Nova Scotia economy among worst in country: Report

A new report issued by The Conference Board of Canada shows that demographic issues have weakened Nova Scotia’s economy. The Provincial Outlook Executive Summary-Spring Edition says that the economic outlook in this province “is among the weakest in Canada.” Read more.

Better Late Than Never: N.S. Government Enacts Early Release Of Holdback Regulations

On April 24, 2017, the N.S. Government issued regulations that will finally allow the Builders’ Lien Actamendments permitting early release of holdback to subcontractors to take effect June 30, 2017 – allowing project funds to flow earlier, and avoiding liens and claims for unpaid holdback. Read more.

Planning a new construction project? Efficiency Nova Scotia can help!

If you’re planning a new construction project, contact Efficiency Nova Scotia to help you create a built-in competitive advantage through:

  • Improved building performance and durability
  • Reduced operating and maintenance costs
  • Increased comfort and productivity for occupants
  • Higher property value

Efficiency Nova Scotia makes it easy to offset the cost of energy modelling and energy efficiency upgrades to your building. Upgrades can include heat pumps (air or ground source); advanced lighting technologies; control systems; motors and variable speed drives; on-site renewables and co-generation; heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC); advanced industrial process systems and more.

Visit efficiencyns.ca/service/new-construction/ to learn how to plan now, to save later.

Canada-New Brunswick Job Grant

The Canada-New Brunswick Job Grant is an employer-driven program, that invests in the skill development and employment needs of the workforce.  Employers determine what training is needed, who participates, and which provider will deliver the training.

Governments’ contribution is for two-thirds of the eligible training costs, up to a maximum of $10,000 per training participant, per fiscal year. The employer pays a minimum of one-third of the eligible training costs.

To apply for a Canada-New Brunswick Job Grant, contact your local PETL office.

Funding provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada Job Grant.

For more information, CLICK here.

Lafarge Creates Cement from Residual Waste Plant Materials in Pilot with Metro Vancouver

Lafarge Canada Inc. is using residual materials from Metro Vancouver’s largest water filtration plant to make cement. Beginning late in spring 2016, Metro Vancouver (Metro) and Lafarge began a trial in which drinking water treatment residuals, a wet, clay-like material left over after the water has been filtered, were shipped from the Seymour-Capilano Filtration Plant on the North Shore to Lafarge’s plant in the suburb of Richmond. Read more.

Roads Made of Recycled Plastic Are Being Tested in Britain

A Scotland-based company called MacRebur has come up with a way to create roads that are made of recycled plastic, and are stronger and longer-lasting than normal asphalt-based roads. Read more.

Lean Warrior Talks Collaboration in LCI-C Keynote

A self-described lean warrior with tremendous credentials in lean construction south of the border going back years, was well-chosen to address the topic of lean construction: past, present and future at the Lean Construction Institute — Canada (LCI-C) conference held in Toronto recently. Read more.

Trust-based Teams Build Better, Says Miller

Award-winning author and futurist Rex Miller says the way most construction projects are carried out now drives good people to do bad things. Read more

Toronto Home to New Canada Infrastructure Bank

Canada’s largest city is getting itself a new resident this year: the headquarters of the federal government’s new infrastructure financing agency. Read more.

Canada Prompt Payment Act Approved by Senate

Canada’s Senate has unanimously passed Bill S-224, the Canada Prompt Payment Act, regulating payments on federal construction contracts, but a major hurdle remains as the bill now faces the scrutiny of the House of Commons. Read more.