Tag Archive for: bcconstruction

55 Years of Excellence: BCCA EBT’s Legacy in Empowering the Construction Workforce

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The BCCA Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) is proud to celebrate 55 years of dedicated service to the construction industry’s workforce. Over the past five decades, we have remained steadfast in our mission to provide comprehensive, tailored benefits that address the unique needs of workers across British Columbia and Alberta. This anniversary serves as a reflection of our enduring commitment to the well-being of our members.

A Legacy of Service

For 55 years, the BCCA EBT has worked alongside industry employers to deliver benefit plans that enhance the quality of life for construction workers and their families. We understand the physical demands and fluctuating nature of the industry, and our benefits are designed to bring peace of mind, stability, and support to the workforce. We believe in a member-centric approach, offering coverage that goes beyond the basics to provide meaningful care and resources. Our plans continue to evolve to ensure members are supported in all aspects of their health—physical, mental, and financial.

Supporting Members Across Generations

The construction industry has seen significant change over the past five decades, from advancements in technology to shifts in workforce demographics. Throughout these changes, the BCCA EBT has remained a reliable partner to its members, adapting our offerings to ensure that our benefits continue to meet the needs of today’s diverse workforce. We take pride in the trust our members place in us, and that trust motivates us to continuously innovate and improve our services.

The Importance of Mental Health Support

Mental health is an important yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being, especially in high-stress industries like construction. The BCCA Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) has long recognized the importance of mental health support for construction workers. Here’s how our benefits plans address mental health challenges and support a healthier, more productive workforce.

Construction work is demanding, and the associated stress can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Addressing mental health proactively can improve job satisfaction, reduce absenteeism, and enhance overall productivity.

How BCCA EBT Supports Mental Health

  1. Comprehensive Resources: The BCCA EBT provides access to a variety of mental health resources, including counseling services, webinars, and digital therapy programs like iCBT. These resources help workers manage stress and mental health challenges effectively.
  2. Expanded Coverage: Our plans include extensive mental health benefits, ensuring that employees can access the care they need without financial barriers. Recent enhancements include coverage for digital therapy and additional psychology benefits beyond standard plan limits.
  3. Ongoing Adaptation: We continually update our mental health resources to address emerging needs. This commitment ensures that our members receive the most relevant and effective support available.

Looking to the Future

While we are proud of the accomplishments over the past 55 years, we are even more excited about what lies ahead. The BCCA EBT is committed to staying at the forefront of employee benefits, incorporating new technologies and expanding our support services to meet emerging needs. Our focus on mental health resources, digital therapy, and accessible care ensures that we remain relevant and responsive to the challenges that workers face today and in the future.

As we celebrate our 55th anniversary, we remain dedicated to providing the highest quality of benefits and support to the construction industry. Our focus is, and always will be, on the well-being of our members. Your peace of mind is our top priority, and we are here to assist you every step of the way.

For more information on benefit plans and what makes the BCCA Employee Benefit Trust unique, visit bccabenefits.ca, or email us or call us.

BCCA's Builders Code handshake

The Builders Code: Paving the Way for a Safer and More Inclusive Construction Industry

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Chris Atchison, President of the BC Construction Association

As we navigate the complexities of the modern construction industry, one truth remains clear: our industry is not only about building structures, but also about building a workplace culture that supports the well-being, safety, and productivity of every worker on our job sites. At the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA), we believe that a positive job site culture is essential for attracting and retaining skilled workers, enhancing productivity, and ensuring that everyone feels safe and respected. This is where the Builders Code comes into play.

The Builders Code is not just another initiative; it’s a groundbreaking commitment to transforming the construction industry from the ground up. It sets a standard code of conduct for job sites across British Columbia, addressing the urgent need to eliminate bullying, hazing, harassment, and discrimination. By doing so, we are fostering an environment where workers can thrive, free from the toxic behaviors that have too often been tolerated or overlooked in the past.

The Importance of the Builders Code

The construction industry has long been known for its tough, no-nonsense workplace culture. While this has contributed to a sense of camaraderie and resilience among workers, it has also, at times, perpetuated behaviors that can be harmful and counterproductive. Bullying, hazing, harassment, and discrimination are not just issues of personal conflict—they are significant barriers to the growth and sustainability of our workforce.

The Builders Code is our response to this challenge. It provides clear guidelines and expectations for behavior on job sites. It demonstrates the importance of ensuring psychological safety in the workplace. It helps to create a work environment where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered to perform at their best. By adopting the Builders Code, employers are making a powerful statement: they are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all workers can succeed.

Assets Available to Employers

One of the most valuable aspects of the Builders Code is the range of resources and support it offers to employers. We understand that construction culture change doesn’t happen overnight, and that it requires a concerted effort from leadership at all levels. That’s why the Builders Code provides a comprehensive toolkit to help employers implement and uphold these standards on their job sites.

This toolkit includes everything from employee and leadership training modules and policy templates to on-site support and consultation services. These resources are designed to be practical and accessible, enabling employers to take immediate action to improve their workplace culture. Whether you’re a small contractor or a large construction firm looking for leadership courses, or for support in developing policies or onboarding new employees, the Builders Code has the tools you need to make a lasting impact.

A Statement of Leadership Commitment

Committing to the Builders Code is more than just a policy decision—it’s a statement of leadership. It signals to your employees, clients, and the broader community that you are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is safe, respectful, and inclusive. This top-down leadership commitment is essential for driving the workplace culture change that our industry so desperately needs.

But the Builders Code is not just about leadership from the top; it also reflects the bottom-up realities of job site culture. It acknowledges that the people who work on the front lines of our industry are the ones who experience these challenges most directly, and that their voices are critical in shaping the solutions. By embracing the Builders Code, we are creating a bridge between leadership and the workforce, ensuring that the standards we set are both meaningful and effective.

Looking to the Future

The Builders Code represents a significant step forward for the construction industry, but our work is far from done. As we continue to promote and expand this initiative, we are filled with hope for the future generation of builders who will benefit from the groundwork we are laying today.

Imagine a construction industry where every worker feels safe, respected, and empowered to contribute to their full potential. A workplace where diversity is celebrated, and where the best ideas and solutions are brought forward because everyone’s voice is heard. This is the vision that drives the Builders Code, and it’s a vision that we are committed to making a reality.

In closing, I encourage every employer in the construction industry to embrace the Builders Code. By doing so, you are not only investing in the well-being of your workforce but also in the future success of your business and our industry as a whole. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more inclusive construction industry—one that we can all be proud to be a part of.

Biography – Chris Atchison

Chris Atchison

President of the BC Construction Association (BCCA), Chris Atchison drives dynamic initiatives that introduce progressive and necessary change to industry while delivering value to all construction stakeholders across the province.

As President, Chris oversees many of the successful programs and strategic initiatives at BCCA, including Bid Central and Construction Month. Chris also leads workforce development strategies for the industry, championing such initiatives as the Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP), Apprenticeship Services, Integrating Newcomers (IN), Building Builders, and Builders Code. He is passionate about promoting the construction industry as a high opportunity occupation, with a place for everyone.  

Chris drives advocacy initiatives, including lobbying government for the enactment of prompt payment legislation, lien reform, and adjudication to the benefit of BC’s construction industry and economy. In addition, he is a staunch exponent of fair, open and transparent procurement practices.  

Chris sits on several industry advisory boards, forums and councils, including: 

As President of the BCCA, Chris is committed to moving the industry forward by maintaining essential relationships, modernizing policies, and embracing new technologies.  

Follow Chris Atchison on LinkedIn

7th Annual Construction Month Honours Those Who Help Build BC

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Celebrating the talent, expertise and experience BC’s construction and skilled tradespeople are sharing with the next generation.

View PDF version here.

Victoria BC – April 2, 2024 – BC’s 7th Annual Construction and Skilled Trades Month recognizes excellence across the industry in two areas of priority: culture change, and leadership. This year’s celebration highlights the importance of the industry’s mentors in shaping the new generation of construction workers, and marks five years of Builders Code culture training, policies and commitments, making construction a more welcoming and inclusive career choice.

“Construction Month allows us to shine a bright light on the impact our industry has on the lives of British Columbians,” says Chris Atchison, President of the BC Construction Association (BCCA). “92% of construction owners are small businesses who employ fewer than 20 employees. Day after day, they deliver the important housing, institutional, commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects our province needs. They work hard, and they get the job done. We welcome this opportunity to give them the recognition and respect they deserve.”

Construction Month is a celebration of the collective success of BC’s construction industry, as well as an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding leadership of those companies who inspire by example. The following companies are being recognized this year:

AWARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CULTURE

The Builders Code Champion Awards recognize four employers who are leading the way in advancing the culture of BC’s industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential housing construction industry. Recruiting and retaining a diverse range of talent is critical to alleviating BC’s construction workforce shortage. By exemplifying Builders Code principles in their workplace culture, these BC companies have positioned themselves as employers of choice.

The 2024 Builders Code Champions are:
• Turner Construction Company (Vancouver) – Workplace Culture Champion
• Houle Electric (Victoria) – Recruiting, Hiring and Retention Champion
• CGI Constructors (Victoria/Vancouver) – Recruiting, Hiring and Retention Champion
• EllisDon (Vancouver) – Community Champion

For more information about Builders Code Champion Award winners, visit builderscode.ca.

AWARDS FOR LEADERSHIP

The Leadership Awards are an annual acknowledgement of outstanding contributions by BC construction companies, highlighting the important legacy from which future generations can benefit. This year’s recipients were selected in partnership with BC’s Regional Construction Associations: the Northern Regional Construction Association (NRCA), the Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA), the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) and the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA).

The 2024 Leadership Award winners are:
• Westcana Electric Ltd. (Prince George)
• Acres Enterprises (Kamloops)
• Heritage Masonry (Victoria)
• Pitt Meadows Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Ltd. (Maple Ridge)

The Leadership Awards are sponsored by LNG Canada, BCCA, and the National Construction Council, as Title and Platinum Sponsors of Construction Month 2024.

For more information about Leadership Award winners, visit constructionmonth.ca.

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About the British Columbia Construction Association
 The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization working with four Regional Construction Associations (NRCA, SICA, VICA and VRCA) to serve more than 10,000 employers in the province’s industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential multi-unit (ICIR) construction industry regardless of labour affiliation. BCCA advocates on behalf of all employers to ensure British Columbia’s construction sector remains productive and resilient.

For more information about BCCA, please visit: bccassn.com

For more information about Construction Month, visit constructionmonth.ca


Source:
Michelle Sullivan
BC Construction Association

Contact:
Greg Descantes
t. (604) 646-3564
gdescantes@pacegroup.com

About The Builders Code

The Builders Code sets a standard code of conduct for workers on construction sites. It defines an “Acceptable Worksite” as the starting point for reducing risk and ensuring a safe and productive environment for all workers.

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