by SHCA SHCA

Leaders in Construction: Meet the Recipients of CCA’s 2024 National Awards

Championship award golden trophy cup with shiny stars

Presented by Northbridge Insurance, the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) National Awards ceremony was held on March 14, 2025, during the Annual Conference in Québec City. This year’s recipients represent the industry’s best and brightest. Congratulations to this year’s recipients for their exceptional contributions to the Canadian construction industry.  

Geza Banfai, CCA 2024 Pinnacle Leader Award – sponsored by PCL Construction 

An advocate for the Canadian construction industry for over 40 years, Geza’s commitment to legal reform, mentorship and the advancement of industry best practices promotes collaboration and efficiency in project execution, and helps the industry navigate challenges in an evolving legal landscape.

PCL Construction, CCA 2024 Environmental Achievement Award – sponsored by CHUBB Insurance Company of Canada

Recognizing PCL Construction for their Fairmont Royal York Decarbonization Project, which is a landmark achievement in sustainable construction, proving that even heritage buildings can evolve to meet modern environmental goals.  

Construction Association of Nova Scotia, CCA 2024 Workforce Excellence Award – sponsored by RAISE Underwriting

Through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, the Construction Association of Nova Scotia is shaping a workforce that truly represents the communities it serves.  

Calgary Construction Association, CCA 2024 Partner Association Award – sponsored by Bockstael Construction 

The Calgary Construction Association is more than an industry leader – it’s a driving force for change. Affectionately known as “Little CCA,” the association is reshaping the industry by prioritizing services and focus areas that members need, such as dedicated public and media relations, advocacy and workforce strategies, and membership engagement events and activities.   

Westcor Construction Ltd., CCA 2024 Gold Seal Award – sponsored by Travelers Canada 

Westcor is a general contracting and construction management services company that aims to build a better world for clients, community and employees. Reflected by its people-first culture, Westcor empowers its people to reach their full potential and promotes Gold Seal certification as a recognized standard of excellence. 

Anthony DeVito, CCA 2024 Young Leader Award – sponsored by McMillan LLP 

Anthony DeVito, GSC, is a passionate advocate for the construction industry and has spearheaded multiple initiatives to address skilled labour shortages. His community spirit is equally inspiring, and in his just-over-a-decade long career, he has earned the respect of colleagues and industry peers alike. 

Groupe AGF, CCA 2024 Community Leader Award – sponsored by Marsh Canada Limited

For AGF and the Gendron family, community involvement and a culture of philanthropy are an integral part of corporate life. With over $4.5 million donated to causes across Canada and more than 750 employee-led fundraising events since its foundation’s inception, AGF unites its workforce, strengthens communities and demonstrates that collective action can create lasting impact.   

Enviro-Ex Contracting Ltd., CCA 2024 Excellence in Innovation Award – sponsored by Intact Surety 

Enviro-Ex Contracting’s Highway 97 Cottonwood Hill Phase Two Slide project overcame extraordinary geotechnical challenges, setting new standards for efficiency, safety and environmental responsibility, and stands as a testament to the potential of advanced technological integration in heavy civil construction. 

PCL Construction, CCA 2024 National Safety Award – sponsored by Vipond Inc.

At PCL Construction, safety isn’t just a priority – it’s a core value of every worker, every shift and every site. This unwavering commitment has led to zero fatalities in the past three years and an extraordinary 16.7 million hours worked without a lost-time incident. “This year’s award recipients demonstrate the best of the best of our industry. Congratulations to everyone for the recognition of their great achievements,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, president of CCA.  

The call for nominations for next year’s awards opens this fall.

by John Mark Aquino John Mark Aquino

Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association Stronger Together Conference

The Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA) Stronger Together Conference is taking place in beautiful Waikiki at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort from Feb. 5–9, 2023.

Meet Your Keynote Speakers!

Gary Mar

President and CEO, Canada West Foundation
The Role Western Canada Should Play in Global Trade

President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation since April 2020, Gary Mar is an accomplished and respectable speaker. He brings deep experience in government and business, and established expertise in CWF’s key policy areas: natural resources, trade and investment and human capital.

Jessica Holmes

Celebrated Comedian, Author, Mental Health Advocate
The Comedy: A Tale of Perseverance

Beloved comedian Jessica Holmes has been a perennial favourite on Royal Canadian Air Farce for 15 years, and has brought the house down opening for giants such as Ellen DeGeneres, Russell Peters, Jerry Seinfeld and Oprah Winfrey. Her hilarious takes on life’s challenges are always a hit.

Program

Monday, Feb. 6 – The Greeting

Registration & Hospitality Desk Open
Welcome to Waikiki Reception

Tuesday, Feb. 7 – Nation Building

Keynote Speaker – Gary Mar, President & CEO, Canada West Foundation
His topic: The Role Western Canada Should Play in Global Trade. Q&A
to follow.

Trade Panel (Interactive) – Harnessing Trade to Grow Canada’s Economy

Moderator: Chris Lorenc, President, WCR&HCA

Panellists:

  • Hon. Perrin Beatty, President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
  • Mary Van Buren, President & CEO, Canadian Construction Association (CCA)
  • Gary Mar, President & CEO, Canada West Foundation (CWF)
  • Hon. Brad Wall, Former Premier, Province of Saskatchewan

Federal Advocacy Initiatives (Interactive) – A Reflection on National Advocacy Priorities and Interactive Discussion

Moderator: Mary Van Buren, President & CEO, CCA

Panellists:

  • Brendan Nobes, Chair, CCA
  • Nicole Chabot, Chair, CCA Civil National Advisory Council (Civil NAC)
  • Brad Scott, Chair, Civil Infrastructure Council Corporation (CICC) 

Evening Mix ‘n Mingle – Touching Base

  • Cocktail reception
  • Aloha dinner

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023 – At Ease

  • Networking breakfast
  • Golf tournament
  • Catamaran snorkel sail
  • Evening at leisure with colleagues

Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023 – Looking Ahead

Keynote Speaker – Jessica Holmes, Celebrated Comedian, Author, Mental
Health Advocate

Her topic: The Comedy: A Tale of Perseverance

Interactive Business Sessions: Innovation Alley

  • Innovation happening in our industry
  • Three presenters followed by a Q&A

The Public Procurement Model is Broken – How Do We Fix It?

Rodrigue Gilbert, Senior VP Public Affairs & Procurement, CCA

Mahalo – Until Next Time

  • Cocktail reception
  • Mahalo dinner

Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 – Moving Forward

WCR&HCA Board of Directors – by invitation meeting

  • Informal discussion with conference panellists
  • Setting advocacy priorities – moving forward

Join us in Hawaii!

This is a family conference and children are encouraged to attend. Additional family programming will be announced. The conference website includes travel and hotel information, sponsorship opportunities, conference registration information and more.

As a registered delegate, you receive:

  • All business session attendance
  • Networking breakfast attendance
  • Keynote speaker attendance
  • All social event attendance
  • Discounted airfare rates available with WestJet and Air Canada
  • Discounted hotel room rates starting at $259 USD per night*

* Hotel rooms are limited and are reserved on a first come, first served basis. If you have any special arrangements or are looking for additional room options, please email events@wcrhca.com or call us at 1-877-952-5507.

https://wcrhca.com/wcrhca-conference/