Grant: A Voice for Industry
For nearly 18 years, Grant served as a passionate advocate for Nova Scotia’s road building industry, earning a reputation as a trusted voice, a collaborative leader, and someone deeply committed to making the industry stronger for everyone involved.
As he is recognized as a CANS Honourary Life Member, Grant reflects on an unconventional journey into construction, the people who shaped his career, and the lasting lessons he hopes future industry leaders will carry forward.
An Accidental Career That Became a Calling
Grant’s path into construction wasn’t one he planned.
Prior to joining the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association, he operated his own facilitation and consulting business, specializing in strategic planning, team building, and organizational development. His work brought him into contact with numerous organizations across Nova Scotia, including CANS, where he facilitated a major strategic planning process that involved travelling the province, meeting members, and helping shape the association’s future direction.
He spotted an advertisement in the Chronicle Herald for a part-time executive director position with the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association. He applied, was hired, and what began as a part-time opportunity soon grew into a career spanning nearly two decades.
Along the way, he developed close ties with CANS and forged strong relationships with leaders across the province’s construction sector.
Speaking When Others Couldn’t
When asked what he is most proud of from his career, Grant doesn’t point to a single initiative or project. Instead, he points to something far more fundamental: advocacy.
“Our job is to be a really good voice for the organization and the industry.”
Grant saw his role, and those of association leaders like CANS President & CEO Duncan Williams, as providing independent, credible representation for members.
“We can stand up and say what needs to be said. We can challenge decisions and advocate for change because we’re speaking on behalf of the industry, not a single company.”
That responsibility became a recurring theme throughout his career.
“I’ve often joked that I never knew what issue we would have to fight government on each year, but I knew there would be one.”
Whether it involved regulations, policy changes, procurement issues, or unprecedented challenges such as COVID-19, Grant says the role of associations was to ensure industry voices were heard.
“Every year, something would come up. Our job was to stand up and say, ‘No, that’s not right,’ and work toward a better solution.”
An Industry More Advanced Than Many Realize
During Grant’s tenure, construction underwent significant technological transformation. Equipment that once relied heavily on operator experience and visual judgement now incorporates advanced GPS systems, lasers, digital controls, and machine automation.
“Years ago, operators were eyeballing grades and relying on experience alone. Now they’re using incredibly precise technology.”
The modernization extends well beyond equipment. Advances in materials, engineering, and manufacturing have reshaped how projects are designed and delivered.
Despite those changes, Grant notes that one thing remains constant.
“You still need hardworking people who care about doing quality work.”
Competitors Working Toward a Common Goal
Throughout the interview, one theme emerged repeatedly: the industry’s collaborative spirit.
For Grant, one of the most remarkable aspects of both the Road Builders Association and CANS is the willingness of competitors to work together for the benefit of the broader industry.
“I would sit around boardroom tables surrounded by competitors,” he says. “They’re competing against one another every day, but when they come to the board table, they’re talking about how to make the industry better.”
That collective mindset left a lasting impression on him.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with so many board members and presidents over the years who genuinely cared about improving the industry. They were busy people running successful companies, but they still dedicated their time to helping everyone succeed.”
Grant believes that willingness to think beyond individual interests remains one of the construction industry’s greatest strengths.
“If we make the industry stronger, everybody benefits. That’s something our members understand.”
Looking to the Future
Grant is optimistic about what lies ahead for Nova Scotia’s construction industry.
From housing development and major infrastructure projects to defence investments and population growth, he sees significant opportunities for both vertical and civil construction over the coming decade.
“People tend to focus on the buildings, but none of that happens without civil infrastructure. Roads, water systems, sewer systems, transportation networks, they’re all essential.”
At the same time, he recognizes that workforce development remains one of the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Programs such as Building Futures for Youth and industry-led recruitment initiatives have helped introduce new people to construction careers, but Grant believes there is still more work to do.
“We need everybody we can get. We need more young people, more women, and more awareness of the opportunities available in our industry.”
His message to potential recruits is simple.
“For people who apply themselves, the opportunities are enormous. Companies are always looking for people who show initiative and potential.”
A Marathon, not a Sprint
Asked what advice he would offer future industry leaders, Grant returns to a lesson learned through years of advocacy work.
“Working with government is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Meaningful change, he says, takes persistence, patience, and a long-term commitment.
“You can’t expect change to happen overnight. You have to stay engaged, keep building relationships, and keep pushing forward.”
A Legacy of Caring
When asked how he would like to be remembered, Grant’s answer is characteristically straightforward.
“Someone who cared about doing a good job and worked hard to do it.”
It is a modest response, but one that reflects the values that have defined his career: dedication, integrity, and a genuine commitment to improving the industry he served.
And if there is one final message he hopes to leave behind, it is the same lesson he learned from years spent around boardroom tables across Nova Scotia:
“Everyone benefits when we work together unselfishly to make the industry better.”
For his decades of advocacy, leadership, and service to Nova Scotia’s construction sector, CANS is proud to recognize Grant as an Honourary Life Member.