June 2021 - Page 2 of 3 - ICBA
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Month: June 2021

ICBA MEMBER PROFILE: Scouten Engineering

by Jordan Bateman | Posted on June 14, 2021

ICBA member Scouten Engineering was profiled in the June 14, 2021, edition of Energy Now:

Scouten Engineering is a dynamic consulting civil and structural engineering firm based in Prince George, British Columbia. They provide creative solutions to challenging situations.

The Founder, Dave Scouten started Scouten Engineering in 1995, and they’ve been successfully meeting the needs of their clients ever since.  As of March 2020, founder Dave Scouten sold Scouten Engineering to three long-standing employees Ben Crimp, Craig Hadley and Kyle Nelson. They’re a relatively small firm (of less than 20 employees) committed to the delivery of exceptional engineering services. They don’t pretend to be a company of 1000 employees because they’re not. They’re a group of like-minded, enthusiastic and extremely well-trained individuals committed to living and working in northern BC. They raise their families in northern BC and have a vested interest in northern BC’s economic development and diversification.  Their people provide innovative solutions to challenging situations.  Their solutions have helped them earn a reputation as the creative problem solvers company. They embrace value-engineering, which identifies opportunities at every stage of project development to reduce cost without sacrificing functionality or long term performance.

They respond quickly to calls for urgent assistance. They are known for jumping in a truck or getting on a plane within hours.  They are a team-oriented engineering and solutions firm where everyone lends their skills and expertise to develop the best outcome for each new challenge. Clients receive Scouten Engineering’s collective best effort every time they call. They know the region (Central and Northern BC, Yukon, Northwestern Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and Nunavut).  They know their clients. They know what they need to succeed. They know that when they call Scouten, they will receive superb service and innovative solutions.

Scouten is about value-added structural and civil engineering, project management, contract administration, construction services, and most of all, innovative solutions at a cost-effective price. They work hard to earn the trust of their clients and they love it when they tell others about how pleased they are with their work.  Below are some comments from some previous clients  that have tested  the ‘Thinking Beyond’ approach at Scouten:

“Scouten has always responded expeditiously and went beyond the call of duty, getting us out of a bind caused by others.”

 

“They are extremely technically capable and have developed a very sound engineering team. If something is outside their area of expertise, they have no hesitation in suggesting a third party to perform the work.”

 

“Best looking condenser stand we have had the pleasure of putting a unit on… and it all fitted perfectly.”

 

“Thanks again for all your help on this. We will not forget this in the future when it comes to other things needing to be done. The prompt quick service you provided this morning speaks volumes and I will recommend you to whomever I can in the future.”

Some notable projects they’ve taken on in the past include the Civil design of a 2500 person workers accommodation camp in Northern Manitoba for the Keeyask Hydro-Electric Dam Project.  From 2010 to 2013 Scouten Engineer handled a significant amount of site grading, road design and bridge design in the Kiwigana and Horn River Basin areas of North Eastern British Columbia for Ovintiv, previously known as Encana.

Scouten Engineering achieves project success, and meets client expectations by following their Vision and Mission Statements.

VISION

Quality, efficiency and creativity, tailored perfectly for each client, every time.

MISSION

Thoughtful engineering, crafted by professionals, guided by quality and integrity, working in a fulfilling and engaging environment.

For more information on Scouten Engineering, visit www.scoutenengineering.com.

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: Defeating Stigma By Speaking Out

by Jordan Bateman | Posted on June 16, 2021

Each week, ICBA’s Jordan Bateman reflects on what we’ve learned as we participate in ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program. This program is free for all ICBA members – check out icba.ca/wellness for details.

Mental health stigma is real, even in this day and age. There are still snide comments and perceptions about mental health that are unhelpful, and out-of-step with what we know about how the brain works.

The only way through this is for brave people to speak up, and to normalize an understanding of mental wellness.

Late in this month’s Wellness course, there is this slide, featuring a couple dozen famous people who openly discuss their issues with mental health (in the course, you can click on each image and see a bit of their story). It takes courage to come forward and share this very personal experience.

Terry Bradshaw, the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers legend and 4-time Super Bowl champion, was one of them. He’s known for his gregarious personality and has had incredible personal and  professional success, and yet he deals with depression – and is vocal about it.

No one’s path is the same, and no one’s path is easy. We should appreciate the willingness of anyone who shares about their personal journey with mental health – it makes a difference.

ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program is helping more than 50 companies, and thousands of construction professionals, better understand mental health. The program is free for ICBA members — see icba.ca/wellness.

 

 

TRAINING THURSDAY: Labour Relations, Conflict Resolution, Compulsory Trades

by Jordan Bateman | Posted on June 17, 2021

Kerry and Jordan walk through two upcoming live webinars — Labour Relations for Non-Unionized Workplaces and The HR Series’ Conflict Resolution: Getting Along in the Workplace.

They also discuss the BC Government’s move back to 1990s-style compulsory trades.

ICBA.ca/courses

Labour Relations for Non-Unionized Workplaces
https://icba.simplesignup.ca/en/7999/index.php?m=eventSummary
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021 11AM-1PM Pacific

Employee and labour relations is an exciting field that covers a wide variety of areas such as labour law, people management, and the relationship between workers and management in unionized workplaces. However, the focus of this webinar will be on your open shop model, or non-unionized workplace.

Unions have had a significant impact on corporate and people management practices and in many cases have influenced employers in non-union environments to adopt more progressive practices. This includes how employees are hired, how performance is managed and how discipline is administered.

This 2-hour introductory LR webinar will give our members in non-unionized workplaces a look into how to better understand your existing employee management practices.

We will cover such topics as:

  • – Introduction to Labour Relations
  • – Applicable Laws & Legislation
  • – Labour Code vs Employment Standards- which apply to your workplace
  • – Human Rights Code
  • – Charter of Rights & Freedoms
  • – Functions of Unions
  • – Worker representation
  • – Why workers may seek representation
  • – How unions organize a workplace
  • – Who commences certification action?
  • – What is required to be certified?
  • – The representation vote: Card Check vs. Secret Ballot – and why this is important
  • – Employers rights and responsibilities during an organizing campaign
  • – What is an “Unfair Labour Practice” and how to avoid
  • – Effective communication strategies

Presenter: Pamela Bragg – Sarkany Management Inc.

https://icba.simplesignup.ca/en/7999/index.php?m=eventSummary

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The HR Series: Conflict Resolution: Getting Along in The Workplace (Live Online Training)
https://icba.simplesignup.ca/en/7787/index.php?m=eventSummary
Thursday, June 24th, 2021 — 11AM to 1PM

Many people see conflict as a negative experience. In fact, conflict is a necessary part of personal growth and development. However, conflict becomes an issue when the people involved cannot work through it. They become engaged in a battle that does not result in growth.

In this 2 hour live online session we explore:

  • – What conflict is and how it can escalate.
  • – The types of conflict and the stages of conflict.
  • – The most common conflict resolution styles and when to use them.
  • – Effective techniques for intervention strategies.
  • – Ways to manage conflicts to enhance productivity and performance.

Presenter: Pamela Bragg – Sarkany Management Inc.
https://icba.simplesignup.ca/en/7787/index.php?m=eventSummary

ICBA OP/ED: To Rebuild our Economy, Alberta and BC Need Each Other (An Open Letter)

by Jordan Bateman | Posted on June 21, 2021

The following op-ed/open letter from Chris Gardner was published in the June 19, 2021, edition of The National Post, Edmonton Journal, and Calgary Herald.

An open letter to the construction and energy employers and workers in Alberta:

It’s an embarrassing statistic for a G7 economy.

In its annual global assessment of how long it takes to process a construction permit, the World Bank ranked Canada at #64.

We have become a country where it is simply becoming too difficult to build big infrastructure and energy projects. Too often, the rules change, the goalposts are moved, and companies seeking to invest millions, and sometimes billions, of dollars and provide jobs and opportunities for Canadians are unjustly vilified in the process.

The recent cancellation of the Keystone XL Pipeline project is the most recent chapter in this long sad saga for Canada. Activists have pushed politicians and decision-makers towards an anti-investment, anti-jobs, and anti-opportunity agenda to the detriment of Alberta and BC’s industries.

Canada’s two westernmost provinces haven’t always agreed on everything, but it’s hard to think of any other two provinces in Canada that have more connections and a shared outlook than Alberta and British Columbia.

The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) has a long history of standing up for workers in the construction and resource development industries. Founded in BC, we’ve pushed hard for projects like LNG Canada, the Coastal GasLink Pipeline, Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project, and Energy East.

We worked in Ottawa to convince federal Members of Parliament to reject Bills C-48 and C-69, and joined the Alberta Enterprise Institute and Alberta Government in challenging Bill C-69 in court.

We acted because ICBA’s members make up nearly 85% of the 250,000 women and men in BC’s construction sector and over 3,300 of its companies. We advocate for fair tendering and growing the construction industry, promote responsible resource development, and help companies invest in the very best for their workers, through our professional development and wellness programs.

Energy projects are a significant part of creating that prosperity and opportunity. Pulling the federal, Alberta and BC governments out of their debt spiral will take massive economic growth and fast. Oil and gas, infrastructure construction, and responsible resource development provide a crucial path to achieving that goal.

Unfortunately, our energy sector is being hollowed out – and Canadian leaders have stood by and watched talent, opportunity and family-supporting jobs slip away.

The attacks on the integrity and credibility of the work from our builders, world-class engineers, skilled tradespeople, environmental scientists, and workers across Western Canada are inconsistent with the reality of our Canadian industries. At ICBA, we believe in fighting for these opportunities and for the future these jobs provide for so many families and communities across Alberta and BC.

As we lay the foundation for investment, jobs, and opportunity in the wake of COVID-19, it’s time to start working together now more than ever. We cannot lose sight of what it takes to attract investment, create opportunities, and compete internationally. Canada’s loss is a win for its competitors – countries who are intensely focused on fostering growth, attracting investment, and bringing their products, technologies, and natural resources to markets.

Last year, in the middle of the global pandemic, ICBA acquired a group health benefits business in Alberta – an investment in the potential of the shared prosperity of Alberta and BC. More than 100,000 Canadians are already on an ICBA health and dental plan, making ICBA one of western Canada’s leading third-party administrators and one of the fastest growing in the benefits industry.

COVID-19 has tested us all in significant ways and there is no doubt that great challenges are ahead.  But as the shared history of Alberta and British Columbia so clearly demonstrates, when we come together to accomplish great things, our potential, and the opportunities ahead of us are enormous.

Visit icbabenefits.ca/alberta to learn more about how we can help.

ICBA MEMBER PROFILE: Mirandus Medical

by Jordan Bateman | Posted on June 21, 2021

The following member profile first appeared on EnergyNow.ca on June 21, 2021:

At the heart of Mirandus Medical is family, a love of science and medicine, and a dedication to professionalism and helping others. Jennifer and Ryan, a dynamic mother and son team, are the heart of this industrial first aid company.

Jennifer started the company in 2006. During this time, her career has seen many highlights, including:

  1. Providing medical services for EnCana’s completions department in the Dawson Creek area
  2. Being named one of BC Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs
  3. Managing over 30 licensed paramedics, along with six Advanced Care Paramedics
  4. Working on various remote projects including an industrial hospital staffed with doctors

Ryan grew up working alongside her in the company. He restocked and cleaned MTC’s and has been strapped to a spine board for employees to practice their trauma skills on. Certainly more than an Annie mannequin in a first aid training facility!

His love for the family run first aid company continued into adulthood and he is now a full partner. While he’s still learning about being a business owner, he is a young man with a strong sense of integrity as well as being very driven and dedicated. He has a lot to offer Mirandus Medical and their clients.

For the past two years, the company has focused on building a reputation with the Ministry of Forests for being a reliable contractor with an exceptional level of quality of service.  In addition, they are very proud of their JV with the Nak’azdil Nation and the work they have done to date on the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

The company continues to grow and expand with several new services being added in the near future.  They are very pleased to be part of the ICBA family and look forward to forging relationships with other members.

For more information on Mirandus Medical, visit their website at www.mirandusmedical.com.

TRAINING THURSDAY: Writing Winning Proposals

by Jordan Bateman | Posted on June 22, 2021
In a special Tuesday edition of Training Thursday, Kerry and Jordan discuss the upcoming Writing Winning Proposals webinar, plus progress on ICBA’s new office and more.
 
Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 (8:30AM – 12:30PM)
https://icba.simplesignup.ca/en/7385/index.php?m=eventSummary
 
How do I write a compelling and winning proposal that clearly and concisely articulates the core benefits for a client? How do I ensure that my proposal is competitive?
 
This half-day course will help you to develop the confidence and writing skills necessary to write effective proposals. Through a series of hands-on workshops, you will learn the key elements of writing and submitting winning proposals, and how to tailor your content for audiences who are in your field, and non-technical audiences in other fields.
 
You will:
 
Learn about different types of proposals, from formal Request for Proposals (RFP) and related requests from vendors, to less formal proposals, estimates, and quotes
Understand how to differentiate your proposal from others by articulating your competitive advantages
Apply specific techniques across the planning, drafting, and revising stages for your proposal
Understand what clients are looking for when they are evaluating your proposal
 
Instructor: Eric Tung is Business Communications Instructor at SFU’s Beedie School of Business, and an English Instructor at UBC’s Extended Learning, where he teaches business and technical writing courses. Eric also designs and delivers customized technical writing and coaching workshops to engineering, construction, and consulting firms. He has written numerous proposals on behalf of clients and prior to being a consultant, evaluated proposals.
 
In addition to teaching and coaching, Eric is a business transformation and change management consultant, where he advises firms on large-scale organizational-wide changes. Eric’s clients range from smaller consulting firms to larger organizations such as the City of Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, BC Hydro, TELUS, BC Pension Corporation, BC Safety Authority, and Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group.
 
https://icba.simplesignup.ca/en/7385/index.php?m=eventSummary