8 | C O C A 2 0 1 7 Y E A R I N R E V I E W CHAIR’SREPORT This is my final opportunity to write a report for COCA’s annual Year in Review publication, as my term as Chair will come to an end at our Annual General Meeting in February. So I would like to take this occasion to reflect back over the past three years, both in terms of the advancement of our provincial construction federation and in terms of my own personal growth. Working together, COCA members can be proud of the achievements of our Association these past few years. We have seen the fruition of our members’ commitment to remain focused on our strategic plan. We stated that we wanted to be recognized as a credible voice for the construction industry. This goal has been reinforced by our consistent determination to find practical solutions to industry issues. At times COCA has been critical of government and at other times it has been supportive. In our work, exploring for solutions, COCA members have all set aside their individual agendas in favour of a process that allows us to work together to develop solutions that serve our industry. As a result, we have kept our sights on our strategic objectives and have spoken with a strong and unified voice. Working collaboratively, developing workable solutions and speaking with one strong and unified voice; these are the distinguishing characteristics of COCA, they are our brand. The passage into law of legislation that completely renovates the Construction Lien Act in Ontario, and incorporates a long sought-after system to encourage promptness of payment, formally known as Bill 142, Construction Lien Amendment Act, 2017, is a signature representation of COCA’s strategic focus and professionalism. COCA not only represented the collective views of its own members, but it also joined a coalition of other industry stakeholders to develop a broader consensus. COCA struck its own task force of experts that provided informed advice to the authors of this legislation. COCA hosted the Minister of Labour and the Attorney General at Board meetings and our own industry events. COCA spoke with authority on these issues with a strong voice, and most importantly, a voice that was respected and listened to. I want specifically to recognize the considerable contributions made by Sandra Skivsky, Ron Johnson, Ted Dryer, and Glenn Ackerley on this file. While Bill 142 was the main event, COCA was also busy actively participating in meetings, writing submissions, contacting Ministers of the Crown and working cooperatively with other stakeholders on a variety of significant issues. These included the all-encompassing Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017, changes at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, representation on the Board of Directors of Canadian Construction Association, the Board of Governors of the Ontario College of Trades, the Board of Skills Ontario, the Provincial Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee, the College of Trades Appointments Council, and attending industry conferences concerning infrastructure spending, industry trends, labour shortages and demographics, innovation in construction, and more. COCA is totally engaged in advocating the needs of the construction industry in Ontario. COCA made a very difficult change when Martin Benson joined the COCA staff team and immediately proved the impossible was possible. Almost seamlessly he took over the reins of our administration from his ever dependable and always enthusiastic predecessor, Sue Ramsay. We owe Sue and Ian Cunningham a vote of thanks for making this important transition possible for Martin. I would like to personally thank Martin for his very professional and competent work and help while I served as Chair. During my term COCA has been able to retain its membership and indeed to expand its numbers. With every new member our voice is not only stronger, but more respected and therefore more effective. This benefits not only our individual members, but also the construction industry and the consumers of construction. It has been one of the highlights of my term as Chair to see our membership grow. To our new members I say thank you for making us a better advocate for all our members. We will continue to earn the trust you have placed in us. Gary van Bolderen