What can construction associations do for you? They assist members with information and education, establish standards and best practices, and advocate for the construction industry. They also honour companies who raise the bar for safety, innovation, and leadership through awards and shoutouts.
In short, construction associations bring professionals into the industry fold, where they can further their reach and impact among the members and throughout the community. What follows is a list of nine of the most prominent construction associations in Canada and what each is all about.
Canadian Construction Association (CCA)
Topping the list is the Canadian Construction Association (CCA), the only national association representing over 20,000 members. It gathers contractors, manufacturers, service providers, and suppliers. Living by its mission to build a better Canada, the CCA integrates with partner associations in provinces and municipalities across the country to live out its industry-first values by bettering construction and contributing to communities.
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) represents more than 8,500 member companies, including builders, renovators, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and more. Besides looking out for builders and developers, CHBA also strives to ensure that Canadians have access to housing that meets their needs at prices they can afford and all the information needed should they decide to build or renovate.
Project Management Association of Canada
Supporting the International Project Managers Association (IPMA), the Project Management Association of Canada (PMAC) strives to better the role by helping project managers live up to the values of diversity, creativity, and open-mindedness, values PMAC holds up as hallmarks of our country.
Four-level professional certification based around the Canadian Project Management National Competence Baseline is open to PMAC members, as are discounts to IPMA training courses and certification. It also offers access to the latest industry news through newsletters and webinars.
National Capital Heavy Construction Association
Responsible for some of the most basic foundational infrastructure in the country, membership of the National Capital Heavy Construction Association (NCHCA) is composed of sewer and watermain contractors, road builders, and their suppliers.
To join the 245 member companies that make up the body of NCHCA, applicants can send in details online to be approved by the board.
Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations
The Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA) works to amplify the impact of safety associations across the country by sharing information, teaming up to create safety standards, and promoting safe practices.
In order to avoid duplication of effort, CFCSA expects member associations to be willing to share their products for other organizations to use and customize for use according to their region’s needs.
Canadian Institute of Steel Construction
As a united voice for the steel construction industry, the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) represents manufacturers, builders, fabricators, and owners. It aims to help with education, certification, and advocacy. The CISC actively promotes the use of steel in construction and provides members with cost-saving programs to help them stay competitive.
CISC publishes Advantage Steel Magazine monthly and communicates regularly through the Steel Knowledge Blog. Members also have access to updated codes, online courses, and other online reading materials.
Canadian Roofing Contractors Association
Collaboration with industry partners is a tenet of the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association’s (CRCA) mission. It also provides technical expertise and standards of practice for the nation’s roofing industry.
Relationships with eight provincial roofing associations, with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, and the Canadian Construction Association, among others, ensure the industry is well represented on the national and international construction stage.
Surety Association of Canada
Representing another side of the construction industry, the Surety Association of Canada’s (SAC) membership consists of surety firms, reinsurers, brokers, and related service providers. SAC’s members represent more than 90% of all surety premiums written in Canada. SAC was formed in 1992, making it a relative newcomer to the association scene. Nonetheless, like other construction associations, it is a valuable resource for construction purchasers, design industry professionals, contractors, and suppliers.
Canadian Electrical Contractors Association
As a federation of provincial and territorial electrical contractor groups, the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) acts on behalf of members of those groups at a federal level. However, direct membership is also open to those without a provincial or territorial ECA.
Representing over 8,000 members nationally, the ECA moves the industry forward by advancing education and credibility, sharing best practices between associations, and influencing public policy.
Why Membership Matters
It’s evident from this list that Canadian construction professionals have a good suite of construction associations to choose from. They all help keep members apprised of technical codes and standards and will represent their interest in political venues.
Membership in a trade association may seem costly, but the benefits are great. Having a voice in your industry’s leadership decisions, keeping up to date on news and events, and hobnobbing with the who’s who in your field are all great reasons to invest in memberships.
Check out all the construction associations in your area to see which would benefit you most, what the fees are, and where you can get involved to leave your mark in the construction world.
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