CLR Connector BC Infrastructure Benefits: Building A Better BC

The following article is submitted by BCIB in support of CLR’s efforts to keep members informed on the latest news and updates regarding Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs).

BCIB is building an opportunity here in British Columbia — an opportunity that supports local contractors, both those involved in CBA projects and those working elsewhere. BCIB’s role is an important one: to supply a skilled workforce and expand BC’s labour pool. Currently, we have more than 1,000 active workers on CBA sites and, to date, BCIB has deployed more than 2,000 workers to 3,000 jobs across 9 projects throughout the province.

Thanks to BCIB’s priority hiring system, 90% of CBA hours have been worked by British Columbians and 71% have been worked by locals; 12% of hours have been worked by women and 14% by Indigenous workers. We’re also finding opportunities for trainees, apprentices, young workers, 2SLGBTQ+, and visible minority workers. By helping more people gain experience, we’re helping to diversify, grow and strengthen the workforce.

BCIB is successfully working with contractors to improve worksite culture, an effort that’s helping retain workers. The Respectful Onsite Initiative (ROI) training programs improve productivity because when workers better understand one another, crews are more cohesive and supportive. Because of its positive impact on workers, construction companies and organizations that are not working under the CBA continue to provide ROI training to their teams.

Working with contractors and unions, BCIB continues to successfully supply labour across CBA projects. We’ve overcome initial challenges on the Cowichan Hospital project and will have upwards of 100 active employees on the project by this summer. In the Lower Mainland, both Tunnel Boring Machines are operational at the Broadway Subway Project, and, on the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project, the main tower has surpassed the height of the old bridge. Both BCIT and the Surrey Langley Skytrain projects are in procurement. In the Interior, the Highway 1 Four-Laning Program continues to improve safety for drivers and work for the sector. The Chase West project is expected to wrap up in late Spring. Major work is complete on the Salmon Arm project, with the finishing touches underway. BCIB is working with the contractor on the Kicking Horse Canyon Project to run two shifts – about 20 hours a day of workforce operations. And the contractor on Quartz Creek is returning from the winter shutdown to prepare for girder installation on the main span. We look forward to future HWY1 projects and the opportunities they bring.

If you’re a contractor who wants to help us build legacy projects and you have questions about working with the CBA, please contact the CLRA or BCIB directly. If you’re not working on a CBA project but would like help sourcing the workforce, we can help. To learn more visit BCIB.ca or email contractor@bcib.ca.