PAGE A4 – February 2009 – The GTA Construction Report
Editor’s
Publisher’s
column
viewpoint
Matthew Desrosiers
By Chase
For those of you who remember the days when green buildings literally One month down and 11 more to go; time becoming more active in the associations we
meant the colour of the paint, it may still seem a bit strange to see women on
flies when you’re having fun. are members of. This challenge has led to sev-
the work site.
Heck, it’s still a bit strange for the rest of us. W
January was a busy month with a trip to eral committees. I am involved with the Niag-
e certainly don’t see a lot
of female carpenters or plumbers out there, so when we do it can be a bit of
Toronto for Ontario Forum 2009 and the En- ara Construction Association and now as a
a shock.
erQuality Awards. It was my first time attending director for the BCA. A challenge has been
When you think about it, it’s a little sad that it has taken so long for women
the event and the two days were filled with in- made to all account managers in the company
to break into construction. Despite all of the equalities they have earned, there teresting sessions, great networking and a to also become active in their local associations,
are still unseen barriers on both sides that keep women out of certain areas. chance to connect with clients from across the at the very least on a committee. This level of
For men, it’s easy to say a woman isn’t as strong or as capable on the site.
province. A few members from the local asso- interaction will allow us all to build relation-
It’s not discrimination; it’s fact.
For women, it’s easy to say construction isn’t the kind of job for a lady
ciations we are members of won awards such ships and offer a lot more support to the asso-
,
and they wouldn’t be accepted anyway
as Urbandale in Ottawa, Mountainview Homes ciations without expecting anything in return.
.
So it is with great pleasure that we at the Construction News and Report
and Mason Homes in Niagara. However the sentiment of “The more you give,
Group of Companies dedicate our February issue of the Ontario Construction
Next up was the Ontario Wood Truss Fabri- the more you get back” is very true.
Report to Women in Construction. This issue is to celebrate those who perse- cators (OWFTA) AGM in Mississauga where I For the March issue I am looking forward to
vered and broke down those unseen barriers. attended with a special invitation from Mike cover of my first Board of Directors meeting
I grew up in a respectful household. My mother is a very strong lady, and
Phillips the executive director. Mike started with the BCA and what new challenges an op-
always was. So it never occurred to me growing up that women weren’t as
capable as men. I was fully aware there were things guys did, and things girls
doing some guest columns with our Ontario portunities will be given to me. The key to your
did, but it wasn’t a gender issue. It’s just how things were.
paper last year and this event allowed us a involvement with any association you are a
It wasn’t until I was older when I realized the social barriers that create
chance to meet face to face and learn about the member of is to take advantage of monthly
the separation between genders. Regardless, I thought, as many others I’m
OWTFA. 2009 is shaping up to be a great year meetings and events to allow you to network
sure, that it wasn’t a ‘real’ problem. If you wanted to do something, stop com- for the association with the roll out of their and meet people. If you join an association
plaining and just do it. It doesn’t matter was people think, and so on. Quality Certified program with the first compa- thinking the work and referrals will come you
It’s not that easy.
nies taking part in an independent third party are mistaken. You only get out what you put in.
Guys, if you think it is that easy to go against social norms, try going to
work tomorrow in a pink hard hat, and see what happens. Or better yet, try
audit this fall. This move by OWFTA shows Chase is the Director of Marketing and
telling your friends you’ve changed professions and will soon be sewing
their commitment to producing quality products Client Relations for the Construction News and
clothes for a living.
for today’s building environment and especially Report Group as well as the Associate Publisher
Is there anything wrong with that? No. But your news probably won’t be
for the Green Building movement. for the GTA Construction Report and Ontario
received well. Of all the events that I attended in January Construction Report. If you have any recom-
So imagine how some of these women felt when they told their friends the most enjoyable for me was the Barrie Con- mendations or suggestions on changes you
and families that, instead of doing the socially acceptable job, they wanted to
join construction.
struction Association’s (BCA) AGM where I would like to make for the papers please contact
Even worse, imagine the reaction when they walked on the job site for the
was successfully nominated and elected to the him toll free at 1-888-432-3555 ext 211 or
first time and asked to be taken seriously
Board of Directors for 2009 and 2010. One of email him chase@cnrgp.com or visit us online
.
There’s nothing wrong with sticking to the norms, but there’s nothing
the things I challenged myself to last year was at www.cnrgp.com
wrong with going outside them either. Some people resent that, and it takes a
special kind of person to stand in front of these people in the face of ridicule,
doubt, and sometimes antagonism, to accomplish a goal.
These women wanted to be construction workers. And here they are.
We’ve profiled a project manager who has taken it upon herself to improve
every day, and whose attitude has earned her the respect of a city full of her
peers. There’s a young lady who is faced with the daunting task of running a
company, after three generations of family before her set the bar high. We
even spoke with a female carpenter whose skills have earned her a place on
The GTA Construction Report is published monthly by Mekomedia Enterprises Inc., Suite 202,
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Speaking with these women, one thing that stood out to me what that not
selected building supply dealers and at the Howard Johnson Inn and Suites Toronto East at the
one of them complained about being a women in a male-dominated industry. 401/Warden Exit. You can subscribe to GTA Construction Report for $37.50 per year plus GST.
I asked each one, and almost all of them answered by saying they just worked To change your address or cancel a subscription, please email subscriptions@cnrgp.com or fax
that much harder. They did that much more. your request to 888-370-8745. If you would like to request a new (paid) subscription, you can
For women who have thought about construction but dismissed it, these e-mail or fax us, or if you prefer, phone toll free 888-432-3555.
ladies can act as inspiration that it can happen. They enjoy successful careers
We welcome your news about upcoming projects, company anniversaries and special events.
and are respected by their male colleagues because, at the end of the day,
Fax your news releases to 613-224-1076. Daily update data on upcoming projects, including
they’ve earned it.
contact names and phone numbers, is available from F.W. Dodge. For more information, phone
As for people out there who still doubt that women belong, let these be an
613-727-4900 ext 4902 or 493.
example of how misguided you are. Women are an untapped resource in this
province, especially for an industry that is crying out for skilled workers. We
should be giving them all the help and support they need to get involved in
our industry
President: Mark Buckshon
.
T
Publisher: Chase
o the women who have already made it, this one’s for you.
Editor: Matthew Desrosiers 888-432-3555 ext 111
Director of Sales and Advertising, GTA,
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Chase 888-432-3555 ext 211
GTA Construction Report
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