01-34 GENERALS SPRING25 PT - Flipbook - Page 31
expeditors” who would act as a single point of contact between
the construction industry and utility owners. These professionals
would help ensure timely responses, accurate scheduling,
and accountability—including the imposition of penalties for
unnecessary delays.
Additionally, we urge the province to review current public
sector construction procurement practices. There is a need for a
standardized, balanced construction contract template that equitably
distributes risk for all publicly funded projects. Fair, transparent
procurement practices will bene昀椀t both buyers and contractors,
ensuring smoother project execution.
Finally, to address skilled labour shortages, we recommend a
centralized scheduling system to coordinate the release of major
public infrastructure projects. This would help avoid bottlenecks,
promote resource sharing, and enable more e昀昀ective deployment of
skilled labour across Ontario.
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RECOMMENDATION 3:
Continue support for skills development and contractor training
Ontario’s construction industry is experiencing intense competition
for a limited pool of skilled workers. While the government’s
promotion of skilled trades as a viable career path has been
commendable, general contractors also require highly skilled
supervisory and project management sta昀昀—professionals who can
manage complex construction activities and ensure projects are
delivered on time and on budget.
Through the Skills Development Fund (SDF), the OGCA has successfully launched the Pathways to ICI program, which supports
recent graduates and newcomers to Canada who are seeking careers in
project management. The program accelerates their integration into
the industry and equips them with the technical knowledge required to
lead projects.
We have also expanded the program to focus on training
estimators, identifying promising workers for supervisory roles, and
attracting more women into the construction industry.
We recommend the Government of Ontario continue investing in
workforce development through the SDF, ensuring contractors have
the tools and talent necessary to build the province’s future.
RECOMMENDATION 4:
Expand the Specialized Trades
Exploration Program (STEP)
The OGCA strongly supports the expansion of the Specialized Trades
Exploration Program (STEP) to school boards across Ontario.
Currently o昀昀ered exclusively through the Toronto District School
Board, this innovative program gives high school students hands-on
exposure to construction while earning credits toward their diploma.
STEP helps students build essential skills and identify their
strengths and interests within the skilled trades. It also breaks down
long-standing stigmas associated with careers in construction,
paving the way for a more diverse, sustainable workforce.
By expanding STEP province-wide, and ensuring educators are
trained on the bene昀椀ts of trades careers, Ontario can develop a
pipeline of future construction professionals—at a time when the
industry needs them most.
The OGCA appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the 2025
Pre-Budget Consultation process. Our submission re昀氀ects the
priorities of the ICI sector and reinforces our commitment to building
a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Ontario.
We remain steadfast in our advocacy for policies that support
contractors, protect workers, and foster innovation in the
construction industry.
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