By W. Douglas, CODC Co-Chairperson
For over 20 years, CODC Construction Opportunities Development Council Inc. (CODC) has been proud to support Saskatchewan’s potash industry. Formed in 1994, the CODC is a joint-venture, not-for-profit organization between Saskatchewan’s unionized construction and maintenance contractors and their partner building trades unions, whose mission is to promote unionized construction and maintenance in the province of Saskatchewan. It is easy to forget that, within a job site, the parties have more in common than in conflict. Through the CODC, we are better able to focus on our similarities, such as safety, and solve problems more effectively through collaboration.
While the contractor and union support to the potash industry long precedes the formation of the CODC – dating back to the construction of Saskatchewan’s first potash mine – for the last two decades, contractors and unions have worked collaboratively to better the construction industry for our clients, our workers, our employers, and the people of Saskatchewan.
Through the CODC, the unionized construction industry delivers safety training (Safety Construction Orientation Training – SCOT – and OH&S Rights & Responsibilities), leadership training (Better SuperVision), policy development (Alcohol & Drug Policy and Procedures, and Harassment Prevention in the Workplace), industry forums, career development opportunities, and research and development programs to address future industry requirements.
The CODC is proud to sponsor Build Together in Saskatchewan, an initiative to connect with and encourage the participation of under-represented groups in our industry. Build Together offers a four-pillar strategy for engaging Indigenous peoples, women, new immigrants, and youth into the unionized construction industry. Through these engagement initiatives, the CODC and our stakeholders continue to build and maintain a highly skilled, well-trained, responsive workforce for our clients, both now and for the future.
The CODC also acts as a liaison between the owners, unions, and contractors. We are able to proactively identify problems and work with all parties to find a solution that works for all. The CODC finds this approach increases harmony on the job site and helps us support owners in the pursuit of creating the safest and most productive job sites.
Through all these initiatives, we are building a stronger construction industry and better value for our clients.
The CODC looks forward to continued partnerships with the potash industry into the future.
For more information about the CODC, please visit our website at www.codc.ca, or give our offices a call at 306-347-7299.
