This past November 21^st, COCA kicked off the opening day of Ontario’s 40^th Session of Provincial Parliament at the Legislature hosting the first stakeholder networking reception for its members and MPPS and their staff.

COCA’s 28 representatives from 14 of its member organizations welcomed 41 of 107 Members of Provincial Parliament to the meet and greet.  While pleased to meet a number of newly elected legislators, COCA members were especially pleased to get reacquainted with old friends, most with new portfolios, but who made the point to voice their continued support for our key issues of:

·         Construction Lien Act reform

·         Introduction of prompt payment legislation

·         Occupational health and safety reform and

·         Increased government effectiveness through eliminating “red tape”

Notable among those joining us for the event were:

·         Newly elected Speaker of the Legislature, Hon. Dave Levac

·         Former Speaker Steve Peters

·         Labour Minister and Minister Responsible for Seniors, Linda Jeffrey

·         Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Kathleen Wynne

·         Citizenship & Immigration Minister, Charles Sousa

·         Environment Minister, Jim Bradley

·         Leader of the Official Opposition and Progressive Conservative Leader, Tim Hudak 

·         New Democrat House Leader and Transportation Critic, Gilles Bisson and

·         Workplace Safety & Insurance Board Chair, Hon. Steve Mahoney, P.C.

COCA is committed to maintaining a strong presence at Queen’s Park to advocate on behalf of ICI and heavy civil construction employers across the province.  Events such as Construction Day are but one element of our broader comprehensive strategy to foster personal relationships with elected officials and their staff in developing a meaningful strategic partnership between our industry and the government of Ontario.