10 most outrageous construction stories of 2015

2015 was a big year for the construction industry as it continues to pick up momentum and is projected to see activity growth of 13% in 2015 to $675 billion. But peppered into all the economic reports, housing data, startup news and labor challenges were unique, unexpected and outrageous stories. As 2015 comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at the craziest construction stories of the year. Read more

CANS OFFICE CLOSURE

Please note the CANS office will be closing at 3:30pm on Friday, January 29th due to weather.

Apprenticeship Board of the NS Apprenticeship Agency accepting applications Trade Advisory Committees

The Apprenticeship Board of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency is inviting applications for members of Trade Advisory Committees (TACs) under the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act, Regulations and Operating Charter for the following trades:

  • Automotive Insurance Appraiser (AIA)
  • Elevator Constructor/Mechanic
  • Bricklayer
  • Heavy Duty Equipment Technicial

The Board is seeking employers and employees who are knowledgeable about the trade in question, understand the labour market, and who can commit to attending a number of meetings over a one to two year period. Expenses will be re-imbursed and members will be compensated for meetings attended.

Additionally, the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency Board is inviting applications for one employer and one employee member to represent Nova Scotia on an Atlantic Trade Advisory Committees, as part of the Atlantic Apprenticeship Harmonization Project (AAHP), for the following trades:

  • Steamfitter/Pipefitter
  • Plumber
  • Instrumentation Control Technician

Under the authority of the Atlantic Apprenticeship Council, an Atlantic Trade Advisory Committee is

responsible for providing input and recommendations to the development of harmonized apprenticeship and trade certification programs across Atlantic Canada. We are seeking applicants to assist in the harmonization of various aspects of the trade. Applicants must possess a certificate of qualification in the trade, have a direct and current connection to the trade and Nova Scotia, and be a subject matter expert in the trade. Travel, accommodations and other expenses associated with attendance at meetings will be covered by the AAHP, in addition to professional fees.

Please send an Expression of Interest (EOI) and resume by January 4, 2016. EOI forms can be obtained by contacting NSAA (see below).

The NSAA welcomes applications from Aboriginal People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify, on your application form, cover letter, or on your resume.

NSAA Apprenticeship Board
2021 Brunswick Street,
PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
Phone: 902-424-6098
Fax: 902-424-0717
Email:vanessa.margueratt@novascotia.ca

Do you want to be part of industry’s voice?

The NSAA is building an industry contact list to send regular updates and seek input when necessary. To be included, please provide your contact information.

Apprenticeship Procurement Project

The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, in partnership with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and the Construction Association of Nova Scotia, is introducing requirements where contractors bidding on provincially-funded construction projects must be engaged in the Apprenticeship Program. As an initial step, a pilot project involving new school construction projects was launched in January 2016. For the pilot project, contractors must be engaged in the Apprenticeship Program in order to be eligible to perform work on these projects. For more information, and to download the application, visit www.nsapprenticeship.ca

If you have any questions, please contact the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency at 1-800-424-5651 or by email at apprenticeship@novascotia.ca.

Managing megaprojects: How joint ventures help companies share the risk and reward

Experts agree that as long as construction costs continue to rise, the trend toward more JV contracts will also grow. Read more

Manager in fatal scaffolding collapse sentenced to 3½ years

During sentencing on Monday, Judge Ian MacDonnell said he needed to impose a “significant term” on Kazenelson to make it clear to others that they have a “serious obligation” to ensure the safety of workers. Read more

Construction technologies to adopt in 2016

January is a good time for businesses to take stock of their operations and evaluate how to work more efficiently, and more profitably, in the coming year. For those in the construction industry, advancements in technology will continue to play a big role. Read more

Global pricing: prepare to talk values, says consultant

Project pricing in the global construction marketplace is a tremendously important aspect of doing business, but many companies underestimate its impact on their bottom line, said an international pricing expert at a seminar during the recent Buildings Show in Toronto. Read more

Enclosures should match efficiency ambition: Expert

Advanced HVAC systems can provide marvelous energy efficiency benefits to virtually any building. The problem is that many such systems work harder and claim a larger footprint simply because buildings are often designed with little regard for the thermal performance of their enclosures or the way in which their design influences heating and cooling loads. Read more

Construction sector to fight climate change

The construction sector has pledged to speed up the fight against climate change with the launch of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction. Read more