) 236-9526
E-mail: cca@cca-acc.com