VRCA Education Responds to Changing Industry Needs VRCA’s robust Education Program is a rapidly evolving resource for our members and industry. There is literally something for everyone! As we respond to changing needs, the following provides an overview of all the ways VRCA Education delivers excellent value. In the past year alone, [...]
VRCA's New Student Connection Program Coordinator – Meet Iyin Olugbemi VRCA is pleased to introduce Iyinoluwa Olugbemi, also known as Iyin, (pronounced “ay-in”) as the association’s new Office Administrator! Starting September 7, Iyin is the first point of contact for all visitors to the VRCA office and plays a key role in supporting the [...]
Important Updates to VRCA Events and In-Person Education Given the recent BC Public Health orders, we’ve had to make some adjustments to what we had hoped would be a full return to the in-person VRCA events we look forward to every year. Networking is a high-value part of membership and compromising everyone’s ability [...]
VRCA would like to acknowledge the following individuals who have recently achieved their Gold Seal certification! It is our sincere pleasure to recognize their tremendous achievement as they have now attained an industry-recognized standard of excellence. Managed by the Canadian Construction Association, Gold Seal Certification (GSC) is a comprehensive program that showcases expertise and [...]
Our Compulsory Skilled Trades Certification Town Hall gave VRCA members the opportunity to share their voice and hear the input of others. We thank all who attended and are happy to share the recorded session here. Thanks to Chris Atchison, BCCA President, for his presentation and for answering members’ questions. His PowerPoint presentation [...]
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, [...]