ACA: Alberta premier takes ‘solid step’ with mandate letters
The Alberta Construction Association noted that Premier Danielle Smith’s directions to ministers highlight many key issues.
Crews work on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion near Edmonton. – Trans Mountain.
Alberta construction leaders believe the province is making an effort to address major concerns in the premier’s latest mandate letters to ministers.
The Alberta Construction Association (ACA) stated that Premier Danielle Smith’s recent direction to ministers is a solid step towards addressing long standing and emerging issues in Alberta’s construction industry. The ACA explained that the ministerial mandate letters across Government address key issues for Alberta’s contractors.
Highlights include:
- Sustained infrastructure investment including a focus on trade corridors.
- Best value procurement and standardized contracts to reduce risk.
- Extending prompt payment provisions to Government of Alberta contracts.
- Promoting trades education, working training, recognition of out of province credentials, fostering opportunities for people from under-represented communities, and expanded Provincial Nominee Program.
- Continued red tape reduction with an emphasis on streamlined permitting and Land Titles processes.
- Complete Occupational Health & Safety Code review and more focus on mental health supports to keep workers safe.
- Review Building Code changes to ensure safety and affordability.
The Alberta Construction Association and the province’s regional construction associations offered their expertise to partner with the government to rapidly implement the directions. They added that numerous meetings with ministers are imminent to advance the work.
