COVID-19: CCA Details COVID-19 Recovery Plan Principles to Federal Government

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The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau detailing their recommendations for COVID-19 recovery plan principles with respect to the construction industry.

CCA recommends an industry-specific economic stimulus package be provided on the following principles:

  • Coordination
  • Balance
  • Clarity
  • Flexibility

Read more about these principles and the recommendations sent to Prime Minister Trudeau.

CCA is also advocating for an emergency COVID-19 cost relief fund. If you have not done so already, we urge you to send a letter to your MP today (click here to write your MP now). Our voice is stronger together.

COVID-19: Province Offers Clarity for Construction on Section 11 of Health Protection Order

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The following answer was provided to CANS by the province on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, to provide clarity around physical distancing requirements outlined in Section 11 of the Health Protection Order.

Q: There has been some confusion for those involved in construction activities that may also be work for municipal units in maintaining critical infrastructure (as referenced in Section 11 of the Medical Officer of Health Order). Are there different requirements for physical distancing under the Medical Officer of Health Orders For contractors working with municipalities to support critical infrastructure and when they are not?

A:  Section 11 exemption is intended to recognize that there may be times when the work to maintain critical municipal infrastructure will require multiple people in a limited space to complete the work. the exemption for the 5-person rule and the 2-metre physical distancing was to allow this work to proceed as safely as possible. Despite the exemption, it is expected that contractors should still take a critical look at how the work is being conducted and look to incorporate measures to protect workers from potential spread of COVID-19 and practice physical distancing as best they can. Workers should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and should stay home if ill.

COVID-19: Canadian Businesses Taking Action

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Canadian Business for Social Responsibility and Upswing Solutions have compiled the Canadian Business Responders List. This resource includes nearly 200 companies from across the country who are taking action to support their stakeholders and the community in response to the pandemic. 

Take a look at who’s making a difference in our area,view the Canadian Business Responders List.

COVID-19: Listen to the Inaugural Episode of ChamberChats (with Mayor Mike Savage)

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Mayor Mike Savage joins the Halifax Chamber of Commerce for their inaugural episode of ChamberChats. The mayor sat down with Chamber President & CEO, Patrick Sullivan to talk about the city’s response to COVID-19. Listen to the podcast now (on Youtube).

COVID-19: Construction Initiative Update from LAE

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The Department of Labour and Advanced Education (LAE) shared the results of their Construction Initiative site visits over April 15-17, 2020. Along with confirming traditional safety compliance, the Province was looking for the presence of a COVID-19 plan and appropriate measures for handwashing and social distancing.

Click here to for a breakdown of these results.

COVID-19: Removal of Nova Scotia Spring Weight Restrictions

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On April 23, 2020, the Province announced the removal of spring weight restrictions in Nova Scotia. Click here for information and removal dates, by county.

DCI COVID Forum Roundtable Discussion

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Join the Design and Construction Institute (DCI) on April 28, at 10:00 AM for the first interactive series of DCI COVID Forum Roundtable Discussions. Business owners and leaders from our industry will share experiences, insights, challenges and opportunities confronting and navigating business during COVID-19. 

Register now for this hour-long session.

COVID-19: NSBI Offering Virtual Training Sessions

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Nova Scotia Business Inc (NSBI) is providing digital content to support SME’s with special programming during the current climate of COVID-19. The virtual workshops and training courses provide companies with vital strategies and hands-on tips on how to deal with the current pandemic. 

For more session information and dates, click here.

COVID-19: Federal Government Announces Support for Students

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The Government of Canada announced a $9 billion support package for students on April 22, 2020. In addition to offering financial support directly to students, the package will be used to create 7,600 jobs for students in sectors that need support due to the pandemic. This is in addition to the Student Works Program.

Other supports announced as part of the package include a $291 million grant extension for grad students and the Canada Student Service Grant program, which will provide $1,000 to $5,000 to students who volunteer. Read more about these supports and more from yesterday’s announcement.

COVID-19: OHS Tips for Construction Workers

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The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safetyhas developed a series of tip sheets to guide businesses operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to view the tip sheet for Construction.