A new year: a time to reflect, renew
by Mary Van Buren
ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï President
As we ring in 2022, we have a lot to reflect on – the successes and challenges of this past year – while we recharge to prepare for the year ahead and the development of a new three-year strategic plan.
We – our industry, ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï and our integrated partner associations that serve you – proved to be resilient in a year that continued to test us all. And we saw glimmers of hope as we were able to gather together for the first time in almost two years, and re-kindle the bonds that have served us so well throughout the pandemic.
We can also take pride in the extraordinary efforts we have taken throughout the year to keep our workers safe and to improve the diversity of the workforce.
Looking to 2022, the industry is not only resilient, but also the path to a greener, trade-enabled, and more inclusive economy. ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï will be increasing our advocacy efforts to ensure that infrastructure is not an afterthought, rather a deliberate investment. We laid the foundation of this messaging with Parliamentarians in late November, at our first in-person Hill Day in two years, with over 55 members of the industry.
ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï works relentlessly on your behalf…but we also need your voice to amplify the message.
Invest in Canada.
Invest in Canadians.
Invest in Infrastructure.
This is backed by three asks: (1) consistent, predictable investment; (2) attracting a skilled workforce; and (3) refreshing procurement so it is fair and transparent. Please take a few minutes to review our messages at the link above so that you may also reinforce the message locally as you meet with local government officials.
I’m very proud to lead ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï in collaboration with my partner association colleagues from across the country. I am also grateful for the over 125 volunteers who share their expertise and time serving on ÍøÆسԹÏ’s board, committees, councils and working groups. Finally, ÍøÆسԹÏ’s staff have raised the bar again this year – and are looking forward to serving you in 2022.
I also look forward to seeing many of you in Vancouver for the 2022 ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï Annual Conference taking place March 8 – 11. Featuring exciting learning opportunities on topics that matter most to you and engaging discussions with peers and colleagues, be sure to register at this link: cca-acc.com/events/cca-annual-conference/.