A legacy of consensus and collaboration: CCDC continues to define industry standards in Canada
“CCDC has long been a cornerstone of Canada’s construction industry, developing the standard contracts and documents that define how projects are built nationwide.”
– Elisa Brandts
When Elisa Brandts walked into her first meeting of the Canadian Construction Documents Committee’s (CCDC) Taskforce on Integrated Project Delivery, little did she know that it would spark a decade long commitment to reshaping how trust, transparency, and fairness are built into Canada’s construction industry.
Now, the architect and Vice President, Regional Business Leader for Stantec’s Buildings (Canada West) Division, has been named CCDC Chair, officially taking the helm in March of this year.
“CCDC has long been a cornerstone of Canada’s construction industry, developing the standard contracts and documents that define how projects are built nationwide, says Brandts. “Its documents provide clarity and balance, giving every project participant – from owners to contractors to consultants – a shared framework for success.”
Brandts succeeds Mark Mulholland, Vice President of Project Delivery Services Operations at BGIS, who served as Chair during a pivotal period of change and adaptation. Under Mulholland’s leadership, the committee navigated unprecedented challenges, including the shift to virtual collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to refine its flagship documents and maintain its consensus-driven approach.
His tenure left a legacy of thoughtful evolution, positioning CCDC to respond to the ever-changing demands of the Canadian construction industry.
For Mulholland, CCDC’s greatest strength lies in its people and its process. “Our work is entirely consensus-driven,” he explains. “Every perspective, including owners, consultants, and contractors, is heard before a decision is made. It can take time, but it’s what gives our documents credibility and balance. That consensus approach is really what makes CCDC unique.”
“Each constituent group—owners, contractors, architects, engineers—has an equal voice. That balance is what gives our documents their authority.”
– Mark Mulholland
Among his proudest accomplishments is the continued refinement of CCDC 2, the committee’s flagship contract. “CCDC 2 represents fairness and collaboration—the principles at the heart of everything we do,” he says. “Every update improves how projects are understood and delivered.”
Mulholland is also quick to dispel a common misconception—that CCDC is a committee for contractors. “That’s not the case,” he notes. “Each constituent group—owners, contractors, architects, engineers—has an equal voice. That balance is what gives our documents their authority.”
It’s this same commitment to inclusivity and consensus that Brandts carries forward as Chair. Stepping into the role earlier this year, she brings decades of experience in construction and design as well as a deep understanding of the committee’s collaborative approach.
“CCDC responds to the real demands of the industry,” she says. “As new delivery models emerge—like integrated project delivery, alliance models, public-private partnerships, and progressive design-build—the committee evolves to stay relevant and responsive.”
Brandts acknowledges that achieving consensus can be challenging, but she sees it as central to CCDC’s integrity. “It’s not always easy to get agreement across such a diverse table,” she says, “but engaged discussion is always encouraged.”
Both Brandts and Mulholland agree that the goal is to be responsive to the industry while maintaining the balance and credibility CCDC is known for. The committee strives to keep pace with how the industry itself is changing—new delivery models, shifting client expectations, and emerging technologies all shape the marketplace. CCDC’s strength is in its ability to evolve alongside those demands.
Representation, adds Brandts, is an essential part of that strength. Having spent over 40 years in the industry, she understands the importance of inclusion—not as a talking point, but as a practical necessity. “For me, getting the job done comes first,” she says, “but representation matters. When people see themselves reflected in leadership and in the process, it reinforces that this industry has space for everyone.”
Looking ahead, Brandts is focused on continuing educational outreach—through webinars, seminars, and initiatives that encourage the next generation to get involved and see what CCDC has to offer. She’s also excited about new projects, including the development of a Progressive Design-Build contract document that reflects emerging trends in project delivery.
As the CCDC continues under her leadership, its purpose remains clear: to serve as a trusted forum where Canada’s construction community builds understanding together. Or, as Mulholland puts it, “It’s a collaborative, committed committee—that’s really the spirit of CCDC.”