Response to the Province’s Community Benefits Agreement Announcement
July 24, 2018
The Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA) joins the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) in expressing deep concern about the Community Benefits Agreement announced by B.C. Premier John Horgan July 16.
SICA has received many calls from its membership expressing their concern over this announcement. Our members fear that this could result in their inability to bid on certain projects which could result in fewer bids and higher costs to taxpayers.
The Canadian Construction Association’s policy statement 4.16 states that "CCA is opposed to using the procurement of construction services to advance unrelated community benefits and other public policy objectives where they jeopardize the integrity of the competitive bid system".
Community Benefit Agreements are seen by various levels of government as a way to solve social issues, however, they represent a potentially limiting approach that may layer on costs and reduce competitive bidding on provincial infrastructure projects.
SICA and BCCA are non-partisan construction associations representing both union and open-shop employers. The two have always advocated for fair, open, and transparent procurement processes which are an obligation and responsibility of government to taxpayers.
The agreement’s approach to maximizing opportunities for both equity-seeking groups as well as apprenticeships can be valuable; however, it is extremely important that the government proceeds with caution to avoid any unintended negative consequences for both the construction sector and taxpayers.
The government is focusing on inclusivity through support for indigenous and local communities, women and apprentices. But British Columbians may not benefit when 80 percent of the construction workforce—which is non-union—could face potential barriers to participate in multi-billion-dollar public projects.
SICA is continuing to learn details of the Community Benefits Agreement and will work with BCCA and its regional construction association partners to monitor the rollout of the agreement in order to better understand its near-and long-term impact on the industry.
Read BCCA's Response to Community Benefits Agreement Announcement
Jason Henderson, CEO
Revolutionizing Canada's Construction Industry: The Federal Prompt Payment Legislation
Young Builders Launch Party Wrap Up
CCO Workshop 2024
Membership Appreciation Evening Wrap Up 2023
CCA Hill Day 2023
EBT Flu Clinic Dates
SICA Golf Tournament September 2023
Long Term Members 2022/2023
Trap & Skeet 2023 Wrap-up
SICA Golf Tournament June 23rd 2023
Industry Awards of Excellence
BC Land Title & Survey Online Filing Process
Join the Virtual Webinar
The SICA September Golf Tournament was a hit!
Farewell to our Education Admin and Hello to our new SICA staff 2022
CCO Workshop 2022
MOTI and Infrastructure BC Seeking Interest From Qualified Firms For BC Highway Reinstatement Program RFQ
Prompt Payment Included in ‘Report on the Budget 2022 Consultation’
Regional Construction Associations Partner with BCCA Employee Benefit Trust to Provide Flu Shots for Industry
B.C. associations call on province to practice fair, transparent procurement
SICA announces 2020/2021 Industry Awards of Excellence Finalists
2021 Annual Report
Kelowna Crane Incident Legacy Education Fund
#Hangahighvisoutside
Brooklyn Site Crane Accident Statement
Construction Fast Lanes for COVID-19 Vaccine
Every Child Matters - Indigenous History Month
Latest Construction Industry Statistics Reveal Strength Despite Pandemic Challenges
BCCA Response to BC Budget 2021
CCA Responds to 2021 Federal Budget
Construction Month 2021
BuildForce Canada releases annual 10-year forecast
SICA training courses prove practical and meaningful to students
2021 Gold Seal Program Changes
Building Forward: Virtual Conference 2021
Nomination Period Opens for SICA’s Industry Awards of Excellence
Meet SICA's 2020 New Board Members
SICA's 2020 Annual Report
COVID-19 Update
2019 Industry Awards of Excellence Winners
SICA announces 2019 Industry Awards of Excellence Finalists
Nominations sought for SICA’s Industry Awards of Excellence
The 19th Annual CCO Workshop
2018: Year in Review
The SICA Fund in Action at Peter Greer Elementary
Celebrating the Holiday Season with SICA
Membership Benefits
As a Member you are a part of a collective voice, the SICA voice. Together, our voice is changing the construction community and helping your business grow through advocacy, networking events, affinity programs, direct business leads and more. Our voices promotes fairness, transparency and open communication in the construction industry. Join SICA to grow your business today and be a voice for our industry tomorrow.
JOIN NOW