Canadian Design and Construction Report writer
The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) has partnered with the City of Calgary to launch the “Tailgate Toolkit,” a new pilot program aimed at supporting construction workers struggling with substance use. Funded by the city through its Mental Health and Addiction Investment Framework, the program received a $283,000 investment.
Originally developed and successfully piloted by the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA), the program will now be adapted to address the needs of Calgary’s construction industry. It offers targeted training, toolbox talks, and resources to connect workers with recovery services, promoting safer and healthier workplaces.
“Our industry recognizes the responsibility we have to prioritize the well-being of construction workers,” said Bill Black, president and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association. “By partnering with the City of Calgary to bring the ‘Tailgate Toolkit’ to our community, we aim to provide workers and supervisors with the tools they need to address substance use with compassion and support.”
Tammy Amstutz, director of workforce strategies at CCA, added: “The ‘Tailgate Toolkit’ offers site-level support for the industry, connecting workers with recovery services and guiding them to the help they need.”
The initiative supports the city’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy’s “Getting Help” pillar, increasing access to addiction support for those in the construction industry. The CCA expressed gratitude to the City for its ongoing efforts to address critical challenges in the sector.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek emphasized the city’s commitment to improving work conditions in Calgary’s construction sector. “Collaborating with the Calgary Construction Association allows us to tackle these issues directly,” she said. “Our investment in the ‘Tailgate Toolkit’ program demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for workers in this key sector.”
The announcement comes as job vacancies in Calgary’s construction and trades sector are falling. According to data from Statistics Canada, analyzed by Alberta Jobs, Economy and Trades, the construction industry reported 5,890 job vacancies between July and September 2024, down from 8,200 during the same period in 2023. However, the share of construction vacancies within the overall job market remained steady at 22 percent, highlighting continued demand for skilled trades and professionals.
“Despite changes in overall job vacancy trends, the construction industry remains a cornerstone of Calgary’s economy,” said Black. “The demand for skilled workers underscores the need for continued training and workforce development.”
