Federal tax incentive creates big opportunity for firms purchasing new equipment

Canadian construction companies have at least one reason to thank U.S. President Donald Trump. He may have started the ongoing trade spat that’s caused havoc in the markets for construction steel and aluminum, but the recent American tax reforms he championed have prompted Ottawa to respond in kind, pushing forward changes designed to aid Canadian businesses, contractors included. Read more

More Opportunities for Apprentices Through Government Construction Projects.

Government is encouraging more businesses to hire apprentices in Nova Scotia through an expanded procurement program.

In January, 2016 government launched a pilot program that required contractors bidding on provincially funded school construction projects to take part in Nova Scotia’s apprenticeship program. Read More.

More evidence that drones could and should play major role in infrastructure inspections.

A report from the Lulea University of Technology in Sweden indicates that drones have a major role to play when it comes to inspecting and monitoring the state of the world’s infrastructure, according to Digital Trends. Read More.

ORBA speaker offers tips for dealing with generational differences in the workplace.

Organizations today can have up to five generations working together and the key to success is to understand those different mindsets and engage them.

That was the message from Giselle Kovary, president of n-gen People Performance Inc., a speaker at the Ontario Road Builders’ Association’s 92nd annual convention, Harmonizing the Future, held Feb. 4 in Toronto. Read More.

CCA introduces mentorship pilot program

In an industry first, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA), with support from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research and Program (NRC IRAP) and Canadian Construction Innovations (CCI), is introducing a mentorship pilot program. Read more.

Workers’ health and safety at the heart of discussions between federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers.

Federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers met today in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to discuss important workplace issues, including occupational health and safety harmonization, harassment and violence, mental health and wage gaps. Read More.

Office Closure – February 13, 2019

UPDATE Wednesday, February 13, 2019 9:30 AM – Due to inclement weather, CANS office will remain closed for the rest of the day.

Premier McNeil Commits to Introducing Prompt Payment for Spring session at NS Legislature

During his Annual State of the Province Address on February 6, 2019, Premier McNeil committed to introducing prompt payment for the Spring session at the Nova Scotia

Watch the Premier’s remarks about prompt payment below.

eBay Retail Revival

eBay Retail Revival Halifax: Stay local. Sell global. 

After a nationwide search, Halifax was selected based on the strength and diversity of its local retail community and the Halifax region’s robust support of small business. The application deadline to take part in this program is February 22, 2019.

Read more

Environmentally-friendly bricks made from sewage-treatment byproduct

When sewage sludge is processed at wastewater treatment plants, the leftover “biosolid” material is generally dried and set aside. While some of it ends up being used as fertilizer, much is often just stockpiled or sent to a landfill. Soon, however, it could find its way into eco-friendly fired-clay building bricks.

Read more.