Heal says panel discussions also included a discussion of mega projects in which strict schedule compliance is sometimes more important than cost, and cost overruns may be incurred to avoid schedule slippage because of the impact of lost production revenue from the owner’s per- spective. The issue of skilled trades was also a key recurring theme. “Other panel discussions covered topics such as insur- ance and bonding issues; urban renewal; insolvency and construction; and exporting construction expertise – fo- cusing on dispute resolution issues.” Heal says the construction industry is growing and has an opportunity to drive the Canadian economy. Service providers on the legal and insurance sides he says, must find ways to grow and adapt to add value to projects and clients. Just recently, a survey of C-suite executives across Canada ranked infrastructure renewal and increased infra- structure spending as the most important issue for the fed- eral government in 2015. “The general sense from the conference was one of en- ergy and optimism for the future of the construction indus- try, and all of us working together to help it succeed,” said Heal. “From hospitals and better health care to improved roads and ease of transportation, construction is vital to our country’s quality of life.” Our experts Our build with experts build with you from you from start the the start HUB International’s Construction & Surety Team: With proven leadership in major projects, and HUB’s combination of size, experience and longevity in the industry, we deliver the insurance and surety experience and support required in today’s construction environment. regional expertise, comprehensive programs, extensive resources and superior insurance needs. Call us for a review of your current insurance and surety program. HUB International HKMB Construction & Surety Team: Insurance Expert Nelly Toledo Partner & Vice President 416-597-4613 nelly.toledo@hubinternational.com Surety Expert Scott Beitel Surety Leader, Ontario 416-597-3403 scott.beitel@hubinternational.com 1-800-232-2024 / www.hubinternational.com The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Winter 2015 – 27