IUPAT’s Bruno Mandic was named to the Ontario government’s Construction Advisory Panel. From the list, initially released in April 2020, Mandic is among the 14 members on the committee. The committee is scheduled to meet three times per year; however, due to COVID-19, complications may arise with in-person meetings.
The Construction Advisory Panel is a new committee designed to advise Minister of Labour Monte McNaughton on a range of workplace issues. “Construction is a vital engine growth for our economy, creating good quality jobs across our province. That’s why it’s important that we listen to and work closely with our construction partners,” said McNaughton. Some of the issues that may be addressed include labour law, workplace health and safety, injury prevention and the rise of new equipment and technology. McNaughton oversees several other construction-related committees, including the Safety Action Plan Advisory Group and Construction Health. In part, the panel will complement and build on the work of these other groups.
Since his recent appointment, Mandic has been heavily involved with discussions and raising his concerns with the Minister, “During this COVID-19 pandemic, I am constantly in touch with the Minister discussing the importance of health and safety of our construction workers.” With the establishment of this panel, many of its members are hopeful that their concerns will be heard, especially during the pandemic.
