Frequently Asked Questions
We are always looking to better serve you, our members, and so we have developed this helpful Frequently Asked Questions list to help you get the answers you need.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact us for more information on who at CANS may be able to help you.
Have general feedback you’d like to share? Email us at cans@cans.ns.ca.
General
Does CANS distribute or sell its membership list?
No. However, our online membership directory can be searched for member contact information for each member.
How can I get involved?
CANS encourages and welcomes individuals and companies to become involved in our organization as volunteers.
Most of our decision making and event planning are volunteer based through standing committees and ad hoc groups.
The committees and groups contribute to the following:
- Government and Industry Relations
- Membership
- Finance
- Workforce Development
Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.
How do I update my member listing?
Your company’s profile administrator has access to change or update your member listing. To do so, they must login to CANSnet, click on to “My CANSnet” and then click on “My Profile”.
What is a profile administrator and how do I find out who it is?
Your Profile Administrator is the only company employee who will be responsible for administering the company’s information online; adding or deleting other company employee access to CANS web information; and maintaining current data in the company profile. Typically this person was identified when you first became a member.
To find out who the Profile Administrator is for your company, contact Melody Hillman, Vice-President, Member Engagement & Development.
My company is already a member of CANS, how can I create a CANSnet user login?
If your company is a member of CANS, you need to request that a CANSnet username be set up for you by your company’s Profile Administrator. Each member company is assigned a profile administrator who has access to create CANSnet users, as well as access username/password information.
How do I make a credit card Payment on CANSnet?
- After logging into CANSnet, click “My CANSnet” in the top right corner of the screen.
- Click “ My Orders”
- All outstanding balances will be listed in this screen. To make a payment, click “make a payment”.
- Enter the amount you wish to pay in the available spot, and click “proceed to payment”.
- Enter the desired credit card info and click “Process” to finalize your payment
How can I subscribe or unsubscribe from CANS marketing emails?
The new federal legislation came into force July 1, 2014 and changed the way all businesses communicate with both existing and prospective clients. Impacting all electronic communications – from e-newsletters to individual emails to social media. Access the legislation.
To ensure CANS is in compliance with Canada’s Anti-Spam Law (CASL) we are asking all of our members to confirm your current e-newsletter and e-campaign subscriptions.
We ask that you take a few moments to confirm or change your preferences by following these steps:
- Login in to CANSnet
- Click on “My CANSnet” in the top right corner
- Click on “My Profile”
- Change preference at bottom of the screen
For further assistance, please contact us.
Events
How do I register for an event?
Registration for CANS Special Events is easy! Visit our Event Calendar, click the “Details” button for event you’d like to attend and follow the steps to select number of tickets and for payment. Note: you will need a login and password to purchase tickets, our system will prompt you to create an account if you do not already have one.
Who can attend?
Anyone who is employed by a member company is eligible to attend CANS events at member discount prices. Some of our events are also open to the general public for a non-member rate. Select events are designated for members-only and will be identified as such on the event online description.
What sponsorship opportunities are available?
CANS offers a wide range of sponsorship opportunities for all our Special Events. Read more about sponsorship.
Member Services
How do I become a member?
There are three ways to become a member at CANS.
- Fill out an online membership application,
- Drop by our office at 134 Eileen Stubbs Ave., Unit 103, Dartmouth,
- Contact Melody Hillman, Vice-President, Member Engagement & Development.
What is the difference between a Full and Associate member?
CANS has two primary membership types, Full and Associate. Full Membership at CANS gives you access to all that CANS offers including our Projects and Documents, an Associate membership is restricted to those companies providing secondary products or services not directly related to actual construction. Representatives of Associate Member companies have access to the project bulletins and newsletters. Learn more.
My company is not a construction company can I still be a member?
Yes of course! CANS offers an Associate membership for those companies providing secondary products or services not directly related to actual construction. Representatives of Associate member companies have access to the project bulletins, newsletters, special events, and training. Learn more about membership with CANS.
What advertising opportunities does CANS offer?
CANS has several advertising opportunities for member companies. Learn more.
Industry Education
How to register for a course?
Registration for CANS Industry Education courses is easy! Visit our course listing, click the “Details” button for the course you’d like to register for and follow the steps to select number of seats and for payment. Note: you will need a login and password to register, our system will prompt you to create an account if you do not already have one.
What is Gold Seal?
The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) Gold Seal Program is a national certification program based on a candidate’s education, experience and their ability to satisfy rigorous standards. Gold Seal certification can be obtained in the following occupations: project manager, estimator, superintendent and safety coordinator. Learn more.
Projects and Documents
How can I view project specifications and drawings online?
To view project documents online you need to be logged on to CANSnet. Once logged on, visit the Projects page and click either the Bulletin (to view all current projects) or Inventory (to view all closed & current projects). Once you have found the project you would like to view, click the Project Code. This will bring you to a new page with project specific details, including specification and drawing documents (if applicable).
To view documents, click the document name or drawing name of the file you want to open and a PDF version of the file will open on your desktop.
How can I download a zipped folder of documents and drawings from CANSnet?
To download a zipped file, select the documents and drawings you want by selecting the box beside the document that says “Download” or the “Add” button next to the drawing and click the button that says “Download Selected Project Files (ZIP)” near the bottom of the page. This process will open a zipped folder containing all the documents and drawings selected.
How can I add myself as a Plan Taker for a project?
To add yourself as a Plan Taker on a project, first make sure you are logged in to CANSnet on your own profile. Click a project code on the bulletin to bring you to a project page, and click the button labelled “Add Me to Plan Takers List” found under the “Plan Takers/Bidders” section of the page.
How can I add myself as a Watcher on a project?
To add yourself as Watcher on a project, first make sure you are logged in to CANSnet on your own profile. Click a project code on the bulletin to bring you to a project page, and click the button labelled “Add to My Projects” near the top right hand corner of the page.
Watching a project will help keep you up to date on important information such as Addenda, Extensions, Bid Results and Awards by sending you an email when any change regarding a project is made. It will also make your projects easier to access on My CANSnet.
How can I see the projects I am watching on My CANSnet?
To view the projects you are watching, log in to CANSnet and click “MY CANSNET” in the top right corner of the site. This will bring you to your CANSnet profile, where you can click “My Projects.” This will display all of the projects you are watching in the same format projects are displayed on the Bulletin & Inventory sections of the website.
Why can’t I print tender forms from CANSnet?
CANS projects are for viewing purposes only. Tender forms are locked and are only available to view online. To obtain tender forms, please contact the project owner.
We are always looking to better serve you, our members, and so we have developed this helpful Frequently Asked Questions list to help you get the answers you need.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact us for more information on who at CANS may be able to help you.
Have general feedback you’d like to share? Email us at cans@cans.ns.ca.
**Click on each heading below to go to a page with answers for each section**
GENERAL
Does CANS distribute or sell its membership list?
How can I get involved?
How do I update my member listing?
What is a profile administrator and how do I find out who it is?
My company is already a member of CANS, how can I create a CANSnet user login?
How do I make a credit card payment on CANSnet?
How do I subscribe or unsubscribe from CANS marketing emails?
EVENTS
How do I register for an event?
Who can attend?
What sponsorship opportunities are available?
MEMBER SERVICES
How do I become a member?
What is the difference between a Full and Associate member?
My company is not a construction company can I still be a member?
What advertising opportunities does CANS offer?
How can I become CANS Advantage partner?
INDUSTRY EDUCATION
How to register for a course?
What is Gold Seal?
PROJECTS AND DOCUMENTS
How can I view project specifications and drawings online?
How can I download a zipped folder of documents and drawings from CANSnet?
How can I add myself as a Plan Taker for a project?
How can I add myself as a Watcher on a project?
How can I see the projects I am watching on My CANSnet?
Why can’t I print tender forms from CANSnet?