Q&A With VICA Chair, James Clapp

As the new Chair of VICA’s Board of Directors and as a long-serving member of the Board, what VICA initiatives are the most important to you?

Delivering on member value is most important to me. This is the easy answer since it encapsulates all of the VICA initiatives. These include advocacy for the industry, education and networking, project services, and the Construct your Future program, which in four years has produced 47 graduates who have secured employment with VICA members.

What do you see as the main challenges facing the construction industry on the Island? Both from your perspective as a VICA board member and as a managing director with Wilson M. Beck Insurance.

The number one current and future challenge for the construction industry is undoubtedly the skilled labour shortage. We have the same issue in the insurance industry. To quote Tom Fletcher from Victoria News, “British Columbia is going over a demographic cliff, with a workforce that is rapidly aging out. There is incredible opportunity in construction for young people, entrepreneurs, and skilled trades workers.” It is therefore vital that we find ways to attract more people into the workforce and continue to diversify the labour pool. It will help that wages in the construction industry continue to rise in the short term, however from a governing standpoint I think that aggressive immigration policies are key. VICA’s Construct Your Future program has obviously been very effective and, as an industry, we must continually work to attract more women into the workforce.

What unexpected, positive developments did you see take place in the construction industry in this unprecedented year?

It was truly incredible to watch the construction industry continually adjust and work through the pandemic. Construction is an industry that is already very regulated in terms of ensuring the safety of the public and anyone on site. I understand from my clients and through VICA that adjustments were made, and comfort levels were identified with employees which seems to have strengthened teams and maintained productivity levels. VICA itself did an excellent job adapting and I am extremely proud of how well the VICA staff have managed their operations during this time. On a personal level, my firm has been working with a skeleton crew at the office with the majority working from home. I am elated with how they have adapted and continue to provide our clients with great service all while working from the safety of their home offices.

What motivated you to become involved with VICA, and what has your involvement looked like over time?

I started at my firm in 2003, and since we specialized in construction insurance and bonding, many of our clients were members of VICA. My firm was heavily involved with VICA as well. My manager at the time (now partner) Carole Bissett was a VICA board member for 12 years and served as Chair in 2014/2015, so that obviously inspired me. When the Young Builders Network (YBN) started, many of my clients and friends were involved, so it was obvious that I participate. My experience with the YBN helped me understand the issues facing my clients and gave me insight into how VICA functioned. As my age advanced, and with a new generation of strong leaders joining the YBN, it seemed like a natural progression to run for the Board of Directors, and I am grateful for the opportunity to become the new Chair.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering joining an association such as VICA? Or joining the VICA Board?

I would certainly encourage companies and professionals who are part of the construction industry to join an association and get involved where possible. Before considering running for the VICA Board, I would encourage individuals to participate and gain experience through one of the committees of the Board. These include Women in Construction, Young Builders Network, and the Trade, Civil and General Contractor Committees. VICA continues to advocate for our industry and provides a variety of opportunities for members to grow through education and networking. I would encourage anyone looking to join the board to consider a leadership role in one of these committees. I personally spent many years with the Young Builders Network - this was a great experience and served as an excellent way to prepare for the board. n