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June 24, 2013

Supreme Court rules against random testing

Labour unions are hailing a Supreme Court ruling as a major victory in the fight against random drug and alcohol testing, but others aren't so sure.

June 24, 2013

Regulatory changes could hinder Canadian competitiveness

Proposed regulatory changes to Export Development Canada's (EDC) domestic powers will severely curtail the ability of Canadian firms to compete on public-private partnership (P3) projects in Canada, says the Canadian Construction Association (CCA).

June 24, 2013

Better understanding of holdbacks needed

A better understanding of holdbacks reductions and the tools available to those in the construction chain to employ them is needed, concluded a recent Canadian Construction Association (CCA) forum.

June 19, 2013

Electronic migration

Two divisions within Manitoba's Infrastructure and Transportation (MIT) department are planning to email tender packages to interested bidders starting this summer.

June 19, 2013

Consulting engineers gathering in Lake Louise, Alberta

Consulting engineers from across Canada are gathering for their annual general meeting in Alberta to network and discuss the most important opportunities and challenges facing their business today and in the future.

June 19, 2013

Biased specs grounds for RFP redraft

In its May 2010 determination in Halkin Tool Ltd. v. Canada, the Department of Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), the Canadian International Trade Tribunal determined that the government used biased specifications in a hydraulic press brake request for proposals (RFP).

June 19, 2013

Incoming chair looks to the future

The incoming chair of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC) - Canada is gearing up to meet the challenge of organizing and launching a new initiative, as well as running his consulting company.

June 17, 2013

Federal project apprentices discussed

Improved employer apprenticeship tax credits and a better understanding of the national apprenticeship landscape are essential, say industry stakeholders, if the federal government intends to promote apprentice use on federal projects.

June 12, 2013

Manitoba PST plan causes industry concern

Construction leaders in Manitoba are concerned about the provincial government's plan to change balanced budget legislation and increase the provincial sales tax (PST), in order to boost public investment on critical infrastructure.

June 12, 2013

Taking a closer look at the duty to defend

As an interested participant in B.C.'s construction industry for the last 25 years, I have seen many changes and innovations.

June 12, 2013

Translink begins Pattullo Bridge consultation

Consultations are underway for the replacement of the Pattullo Bridge and the review team is asking the public to consider three sites for the new structure which crosses the Fraser River between Surrey and New Westminster, B.C.

June 12, 2013

New design-build contracts

The Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) is releasing two new design-build contract forms in July 2013.

June 10, 2013

Industry throws support behind Buildforce Canada

A group of construction industry leaders from across the country have rescued the Construction Sector Council (CSC) by forming a new national organization called BuildForce Canada, in response to federal government cutbacks.

June 5, 2013

Public sector competition explored in new report

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is in the final stages of producing a report to help the private sector deal with increasing competition from the public sector for construction and maintenance contracts.

June 5, 2013

Canada Job Grant details taking shape

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is engaged in discussions with the federal government about the Canada Job Grant in order to help ensure this new program is successful.

June 5, 2013

Orders and fines could increase safety

For many years, the Council of Construction Associations (COCA) has been lobbying for a balanced system of occupational health & safety (OH&S).

June 3, 2013

Northern Alberta community recruits Rhino Snot in battle against dusty rural roads

When the snow and ice have finally melted and spring arrives, rural towns and villages in Western Canada face their next climatic test: Clouds of dust, which can last from April until October.

June 3, 2013

Bridge costs skyrocketing

The cost of building the north commuter bridge in Saskatoon is escalating, as city council moves forward with a plan to expand the structure from four to six lanes to address the traffic demands of a rapidly growing population.

June 3, 2013

Sustainable roadbuilding pilot project underway in Canada

The Greenroads rating system has launched a national pilot program in Canada and has certified or is working with 10 infrastructure projects in B.C., Alberta, and Ontario.

May 27, 2013

Ruling vindicates company that hired Chinese workers

A Vancouver company has upheld its right to import hundreds of foreign workers for the construction of a proposed coal mine in northeastern B.C., after a legal challenge by two unions to block this process was dismissed by a Federal Court judge.

May 27, 2013

Canada and Ireland sign recognition agreement

Geoscientists Canada and the Institute of Geologists of Ireland signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on May 1, which will allow geoscientists in either country to be easily licensed in the other country.

May 27, 2013

Global engineering guidelines taking shape

When the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies-Canada (ACEC) met recently with the executive committee of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), issues affecting the global engineering market were on the table for discussion.

May 22, 2013

Vendor performance is key measurement

Many different public and private sector organizations take great care in the development of a proper vendor performance program.

May 22, 2013

Winnipeg Southwest Transitway wins award

The Southwest Transitway Project in Winnipeg has been awarded an Award of Excellence by the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC) at a recent ceremony and dinner.