via ACA  

September 2020
Ken Gibson, Executive Director

ACA advanced member interests on numerous advocacy fronts in 2020.

Partnered to lead the commercial construction industry response in Prompt Pay consultations. Legislation is expected in the fall 2020 sitting of the Legislature.   There is strong alignment among industry groups to adopt much of the Ontario legislative approach for prompt pay. ACA, ATCC, and GCAC are advocating to be a Nominating Body for payment dispute adjudicators, to ensure industry expertise and affordable cost for industry. Read ACA’s recommendations re adjudicating prompt pay disputes.

Successfully lobbied for the appointment of 3 former ACA chairs to the Skills for Jobs Task Force – Paul Heyens, Paul Verhesen, and Colin Ward. The Skills for Jobs Task Force has been appointed to find ways to expand and strengthen apprenticeship education and skilled trades opportunities to meet labour demands. The Task Force is expected to report in late 2020. Read ACA’s submission.

ACA advocacy for increased flexibility in overtime averaging agreements paid off with the passage of Bill 32 “Restoring Balance in Alberta’s Workplaces Act”.

The Government of Alberta launched a review of the Workers’ Compensation Act to ensure job creators and workers benefit from a workers’ compensation system that is fair, affordable and sustainable.

Several topics are being reviewed, including benefits for workers, supports for return to work after an injury or illness, sustainability of the workers’ compensation system, and enhancements of workers’ compensation processes and governance requirements. Legislation is expected in the fall 2020 sitting of the Legislature.   ACA’s submission highlighted changes to return WCB to a no-fault insurance system rather than a social program funded by employers.