About Builders Code
Who Are We?
Builders Code. Built in BC, Available for Canada
The Builders Code is managed by the BC Construction Association on behalf of the construction industry in British Columbia.
The Builders Code aims to create a construction industry that works for everyone by setting clear expectations for behaviour and providing the necessary tools and training to achieve these standards.
Since its inception, the Builders Code has been dedicated to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment across the construction sector. The initiative provides a comprehensive framework that includes policy guidance, best practices, and resources to support employers and employees alike in cultivating a culture of safety, respect, and professionalism across all worksites.
The Builders Code also places a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and collaboration, working closely with industry stakeholders to ensure that the guidelines evolve with the needs of the workforce and the advancements within the industry. By promoting a shared vision and commitment to high standards of conduct, the Builders Code strives to enhance the overall reputation and sustainability of the construction sector.
How Can You Get Involved
Builders Code can support your company in building an environment where individuals want to work and stay. Read You’ve Signed the Pledge – Now What? | Builders Code for your next steps.
Available For Canada
Current Canada-wide construction labour market information identifies there is a current and impending labour shortage. It’s more important than ever that the construction industry creates worksites that are more desirable places to work for all employees, including women and other equity-deserving groups. The Builders Code is an excellent tool to help the construction industry with this important culture change to increase recruitment and retention.
The Builders Code is seeking jurisdictional partners from across Canada to join us in delivering this meaningful service to all employers in the construction industry. Our ideal partners will be provincial non-profit organizations in the construction or safety sectors who are strongly positioned with local and provincial governments, industry associations, and employers. They will spearhead the delivery of the Builders Code in their province. As noted, this is a unique and timely opportunity to support essential culture change in our industry, improving the job satisfaction, safety, and retention of all workers. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership role in the construction industry and earn revenues to support your advocacy work.
To find out more, please contact Lesley Patten at lesley.patten@bccassn.com.
History
The Builders Code pilot (2018-2021) was co-funded by government funders with additional funding contributions from WorkSafeBC, SkilledTradesBC, BC Construction Safety Alliance, BCCA Employee Benefits Trust, and the BC Construction Association. It was created and designed under the leadership of the BC Construction Association, with expertise and in-kind contributions from its supporting partners, BC’s Regional Construction Associations, BCCA Employee Benefit Trust, and MinervaBC.
Founded on Partnerships
The Builders Code brought together an influential group of collaborating partners, who already support construction employers through their daily activities of safety, training, benefits and business services. This partner network is one of the most powerful elements of the Builders Code.
The CWEP received funding from these partners:
Non-Funding Partners:
The Builders Code would like to acknowledge the City of Seattle, Seattle Sound Transit, and ANEW for their thought leadership on the topic of diversity in the construction trades. The experience and information they shared at the Women Build Nations Conference in Seattle in 2018 was very helpful in creating the model for the Builders Code.
In particular, we are grateful for the concept of “Acceptable Worksite” and the affirmation of our original strategy of approaching the Builders Code from a business rather than a moral imperative.
Pilot Phase Governance Committee
Lisa Stevens – CSO of the British Columbia Construction Association
- Lisa conceived the original concept for the project, which secured the funding and project partners, and is the lead in developing and delivering the Builders Code.
M.J. Whitemarsh – Consultant with 38 years experience in construction industries, former CEO of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC, Women in Trades champion and first-ever Builders Code Ambassador.
Shelley Gray – CEO of the Industry Training Authority
Debra Dotschkat –GM and Co-Owner of Glass Canada Inc.
Christy Kerr – Co-Owner of Kerr Controls Inc.
- Trustee, BCCA Employee Benefit Trust
Mary-Anne Bowcott – Owner of WestCom Plumbing
- Journey person Red Seal Plumber, Class B Gas fitter, small business owner, experienced shingle roofer
- Former Vice President of the B.C. Tradeswomen Society
Amy Carr – Journeyperson – Sheet Metal Worker for Accurate Air
- Union Local 276
- Chair -Women’s committee Local 276, Accurate Air.
Karen Anderson – Journeyperson – Carpenter for Theatre North West
Becky Lupton – Journeyperson – Electrician for Seaspan Shipyards
Tamara Pongracz – Chief Instructor Trades Access, BCIT, Red Seal Plumber, Winner of the BCIT Teaching Excellence Award and the Outstanding Women in Construction Award
Faith Dempster – Director of BCCA’s Skilled Trades Employment Program and LNG Canada Connect program, certified Welder, experienced Metal Fabricator and Heavy Equipment Operator
Project Vendors
- Jouta Performance Group – HR consulting & coaching
- The Neutral Zone – coaching & consulting services
- Rethink Canada – independent creative agency
- Pace Group Communications – public relations firm
- Malatest – program evaluations & market research
The BC Construction Association (BCCA) is proud to be a certified Living Wage Employer. We are committed to ensuring that all our employees receive a wage that reflects the true cost of living in British Columbia. By providing fair compensation, we support the well-being of our workforce and contribute to healthier, more sustainable communities across the province.
This website contains information only and is not offered and should not be treated as legal advice on any subject matter. You should not rely on the information on this website and should instead obtain advice from a qualified legal professional concerning the particular circumstances of your situation. To that end, the Builder’s Code partners and service providers disclaim(s) any and all responsibility for damage, loss or expense of any nature whatsoever that you or any person or entity may incur as a result of relying upon information on this website and by utilizing such information you shall be deemed to have agreed that you have no claim.