RC106 MayJune2023 - Magazine - Page 21
Sponsored Content
MONTREAL METRO
BLUE LINE EXTENSION
2023 Top100 Projects Rank: 11 Value: $6.4 billion
will be responsible for ensuring:
THE SOCIÉTÉ DE TRANSPORT DE MONTRÉAL (STM)
The detailed design, supply and
announced it is launching a call for tenders
operation of the tunnel boring machine.
for the construction of the tunnel and the
Construction of the tunnel by TBM
preparing the locations of some of the future
between Pie-IX and Anjou West.
stations and auxiliary structures for the Mon The construction of the tunnel by
treal Metro Blue Line Extension project.
conventional method between
“The extension of the blue line is a priority
Pie-IX and the rear station of the
project for the revitalization of Montreal
current blue line.
East and for metropolitan mobility. Final The excavation of the Pie-IX (main
ly, the project is coming to fruition, with
entrance only), Viau and Lacordaire
the construction of the new tunnel, which
stations as well as certain auxiliary
will connect five new stations to the metro
structures.
network by 2029,” said Geneviève Guilbault,
deputy premier and Minister of Transport
and Sustainable Mobility.
Strong demand for residential
Target young workersFor additional details on this year’s Top100
The successful bidder selected at the end
construction in Indigenous communities
Manywill
Indigenous
constructionProjects
workers
have
experience but
report.
visitconsiderable
top100projects.ca
of the call for tenders process
be known
recognized
in the second half of 2023.are
Innot
particular,
theyby the CCQ because the experience was acquired in one
Nearly half of the Indigenous businesses identified specialize in building
of the communities or outside Quebec. Due to this barrier, they are usually
construction, particularly residential construction, and renovation. Of these,
required to start as apprentices under the CCQ. It would be beneficial to
some noted that they serve commercial clients as well. Access to housing
target Indigenous workers at the beginning of their careers to ensure that
in Indigenous communities is an ongoing issue. This situation, documented
their experience is recognized by the CCQ.
by the Assembly of First Nations, concludes that there is a strong need for
the construction of new housing in Indigenous communities. This need and
Implement training and coaching programs for nonthe announced investments translate into a strong demand for residential
construction within the communities, limiting the capacity of Indigenous
Indigenous businesses to facilitate the recruitment,
workers and businesses to participate in federal building and infrastructure
inclusion, and retention of Indigenous workers
projects located outside the communities.
Considering these findings, significant efforts
must be made to reach the 5% target in southern
Quebec and beyond. Here are some of the
recommendations proposed:
Establishing partnerships with Indigenous
businesses could help develop their expertise
to align with market needs
There are several Indigenous businesses in the construction industry, but
they are generally small. These firms may not have the expertise to work
on certain construction projects that require specific skills and experience
(e.g., building a bridge). Partnering with certain firms could allow them to
expand their expertise, leading to more active participation in the Quebec
construction industry.
Communicate with community members and
accompany them in the complex administrative
processes surrounding government calls
for tender and CCQ registrations
This type of program could allow non-Indigenous businesses to better
understand the history, realities, and challenges of Indigenous peoples,
thereby facilitating their attraction, inclusion, and retention in the workplace.
Training can also prevent Indigenous-based discrimination that is an ongoing
problem in the workforce.
Ensure that workplaces have the necessary
language resources to work with English-speaking
Indigenous peoples
In English-speaking Indigenous communities, a language barrier sometimes
exists on worksites in southern Quebec, where French is generally the
language of use. Language barriers also exist in certain administrative
processes, such as CCQ certification. Providing bilingual resources could
promote the inclusion and retention of English-speaking ** Indigenous
workers.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENTAL,
SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) PLAN.
The administrative processes surrounding government calls for tenders
can be complex, particularly for small businesses. Coaching could facilitate
and maximize Indigenous participation in government tenders. Highlighting
the services offered by the CCQ will also help support Indigenous workers
wishing to pursue a career in construction.
**Pomerleau and Aviseo Conseil met with several stakeholders during this study. Pomerleau would like to thank and acknowledge the participation of the FNQLEDC, the CCQ and the many economic development officers located
RENEWCANADA.NET
MAY/JUNE 2023 – RENEW CANADA 21
in
the communities mentioned in this study.
