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NLCA PRESIDENT/COO MESSAGE
Message from the President/COO RHONDA NEARY
Welcome to the 2023 edition of the Construction Journal. It has been a couple of years since our last edition and we’re excited to be back. We have partnered with MediaEdge Communications, a market leader in print and digital publishing, to produce the Journal and we hope you enjoy the fresh look. Despite all the extraordinary challenges posed by the global pandemic, NLCA’s priorities remain unchanged — acting as a strong voice for our members and advocating at all levels of government to encourage both short and long term infrastructure spending. We’ve undertaken face-to-face meetings with various municipalities about challenges and opportunities, working collaboratively to find ways to move the dial forward. To strengthen our advocacy efforts, we have teamed up with Impact Public Affairs, a full-service government relations and communications firm, to ensure we’re heard loud and clear about what is needed to keep the industry strong.
The construction industry has worked hard throughout the pandemic and I’m very proud to say we weren’t shut down and continued to provide the services and infrastructure needed in our communities. Our members pivoted, evolved and adapted as necessary to be compliant with all health and safety orders and regulations.
One of the most significant impacts of the pandemic across all sectors has been the shrinkage of the labour pool in Canada. The ongoing shortage of skilled workers remains a major issue for the construction sector in Atlantic Canada.
NLCA is actively addressing the issue by promoting the industry and working with apprenticeship groups to attract and engage young people. Our member firms work right across Canada and in many areas so the opportunities are unlimited. We continue to offer education and training through our Centre of Excellence and encourage members to find out what’s happening.
We have also expanded our social media channels to enhance our communications and launched a podcast series where seasoned professionals and members offer advice, share career path tips and more.
When we gather at our annual conference this year, it will be the first big in-person meeting since the pandemic hit. Members will have access to networking, innovative exhibitors and professional development sessions. The theme this year is: World Class Opportunities in Your Backyard, and I look forward to welcoming everyone. We will also be hosting for the first time Women in Construction — a one day forum on October 27th — where we will hear from some inspiring women and how they are making a difference in the sector.
As we wind down 2022, I’m optimistic that we’re on the road to recovery and that our sector will come out stronger and better. NLCA remains committed to supporting our members and that is only possible with the incredible team here that works hard every day to deliver member value through our services and programs.
I also want to thank the board of directors and volunteers on our committees for their time and commitment to the association. It has been a challenging few years but together with our valued stakeholders, we’re ready to help keep the industry moving forward.
