Masonry Magazine January 2001 Page. 58
CANADIANS BUILDING CANADA
Performance through Partnering
By Bill Empey
There is an urgent need to rebuild the masonry work force. A new, national study on the masonry trade "Canadians Building Canada; Performance through Partnering" has a distinctive vision of a stronger masonry industry.
In this vision workers will be certified, mobile and committed to a future in a safe work environment. Certification helps workers find more hours and contractors deliver quality work. Mobility assures that the best workers are available when contractors need them anywhere in Canada. Committed workers, in a safe environment, progress through their career with some building successful businesses of their own. Their success attracts new entrants. Contractors will be financially strong, diversified, customer focused, committed to quality and to a rising share of the market. Workers and contractors will be supported by suppliers who participate in industry promotion and governments who support training and certification.
This study was initiated by the Canadian Masonry Contractors Association and the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Crafts, with the support of Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). Participation was carefully managed to include non-union businesses, all regions and other interest groups.
The committee's mandate is to create a human resource strategy for the masonry industry that anticipates the impact of demographics, new materials and technologies, industrial change, the underground economy and other factors. Based on the study findings, the committee proposes to regain market share and attract new entrants who will see their future in a rewarding career in masonry.
These plans pose a special challenge. Industry leaders must create labor market support systems that can renew the supply of skilled masons. New skills are needed to meet opportunities. The costs of unemployment and empty training facilities during recessions and skill shortages during booms must be avoided. All of this must be managed through dramatic cycles and with limited government support.
THE FINDINGS
Canada's masonry industry has many strengths as it faces the challenges and opportunities of the next ten years. But there are clear weaknesses that must be fixed.
STRENGTHS
From the beginning, Canada's institutions have literally been built with masonry. There is a very visible and strong tradition of pride and excellence that remains vibrant. There are
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