The Ontario government is partnering with the construction sector to create a Construction Advisory Panel to provide advice on a broad range of workplace issues.
The Construction Advisory Panel will provide input on issues of interest in the construction sector to the minister of labour.
Issues may include labour and employment law, the rise of new equipment and technologies, workplace health and safety and injury prevention.
As well, the Construction Advisory Panel will provide an opportunity for the minister to hear different perspectives and concerns from the construction industry.
“Construction is a vital engine of growth for our economy, creating good quality jobs across our province. That’s why it’s important that we listen to and work closely with our construction partners,” said Minister of Labour Monte McNaughton.
“This is an opportunity for the construction sector to bring their issues, concerns and changing trends directly to me and our ministry.”
The Construction Advisory Panel will meet three times a year with the minister of labour.
“The health and safety of our workforce is our number one priority and Merit Ontario looks forward to providing the Minister with advice and solutions,” said Michael Gallardo, executive director of Merit OpenShop Contractors Association of Ontario. “This panel will be an important part of our efforts to ensure the voice of the open shop construction sector is heard at Queen’s Park.”
The Construction Advisory Panel will be made up of between eight to 12 members, with the following composition:
- At least one employee or employer representative from the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sector.
- At least two employees or employer representatives from the six other sectors of the construction industry.
- At least two employee or employer representatives from industry labour groups, employer groups or associations.
The establishment of the informal, multi-sector committee is part of the government’s strategy to support the construction sector.
RELATED: Busy year predicted for Ontario ICI contractors
The Construction Advisory Panel will complement the work of other construction-related initiatives, including the Construction Health and Safety Action Plan Advisory Group, which hass developed and implemented an action plan on construction health and safety.
“We applaud Minister McNaughton for establishing an advisory council for the construction industry,” said James Barry, executive chairman of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Construction Council of Ontario.
“He has clearly shown an interest in consulting with a broad and diverse representation of people who understand and have worked in the industry and the importance of creating a safe and skilled trades workforce.”
