Journal of Commerce | Jean Sorensen | May 20, 2026 Illegal construction plagues Canadian authorities and municipalities, especially those that are seeing rapid growth, with investigations largely triggered by residential complaints. New construction is heavily regulated through permits, but still, illegal builds slip by. It is the renovation sector, a $105-billion industry in Canada, where much…

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Journal of Commerce | Peter Caulfield | May 20, 2026 The Manitoba government recently announced that hot water will be required on large construction sites beginning April 1, 2027. In an announcement, Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino said, “Workers shouldn’t have to choose between doing their job and having access to basic hygiene. Hot water…

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Road Safety at Work | May 5, 2026 Survey shows a gap in knowledge of safety responsibilities, too As National Road Safety Week (May 12 to 18) approaches, new research shows many B.C. employers overlook one of the most common and dangerous workplace hazards: driving on the job. A recent survey by Road Safety at…

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May 15, 2026 Construction incident summaries are based on information obtained as soon as possible after the incidents: they are preliminary and subject to change. Details have been edited to protect workers’ privacy. See additional summaries online. Injury Type: Soft tissue injuries (1 worker) Core Activity: Excavation, or private landfill or transfer station operation Location: Lower Mainland Date of…

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Industry highlights progress while calling for clear, long-term direction Victoria, BC (April 30, 2026) — As Construction & Skilled Trades Month comes to a close, the BC Construction Association (BCCA) is taking the time to celebrate and reflect on the incredible progress our industry has made – and the future impact we have yet to make. With…

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The Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA) supports a recent announcement by the Canadian Construction Safety Council (CCSC) regarding the transition to CSA or ANSI-certified Type II helmets effective July 1, 2026. The CCSC is a national collaboration of leading construction organizations, and this requirement applies across CCSC member sites, including workers, trade partners,…

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Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | April 28, 2026 RICHMOND, B.C. — Today (April 28) workers, employers, families and communities across the country are observing the National Day of Mourning, which is a time to remember those who have been killed, injured or suffered illness due to work-related incidents. WorkSafeBC is reporting its latest…

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Last year in B.C., 138 workers lost their lives due to workplace injury and illness.  Richmond, B.C. (April 27, 2026) — On April 28, WorkSafeBC joins workers, employers and communities across British Columbia to observe the National Day of Mourning, a time to remember those who have been killed, injured or suffered illness due to work-related…

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Why Canada’s construction crane industry needs rigging harmonization now. Crane & Hoist Canada | March 12, 2026  | By Justin Brown Canada’s construction crane industry is operating in a regulatory environment that no longer reflects the complexity, pace, or scale of modern lifting. Our cranes have evolved. Our wire ropes and synthetic materials have advanced….

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Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | April 20, 2026 OTTAWA – New survey findings released by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) reveal contractors operating across provincial boundaries are facing significant costs due to non-harmonized safety certifications, training and verification requirements, not to mention unnecessary administration duties. The national survey, conducted in February,…

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Vancouver Sun | By Susan Lazaruk | April 16, 2026 An excavating company in charge of a Burnaby work site where a pipelayer was killed when a retaining wall collapsed was ordered to pay a total of $575,000 in fines and victim surcharges after being found guilty of criminal negligence. J. Cote and Son Excavating of…

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April 2026 public hearing on proposed regulatory amendments WorkSafeBC is holding a virtual public hearing on proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. The virtual public hearing will be streamed live on Microsoft Teams on April 21, 2026, in two sessions. The first will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the second from 3 to 5 p.m. Participating in the public…

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April 15, 2026 | ICBA Key Points: B.C. ALREADY IN RECESSION? A new Business in Vancouver op-ed from ICBA Chief Economist Jock Finlayson and consulting economist Ken Peacock makes a case for what our members are already feeling: B.C. is now likely in a recession. B.C. shed a staggering 20,000 jobs in both February and March –…

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Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | April 14, 2026 VICTORIA — The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) is sharing the perspectives of 858 employers and tradespeople across all of the province’s development regions in its latest industry survey and 2026 Spring Stat Pack, with the results painting a picture of resilience with a call for more…

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Journal of Commerce | BCCSA | April 14, 2026 Regulations often develop slowly, while employers can act quickly to promote worker safety. One private sector initiative that’s gaining momentum is the use of Type II helmets — not through regulation, but through corporate mandates by large construction employers. Last year, the Canadian Construction Safety Council (CCSC),…

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The COCA website and newsfeed are dated (did you notice?) and require updating from both design and technology perspectives.  Before we move forward, we want to hear from you. Please take 5 minutes to tell us what you would like to see on our website! https://survey.zohopublic.ca/zs/7HBwZM Thank you for your time!

The Province is seeking applicants for a Public Interest representative on WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors. More information can be found here:  https://www.bcpublicsectorboardapplications.gov.bc.ca/s/noticeofpositionDetail?nop=J-0505

WorkSafeBC | April 1, 2026 WorkSafeBC is holding a virtual public hearing on proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. The virtual public hearing will be streamed live on April 21, 2026, in two sessions. The first will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the second from 3 to 5 p.m. Further information on how to view…

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BCCA | April 1, 2026 VICTORIA, BC (April 1, 2026) – April is the ninth annual Construction and Skilled Trades Month in British Columbia, officially proclaimed by the provincial government. This month, and every month, the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) celebrates the many accomplishments and contributions of the construction industry in building a stronger,…

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Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | March 23, 2026 NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. — The BC Building Trades is launching a campaign “to protect Community Benefit and Project Labour Agreements to ensure major public projects are built by local, skilled workers from British Columbia.” The organization also says these agreements expand apprenticeships, training and provide…

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