Patrick McManus is happy to have more face-to-face conversations with association members as he moves into a newly created role at the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA).
“Often times you hear, particularly from those companies that are outside the Greater Toronto Area, that they don’t get a lot of face time,” said McManus, who took up the role of stakeholder relations and services manager in early June.
“The intention is to really get out there more often and make sure that we’re seen as well as heard.”
In his new position, McManus will explore how OSWCA can do more for its member companies and identify issues of importance. He hopes to enhance member companies’ experience with the association.
“A lot of times in government relations we work on very high level, over-arching policy stuff. I think we can be doing a lot more of the on-the-ground, into the weeds stuff with our members. I think there’s a really good component there that maybe hasn’t been fully addressed in the past.”
Most recently, McManus served as policy analyst at the Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA). He has also worked in the federal government and done humanitarian work in Africa.
McManus said working at OSWCA will be an easier transition for him because of his experience with ORBA, rather than his last transition from working in the federal government to working for a construction association. He said there will be some familiar faces and some of the same issues.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of cross-over on issues, particularly on environmental issues and health and safety and labour issues,” he said.
OSWCA is currently working with the Ministry of Consumer Services to develop the regulations to accompany the implementation of the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012, formerly known as One Call. OSWCA has had some serious concerns with the initial draft regulations that were being proposed.
The association is also working with the Ministry of the Environment, a number of construction industry partners and municipalities to find a more equitable and sustainable solution to dealing with excess construction materials.
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s review process and reforms will continue to be a priority for OSWCA.
The association is also pressing for progress on mandating asset management systems for municipalities as a precursor for full-cost pricing models in the sewer and watermain sector in particular.
Issues around the permit application process and intent around the Permit to Take Water program are also a priority issue for OSWCA.
Follow Kelly Lapointe on Twitter @DCNKelly.
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