Topics & Insights That Affect Our Members
Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton resigning
Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton leaving government for private sector Labour Minister Monte McNaughton is leaving government for the private sector, Ford said in a statement Friday. “He made this decision based on what is best for him and his family at this point in his life and career,” Ford said. “He introduced groundbreaking measures to protect workers’ rights and ensure that more workers are in the driver’s [...]
Premier Doug Ford announces reversal of Greenbelt land removals
Premier Doug Ford reversing Greenbelt plan Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on September 21 he is reversing his plan to open the protected Greenbelt lands for housing development and won’t make any changes to the Greenbelt in the future. While meeting with his caucus during a retreat this week in Niagara Falls, Ont., Ford said his caucus members shared with him what they have been hearing about the [...]
Construction reports slight year-over-year labour force, employment increases
Tight construction labour markets persist in August as labour force growth modestly outpaces employment gains After contracting slightly in July, employment increased by 40,000 (0.2%) in August. Since January, employment has increased by 174,000 (+0.9%) – or by 25,000 on average per month. The LFS data also shows that August’s increase in employment was outpaced by population growth (+103,000; +0.3%). As a result, the national, all-industry employment rate, [...]
Canada announces GST Rebate to incentivize construction of rental homes
Enhanced GST Rental Rebate to build more apartments for renters On September 14, 2023, the Prime Minister announced that the government will introduce legislation to enhance the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Rental Rebate on new purpose-built rental housing, to incentivize construction of much-needed rental homes for Canadians. To build more rental housing, the removal of GST will apply to new purpose-built rental housing, such as apartment buildings, [...]
ICIC construction sector remains resilient
Industry still looking to fill jobs despite signs of tight labour market easing While inflation and workforce shortages continue to pose challenges across all sectors, the industrial, commercial, institutional, and civil (ICIC) construction industry emerged as a positive force for Canada’s economy in 2022 and continues to show signs of growth in 2023. These gains could not be achieved without the essential contributions of its labour force, particularly [...]
September Newsletter
September 2023 Newsletter Don't miss the most recent HHCA Newsletter! We have been working on an informative Stat Dec Webinar, an information session on the WSIB Excellence Program, WIC's 9 & Dine & so much more! Take a look at everything coming up and get the latest news on the construction industry! Read the newsletter here!
Continuing to Grow the Construction Labour Force
Attracting Young People & Women to the Construction Industry The Ontario government is investing $3.6 million to support three innovative projects to help over 2,200 women and young people across Ontario prepare for meaningful and well-paying careers in the construction trades. Led by the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario (PBCTCO), these free programs will focus on increasing female participation in the industry, providing online training [...]
Building more homes in Hamilton
Feds give Hamilton $45M to build and fix 214 rental units The Government of Canada is taking real and urgent action to make housing more affordable for Canadians. For students who rent, families who own, and young couples looking to buy their first home, finding an affordable place to live has become increasingly difficult. Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and Mayor of Hamilton, Andrea Horwath, announced a joint investment [...]
August Newsletter
August 2023 Newsletter Don't miss the most recent HHCA Newsletter! We have been working on an informative Stat Dec Webinar, information on the WSIB Excellence Program, YLG Summer Social event, WIC's Golf day & Much More! Read the newsletter here!
Ontario Launching Mobile Skilled Trades Classrooms to help combat Labour Shortage
Ontario Launching Mobile Skilled Trades Classrooms The Ontario government is investing $5.4 million to design and build three mobile tech classrooms that will travel across the province and teach students and young people about the skilled trades. The classrooms, built and operated by Skills Ontario, will feature hands-on learning stations and simulators for electrical systems, welding, crane operation, auto-painting, tire and brake work, heavy machinery and more. Over three years, [...]
Hamilton Maple Leaf plant earns LEED Silver for retrofits
Maple Leaf's Hamilton Plant Receives Prestigious Environmental Certification On July 20, 2023 the Maple Leaf Foods plant in Hamilton received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the Canada Green Building Council. LEED is an international certification recognizing sustainability excellence and green building leadership. The City’s Economic Development Office identified sustainability and climate resiliency in its most recent action plan. Randy Huffman, the company’s Chief [...]
Construction hits new highs in labour force and employment
Construction hits new highs in labour force and employment Labour shortages facing the construction industry have made some progress over the last year. Employment gains over the past 12 months have been greatest in Quebec and Ontario. The provinces reported growth of 20,600 and 12,400 in their respective employment figures since June 2022. The advance was driven by gains in full-time work (+110,000, +0.7%). Employment gains were most [...]
Ontario Launches Free Job Training for Newcomers
Ontario Launches Free Job Training for Newcomers The Ontario government is investing $2.6 million in four free training projects to help more than 300 newcomers, including displaced Afghans and Ukrainians, find meaningful jobs with local employers. Ontario welcomes more immigrants than any other province each year, and research has shown that helping internationally-trained newcomers work in the professions they studied for could increase Ontario’s GDP by up to $100 billion [...]
July Newsletter
July 2023 Newsletter Check out the July HHCA Newsletter. Inside you'll find resources pertaining to working in the summer heat, new legislation on washroom facilities on construction sites, building permits and so much more. PLUS we have opened registration for our YLG Summer Social and the HHCA Golf Day. Read the newsletter here!
CITY OF HAMILTON SURPASSES $1 BILLION IN BUILDING PERMITS – SETS NEW RECORD
CITY OF HAMILTON SURPASSES $1 BILLION IN BUILDING PERMITS - SETS NEW RECORD On June 14, 2023, the City of Hamilton surpassed $1 billion worth of construction since the beginning of the year. 2023 now marks the earliest the City has reached the billion-dollar mark in construction value, three days earlier than the previous record set in 2022, which was on June 17. This milestone represents approximately 2612 [...]
June Newsletter
June 2023 Newsletter Check out the June HHCA Newsletter. Inside you'll find exciting info about our upcoming events and educations. We are busy at work in the office planning our next golf day on AUGUST 29! Last month was a great turn out and we would like to say a big thank you to everyone that came out and supported! Read the news here! [...]
Slate Asset Management Introduces Steelport and Unveils Preliminary Development Plans
Building on Hamilton's proud industrial heritage, Steelport will reimagine an underutilized waterfront property into one of the largest, state-of-the-art, intermodal employment hubs in the country. May 16, 2023, TORONTO – Slate Asset Management (“Slate” or the “Firm”), a global alternative investment platform targeting real assets, today unveiled a new name, identity, and preliminary vision for the industrial lands and buildings the Firm acquired from Stelco Inc. in [...]
Ontario Expanding Safety Training and Resources to Keep Workers Safe
Ontario Expanding Safety Training and Resources to Keep Workers Safe The Ontario government is investing an additional $12.5 million in Ontario’s six health and safety associations, which provide safety training and resources to businesses and workers across the province. The investment will support organizations like Workplace Safety North, which helped rescue 39 miners trapped underground in Sudbury in September 2021, and strengthen worker safety in critical industries [...]
May Newsletter
May 2023 Newsletter HHCA is so happy Spring is finally here and we can't wait for HHCA's Spring Golf Day! Although our event is sold out on May 25 you can still join everyone for some delicious dinner and great networking. We have also added some new courses to our education and if you looking to brush up on some skills check out our May Newsletter! Read the [...]
April Newsletter
April 2023 Newsletter SPRING HAS SPRUNG! HHCA is excited for some fun up and coming events in the warm weather! Brush up on your golf game with the YLG Virtual Golf Par-Tee event on April 13th & registration has finally opened for our Spring Golf Classic on May 25th. Check out our April News Letter for all the details & if your looking to keep your mind sharp for [...]
March Newsletter
March 2023 Newsletter IT'S CURLING BONSPIEL MONTH HERE AT HHCA! We are so excited to have a great day at our SOLD OUT event with all our members. If you forgot to sign up don't worry! You can still come and join in for some food and great company at lunch on MARCH 8th at Dundas Valley Golf and Curling Club. Give the HHCA newsletter a read for [...]
February Newsletter
February 2023 Newsletter It's AGM Month and we are getting excited to see everyone February 23rd for some good food, great company and well deserved awards! If you haven't got a chance to get your tickets they are still available. Don't forget that we are offering our members the 'buy your first ticket and get one free' as always. Give the HHCA newsletter a read for some opportunities [...]
HOPA outlines long list of Hamilton port projects for 2023
"We’re being very, very careful on where we invest, making sure that it’s strategic" Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) executive Jonathan Wetselaar delivered the goods at a recent Hamilton construction forum, outlining 11 projects large and small that are slated to go to tender in the first half of this year in addition to several engineering jobs. Highlights of Wetselaar’s presentation to guests attending the Hamilton-Halton Construction Association’s [...]
Massive Construction Projects in the pipeline for Hamilton
"Massive Construction Projects in the pipeline for Hamilton" "It looks like a bright construction picture for Hamilton over the next few years. That was the message as several construction and infrastructure leaders met at the Michelangelo banquet Hall on January 19 to discuss upcoming projects. Hosted by Hamilton Halton Construction Association (HHCA) the meeting featured presentations from Slate Asset Management, Hamilton Water, Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA), [...]
Slate unveils early projects in Stelco lands development
"Slate unveils early projects in Stelco lands development" "Slate Asset Management recently offered a first glimpse of plans for the redevelopment of 700 acres of prime industrial/commercial land on the former Stelco property on Hamilton Harbour to a local construction audience keen with anticipation. Slate senior vice-president Steve Dejonckheere told delegates attending the Hamilton-Halton Construction Association’s Construction Forecast event Jan. 19 that early projects such as hotspot [...]
Residences to help solve McMaster’s housing crunch
"Residences to help solve McMaster’s housing crunch" "With lack of student housing now a significant problem, Hamilton, Ont.’s McMaster University is taking two leaps forward with major projects set to open this year and in 2026. The latter project, to be known as Lincoln Alexander Hall, will set a new standard for student residences in the region with 1,366 beds planned, almost three times the size of [...]
January Newsletter
January 2023 Newsletter HAPPY NEW YEAR! We're excited to be back at the office working on our upcoming Construction Forecast, taking applications for our Safety Awards and rolling out tons of educational offerings. There has also been an update on Naloxone Kits & Training, there is a Canada Summer Jobs Program that is available and so much more. Enjoy your morning coffee and take a look! Read the [...]
December Newsletter
December 2022 Newsletter A new month means a new Newsletter! As we enter the month of December the HHCA (and construction industry) continues to be busy! We just hosted our Christmas Luncheon where we successfully raised $5800 for Habitat Hamilton and $1000 and 160 pounds of food for Hamilton FoodShare; the YLG is about to host their Holiday Social on December 8 and applications are open for our [...]
Lawrie Insurance Group Celebrates Anniversary with Donation
Lawrie Insurance Group Donates $40,000 to Mohawk College to Support Students HHCA Member, Lawrie Insurance Group, is pleased to announce that in recognition of its 40th Anniversary as a fiercely independent and proud local business, it is committing $40,000 to provide direct financial support to students within the Insurance and Business Administration programs at Mohawk College. As one of the college’s Premier Future Ready Companies, CEO Bob Lawrie [...]
October Newsletter
October 2022 Newsletter A new month means a new Newsletter! October continues to be a busy time at the HHCA - we are hosting a fundraiser, Designer Bag Bingo, registration opens for our Christmas Luncheon & Silent Auction, and education opportunities are available covering all topics. Inside this issue of the newsletter you'll also learn about the CDAP grant, how SiteDocs can help your business, how to get [...]
HamiltoNEXT Asks Voters for their Vision for the Future
The HHCA announces its participation with HamiltoNEXT! This fall, HamiltoNEXT, a non‐partisan alliance of local business organizations, is talking to Hamilton voters about their vision for the city's future and encouraging them to ask candidates for Mayor and Council where they stand on important issues. Read the exciting news here!
September Newsletter
September 2022 Newsletter A new month means a new Newsletter! September is always a busy time at the HHCA - we are hosting our ladies 9 & dine, a Mayoral Debate, and we head "back to school" with lots of learning opportunities! Inside this issue of the newsletter you'll also learn about upcoming MOL Safety Initiatives, the extension of WSIB financial incentives, a McMaster University career fair and [...]
August Newsletter
August 2022 Newsletter Catch this month's issue of the HHCA Exchange newsletter! In this issue you'll find the latest info on WSIB statement changes, exclusive & upcoming events, a new member benefit, and more! Read the news here!
City reaches $1 billion in building permits earliest on record
Hamilton continues to grow with permit activity at a high Hamilton hits a $1 billion building permit milestone since the beginning of the year, making it the earliest on record! Read the exciting news here!
July Newsletter
July Newsletter Check out the July HHCA Newsletter. Inside you'll find exciting information on upcoming IN-PERSON events, City of Hamilton Building Permits, the new CCDC 24, WSIB Safety Awards and so much more! View Newsletter
Slate Asset Management Announces Acquisition from Stelco Inc.
"Slate Asset Management, a global alternative investment platform targeting real assets, announced today the acquisition of approximately 800 acres of industrial land and buildings in Hamilton, Ontario from Stelco Inc." "The site’s strategic location presents a one-of-a-kind industrial development opportunity in North America, offering direct access to the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway, the U.S. land border, Ontario’s highway system, on-site rail connecting into Ontario’s [...]
June Newsletter
June Newsletter Check out the June HHCA Newsletter. Inside you'll find exciting information on upcoming IN-PERSON events, this month's Election, our next Golf Day and so much more! View Newsletter
HHCA offers members deep dive into naloxone policy
Naloxone kits to deal with opioid overdoses must become a staple health and safety tool at all construction sites alongside steel-toed boots and construction hard hats, harm-reduction workers told a Hamilton, Ont. Construction Safety Week audience recently. Hamilton-Halton Construction Association (HHCA) general manager Sue Ramsay explained to members that in April 2022 the Ontario legislature passed the Working for Workers Act, implementing a new mandate for the [...]
May Newsletter
May Newsletter Check out the May HHCA Newsletter. Inside you'll find exciting information on upcoming IN-PERSON events, Mental Health Toolbox Talks, Building permits and so much more! View Newsletter
Ontario Building a Stronger, More Resilient Mental Health System in Hamilton
The Ontario Government is investing over $5 Million to redevelop St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton's psychiatric emergency service This funding will help double mental health and addictions emergency services at the hospital and ensure that patients and families in Hamilton and the surrounding region have access to high-quality care in a comfortable and compassionate space. “Our government is ensuring that all Ontarians are supported on their journey to [...]
April Newsletter
April Newsletter Check out the April HHCA Newsletter. Inside you'll find exciting information on upcoming IN-PERSON events, Mental Health Toolbox Talks, Building permits and so much more! View Newsletter
March Newsletter
March Newsletter Check out the March HHCA Newsletter. Inside you'll find exciting information on upcoming IN-PERSON events, Gold Seal Certification, handling the Opioid Crisis in Construction and so much more! View Newsletter
Ontario Moving to Next Phase of Reopening on February 17
Improvements in key indicators allowing province to safely ease public health measures sooner than anticipated With key public health and health system indicators continuing to improve, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is cautiously and gradually easing public health measures sooner, with the next phase of measures being eased on February 17, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. “Given how well Ontario has [...]
February Newsletter
February Newsletter Check out the February HHCA Newsletter. Inside you'll find exciting information on City of Hamilton Building Permits, Safety Awards, a local virtual Career Fair and so much more! View Newsletter
January Newsletter
January Newsletter Check out the January HHCA Newsletter. Inside you'll find exciting information on the HHCA's Year of the Member campaign, our upcoming Construction Forecast, Safety Awards and so much more! View Newsletter
Rapid Testing Program for Businesses
Free Rapid Tests Available for Small & Medium Sized Businesses under 150 Employees! The Ontario Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Ontario and Canadian Governments, launched the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative several months ago. Local Chamber of Commerce's (including Hamilton, Brantford & Burlington) have tests available. Most offices require an appointment to pick up tests and are also closed during the holidays. [...]
December Newsletter
December Newsletter Check out the December HHCA Newsletter. Inside you'll find important information on getting Winter Ready in construction, specialized training on both the new CCA 1 document and the Adjudication process, upcoming in-person events and so much more! View Newsletter
HHCA Legacy Build Home Sale
The HHCA Legacy Build is complete and we are handing over the keys to two families! The Hamilton-Halton Construction Association (HHCA) is pleased to announce that the Legacy Build Project is complete and Habitat Hamilton will be handing over the keys to two new home partners on November 24th at 9:30am at 134 Catharine Street North in downtown Hamilton. The idea of the Legacy Build - fundraising [...]
November Newsletter
November Newsletter Check out the November HHCA Newsletter. Inside you'll find important information on proposed Bill 27 (employment standards changes), special training on the new CCA 1 document, in-person events and more! View Newsletter
Ontario Releases Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term
Ontario Releases Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has released A Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term, which outlines the province’s gradual approach to lifting remaining public health and workplace safety measures by March 2022. The plan will be guided by the ongoing assessment of key public [...]
October Newsletter
October Newsletter Check out the October HHCA Newsletter. Inside you'll find important information on COVID-19 resources, LOTS of online learning, information on the Canada Ontario Job Grant, who is hiring and a lot more! View Newsletter
Hamilton Council ratifies MOU for LRT
Hamilton City Council ratifies memorandum of understanding for the Hamilton LRT project Today, Hamilton City Council ratified a memorandum of understanding with Metrolinx and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to move forward with the 14-kilometre Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. In May 2021, a joint funding announcement was made by the provincial and federal governments committing $3.4B to the capital cost of the project, making the [...]
Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings
Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings To further protect Ontarians as the province continues to confront the Delta-driven fourth wave of the COVID-19, the government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, will require people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings starting September 22, 2021. Requiring proof of vaccination in these [...]
September Newsletter
September Newsletter Check out the September HHCA Newsletter. Inside you'll find important information on Vaccination Policies, LOTS of learning as we head "back to school", a special discount on the CanaData conference, how to save on your next CSP and more! View Newsletter
Ontario Investing in New Resources for Construction Sector
Ontario Investing in New Resources for Construction Sector Virtual training hub and new online job bank will help jobseekers advance their careers MISSISSAUGA — The Ontario government is investing over $3 million to create a virtual training hub that will help construction supervisors learn the skills they need to mentor and train their team. The funding will also go toward the creation of an online job bank [...]
HHCA 100 Anniversary Magazine
HHCA 100 Anniversary Magazine HHCA's 100th Anniversary Magazine is now available! Included in this magazine: The HHCA at 100 Celebrating 100 Years of HHCA History The HHCA Legacy Build Looking Ahead: Canada's Post-Pandemic Construction Prospects Women in Construction - Leading the Legacy Build Young Leaders Group Ready to Shape the Future View Magazine
August Newsletter
August Newsletter Check out the August HHCA Newsletter. Inside you'll find information on the City of Burlington's electronic review of building permits, tips for staying cool in this heat wave, how to save on your next CSP and more! View Newsletter