Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion on "Addressing the Labour Shortage in the Face of Growing Demand for Infrastructure." Explore innovative solutions to tackle the critical challenge of a labor shortage in the infrastructure sector. Learn from industry experts as they share successful workforce development programs, apprenticeship opportunities, and collaborative models to bridge the skills gap. Discover how technology and automation can augment the workforce and increase productivity. Be part of the collective effort to address this pressing challenge and ensure a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the future. Don't miss this engaging session that offers actionable strategies and insights for navigating the labor shortage in infrastructure.
His passion for the construction industry has driven his 20-year career in the construction industry.
Construction has shaped Giovanni's career trajectory from an early age. He was taught building fundamentals and the importance and interdependence of communication within the construction team from his father, a proud stonemason that immigrated from Italy. The simple values of trust, respect and pride are the foundation of his construction education.
The OGCA has a proud reputation for advocacy on behalf of members and being the general contracting industry's voice. With significant personal and professional experience, Giovanni is well suited to be the spokesperson for the association.
Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion on "Addressing the Labour Shortage in the Face of Growing Demand for Infrastructure." Explore innovative solutions to tackle the critical challenge of a labor shortage in the infrastructure sector. Learn from industry experts as they share successful workforce development programs, apprenticeship opportunities, and collaborative models to bridge the skills gap. Discover how technology and automation can augment the workforce and increase productivity. Be part of the collective effort to address this pressing challenge and ensure a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the future. Don't miss this engaging session that offers actionable strategies and insights for navigating the labor shortage in infrastructure.
Bart Kanters joined the concrete association in 1999 and has progressed from technical engineer to engineering manager to his current role as president of Concrete Ontario. Before joining Concrete Ontario, Bart was a division manager of a concrete restoration company in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Bart’s experience with ready mixed concrete is as a civil engineer responsible for addressing the technical concerns of both the Ontario concrete industry and the local design community. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from the University of Waterloo, an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and is a registered engineer with the Professional Engineers of Ontario. He is actively involved in both CSA and ACI committees and currently sits on the Technical Committee of CSA A23.1 (Concrete Production), CSA Z151 (Concrete Pumping), A3000 (Cement) and is on the Board of Directors of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) – Ontario Chapter. Bart is also a certified instructor for several of the ACI & NRMCA Concrete Certification Programs.
Richard Lyall has represented the residential construction industry in Ontario since 1991. He is regularly called on to speak at industry events and is often quoted in the media about issues affecting developers and builders. He writes columns on residential construction and development issues for The Toronto Sun, Canadian Real Estate Wealth, Toronto Storeys, Daily Commercial News, Canadian Construction Business, and Builder Bites.
Michael is the Chair of Skilled Trades Ontario (a Provincial Crown Agency under the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development) and sits on the board of directors of Skills Canada (Ontario), and Support Ontario Youth. Michael is the recipient of several awards including the Construction Institute of Canada’s Chancellor’s Award of Excellence, Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA) Hard Hat Award of Excellence, University of New Brunswick Alumni Award of Distinction, USports Lester B. Pearson Award, Canadian Franchise Association Volunteer Leadership Excellence Award and Canadian Franchise Association Distinguished Franchise Support Service Award.
Michael is recognized as one of Canada’s leading employment and labour lawyers by Chambers Global®, Who’s Who Legal® (Global Elite Thought Leader & Most Highly Regarded), Legal 500®, Best Lawyers® and Lexpert®, and a Five Star Safety Lawyer by Canadian Occupational Safety®. He is also a Fellow of the prestigious College of Labor and Employment Lawyers®. Acclaimed for his strategic excellence and outstanding client service, says Chambers Global®, “Michael draws praise for satisfying the needs of even the most demanding clients and his specialist knowledge of union contract and negotiation issues, where he is described as “exceptional,” and impresses with his “phenomenal” work.”
Michael is also the former Chair of the National Labour and Employment Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association and the Labour and Employment Law Section of the Ontario Bar Association.
