CANS and Marco Kick-Off Designated Gold Seal Project: The Berkeley

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Marco | The Berkeley Retirement Residences

Gold Seal Kick-Off

Early afternoon, on Monday, October 7, 2019, Construction Association of Nova Scotia (CANS) staff along with representatives of Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) Gold Seal, Marco Group and The Berkeley came together to showcase excellence in construction management. Specifically, the luncheon event was a kick-off to Marco’s construction project, The Berkeley Retirement Residences and its designation as a Gold Seal Certified Project.

Seen below, Catherine Campbell, The Berkeley, Allan MacIntosh, Marco Group of Companies, and Duncan Williams, CANS, signed a Memorandum of Understanding acknowledging their shared commitment to professionalism and considerate construction management throughout the duration of this construction project.

Representing the CCA’s program was Gold Seal Chair, Scott Mugridge, P.Eng., GSC, LEED AP, who spoke to the importance of professional designations and recognizing professional development and excellence within our workforce and on our job sites.

Designated Gold Seal: The Berkeley

The Berkeley Retirement Residence project, by Marco Group of Companies is one of two active Gold Seal Certified projects designated in Nova Scotia. Work began on The Berkeley in June 2019 and completion is expected in January 2021.

Marco’s first project for The Berkeley, this new retirement residence will be erected on the site currently occupied by the former Ben’s Bakery building near Quinpool Road in Halifax, NS. Demolition of the existing building will be undertaken by property owner, Westwood Developments. The six-storey building will contain 76 rooms, with a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. It will also include 20 memory-care rooms to accommodate residents with dementia.

Click here to find out more about Marco’s Designated Gold Seal Project.

 

Some more photos from the event (click for full-size):

 

Want to know more about CANS Gold Seal Projects? Contact:

Chantal Arsenault
Manager, Education & Training Development
Construction Association of Nova Scotia
T: 902-468-2267 ext. 706
carsenault@cans.ns.ca

 

 

 

NS Construction up 800 jobs in the first 8 months of 2019

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STATS CAN – Labour Force Survey – August 2019

*Information and raw data provided by Statistics Canada*

“While employment was little changed in all other provinces in August, the unemployment rate increased in both British Columbia and Nova Scotia. The unemployment rate rose 0.6 percentage points to 5.0% in British Columbia and 0.5 percentage points to 7.9% in Nova Scotia as more people searched for work in each province.” – Statistics Canada

In Nova Scotia August 2019, (seasonally adjusted, month-over-month and year-over-year):

  • Labour force increased 0.9 per cent (4,600) from July 2019 to 503,500 and increased 1.5 per cent (7,300) over August 2018
  • Employment increased 0.3 per cent (1,500) from July 2019 to 463,700 and increased 1.9 per cent (8,500) over August 2018
  • Unemployment increased 8.4 per cent (3,100) from July 2019 to 39,800 and decreased 2.9 per cent (1,200) over August 2018
  • Unemployment Rate increased 0.5 percentage points from July 2019 to 7.9 per cent.

In Canada August 2019, (seasonally adjusted, month-over-month and year-over-year):

  • Labour force increased 0.5 per cent (91,300) from July 2019 to 20,271,600 and increased 2.2 per cent (443,800) over August 2018
  • Employment increased 0.4 per cent (81,100) from July 2019 to 19,111,500 and increased 2.5 per cent (471,300) over August 2018
  • Unemployment increased 0.9 per cent (10,200) from July 2019 to 1,160,100 and decreased 2.3 per cent (27,600) over August 2018
  • Unemployment Rate remains virtually unchanged from July 2019 at 5.7 per cent.

In Halifax August 2019, (seasonally adjusted, three-month moving average, month-over-month and year-over-year):

  • Labour force increased 0.4 per cent (1,000) from July 2019 to 258,800 and increased 3.2 per cent (8,100) over August 2018
  • Employment remains virtually unchanged from July 2019 at 244,400 and increased 4.5 per cent (10,500) over August 2018
  • Unemployment increased 7.5 per cent (1,000) from July 2019 to 14,400 and decreased 14.3 per cent (2,400) over August 2018
  • Unemployment Rate increased 0.4 percentage points from July 2019 to 5.6 per cent

 

Labour Market Trends – August 2019

Nova Scotia’s seasonally adjusted employment level was up 1,500 in August to 463,700.  Employment is 8,500 higher than it was last August.

Nova Scotia’s employment increase follows the previous month decrease of 6,200. Compared to July, Nova Scotia’s labour force was increased by 4,600 rising to 503,500 in August. With a larger increase in labour force than employment, the number of employed was up by 3,100 persons. The unemployment rate was up 0.5 percentage points to 7.9 per cent in August.

In August, full-time employment decreased by 400 while part-time employment was up 2,000 persons.  Note: Changes in part-time and full-time employment can include the net impacts of changing hours of work within the same position.

Monthly employment gains in August reflected a rise in private sector employment (+4,800), partially offset by declines in public sector work (-2,000) and self-employment (-1,300).  Monthly employment in August was up 2,600 in goods industries and down 1,000 in service sectors.

The year-over-year increase in employment includes a decline of 300 in full-time employment and an increase of 8,900 in part time employment. The unemployment rate was down 0.4 percentage points compared to August 2018.

Comparing the first eight months of 2019 with the same months in 2018, the labour force grew by 7,200 (1.5%) while employment was up by 11,100 (2.4%). This pushed the year-to-date average unemployment rate down from 7.7 per cent in Jan-Aug 2018 to 6.9 per cent in Jan-Aug 2019.

Sectors – Year to Date

Looking at the results by class of worker for the first eight months of 2019, employment increased for the private sector (10,400) and for the public sector (4,200) more than outweighed the decline in self-employment (-3,600). Over the first eight months of 2019, Nova Scotia averaged 292,300 private sector employees, 115,900 public sector employees, and 57,500 in self-employment.

Among goods-producing sectors, the first eight months of 2019, saw employment increases in Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas (+2,400) as well as Construction (+800) and Agriculture (+800). Manufacturing employment was mostly unchanged (+100) while utilities employment declined (-300).

Services-producing industries averaged 7,300 more jobs compared to the first eight months of 2018. The largest increases come from Health care and social assistance (+4,500), Wholesale/Retail Trade (+2,500), as well as Information, culture and recreation (+1,500). The largest declines came from Other services (-1,500 mostly personal/repair sectors), Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (-1,000), and Business, building and other support services (-700).

The Spirit of “Mr. Construction” Lives on with Memorial Scholarship

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David Oulton’s memory continues to support construction industry through recently awarded NSCC scholarship.

(HALIFAX, NS — September 6, 2019) The David Oulton Memorial Scholarship was awarded for the first time to Sanchari De, at Construction Association of Nova Scotia’s office on Friday, September 6, 2019.

CANS Board Members and staff, Oulton’s surviving family, long-time colleagues and representatives from NSCC gathered Friday morning to present Ms. De with the new scholarship.

For more than half a century, the award’s namesake, David Oulton was a driving force in the construction industry, locally and abroad. Much of his life was spent working with people, trying to find a way to build their projects but also change the way construction was viewed. While his passion for construction earned him the nickname, “Mr. Construction” among friends, Oulton cared about much more than just buildings.

He spent a great deal of time volunteering in his community. “Dave’s involvement in construction wasn’t limited to fabricating and erecting the steel. He recognized that in order to grow and improve the construction industry, he needed to share his knowledge,” said CANS Vice-Chair, Tim Houtsma Friday morning.

Oulton was a man of his word, playing an active role in this community over the years. He was Chairman of CANS (1999), as well as sitting on various boards including, the Sector Council, the CCA and the NSCLR. He was a pioneer in driving positive relations with the Ironworkers Local 752, was a trustee on their Pension and Benefits plan, as well as instrumental in developing their apprenticeship program.

In 2007, Oulton spearheaded the CANS 150th Anniversary Industry Campaign. This campaign raised over $1.2 million in scholarships and bursaries for students in construction-related programs at the NSCC. “Hundreds of students have benefited from this program and will continue to benefit for decades to come:” said Duncan Williams, President and CEO of the CANS.

Despite his personal efforts to develop the industry, Oulton was a humble man. His wife, Connie said, “I don’t know that Dave would want recognition — he was the type to be an anonymous donor. He lived to work, the industry was so important to him.”

“Dave would’ve shied away from the spotlight of awarding this scholarship,” shared Houtsma, “but I know that he would be quietly proud that he is helping someone gain knowledge and benefit the construction industry.”

The award’s recipient, Sanchari De, will begin studies this September at the Ivany Campus. Despite the whirlwind of change — she arrived in Canada just 10 days before the award ceremony, De is excited to begin her studies in Nova Scotia. “It was a hard decision to leave my job and come this far from [India], but I believe that it will open various opportunities for me. I am willing to give my 100% to this course and hope to make my family proud one day.”

The newly created, David Oulton Memorial Award scholarship is given to a full-time student, enrolled in the Construction Management Technology program at NSCC, who demonstrates strong leadership abilities and a background of community involvement.

 

Province seeking industry input on Labour and Advanced Education programs

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The Province of Nova Scotia has asked for industry input through a 10-minute survey specific to the programs they offer to businesses/organizations.

Have your say! Microphone on green background.

Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education has requested industry partners complete a short survey to help provide them with important feedback to better serve our sector.  It’s important that we have our say!

This online survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and individual responses will remain anonymous and confidential – results will only be reported in aggregate (group) form.  The province will share the findings of the research with participants.

Take the survey now:
https://survey.mqoresearch.com/SE/?st=2ZNhiDuNv3jAFVOzegCqQlH9Dhkch9gEMRhb0d7FBn0%3d

If you have any questions, comments or concerns about this survey, please email the survey administrator: survey@mqoresearch.com

Construction Sector Grew 1% in May

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Stats Canada has released the numbers for GDP growth and overall Canada is doing well

Real GDP in Canada increased 0.2 per cent in May following growth of 0.3 per cent the previous month and 0.5 per cent in March. In May, there were gains in 13 of the 20 industrial sectors.  Goods-producing industries were up for a third consecutive month with a 0.6 per cent increase after a steady decline from Q3 2018. Service-producing industries were up 0.1 per cent. Compared to May 2018, the Canadian economy is 1.4 per cent larger with an annualized value of $1,965 billion (chained 2012 dollars) in May 2019.

 

Breakdown by Industry:

Manufacturing activity expanded 1.2 per cent to fully offset the decline in April and continue the patterns of alternating months of decline and growth. Durable manufacturing was up 2.3 per cent with transportation equipment rising as motor vehicle production returned to normal levels following temporary shutdowns in some plants in April. Non-durable manufacturing was down 0.1 per cent with gains in chemical, plastic and rubber, food manufacturing offset by decreases in beverage and tobacco, paper and printing.

After declining during the second half of 2018, the construction sector was up 0.9 per cent in May and has grown in four of the five months of 2019. Residential construction (+2.2%) led growth with its strongest month in more than a year as double, row and other multi-unit construction expanded and home alterations and improvements moved up. Engineering and other construction and repair construction also moved up while non-residential construction edged down after five months of growth. Home resale activity increased in most urban markets, so activity at office of real estate agents and brokers was up 4.8 per cent in May.

Mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction declined 0.8 per cent after a strong increase last month. Oil sands extraction was down after facilities scaled up production last month to take advantage of eased production restrictions. Mining was up for third consecutive month with growth in metal ore mining and non-metallic mineral mining. Coal mining was up after three months of decline on higher exports of metallurgical coal to oversea markets.

Transportation and warehousing sector was up 1.0 per cent in May led by rail transportation of energy, chemical, metal, mineral, automotive products. Track transportation also gained while pipeline transportation was down.

With a decline of 0.4 per cent, retail trade had its first consecutive monthly decline since June and July 2018. Retail subsectors were evenly split with a decline in food and beverage stores and less favourable weather conditions slowing sales in clothing and general merchandise stores. Gasoline stations posted a 2.6 per cent increase in activity.

Wholesale trade declined 1.4 per cent after four consecutive monthly gains as all subsectors except building material and supplies contracted in the month. Notable declines were for wholesalers of motor vehicles and parts, machinery, equipment and supplies, and agricultural/miscellaneous.

Public sector GDP was up 0.3 per cent with increases in education, health care and public administration.

Comparing the size of the Canadian economy in January-May 2019 with January-May 2018, there has been a 1.4 per cent increase due to higher service sector output (+2.3 per cent) while the goods-producing sector declined by 1.0 per cent. Higher levels of activity in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, utilities and manufacturing only partially offset the lower levels of activity in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction and construction. Service sector output is higher across all subsectors with the largest increases in professional, scientific and technical services, administration and support services, and accommodations and food services subsectors.

Source: Statistics Canada.

Table  36-10-0434-01   Gross domestic product (GDP) at basic prices, by industry, monthly (x 1,000,000)

CCI Updates: working to better meet the needs of members. 

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Canadian Construction Innovations (CCI) is working to realign its service offering to better meet the needs of its members.

CCI is committed to helping you adopt innovation within your own firms. In keeping with this commitment, CCI has made strides in the last couple of months, from launching the expanded CONtact Innovator Mentorship program to a funding proposal put before the federal government providing for the placement of nearly 2000 STEM students in the Construction industry.

Some of CCI’s recent accomplishments:
  • Launch of the expanded CONtact Innovator Mentorship program to spark innovation by matching emerging entrepreneurs and innovators with industry experts to fine-tune product offerings whilst providing members with the opportunity to learn about upcoming innovations. For more visit: cca-acc.com/canadian-construction-innovations/.
  • Currently evaluating competitive proposals to offer Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit service to our members.
  • The revised proposal for funding the placement of 1,700 students (from STEM and multi-disciplinary functions) in the industry has been submitted to the government with funding announcement expected in the fall.
  • A new CCI identity with a new logo was revealed, and a brand-new website is also in the works.
  • Revised an agreement for the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) to provide their services in administrative operations, enabling CCI to focus on leading the innovation agenda and delivering membership value.
CCI continues to work hard for its members. Keep an eye out for more, forthcoming initiatives. In the meantime, for more information on CCI, visit their website: http://www.ccinnovations.ca/

NSBI Accepting Applications for Innovation Rebate Program

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Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) is currently accepting applications for its Innovation Rebate Program.

The Innovation Rebate Program supports Nova Scotia businesses looking to increase their global competitiveness. The program provides financial incentives on projects that enable a company to increase innovation capacity through private-sector capital investments or adoption of new technologies and business processes.

To find out more and/or apply for this program, visit: https://novascotiabusiness.com/export/programs-services/innovation-rebate-program

Please review the Guidelines and FAQ before submitting your application.

WCB – Changing to Serve You Better

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What you need to know during WCB Nova Scotia’s system upgrade

As part of the launch of WCB Nova Scotia’s new core operating systems, MyAccount will be offline from 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 30 until Thursday, June 6.

Here’s what you need to know:

Save your Statements of Account. Past statements of account will no longer be available on MyAccount after June 6. You can currently view and download Statements of Account for the past two years, so be sure to print or download what you need ahead of time.

Save all drafts. Anything that has not yet been saved (an injury report, for example) will be lost when systems go offline.

Secure message history will migrate overto the new system, along with your current account information.

After 4:30 p.m. May 30, fax your injury reports, or wait until the system is back online June 6. Late reporting fines will not apply during this time.

If you need information, callus at 1-800-870-3331.

After June 6, MyAccount users will have access to faster digital processes, anywhere, anytime. WCB has shared videos highlighting some of the new features coming to MyAccount. These include information about clearance, payroll reporting, and claims data management.

WCB’s business transformation, supported by new systems, will provide users with better tools and approaches, faster processes, and will enable more online services for workers and employers. It’s reducing red tape and moving away from some time-consuming paper-based service processes.

If you’d like more support following the launch, WCB is offering an online tutorial on June 19, which will walk through some of the main business tools in the new MyAccount.

This change will help foster a new and improved WCB Nova Scotia. To learn more about how these changes will impact you, visit wcb.ns.ca/ServiceChanges.

Keep in touch:

Twitter

@WorkSafeForLife

 Safe + Secure E-Newsletter

worksafeforlife.ca

 Online

wcb.ns.ca

worksafeforlife.ca

For more information, please contact:

Nicole Halloran
Communications Advisor, WCB Nova Scotia
Nicole.halloran@wcb.ns.ca
P: 902-491-8102 or C: 902-223-8901

Construction employers must adapt to millennial workforce needs

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True to the stereotypes, workplace millennials want to be respected, included in decisions, sit in on important meetings before they’ve earned it and need to think their work is relevant, says David Coletto, Abacus Data CEO.

Click HERE to read more.

Feds provide progress report on Investing in Canada infrastructure plan

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OTTAWA — Building a Better Canada: Progress Report on the Investing in Canada Plan 2016-2019, a new report issued by the federal government, provides an update on the progress in renewing the nation’s public infrastructure through the over $180-billion plan.

Click HERE to read more