Respectful and Inclusive Worksites
The OGCA has been actively working to end racism in ICI construction and break down barriers facing underrepresented communities in the construction industry. Our goal as an industry association is to discuss issues facing the industry and work together to combat discrimination. Like all other aspects of health and safety, the OGCA aims to share best practices on the issue with a focus on initiatives and policy that works.
To better serve our members, the OGCA is happy to provide the following resources:
Webinars:
Addressing Racism in Construction: A Conversation with Ellisdon (December 9th, 2020)
Giovanni Cautillo, President of the OGCA, hosted a webinar about recent racist events and longstanding issues facing the construction sector with Geoff Smith, President and CEO of EllisDon; Jennifer Khan, Head of Inclusive Diversity at EllisDon, and Samuel Ajobo, Chair of Alliance for the Black Employee Experience and Leadership (ABEEL). Learn more about how Ellisdon has been addressing Racist Incidents and What We Are Doing About It.
Template Diversity Policy:
The Respectful and Inclusive Workplace Toolkit was developed by Buildforce Canada with input from the industry and offers the support needed to assist the construction and maintenance industry in creating a respectful and welcoming workplace for everyone. The Toolkit includes three tools:
- The Respectful Workplace Online Self-Assessment Tool for management to evaluate existing corporate policies and procedures and highlight any gaps that may exist.
- A Respectful Workplace Policy Framework that can be used as is or adapted by construction companies, and a supporting Implementation Guide to assist employers in ensuring that the policy framework becomes a living document that will have a direct and lasting impact on their company’s culture.
- Working in a Respectful and Inclusive Workplace online course designed for workers and supervisors.
Building Diversity Awards:
The Building Diversity Awards will recognize contractors and unions associated with major infrastructure and urban development projects that are taking extraordinary steps to increase the participation of Black, Indigenous and racialized workers, including youth, women and newcomers within their organizations. Apply now!