National Construction Day – November 30
Celebrate National Construction Day on November 30!
Billed as a day to celebrate the dedicated, hard-working people instrumental in building and connecting our communities through infrastructure, this year’s Construction Day will focus on the industry’s efforts to attract and retain a talented, diverse and inclusive workforce.
Find out how you can get involved below!
Webinars and Learning Events
Webinar // Diversity & Inclusion: More than Words, Nov. 30
Although many organizations are striving towards a diverse and inclusive workplace, it is essential to admit that racism and exclusionary behaviour are still evident in the industry. What is more important is to recognize that we have the power, an obligation, and the ability to change course to create a more inclusive culture, remove bias and promote diverse approaches.
Join the Canadian Construction Association on Nov. 30 for a frank discussion and take away some best practices from those who walk the talk. Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SDnvSBvXTLmz-FYhVv2VQg
Learning Event // YWCA Shift Change: Exploring Inclusion and Culture Shift, Nov. 30
Being an ally and increasing inclusion can be challenging, but it’s important! Join YWCA Shift Change Project on November 30 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Halifax Forum for this special session designed to bring together leaders, trainers and community members responsible for inclusion work in the skilled trades. This session is open to all genders. To learn more and find out how to RSVP, click here.
Educational Courses
Introduction to Understanding Systematic Racism: A Guide for Leaders and Managers (BuildForce Canada)
The issue of systemic racism in the workplace has received considerable attention over the past several years. Even in their most benign forms, unconscious biases within an organization can have profound impacts on Black, Indigenous and People of Colour by limiting their potential for growth and eroding their personal wellbeing. In recognition of the need for greater awareness around this subject, BuildForce Canada has developed the Introduction to Understanding Systemic Racism e-learning course.
Created with the input of an advisory committee composed of professionals from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities within the construction industry, the program is designed to help industry leaders and managers gain a better appreciation of the issues around systemic racism, and to furnish them with tools to recognize, mitigate and eliminate the influence of unconscious bias on decision making within their respective organizations.
Working in a Respectful and Inclusive Workplace (BuildForce Canada)
The Working in a Respectful and Inclusive Workplace online course looks at how a respectful and inclusive workplace can benefit everyone by eliminating discrimination and harassment, and how everyone can create respect through inclusive communication, teamwork, and mentorship. The course consists of eight lessons, for a total duration of about three hours of self-paced, online instruction.
In partnership with Buildforce Canada and the NS Apprenticeship Agency, CANS is able to provide this training to our members FREE of charge (typically a $100 cost, one PIN per company).
Toolkits
Respectful and Inclusive Workplace Toolkit (BuildForce Canada)
Successful construction employers know that to meet future workforce challenges, they need to recruit from traditionally underrepresented groups (women, Indigenous, newcomers), which means establishing a respectful and inclusive workplace culture that is welcoming to all.
The Respectful and Inclusive Workplace Toolkit was developed with input from industry and offers the support needed to assist the construction and maintenance industry in creating a respectful and welcoming workplace for everyone.
The Toolkit includes three tools:
- The Respectful Workplace Online Self-Assessment Tool for management to evaluate existing corporate policies and procedures and highlight any gaps that may exist.
- A Respectful Workplace Policy Framework that can be used as is or adapted by construction companies, and a supporting Implementation Guide to assist employers in ensuring that the policy framework becomes a living document that will have a direct and lasting impact on their company’s culture.
- The Working in a Respectful and Inclusive Workplace online course designed for workers and supervisors. Click here for course information.
Toolbox Talk Templates
- Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario, Anti-Racism Toolbox Talk
- EllisDon, Various Toolbox Talks
- Newfoundland & Labrador Construction Safety Association, Respectful Workplaces Toolbox Talk
- Culture of Care, Toolbox Talk Series
Resources
Websites & Webpages
- Canadian Construction Association, Talent Fits Here
- The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
- Equity in the Center
Guides & Publications
- Canadian Construction Association, The value of diversity and inclusion in the Canadian construction industry: A Business Case
- Canadian Construction Association, Indigenous Engagement Guide
- Canadian Construction Association, Corporate Social Responsibility in the Canadian Construction Sector: A Practical Guide to CSR
- Canadian Construction Association, Diversity and Inclusion: A Call to Action