A COVID-19 UPDATE TO MEMBERSHIP - Monday, April 13, 2020
Government Lifts Suspension of Limitation Periods, Helping to Resolve Construction Cash Flow
Ontario's Attorney General has made an emergency order to lift the suspension of limitation periods and procedural time periods under the Construction Act, allowing for the release of holdback payments to contractors and subcontractors, and helping to resolve a potentially significant cash flow problem as a result of the order for the construction industry. Click HERE to view the AG's letter or HERE for weblink to the announcement.

E ven with the suspension of limitation periods lifted, contractors/subcontractors still have many details to navigate. NCA Member Petrela,Winter & Associates has created an article of considerations and insights, "Managing Temporary Project Suspensions," to assist and draw attention to key terms and conditions that could influence a Builders Risk policy, anticipate the Insurers questions relating to a temporary jobsite shutdown, ensure uninterrupted coverage through the delay of the project, and offer suggestions for a safe jobsite shutdowns. Click HERE for article.
Send This Letter to MPP's - More Amendments Needed to Keep Construction Companies Viable
COCA is pleased by the government's recent decision to lift the suspension of limitation periods and procedural time periods under the Construction Act. However, many are struggling with the availability of their workforce, supply chain challenges, and other productivity issues. In this context, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to meet milestones and other project deadlines.

The online letter has been updated to reflect the Province's recent decision; please click HERE to contact your MPP using the auto-form on the COCA Website.
More Essential Workplaces Added to Construction
As per the attached April 10th announcement from the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the emergency order has been amended to include:
 
29.1 Construction projects that are due to be completed before October 4, 2020 and that would provide additional capacity in the production, processing, manufacturing or distribution of food, beverages or agricultural products.
Government of Ontario Essential Workplaces Contract / Workplace Considerations 
Much gratitude and appreciation to the London District Construction Association for sharing their " Government of Ontario Essential Workplaces Contract Considerations " article with us. This article is not and should not be considered legal advice. Click HERE .
Tuesday, April 14th Construction Webinar:
the latest announcements from the Ontario Government + OHSA/WSIB/labour law 
COVID-19 issues in construction webinar:

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 14, 9AM
Cost: Free
Register: HERE
Presenters: Keith Burkhardt of Sherrard Kuzz LLP, and Kennaley Construction Law
Ontario Appoints Team to Develop Plan for
Post-Pandemic Growth and Prosperity
The Ontario government has launched a new Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee which will focus on getting businesses up and running and people back to work after the COVID-19 pandemic is over to stimulate economic growth and job-creation in the weeks and months ahead.

"This team will get our economy moving again ― with a focus on job creation, opportunities for growth, and protecting our province from future threats.""

Read full article HERE.
Send an Auto Message to Your MP Regarding Construction Cost Reimbursement
COCA Echoes CCA Message to Members
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.
Ontario Accelerates Essential Construction Projects; Extends Construction Hours
In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, Ontario is extending construction hours for essential construction projects, like critical projects in the health care sector, to 24 hours a day. Work on new hospital builds, expansions, and COVID-19 assessment centres will be able to continue any time of the night or day in order to help accelerate the construction of these important projects and enable employers to take additional steps to protect the health and safety of workers on these job sites. Click HERE for full article from Construction Links Network.
NCA Virtual Commissioning - Update
The NCA has successfully been able to provide virtual commissioning of statutory declarations to members, via "video conferencing" and cell phone and/or email. Click HERE for updated details.
Free COVID-19 Webinars Continue
Sherrard Kuzz LLP and Kennaley Construction Law continue to offer free weekly webinars (on Tuesdays) concerning the impact on of COVID-19 on the construction industry. 
  • Click HERE to register
  • Past presentations can be downloaded HERE
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 .
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