A year of evolution: Building on our successes
by Mary Van Buren
CCA President
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, what a remarkable journey we have undertaken together over the last 12 months! I am immensely proud of the strides we have made collectively for the industry and the 40 million Canadians that rely on the infrastructure we design, build, and maintain every day.
2023 marked a pivotal moment for CCA and the Canadian construction industry – a year where we demonstrated our unwavering commitment to building a stronger Canada though partnership, planning, and consultation.
We have laid a strong foundation with the federal government to rebuild Canada’s construction workforce through immigration programs and investing in the promotion of skilled trades. We have also gained traction on positioning the construction sector as an essential partner to not only build housing, but also the lynchpin to ensure these homes and communities are supported by essential public infrastructure. Investing in assets like roads, hospitals, transit, sewers, and energy will power these communities – and we will continue to advocate for a comprehensive investment plan for Canadians. This summer we also received resounding support from the provincial ministers that we need to invest in trade infrastructure to grow our economy and pay for other important priorities like health care.
We’ve moved the needle on improvements to procurement and project delivery by expanding our outreach to public owners and promoting the use of CCDC documents. We are making contract management simpler and more transparent with our soon-to-be-launched contract management platform, SignaSur.
Looking to 2024, CCA will be increasing our advocacy efforts to ensure that infrastructure is not an afterthought, rather the foundation of a stronger Canada. Collaborating with our partner associations from across Canada will continue to be a cornerstone of how we operate, maximizing our collective expertise, reach, and connections to benefit the industry.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for the 2024 CCA Annual Conference taking place March 12 – 15. Featuring exciting learning opportunities on topics that matter most to you and engaging discussions with peers and colleagues, be sure to register at the link below. Our discounted room block rates expire February 1 so secure your spot quickly.
I’m very proud to lead CCA into the new year, and help prepare for the transition to the next president. As much as I look forward to a new chapter, I will miss the many members, colleagues, and staff I work with.
In collaboration with over 100 volunteers who make up our Board, committees and National Advisory Councils, as well as my partner association colleagues from across the country, rest assured, we will continue to work together to turn challenges into opportunities.
The passion, dedication and expertise that define our membership will undoubtedly propel the industry and our association, to greater heights in 2024.