C E O ’ S M E S S A G E
representatives about our needs, and to network. We
need to do more of these events, because the importance
of facetime with MLAs cannot be underestimated. These
events allow us to build relationships with government,
demonstrate that we appreciate spending on roads and
build equity so when we need something, government will
be more likely to answer the phone and listen to what we
have to say.
Additionally, I have shared information about these
events during UCP Caucus presentations, phone calls with
the Minister and more. These types of events have far-reaching
effects, combined with our ongoing efforts to build
relationships with government, they help ensure we are
consulted on legislation, which brings me to my next point.
Consultation on legislation
August was a busy month for the ARHCA Board, the Safety
Committee and staff as we worked under tight deadlines
to respond to three substantial requests for consultation
on government legislation. Specifically, the ARHCA gave
comprehensive feedback on:
• The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
legislative review
• The Workers’ Compensation legislative review; and
• The proposed Infrastructure Act and 20-year
Capital Plan
Additionally, in September, we were asked to review
OHS legislation on mining. These requests for consultation
are substantial opportunities to have our voices heard. The
fact is, if the ARHCA was not on government’s radar, we
wouldn’t have been asked to provide feedback.
Interviews and association profiles in
industry magazines
Another key part of advocacy is the work we do with
other associations and building our reputation within the
industry. On that note, we’ve been working hard to get our
name out by sharing information with other associations.
In fact, the ARHCA has been profiled in Heavy Equipment
Guide; the ECA’s Breaking Ground magazine; Piling Canada
magazine; and On-Site magazine.
This all contributes to our positive reputation throughout
the province and beyond.
Let’s keep the momentum going
The COVID-19 pandemic has crushed our ability to network
and host events like we used to, but that’s why advocacy
and government relations is so important. As part of that,
I hope to see as many of you as possible at our Driving
Improvement Summit in Banff to take advantage of
facetime with the Minister of Transportation and to hear
directly from industry experts. Though this event is smaller
in scale, we are learning new ways to build relationships
and increase our profile, and it’s all part of the Board’s
goal of ensuring we are a formidable player from a
government standpoint.
In closing, I thank each and every member company
for hanging in there with us; for supporting us; and for
allowing us to continue to work on your behalf. n
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