Skilled Trades Will Enable The Future Of Canada’s Economy

“If Canada is going to invest heavily in infrastructure, we must ensure we make equally strong investments in training talent that is going to build it.” Read more.

NON-RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION INVESTMENT Q4 2016

Nova Scotia’s non-residential building construction investment (seasonally adjusted) was $137.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. This was 3.6 per cent lower than the previous quarter owing to declines in all industrial (-9.5 per cent) and commercial (-4.4 per cent) construction, which were partially offset by growth in institutional and governmental building construction (+6.7 per cent). Read more.

Immigration on the Rise in Atlantic Canada

The number of immigrants to Atlantic Canada has tripled since 2002, reaching a record 8,300 in 2015 and jumping to more than 11,600 in the first nine months of 2016, according to a Report Card issued today by the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council. Read more.

We’re Hiring! Events Lead (Maternity Leave) Position

The Construction Association of Nova Scotia (CANS) is an industry trade association representing the interests of contractors, suppliers and service providers throughout Atlantic Canada and across the country.  We represent more than 750 large and small companies that build, renovate and restore non-residential buildings, roads, bridges and other engineering projects.

CANS is currently seeking a qualified individual to fill the term position of Events Lead (contract).  This position will cover a 1 year maternity leave.

Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities 

This position is responsible for responding to a wide range of member inquiries and in facilitating the flow of information to association members and the general public.  This position is responsible for the coordination, planning and delivery of CANS special events. Achievement of strategic objectives will be measured against goals set for the organization and departmentally.

Essential Functions

This position entails, but is not limited to the following:

Events:

  • Coordinate with President and volunteer committees  in order to successfully plan, deliver, attend and facilitate CANS events, including but not limited to:
    • Annual General Meeting
    • Annual DEICER
    • Golf Tournaments
    • Softball Tournaments
    • Developing Executives events
    • Spring Fling (Cape Breton)
  • Coordinate with vendors, venue representatives and other service providers to ensure successful delivery of CANS events.
  • Solicit required advertising and sponsorship revenue for CANS events to meet targets.
  • Effectively deliver CANS events within determined budget parameters.
  • Work with Manager, Events & Services to establish annual budget and monitor performance against said budget, strategic plan and established goals.
  • CANSnet Updating event registration content on website pages
  • Perform other assigned duties and special assignments.

Membership 

  • Relationship Management of CB members – set-up/welcome, managing  accounts, retention in the form of exit surveys
  • Annual Nova Scotia Construction Guide
    • Soliciting / managing advertisements to meet targets
    • Updating information / communicating with printer and Communications Lead

Relationships:

  • Reports to the Manager, Events & Services.
  • Works collaboratively with other departments as required.
  • Builds relationships with board and committee members, business representatives and other internal and external stakeholders.
  • Participates in committees and team meetings as required.

Problem Solving/Time Frame Impact:

  • Provides solutions to routine questions using creative and timely problem solving skills.
  • Manages multiple projects, while still meeting deadlines and producing high-quality, accurate work.
  • Identifies emerging issues that impact the quality of customer experience.
  • Monitors customer experience/satisfaction levels.
  • Is proactive in the continued growth and retention of membership.

Decision Autonomy:

  • Works within CANS policies, procedures and strategic plan, but has latitude in making decisions on routine tasks.
  • Tracks methods and procedures in critical paths.
  • Consults with the Manager, Events & Services on issues that are more complex or require senior management guidance or approval.

Leadership:

  • Often works independently with limited supervision.
  • Takes initiative to develop and cultivate those relationships with potential to further CANS strategic goals.
  • Maintains a positive attitude focused on total organizational success and exceptional customer experience.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Highly developed financial and time-management skills.
  • Advanced computer skills.  Knowledgeable in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe systems including In Design.
  • The ability to effectively understand and interpret written materials.
  • Exceptional communication skills, specifically the ability to produce high quality written materials.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • A demonstrated commitment to experiential, lifelong learning and professional development.

Experience and Education:

  • Post-secondary degree or diploma in Business, Public Relations, Tourism Management, Marketing, or Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.
  • 3-5 years experience in event planning, customer relations, marketing, or an equivalent combination of education, training and expertise.
  • Proven track record for sponsorship, advertising and event attendance sales.
  • Experience in an office environment operating basic business equipment including scanners, printers, business telephones and photocopiers would be an asset.
  • A demonstrated knowledge of the general structure and organization of the non-residential construction industry.

Working Conditions 

  • Mostly indoor office environment.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Considerable mental and visual concentration.
  • Fast-paced deadline sensitive environment.
  • Occasional travel as required.
  • Occasional light lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Frequent evening or weekend work as required.
  • Occasional outdoor work as required.

Please send resume and cover letter to mhillman@cans.ns.ca

Plant Material Discovery Could Benefit Future Wood Skyscraper Construction

Scientists at Cambridge and Warwick Universities in England have used solid state nuclear magnetic resonance to image cellulose and xythan molecules and determine xythan’s role as a molecular super glue in wood and straw cells, according to Global Construction Review. Read more

Important: WCB Rates

We were recently notified by OEA (Office of the Employer Advisor, Nova Scotia Society) regarding the Statement of Account (Remittance Payment) dated December 25, 2016 from WCB, which has a due date of January 15, 2017.

The statements are incorrectly asking employers to calculate the premium due, using the 2017 maximum assessable wage, rather than the 2016 max. This results in employers potentially overpaying their premium remittance on January 15,  (if they haven’t already paid).

The WCB is aware of this issue and have indicated they will correct the error on the next Statement of Account.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Mary Morris
Executive Director, OEA
Phone: 902-442-9366
Email: mary.morris@oeans.ca

 

Using A Drone? Read Up on Transport Canada’s New Reporting Tool and Safety Initiatives

Canadians expect to feel safe on the ground and in the sky, which is why Transport Canada is moving forward with a number of safety initiatives for drones. Read more

Office Closure – February 16, 2017

Due to weather, CANS offices in Dartmouth & Sydney will delay opening on Thursday, February 16, 2017 until 10 am.

Moving Toward a National Mandate for Building Information Modelling

The Canadian architecture, engineering, construction, owner, and operator (AECOO) community is ripe for change. Building information modelling (BIM) provides a framework to prompt and guide this transformation. Many countries around the globe have put forth BIM mandates to support the collaborative process’ deployment—the goal is to improve the performance and value generated by their respective design, construction, and asset management sectors. Read more.

CITT Recommends Drywall Tariffs Be Dropped to 43 Per Cent

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) ruled this month that drywall products imported from the U.S. have injured the Canadian construction industry. But much lower tariffs and a break for those in fixed-priced contracts is being recommended. “The CCA is pleased that the panel has recognized that the imposition of a duty did create a hardship on our members working under fixed-price contracts and they have recommended a solution which we hope government adopts,” said Bill Ferreira, CCA vice-president of government relations and public affairs. Read more