Business Manager Message

Alberta economy is the nation’s heavyweight.  The Oil producers have targeted our Province as one of the most stable places in the world to produce its demanding supplies. The landscape of our industry is changing with over forty billion dollars worth of work slated for Northern Alberta.  The owners are demanding our Contractors and Members have greater accountability in the areas of Safety and accountability.

Along with CSTS, confined space, harness training, first aid, etc. there are now demands for pre-access and post incident Drug and Alcohol testing. The Owners are demanding that the Contractors pre-test our Members before they step foot on Site. We as an organization have been asking Industry tough questions in regards to Alcohol and Drug testing, so that we can further educate and represent our Members.

Construction activity in the Province is extremely hectic and from all appearances will continue.  Commercial Construction should be boisterously driven by the need to provide services for a rapidly expanding population.  The Industrial Construction will continue to be the economic engine that drives our Province and we should continue to see high levels of construction in the Oil Sands for the next ten years.

With all our work on the go, our Apprentice Program has been flourishing.  Alberta has 10 % of Canada’s population and presently produces 20 % of all Apprentices.  Even though we have one of the best programs in the Country, we are still trying to improve it, focusing on better availability and funding so our Apprentices can receive the best training possible.
As your Business Manager, I have been proud to have been part of our Local’s accomplishments over the past years.  I would like to thank the Members and the Executive for their support and direction.  Your input is invaluable so please try to attend our Local meetings to forward your suggestions or concerns.

Fraternally,
Alan Ramsay