b'STATE OF THE INDUSTRYGovernments have provided little relief to the industry aside from the federal wage subsidy, stated Smith. All companies in the industry need to talk to their local MPs and strongly request their support of extending the wage subsidy program.ADDITIONAL COMMENTARYJohn Mollenhauer of TCA and Mark Casaletto of ConstructConnect provided commentary on the highlights of the keynote address. Earning respect for the industry with the public and government and the call to action on the issue of racism were key messages.JOHN MOLLENHAUER AND MARK CASALETTOMollenhauer and Casaletto agreedADD COMMENTARY TO BUILDINGS WEEK KEYNOTE ADDRESSthe construction industry has the right markers for consolidation: a large number of companies, thin margins and fewer companies bidding on larger projects. Smaller companies are not looking at succession planning even though growing larger and creating alliances seems to be the way to stay relevant in the future.Economists see a K recovery after COVID where big companies become larger and small companies become even smaller or simply disappear. Margins will continue to be tight even when the industry is booming, and this has to change. Construction buyers need to know the difference between price and value, stated Mollenhauer, We will not earn respect if we continue to give projects away with inadequate returns for contractors. Increasing risk for contractors in project contracts has to be offset by larger margins.Digitization was also a key message in Smiths address. Data and processes are coming together and rapidly changing the industry. There is a definite need for developing tools to gather industry data to help companies evolve for the future, stated Casaletto. The industry is also facing a shortage of skilled workers, with Build Canada forecasting upwards of 260,000 current workers retiring by 2030. We have to rethink how we do things and innovate to do more with less people, said Mollenhauer. In closing, Mollenhauer went on to say that the perfect storm is on the horizon for the industry with fewer projects in the forecast, more competition, and lower numbers of skilled workers. The winds of change are blowing and industry members need to find ways to stay ahead of the curve to compete.BUILDERSDIGEST Quarter 4 202013'