Industry Partners

The people we worked with were integral to our construction research and development activities. The NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Strategic Construction Modeling and Delivery collaborated closely with industry partners in working toward our goal of using advanced modeling techniques to deliver effective solutions to practical industry problems.

The Chair strove to meet the needs of partner organizations with specialized solutions designed for individual parties, as well as joint collaborative projects involving multiple partners. We were proud to count construction owners, owner associations, contractors, contractor associations, labour associations, and labour unions as our industry partners. Each partner organization from our last two IRC terms (2013–2016 and 2017–2022) is profiled below.*

* (Note that most information presented on this page was last updated between 2016 and 2019. Organizations’ membership numbers, brands/icons, and other information may have changed.)

Collaborative Relationships

Our industry partners have been true collaborators. Representatives from our partner organizations provided oversight and guidance for the Chair's research program through the Management Advisory Committee, which defined research directions, provided strategic support, and managed financial contributions from our partner organizations. Members of the Technical Advisory Committee worked closely with our researchers to investigate and implement the specific details of each research project, and to transfer discoveries and new technologies from their research and development phase to their industrial application.

Our partner organizations provided us with extensive in-kind support in the form of facilities, training, data, and personnel time. These close working relationships were the key to our success: the high level of partner support we enjoy results in informed research, innovative development, and effective solutions that can be applied directly within our industry partner organizations.

Industry Partner Organizations


Capital Power

Capital Power produces power in North America – reliably, competitively, and responsibly. Established in July 2009, Capital Power (TSX: CPX) is a growth-oriented North American power producer headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, that develops, acquires, operates, optimizes, and builds power generation capabilities with energy-efficient technology and lower-carbon fuel and renewable sources. The company has a foundation of operational excellence and financial strength with well-maintained assets, a strong balance sheet, and an investment-grade credit rating.

Christian Labour Association of Canada

The Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) is an independent Canadian labour union representing 50,000 workers in many sectors across Canada, including construction, healthcare, retail, service, transportation, manufacturing, and mining. Based on principles of promoting the values of fairness, respect, dignity, and integrity, CLAC’s approach to labour relations stresses membership advocacy, cooperation, and the long-term interests of the workplace community. Certified since 1952, CLAC is a full-service union that provides representation and a wide range of benefits and training for its members. The union serves its members from 14 regional offices in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and its head office near Toronto.

Construction Owners Association of Alberta

Founded in 1973, the Construction Owners Association of Alberta (COAA) represents a broad cross-section of owners’ interests and is associated with many sectors of the Alberta construction community. It comprises two groups: principal members who are users of construction services in their day-today operations; and association members who provide construction services and other activities. COAA provides value to its member companies and the wider construction industry in multiple ways serves as a unique forum for industry dialogue and cooperation.

COAA engages with owners, construction and engineering contractors, government, labour groups, and other construction industry associations, and provides leadership to enable its members’ successful pursuit of safe, effective, and productive project execution in the construction industry. Through partnerships with BuildForce Canada (national forecast) and the Government of Alberta (provincial projection), COAA serves as a major information base for project and policy decisions regarding workforce supply and demand. COAA also provides important benchmarking services in collecting and analysing confidential data for Alberta major construction projects.

With 30± best practices issued in safety, workforce development, construction performance, and contracts, COAA plays a major role in creating and championing practices to improve the construction industry. They have fostered long-standing research and training partnerships with various industry and academic groups including the Construction Industry Institute, the Construction Innovation Centre, and the University of Alberta's Hole School of Construction Engineering. Since 1993, COAA has held its annual Best Practices Conference, attended by more than 500 delegates from across Alberta and Canada.

COAA contributes to improved industry leadership by providing new ideas company and government group leaders, including notable publications such as “Canadian Model for Providing a Safe Workplace.” COAA is a respected advocate for industry initiatives and government policies and has developed a solid working relationship with various government departments. Furthermore, COAA is a strong champion for construction safety, the apprenticeship system, stable labour relations, interprovincial workforce mobility, and the appropriate use of skilled temporary foreign workers.

Further, COAA places a strong focus on talent development and has more than 200 volunteers on active committees. They are dedicated to broadening perspectives for key leaders and rising stars; establishing growth opportunities via committee chairs, workshop presenters, and industry ambassadors; and helping to develop networking and leadership skills for your team members.

Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta

On November 29, 1962, the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta (ECAA) was incorporated and registered with the Alberta Registrar of Companies. Initially, ECAA was an amalgamation of local associations who recognized the need for a provincial agency uniting all contractors operating in Alberta. Today, ECAA is the voice and information centre of the electrical industry, a self-governing body working to ensure a professional membership through education, safety, and strong stakeholder relationships. The organization represents both union and non-union electrical contractors, with a membership of more than 865 firms in all areas of Alberta. It has associate members who are actively engaged in activities related to electrical contracting. The primary objectives of the ECAA are to: 1) act as the voice of the electrical contractors operating in Alberta; 2) unite members in an association for their mutual improvement, protection, and general welfare; 3) promote better relationships between members, owners, architects, engineers, suppliers, manufacturers, contractors, and other segments of the electrical industry; 4) establish, maintain, and advance methods of practice between the members within the industry, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to enact a code of ethics; 5) acquire and disseminate information concerning the electrical industry; and 6) provide a medium whereby members, chapters, and affiliates may exchange opinions and coordinate their efforts. ECAA is committed to undertaking activities that inform and advance the practices of our members, including research, education, and training.

Progressive Contractors Association of Canada

PCA logoThe Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) is a national contractor's association for progressive unionized employers in Canada’s construction industry. PCA works to ensure fair access to work opportunities for its members by promoting a legislative framework and industry practices that result in a level playing field for all construction industry participants. PCA advances its members’ interests through public advocacy and the provision of labour relations advice and services. PCA member companies employ more than 25,000 skilled workers across Canada, represented primarily by the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC).

Suncor

Suncor Energy Inc. (Suncor) is an integrated energy company strategically focused on developing Canada's Athabasca oil sands. Suncor’s operations include oil sands development and upgrading, conventional and offshore oil and gas production, petroleum refining, and product marketing under the Petro-Canada brand. While working to responsibly develop petroleum resources, Suncor has also developed a growing renewable energy portfolio. Suncor’s common shares (symbol: SU) are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.

Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association

The Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association (ARHCA) is the largest heavy construction association in Canada, with more than 1,000 corporate members. The ARHCA supports long-term, stable investment in their transportation infrastructure at the best possible value to taxpayers. ARHCA also believes that a strong transportation system is essential to Canada’s future, providing a cost-effective method of moving goods and services to local and world markets and giving Canadians safe and efficient ways to travel. They represent both union and non-union contractors who work on the construction and rehabilitation of highways, municipal roads, bridges, sewer, and water projects as well as the suppliers (such as equipment dealers, finance companies, aggregate suppliers, law firms) and consulting engineers who work with them. ARHCA member companies construct streets, curbs and gutters, sewer and water systems, and other infrastructure for residential, commercial, oilfield, oil sands, and forestry projects.

Merit Contractors Association

Merit Contractors Association (Merit Alberta) was established in 1986 and operates offices in Edmonton and Calgary. It is a founding member of Merit Canada. The Alberta association has 1,450 members, including most of Alberta's large generals and trade contractors. It focuses on the human resource needs of its members, and researches and advocates public policy to promote free enterprise, individual merit, economy, and efficiency in the construction industry, plus sound legislation in workers’ compensation, safety standards, apprenticeship training, and unemployment compensation. Merit Alberta’s services include retirement programs, job placement services, and employment youth initiatives. The Merit College of Construction offers construction skill training programs, supervisor training programs, apprenticeship support programs, and e-learning management training. Its programs are used throughout Canada.

Aecon Industrial Western

Aecon Inc. (Aecon) is a national Canadian infrastructure company. Aecon is the largest publicly traded construction and infrastructure development company in Canada. The company’s expertise covers the full range of construction services, including design and construction, financing, operating, procurement, and project management in civil, buildings, industrial, mechanical, nuclear, and utility construction. In April 2009, Aecon Inc. acquired Lockerbie & Hole Inc. to create Aecon Lockerbie Construction Group Ltd. Aecon Lockerbie provides a complete range of services to the oil and gas, petrochemical, pulp and paper, mining, and power generation sectors. The company plans, manages, and constructs projects of all sizes, providing superior scheduling, quality control, risk management, and a leading-edge safety program. Maclean’s magazine recognized Aecon Inc. as one of the ‘Best Employers in Canada’ in 2011.

Building Trades of Alberta

Building Trades of Alberta coordinates and promotes the interests of 18 local Alberta trade unions whose more than 60,000 members work in the residential, commercial and industrial construction, maintenance, and fabrications industries. It represents its members in the trades and provides them with a number of services, including: job referrals to construction and maintenance contractors; world class training facilities; pension, health, and welfare benefits; good wages; and, safe worksites.

TransAlta Corporation

TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta) owns, operates, and develops a diverse fleet of electrical generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. For over a century, they have been committed to providing clean, low-cost, sustainable electricity to power local communities. Based in Calgary, Alberta, TransAlta has operated more than 75 power plants in Canada, the United States, and Australia. TransAlta has been generating power for more than 100 years, beginning with its Horseshoe Falls hydro plant in 1911.

TransAlta has a strong commitment to sustainability, as seen by its ongoing efforts to diversify its fuel sources. The company has acquired world-class development and operational expertise in wind, geothermal heat, hydro, coal, and natural gas. At the end of 2010, TransAlta became the first company to own and operate more than 1,000 MW of installed wind capacity in Canada. The company has been recognized for its leadership on sustainability by the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index, the FTSE4Good Index, and the Jantzi Social Index. It was also named as one of the 15 Carbon Disclosure Leaders in Canada.

TransAlta believes in developing strong relationships with the communities in which it operates. The company sees its role as not just supplying power, but also serving as a large source of employment, providing work for area contractors and suppliers, and supporting local initiatives. Its community programs have included projects involving the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede, Centralia College, the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, Hull Child & Family Services, and United Way.

As of 2011, TransAlta expected to dedicate the majority of its planned growth capacity to renewable power sources, maintain its singular focus on power generation in order to satisfy the growing demand for clean, reliable, and competitively priced electricity, and continue to build on over a century of history and experience.

Funding

The Industrial Research Chair in Strategic Construction Modeling and Delivery was funded jointly by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the University of Alberta, and the construction industry partners profiled on this page.

NSERC