Canadian Association of Women in Construction celebrates 10 th anniversary and recognize the academic achieve- ment of female students in post-sec- ondary institutions who aspire to careers in construction related fields. In order to qualify he says, candidates must show clear career objectives re- lating to the construction industry, leadership qualities and involvement in community activities, as well as a gen- uine interest in activities that further the advancement of women in con- struction. He says 10 years is both a long and short time for any association. “Long in the sense that it shows the associa- tion’s purpose has withstood the test of a decade, is meeting a genuine need and receiving input and support from the industry it’s operating within to thrive.” He says 10 years is also short in the sense that its roots haven’t gotten too long, and it is still able to grow and move and adapt in a way that will con- tinue to serve its members and stake- holders and respond to ever-changing societal interests and priorities. “CAWIC brings a renewed sense of energy and a real enthusiasm to make progress in the encouragement and advancement of women in construc- tion,” he said, adding that the current Level Best Women’s Advancement Project is of vital importance and will go a long way by creating an action plan to better retain, promote and en- courage women into construction ca- reers. The Section also appoints employer trustees to jointly trusteed multi-em- ployer benefit plans providing benefits to workers and Section staff contribute their services to a broad range of other associations, councils and boards of like purposes at the municipal, provin- cial, national and international level. He says the Section was proud to be asked to participate in Level Best and he was particularly honoured to be asked to provide input on behalf of the Section’s employers, who range from the largest general contractors in the country, to smaller contractors serving particular niche markets within the ICI sector. “We look forward to a long and mu- tually beneficial partnership with CAWIC and wish them the best for years to come.” BILD impressed with CAWIC's growing presence and influence for women in the industry Though BILD (Building Industry and Land Development Association) and CAWIC didn’t formalize their relationship until 2011, the connection between the associations existed long before through shared members. BILD president and CEO Bryan Tuckey says: “Not only are BILD members active in construction across the GTA and invested in women in construction, so too are BILD staff, many of whom are in- volved in aspects of the construction process as it relates to new home building.” Tuckey says it is clear that CAWIC has a strong mandate, with serious minds at work dedicated to improving the status of Canadian women in construction. He says year-over-year BILD is continually impressed with the growing presence of CAWIC as an association represent- ing women in the industry. He says CAWIC has achieved its greatest strength in the ability to con- nect not only with CAWIC members who are learning and growing in their own sole proprietorships, but also in making inroads with the Government of Canada, large construction firms, and the trades. “CAWIC brings voices from across the industry together, speaking on behalf of women and their issues, challenges and strengths.” He says the people working on be- half of the association are clearly dedicated to fostering CAWIC’s solid reputation as the indus- try leader for women in this field and BILD sees that and applauds it. “CAWIC is a resource dedicated to women like no other. Its wingspan means it can connect women and supporters at all levels, in order to teach about the needs of women in con- struction.” Tuckey says the association also forces the industry to think about itself in a way that may not have happened previously, by putting women's issues front and centre. “We’re proud to be associated with CAWIC, and look forward to working to- gether to foster leadership in women across the construction industry for years to come,” he said. BILD CONGRATULATES CAWIC ON A DECADE OF EMPOWERING AND SUPPORTING WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION! The Canadian Design and Construction Report — April-May 2015 – 31