The VRCA extends our heartfelt wishes for peace and healing to the many members of our industry who have been so deeply affected. Below are links and phone numbers should you require any support or assistance: Indian Residential School Survivors Society - 24/7 national crisis line at 1-866-925-4419 KUU-US Crisis Line Society: First Nations [...]
In order to apply for the B.C. government’s COVID-19 Paid Sick-Leave Reimbursement Program, you need to sign up for WorkSafeBC’s online services. Through this program, which will be available starting June 15, employers can apply to be reimbursed for up to three days of wages paid to workers for COVID-19-related sick leave. How to [...]
Gold Seal Certification program is changing The Gold Seal Certification program certifies estimators, foremen, owner’s construction managers, project managers, safety practitioners and superintendents working in, or with, Canada’s non-residential construction industry. When you earn your Gold Seal Certified (GSC) or Professional, Gold Seal Certified (P.GSC) credential, you demonstrate excellence through certified experience and [...]
“From Insight to Job Site”British Columbia boasts a national reputation for large buildings and infrastructure projects.But while we build projects “by the book,” we don’t often write new ones. Like all industries, construction must evolve to remain vibrant and competitive into the 21st century. And despite a few standout examples, such as engineered wood [...]
An updated version of CCDC 2 ‘Stipulated Price Contract’ 2020 is now available for purchase through the VRCA store, along with two new CCDC documents: *same price as the 2008 edition* This 2020 edition of CCDC’s flagship document features some important and well-needed changes, including a new approach towards payment legislations, the [...]
Have you had a chance to try out the City of Vancouver’s new VanMap? This version has better performance (faster) and works on mobile phones. If you have used Legacy VanMap in the past, drop in at one of these virtual sessions to learn how to use the new VanMap. This is your chance [...]
VRCA members can access a recorded webinar on stress and anxiety management during COVID-19. The video recording will only be available through the end of October 30. This session provides attendees with a deeper understanding of anxiety and warning signs of stress and compassion fatigue. The counsellor explains why experiencing anxiety and stress are [...]
The last session of the 5 Part Virtual Summit included in the Psychological Support Toolkit for Employees and Employers: COVID-19 will be streamed at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29. It will feature an industry leaders panel providing their perspective on COVID-19 and the effects on mental health and wellness in the workplace. Register [...]
The Canadian government has extended the deadline for businesses to file claims for Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) investment tax credits. What does the extension mean for Canadian construction companies? Not only do companies have more time to file their claims; the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has also reduced its refund processing time [...]
We are excited to announce that effective October 19, Joe Vales will be VRCA’s new Member Relationship Manager! In his position, Joe will be the daily point of contact for members and prospective members and serve as their trusted advisor and champion. A talented relationship builder and natural dot-connector, Joe will seek to understand [...]
If you’ve ever wanted to expand your professional contract knowledge in a more interactive way, VRCA has the courses for you! Unlike traditional virtual courses, these new workshops will provide students with a collaborative conference experience, featuring multiple industry-recognized speakers. The four-part workshop series theme is Remember: When it comes to contracts, it’s not [...]
On July 17, the federal government announced proposed changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) that would broaden the reach of the program and provide better targeted support so that more workers can return to their jobs quickly as the economy restarts. Click here for more details, including the revised rate structure of [...]
It is with much regret that we announce the resignation of Chantal Lauzon, VRCA’s Manager, Member Relations, who is leaving her role at VRCA for an exciting new opportunity effective July 9, 2020. Chantal joined the VRCA team in 2019 and quickly established herself as a trusted advisor and advocate for our members [...]
The construction industry partners challenging B.C.’s Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) will be in court July 16 and 17 to appeal the B.C. Supreme Court ruling that stalled the judicial review last February. The B.C. Court of Appeal will be asked to overturn Supreme Court Justice Christopher Giaschi’s decision striking portions of the petition for [...]
Big changes lie ahead for British Columbia’s $22 billion construction sector. But what will the shift mean for the people on the ground?Between today and 2032, recent and forthcoming energy and climate regulations will fundamentally change the way we build, heat, cool, plumb, and connect new buildings in this province. As of that year, [...]
To help companies navigate these turbulent times, VRCA’s long-time strategic partner, Results Canada, has launched a complimentary weekly webinar series designed to bring you tools, strategies and best practices to unleash the potential in yourself and your business. Each week, a one-hour webinar features subject matter experts and thought leaders on all topics related [...]
There is still time to lend your support to the construction industry’s push for the federal government to establish an emergency COVID-19 Construction Cost Relief Program. VRCA has joined the Canadian Construction Association in calling for the federal government to exercise fairness and consideration when addressing schedule and cost impacts experienced by contractors on [...]
The Government of Canada has released additional details about the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program, which will lower rent by 75 per cent for small businesses affected by COVID-19. The program will provide qualifying commercial property owners with forgivable loans to cover 50 per cent of monthly rents payable by small business [...]
Companies and not-for-profit organizations that have been affected by COVID-19 can now apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Applications opened on April 27, with the first payments expected to be issued by May 7. Employers can apply to receive a wage subsidy of 75 per cent of employee wages for up to 12 [...]
Scott Construction Group has partnered with ITC Construction Group to launch the #LunchBoxChallenge to support local restaurants while also protecting the health of its employees during COVID-19. The idea of the #LunchBoxChallenge is simple: construction companies buy lunches locally for their sites and nominate another company to do the same. “Our mental health committee [...]