On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with All Nations United president Mary French about the current opportunities and future potential of Indigenous collaboration with the construction industry on major projects.
French recently took part in the “From Reconciliation to Building Together — A Discussion on Building and Fostering Meaningful Business Relationships between Construction Companies and Indigenous Organizations” panel at the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association’s (ICBA) 2023 Construction Innovation Summit held recently in Vancouver.
She touched on the importance of boardrooms engaging in self-reflection as they engage in reconciliation practices, the need for Indigenous input on labour structures for major projects and her hope that Indigenous relations will one day be considered the same way occupational safety is today – a common-sense aspect of organizational governance.
We also have the latest headlines with news editor Lindsey Cole including the possibility Ontario may have to take over operations of two light rail lines in Toronto as the city faces a budget shortfall, as well as a new name and leadership for the Carpenters’ Union. We also have a story from Jean Sorensen about a group of explosive experts and how they tackle demolitions across Canada.
From the west, the Journal of Commerce has a profile from staff writer Sarah Rowland of Ledcor’s Marsha Gentiel, who is leading the company’s sustainable construction initiatives, as well as a look at the resoration of Regina’s Globe Theatre.
You can listen to The Construction Record on the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites as well as on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music’s podcast section. Our previous podcast with interviews from the recent Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of B.C. Innovation summit is here. Thanks for listening.
Indigenous labour leader sees hope for reconciliation through meaningful collaboration
Ontario may have to operate two Toronto LRTs amid city budget crunch: documents
Carpenters’ confirm new leadership, jurisdiction
Rakowski gathers crack-team of explosive experts to tackle demolitions
Ledcor’s Marsha Gentile: A trailblazer in sustainable construction and beyond
Unravelling the curtain on Regina’s Globe Theatre restoration