5 2 | C O C A 2 0 1 7 Y E A R I N R E V I E W MERIT OPENSHOP CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO The Merit OpenShop Contractors Association of Ontario is a mixed trade organization representing Ontario’s open shop construction sector. The organization was originally founded in 1990 as the United Independent Contractors’ Group of Ontario; however in 2009 a new name was introduced in order to reflect a commitment to Merit Canada, the national organization for open shop associations. Today, there are eight Provincial Merit Associations and a Merit Canada office representing a total of 3,500 contractors and businesses with over 300,000 employees. The core purposes of Merit Ontario are to: •  Advocate and support sound legislation and regulation which is fair to both open shop employers and their employees. •  Provide human resources services and programs that meet the needs of open shop companies and contribute to the well-being of their employees and their families. •  Provide education and support for our members to encourage sound business practices and keep them informed on open shop issues. •  Promote construction industry jobs as attractive career options and support the development of a safe, stable, and appropriately skilled construction industry workforce. •  Promote workplace harmony, where open and closed firms collaborate and work as partners. Address: 11 Kodiak Crescent, Toronto, ON, M3J 3E5 Phone: (888) 303-9878 Fax: (416) 483-3095 Website: www.meritontario.com Email: info@meritontario.com MEMBER PROFILES NIAGARA CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION The Niagara Construction Association (NCA) is a non-profit organization established to represent the interests of the commercial and industrial construction industry. As a member of the Niagara Construction Association, members automatically receive membership with Canadian Construction Association, who continually monitors ongoing issues affecting the construction industry. Items of concern to members are addressed in several levels including lobbying Federal and Provincial governments. The major focus of the NCA is to keep on top of such issues and at all times represent the interests of their members. Working closely with the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association, WSIB and the Ministry of Labour, the NCA actively promotes industry safety. Numerous Safety Courses, Programs, Seminars and Workshops are held at the NCA training facility, including WHMIS, Fall Protection, First Aid and Propane Training. With ongoing Educational Seminars and Scholarship Awards, the Association partners with Niagara College in a Construction Engineering Technology program. Resumes and Educational Program information are placed on the bulletin board to assist and encourage young adults branching into the construction industry. Benefits and services are plentiful for members. The plans room is spacious for viewing documents, plans, or simply working in a peaceful setting. The dissemination of bidder’s list and addenda is available through faxing or electronic means. The copying facilities on premise are not only convenient but offered to members at preferential rates. The General Manager, Administrative Assistant and the Plans Room Assistant are Commissioners for Taking Affidavits. Socially, an annual golf tournament and dinner, special interest trips varying from Skiing, Membership Appreciation Day, Christmas Food Drive for Community Care create great networking opportunities and a chance to mingle with friends. Address:  34 Scott Street West, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 1C9 Phone: (905) 682-6661 Fax: (905) 688-5029 Website: www.niagaraconstruction.org