where outgoing chair Joe Kabarchuk left off, leading the
ARHCA in its advocacy efforts, stakeholder relations and
membership development.
We asked Hamilton what makes him the most eager about
stepping into his new role as chair.
“I would really like to continue to grow the ARHCA’s
reach across the province, especially with municipalities,
counties and smaller municipal districts,” he said.
“Advocating to the provincial government is so important,
and we need to focus on that, but we also need to focus on
the fact that ‘provincial’ doesn’t just mean the provincial
government; we need to reach all those little communities
across Alberta, too.”
When asked what makes the ARHCA a worthwhile association,
Hamilton reiterated that it gives industry leaders and
stakeholders the opportunity to hear from other representatives,
network and build relationships.
“The association gives us a platform to communicate and
work together so we can achieve not only our goals, but
also the goals of local and provincial governments. The association
allows member companies to get into the room with
government, so we can better understand each other and
effect mutually beneficial policy changes. When the ARHCA
succeeds, governments do as well.”
This sentiment is echoed by the continued and evergrowing
need for advocacy. And that’s something Hamilton
feels passionate about. In fact, he takes every opportunity to
make the ARHCA voice louder, speaking up at conferences
and events whenever and wherever he can.
“Before the pandemic, our industry was looking like it was
going to be in financial trouble,” said Hamilton. “But once
government acknowledged the critical role that roadbuilders
can play in getting our economy back on track, they invested
in us, funding much-needed highway projects and more.”
Hamilton says that through advocacy, the ARHCA can
work with member companies to instill confidence that our
industry can keep Alberta moving, and that long-term, sustainable
funding is what’s needed.
“If we stop advocating now, it’s going to have long-term
impacts. This is one time where every single member company
has a reason to speak up and keep the momentum going.”
Doing this work requires more member companies to
participate on the board. When we asked Hamilton how he
is going to encourage participation, he said that he’s “noticed
many people in our industry have a lot to say, but sometimes
we can be too humble, and don’t want to speak up. The
ARHCA is a reliable organization that understands the industry
because we are the industry. This is the avenue we need
to use to share our collective voice, and I want to hear from
our members. I want them at the board table. So, if you are
thinking about joining, get in touch with us.”
As for last thoughts before he begins his term as chair of
the ARHCA, Hamilton says he is humbled and honoured to
accept the position, to grow the board, and to represent an
industry he values so much.
ARHCA looks forward to continuing to work with
Jonathan Hamilton and appreciates his commitment to the
ARHCA and its members. n
I N C O M I N G A R H C A C H A I R
8 www.albertaheavy.ca
/www.albertaheavy.ca
/
