CANS News and Advocacy
Working On Your Behalf
On your behalf CANS works to build relationships with all levels of government, ensuring we are at the table and part of the decision making process on public policy and issues that affect our industry.
A Year of Promise – Export Development Canada
Five years beyond the crisis, we are still looking for that solid year of growth that puts us conclusively beyond the lean years. Compared with known history of the economy’s ups and downs, five years is an extremely long time to wait for a return to anything like normal. Can we expect that 2014 is going to be any different? Here are six reasons to believe that things are finally on the up-and-up. Read more and watch the video.
Building Permits – Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, the value of building permits issued decreased 20.7 percent in November 2013 from October 2013. The total value of building permits in November 2013 was $72.5 million (seasonally adjusted), 33.5 percent lower than November of last year. The value of residential permits were down 5.5 percent compared to October 2013 and down 20.6 percent compared to November 2012. Non-residential permits were down 45.2 percent compared to October 2013 and down 54.3 percent compared to November 2012. Read more.
Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Trade Regulation Revised
Metal Fabricator (Fitter) trade regulation has been revised and approved by an Order In Council, dated December 12, 2013.The Apprenticeship Board established an ad hoc advisory committee in May 2010 to review the (then) current regulation, make revisions, conduct a consultation and make a recommendation to the Board. Read more.
Safety Training Reduces Workplace Eye Injuries
Nova Scotian employers and employees are reducing workplace eye injuries by participating in interactive training. More than 4,400 Nova Scotian employers and employees have been trained on how to protect their eyes through workshops offered by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) in the last two years. Read more.
The Construction Association of Nova Scotia (CANS) believes Minister Regan’s announcement today amending Bill 102 is delivering on a pre-election promise and is a step in bringing the certification and first contract negotiation process back in to balance. Minister Regan introduced amendments to the Trade Union Act that will ensure the Labour Board can only impose a first agreement if it determines there was bad faith bargaining. Read more.
The Construction Association of Nova Scotia (CANS) is very pleased with Minister Regan’s announcement today on the changes to Administrative Penalties.Throughout 2012-2013 CANS participated in many consultations with the Province as part of the Administrative Penalties review process advocating for a simplified appeals process and investment in education, additional resources and training. “Safety is a shared responsibility among employers, employees and regulatory bodies,” says Duncan Williams, President of the Construction Association of Nova Scotia. “Our industry invests heavily in safety, but not all participants understand or necessarily play by the rules. Today’s changes will focus greater effort and resources on those who find themselves non-compliant with the occupational health and safety regulations that have been developed to ensure the safety of Nova Scotians.” Read more.