Calgary launches Tailgate Toolkit to support construction workers
The Toolkit approach was originally developed on Vancouver Island to combat rising drug-related deaths.

Key Takeaways:
- The Tailgate Toolkit program, a collaboration between the City of Calgary and the Calgary Construction Association (CCA), aims to address substance use and mental health challenges among construction workers through access to support programs, targeted training, and awareness initiatives.
- Funded with $283,000 through Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Investment Framework, the program underscores the city’s and CCA’s dedication to fostering safer, healthier workplaces while improving the quality of life for workers in Calgary’s construction industry.
- Originating from a successful pilot by the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) and inspired by findings from the 2018 BC Coroner’s Report, the program has demonstrated its effectiveness in addressing substance use issues within the construction industry and is now tailored to Calgary’s unique needs.
The Whole Story:
The City of Calgary and the Calgary Construction Association (CCA) announced that they have joined forces to launch the Tailgate Toolkit recovery resource pilot program to help workers struggling with substance use or mental health issues.
Funded by the city through the Mental Health and Addiction Investment Framework with an investment of $283,000, the program will provide access to support programs, and promote safer workplaces across construction sites in Calgary.
“Our industry recognizes the responsibility we have to prioritize the well-being of all construction workers,” said Bill Black, President and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association. “By collaborating with The City of Calgary to bring the ‘Tailgate Toolkit’ to our community, we aim to equip workers and site supervisors with the resources they need to address substance use issues with compassion and informed support, ultimately fostering a safer, healthier and resilient workforce.”
Originally developed and successfully piloted by the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA), the CCA is expanding the program to address the unique needs of Calgary’s construction industry. Through tailgate meetings, targeted training, and engagement, the program raises awareness of the resources available to workers struggling with substance use while connecting them with recovery and support services.
“Collaborating with the Calgary Construction Association allows us to tackle these critical issues head-on,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “Our investment in the Tailgate Toolkit program demonstrates our commitment to improving the quality of life and work conditions for Calgarians in this key industry.”
After successful partnerships with Island Health in 2017 & 2021, VICA expanded their Tailgate Toolkit Harm Reduction program provincially, with the support of the Ministry of Mental Health & Addictions.
The precedent for the original project came from the 2018 BC Coroner’s Report “Illicit Drug Overdose Deaths in BC: Findings of Coroners’ Investigations” which investigated demographic trends among those who had lost their lives to a drug poisoning event. The construction, trades, and transport industry are overrepresented – of the 44% of people who were employed at the time of their death 55% worked in the industry.
