A COVID-19 UPDATE TO MEMBERSHIP - Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Workplace PPE Supplier Directory
Government portal to sell medical supplies, find personal protective equipment ( PPE ), solve problems, or volunteer to help protect against COVID-19

As businesses re-open it is important that you review  sector-specific guidelines  to identify the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies to keep your employees, contractors, visitors and customers safe. Supplies are in high demand and the needs of frontline health care workers and first responders will continue to be prioritized.
 
Click HERE for the portal.
Prime Minister Announces Expansion of Support for Workers and Small Businesses
Prime Minister Trudeau announced an expansion to the eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to include many owner-operated small businesses. The changes to the CEBA will allow more Canadian small businesses to access interest free loans that will help cover operating costs during a period when revenues have been reduced, due to the pandemic.  The program will now be available to a greater number of businesses that are sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors, and family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll. Click HERE for full release.
Face coverings now recommended when physical distancing is a challenge

"Now that we are in Stage 1 of our Framework for Reopening the Province, more people will be returning to workplaces, going to stores and parks, and using public transit," said Premier Ford. "I strongly urge everyone to continue following the public health advice, such as physical distancing and restricting gatherings to five people or less. Although we are making progress, COVID-19 is still a risk that we must guard against. Please stay safe and protect yourself and others."

Click HERE for full release.
Free COVID-19 Webinars for Construction / H&S

BACK TO WORK: Are you ready?
May 21, 3:30PM-4:45PM

As of Tuesday, May 19, the whole industry is open for business under COVID-19 conditions. Our workers return to a different world requiring physical distancing, cleanliness and tighter procedures.

You are faced with the challenge of returning your employees safety to the job site, and keeping them safe so we do not need to experience another shutdown of our industry. This session will focus on factors to consider to ensure a smooth and safe transition back.
 
Presenters will include:
 
  • Norm Keith, Partner with Fasken. Norm is one of the top workplace health and safety lawyers in Canada. He will present on returning your workers safely, complying with the new workplace guidelines and expectations, and communicating your plans to workers, unions, and inspectors.
 
  • Robert Love, Director of Safety and Quality with Alberici Constructors and will speak about human factors to consider when re-mobilising your workforce: communicating clear safe work expectations, managing individual anxieties, and heightening presence in the field.
 
  • Jason Bubba, Director of Training & Development with NORCAT. Jason will discuss how to leverage technology and modern learning techniques to adapt to a new world of training. From safety training, health pre-screening, to on-site compliancy systems, Jason will demonstrate how companies can mitigate risk with a mix of digital tools.
 
To register or for additional details, HERE .
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials   ( APMO) on Safer Re-opening of Buildings
May 13 through June 3

The “After COVID-19” series is designed to provide jurisdictions, health departments, building owners and managers, and contractors with detailed information and guidance on reopening the various building types. Click HERE for details and to register. From Construction Links Network
Partners in Prevention Health & Safety (conference) Virtual Series  
  May 26 through May 29

During these unprecedented times, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) understands that protecting your business and your people are of the utmost importance. That is why WSPS is moving its annual Partners in Prevention Health and Safety conference online to help prepare you and your employees get back to work safely.

Who Should Attend?   
  • Business Owners
  • Human Resources
  • Managers, Supervisors, and Trainers
  • Front-line Workers
Agenda:
 
May 26 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
May 27 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
May 28 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
May 29 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
 
Register HERE
COVID-19 Links & Resources from CCA
Send This 30-second Auto Message to Your MP Regarding Construction Cost Reimbursement
The CCA has made this a 30-second exercise for its members. Request the federal government to alleviate some of the financial pressure the industry is experiencing by creating an Emergency COVID-19 Construction Cost Reimbursement Program . MP's need to hear from construction companies on this. Click HERE to view the CCA email , then c lick on the blue button which will link you to an auto-template; just fill in your details and your MP's information will automatically be added.
COVID-19 Links & Resources from COCA
For a list of construction-specific, up-to-date information covering latest news & announcements, guidance & best practice documents, and financial/government subsidies/support, click HERE.
Send This 30-second Auto Message to Your MPP to Achieve Relief from Delay Claims
The Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA) is your voice at Queen’s Park.

COCA is seeking relief for contractors like you from delay claims that have been caused by the COVID19 pandemic. Because their usual methods of lobbying have been curtailed as a result of the pandemic, COCA has turned to a digital advocacy tool. If you have not already done so,   please click here   and enter your home address and your email address and send a message supporting COCA to your MPP. It is simple and takes about 30 seconds of your time. We encourage you in the strongest way possible to participate. And after you do, forward this message to your work colleagues, your workers and everyone you know in the industry. Please help out.
The more people from our industry that participate, the much greater is the chance of securing the relief our industry needs. Many thanks for your help.
COVID-19 Links, Previous Webinars, Briefs & Resource from OGCA & League of Champions


Niagara Area Building Inspections, Permits, Planning Offices - Update by Municipality
The NCA has compiled updates from Niagara's municipal building and planning departments, including building inspections, building permits, planners' availability, and more. Click HERE .
Let NCA Members Know Your Business Status
REPORT YOUR STATUS - COVID-19 Niagara Construction Job-Site/
Office Closures/Restrictions/Business Notices

To assist our members in sharing the status of their companies/projects at this time, we are posting your  job-sites and/or office closures, business notices and/or restrictions  here  .

Please complete form  here   for us to post the information on our website  or tag us with your changes on Facebook and/or Twitter. Or, just  email  and let us know your updated information.
NCA COVID-19 RESOURCES
The Niagara Construction Association (NCA) is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and will do what we can to ensure members have up-to-date information by communicating through e-blast, social media posts, and  COVID-19 RESOURCES. (please navigate the drop-down menu for industry-specific news, updates, information, and links).
Please do not hesitate to contact me at karin@niagaraconstruction.org with any concerns or questions, or suggestions to our website/eblast COVID-19 information.

Thank You,

Karin Sheldrick
General Manager
www.niagaraconstruction.org