Associations supporting Ontario’s new regulations to combat COVID-19

Ontario Construction News staff writer

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is asking members to stay vigilant and follow worksite health and safety protocols as well as general public health measures.

“We are proud of our industry and the firms of all sizes who quickly adapted and consistently implemented health protocols across Canada,” said Mary Van Buren, CCA president.

“This pandemic highlighted the value of past infrastructure investments, including maintenance, that ensured that the increased volume of goods, food and medical supplies moved efficiently across our roads and bridges, that we could work from home because of broadband connectivity, that we have clean water to drink and for hygiene and that we have hospitals where we receive excellent care.”

Health and safety protocols on construction sites have been significantly amplified by adhering to CCA’s COVID-19 Standardized Protocols for All Canadian Construction Sites. CCA and our partner associations have a wealth of resources available to member firms to assist them during the pandemic.

The Niagara Home Builders’ Association (NHBA) and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) also support the Ontario government’s emergency order that shuts down non-essential construction on Thursday.

“COVID-19 infections in the province have reached a point where these actions are required to get the province to where mass vaccinations can take place,” the associations said in joint a statement.

“We are all in this together. Our members will continue to take the necessary steps to fight the spread of COVID in our community as they continue to deliver keys to waiting families,” said NHBA Executive Officer, Chuck McShane.

Van Buren is also reminding workers to follow regulations off worksites.

“It is vital to Canada’s health and economy that our strong track record of safety in the first wave continues into this second and potentially more challenging wave,” she said.

“I know many of us are frustrated by this long road, are experiencing pandemic fatigue, and making personal sacrifices. Together, we can stay the course so that Canadians continue to benefit from the essential work and services provided by construction. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

The construction sector is one of Canada’s largest employers. The industry, 70 per cent of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employs more than 1.4 million Canadians and contributes 7.5 per cent of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The risk is high if we do not maintain our vigilance in the fight against COVID-19.