BEC / AUGUST / 2023

2 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA WELCOME TO CANADA’S ELECTRIC HIGHWAY™ COAST-TO-COAST EV FAST CHARGERS A Suncor business ™Trademark of Suncor Energy Inc. Used under licence. To learn more visit petro-canada.ca/EV

EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to the August issue of Business Elite Canada. Our cover company this month, FYidoctors, is changing the way Canadians look at eye health care. Recognized as one of the best companies to work for by Great Place to Work Institute® Canada and USA, FYidoctors has experienced exceptional growth by focusing on customer care and retail support. Prior to FYidoctors, Canadians had to choose between the personalized care of an independent eye care provider and the convenience and economics of a big box chain. FYidoctos has combined the two concepts, and in doing so created a streamlined manufacturing system and supply chain for Doctors. Dr. Alan Ulsifer, Chair and CEO, walked BEC through the backstory behind one of Canada’s fastest growing companies. As always, we also champion Canadian infrastructure, construction, a social success stories. We hope you enjoy. The BEC Team 3 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

PREVIOUS ISSUE Business Elite Canada First Canadian Place 100 King Street West—Suite 5600 Toronto, ON, M5X 1C9 Ph: 416-304-3959 Email: info@becmag.com Web: www.BECmag.com Editor Anna Guy Creative Art Director Kulvir Singh Chief Executive Officer Milos Bulatovic President & Publisher Sanjeev Amirthanathan samir@becmag.com 6 FYiDoctors 4 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA C O N

6 FYidoctors 14 Delsan-A.I.M. Environmental Services Inc. 26 Groupe LML 36 ALTRA | SANEXEN 44 Norcon Construction Services 52 British Columbia Ironworkers Shop Local 712 58 Community Housing Transformation Centre 66 Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council 74 Halifax’s Cogswell District Redevelopment Project 80 York Region’s Henderson Sewage Pumping Station Project 5 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA N T E N T S

In 2019, Statistics Canada estimated 57 per cent of Canadians aged 20 years or older (16.8 million people in 2019) have some form of vision problem requiring optical correction. Regular accessible eye care is a vital component of Canadian’s healthcare. Prior to FYidoctors, Canadians had to choose between the personalized care of an independent eye care provider and the convenience and economics of a big box chain. By marrying the two concepts, creating a streamlined manufacturing system and supply chain for Doctors, FYidoctors has quickly grown to the largest eye care provider in the country. 6 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

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Business Elite Canada spoke with Dr. Alan Ulsifer, Chair & CEO, about the idea behind FYidoctors in July, 2023. “The industry was historically highly focused on product and less on the importance of eye care in people’s lives,” says Dr. Ulsifer. “Independent doctors did not have the ability to scale up like many of their chain-like optical competitors and most of the time simply paid a higher wholesale cost for product. By getting together, independent doctors could vertically integrate to create a powerful supply chain, and tell a different story about eye care. Simply stated, we created strength in our numbers by collaborating and joining forces.” Currently with over 370 clinics across the country and performing over a million eye exams annually, Ulsifer says the concept picked up traction very quickly, and he began to see its potential when a large number of clinics reached out to join the company. “We created a solution to a problem,” says Ulisfer. “The world was—and constantly is— changing, and doctors not only have to care for patients, they have to run a business that is becoming ever more complex. Our company is a solution to the many challenges facing optometry clinics today including technology, marketing, HR, finance, legal and general operations.” 8 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

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bdplaw.com Proud partners for a brilliant future. Celebrating 15 years of shared visionary success and excellence with FYidoctors. Annual market research demonstrates that patients and customers see FYidoctors as a trusted expert in eye care that excels in the patient experience, technology, product selection and service. “They trust that we will give them the care and service they deserve,” says Ulisfer. FYidoctors provides an exhaustive list of services, including routine eye care and other services like dry eye treatment, vision therapy, myopia control, eye disease management, and other diagnostic and treatment services. FREEFORM A vital component of FYidoctor’s success is pioneering new lens manufacturing technology in North America called Freeform, one of the most modern optical manufacturing facilities in North America. This new technology allowed much better customization and optical performance. “We are proud to manufacture here in Canada as opposed to having lenses manufactured offshore like other companies,” says Ulisfer. “Our manufacturing centre also serves as a distribution centre for all other optical products to our clinics. Having all of this under one roof provides a competitive advantage in scale and logistics.” Dr. Alan Ulsifer Chair & CEO 11 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

Mission Square Clinic Calgary 12 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

As FYidoctors continues its path to creating an iconic eye care brand through organic growth and acquisitions, it will develop mobile clinics and utilize new technologies to bring eye care to North Americans who cannot currently access it and continue to build in the United States, what has been built in Canada. FYidoctors will continue its path to creating an iconic eye care brand through organic growth and acquisitions. But you don’t have to take just our word for it: FYidoctors has been recognized as a Gold Member for the fourth year in a row on Canada’s Best Managed List. The company won on the merits of strict emphasis on not only financial performance but fostering culture. FYidoctors has also been recently recognized as a Great Place to Work® in July 2023 after a thorough, independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work Institute® Canada and USA. This certification is based on direct feedback from team members, provided as part of an extensive and anonymous survey about their workplace experience. “Having an engaged team is something that has always been very important to us and we feel the award recognizes that priority,” says Ulisfer. “Having goals and dreams are important, but you need a great team that believes in the company’s vision to achieve this.” www.fyidoctors.com Mission Square Clinic Calgary Exam Room 13 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

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Since 1936, Montreal-based Delsan-A.I.M. has recycled recovered scrap metal by-products into valuable, usable raw materials. Delsan-A.I.M. Environmental Services Inc. is a leading environmental services company that provides services to a wide range of industrial, institutional, governmental, and commercial clients. With a reputation for superior service and results, Delsan provides integrated and diversified turnkey solutions for demolition, decommissioning, asset recovery, asbestos and lead abatement, contaminated soil remediation, as well as cleaning, removal, and recycling of storage tanks. A fully-owned subsidiary of American Iron and Metal Company Inc. (A.I.M.), a worldwide company with offices on 5 continents and a workforce of over 3000 employees. A.I.M. is recognized as one of North America’s largest metal processors and wholesalers, recycling approximately 1.5 million tons of ferrous scrap and over 250 million pounds of non-ferrous scrap annually with sales of over $2 billion. Incorporated in 1994, Delsan-A.I.M. added an important synergy with A.I.M. recycling operations by supplying a source of scrap metals from demolition projects. Delsan-A.I.M., incorporated in 1994, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Iron and Metal Company Inc. (A.I.M.), a globally recognized corporation with a presence on five continents in Asia and South America. With an extensive workforce of over 3000 employees, A.I.M. stands as one of the largest metal processors and wholesalers in North America. A.I.M. has established itself as a leader in the industry, annually recycling approximately 1.5 million tons of ferrous scrap and over 250 million pounds 15 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

of non-ferrous scrap. Furthermore, the company boasts impressive sales figures, surpassing $2 billion. In the context of A.I.M.’s recycling operations, the integration of Delsan-A.I.M. plays a vital role. Delsan-A.I.M. specializes in supplying scrap metals sourced from demolition projects, thus providing a valuable synergy with A.I.M.’s recycling endeavors. With offices in Toronto, Laval, Ottawa, and Quebec City, Delsan-A.I.M. has a workforce of more than 350 employees, Delsan-A.I.M. provides turn-key decommissioning and demolition services to the Canadian market, including hazardous waste abatement, scrap metal salvage, asset recovery and environmental remediation, with annual sales of over $110 million. “The past 29 years have seen significant evolution for Delsan-A.I.M.”, says Simon Hebert, Civils Work Manager. In this time, Delsan-A.I.M. has grown to be an industry leader, having managed, and executed many complex turn-key projects, which have included major facilities such as automotive assembly plants, an international airport, petrochemical plants, generating stations, steel mills, pulp and paper mills, mines, as well as smelters and refineries. Delsan-A.I.M., with office locations in Toronto, Laval, Ottawa, and Quebec City, boasts a dedicated workforce of over 350 employees. The company specializes in providing 16 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

comprehensive decommissioning and demolition services tailored to the Canadian market. Their range of expertise includes hazardous waste abatement, scrap metal salvage, asset recovery, and environmental remediation. Delsan-A.I.M. has achieved remarkable annual sales exceeding $110 million. According to Simon Hebert, the Civils Work Manager, Delsan-A.I.M. has undergone significant growth and transformation over the past 29 years. Through their unwavering commitment to excellence, the company has emerged as an industry leader, successfully managing and executing numerous complex turn-key projects. Notably, these projects have encompassed a diverse range of major installations, such as automotive assembly plants, international airports, 17 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

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petrochemical plants, generating stations, steel mills, pulp and paper mills, mines, as well as smelters and refineries. “Delsan-A.I.M. owns a large fleet of equipment that includes over seventy-five (75) mid to full-sized excavators, which are equipped with specialized attachments for demolition, excavation, and material handling operations, including shears, pulverisers, hydraulic hammers, grapples, buckets, and magnets,” says Hebert. “The fleet also includes eight high-reach excavators that have an upper operating range of 65 to 134 feet above ground level.” The competitiveness of services that Delsan-A.I.M. offers is augmented by other company-owned equipment such as a mobile concrete crusher, frontend loaders, skid-steer loaders, mini-excavators, forklifts, telescopic handlers as well as scissorlifts, and further bolstered by the transportation capabilities of A.I.M., which owns an extensive fleet of over 140 roll-off trucks and straight body vans along with over 1,000 railcars. “Our primary commitment is always to provide a workplace that is safe and incident free by implementing a “No One Gets Hurt” mentality with our employees, vendors, sub-contractors and by continuously building and promoting a Health and Safety culture within our organization,” says Hebert. “This requires effective management, planning, training, and communication, as well as rigorous compliance with all applicable acts and regulations.” 19 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

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Many factors must be considered to ensure a safe and successful project. At Delsan-A.I.M., strong and effective management are the key elements to achieve their goals. “Our management system involves and energizes all organizational levels across the company, from management to on-site staff, to ensure the identification and elimination of hazards,” says Hebert. “The performance of our management system is evaluated and optimized through performance review across the board. Continuous improvement is at the heart of our management process and risk assessments are conducted for every project regardless of its size or dollar value.” CHAMPLAIN BRIDGE DECONSTRUCTION Delsan-A.I.M. was called upon to participate in the deconstruction of Quebec’s landmark bridge, the Champlain Bridge, which crosses the St. Lawrence River in Montreal. Opened in 1962, the bridge was an integral piece of infrastructure for over 50 years until its closing in 2019. The Champlain bridge demolition means a lot for the entire province of Quebec, but more specially for the Greater Montreal Area. “This deconstruction project is one of the last parts of a major 21 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

infrastructure overhaul program that started many years ago to rebuild the highway network in the south-west of Montreal,” says Hebert. “Obviously, there is also the nostalgic factor. The old Champlain bridge was, for more than 50 years, the main link between the Island of Montreal and the south shore, and was the busiest bridge in Canada with about 50 million vehicles crossing per year. To commemorate its past existence, the Owner of the old bridge put together a “Heritage” project that will highlight its history that will include remaining elements of the old structure in different ways.” The bridge was 3,441 m in length from abutment to abutment and consists of three sections, which are numbered from north to south as 5, 6 and 7. The north and south sections, which have lengths of 2150 m and 528 m respectively, were built using prestressed concrete I-beams spanning between concrete piers and supporting cast-in-place concrete decking paved with asphalt. Section 6, which is the central portion over the St. Lawrence Seaway, consists of steel trusses that also sit on reinforced concrete piers, which support a paved, reinforced concrete deck with an overall length of 763 m, including a cantilevered span of 215 m. Due to the structural deterioration of the bridge over time from de-icing salts, various reinforcement measures and rehabilitation programs were undertaken from the 1990s to the mid 2010s. The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI)—a Canadian Government 22 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

Crown Corporation, which is responsible for the management, maintenance, and monitoring of the bridge—decided to construct a replacement bridge just downstream from the original construction. The new bridge opened on the 1st of July 2019 and the old one closed to traffic after only 57 years in service. JCCBI contracted “Nouvel Horizon Saint-Laurent (NHSL)”—which is a joint venture that includes Delsan-A.I.M. Environmental Services Inc. (DelsanA.I.M.)—to undertake the planning, engineering, and deconstruction of the original Champlain Bridge. The overall project started in July 2020 and is scheduled to be completed over a 3-year period by December 2023. “The scope is to deconstruct the entire bridge from abutment to abutment, but with some specific parts and pieces to be conserved for historical reasons and also for R&D in collaboration with University Engineering department studying structural behavior and deterioration over time,” says Hebert. DEMOLITION PROCESS “Many processes were used to demolish the bridge, mainly because of the different conditions found in the structure’s 3.4 km length,” says Hebert. “All work performed in the approach, over land or temporary jetties, was performed using more traditional means and methods, with excavators, specials demolition attachment and cranes.” 23 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

For the demolition of thirty (30) spans of the northern portion of the bridge, the work entailed a very challenging level of planning and engineering to ensure the safe and successful execution of this part of the overall project. Each span—having a length of 53.7 m and a width of 24.1 m—was supported on concrete piers that varied in height from 10 to 28 m. The design of the demolition methodology needed to take into consideration several constraints including the type of construction, which prevented the spans from being demolished using “traditional” approaches, due to not only the lack of reinforcing steel in the girders but also the poor condition of the post-tensioning cables. “The St. Lawrence River, which is a protected environment for wildlife and a source of drinking water for millions of people, was also central to the design process since no debris was allowed to fall into the water and explosives were not permitted,” says Hebert. Although the river is more than 3 km wide from one bank to the other, its depth varies widely from only 1.5 m in some places to more than 8 m in others. This factor along with the high current speed of the river near the bridge, which can reach more than 5 knots, and the extremely cold weather conditions that can occur during winter, were other important design constraints that affected the choice of maritime equipment, access to the structure, and the overall execution of the work. The final methodology that was designed and engineered by the team involved removing the whole span, which weighed about 2,000 tonnes, in 24 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

one lifting operation using hydraulic jacking towers that were mounted on an assembly of barges and positioned below the span to be removed. The barges were used to transport the lifted span upstream to clear the piers. The span was subsequently lowered and demolished directly on the lifting platform by conventional means using two (2), 40-tonne excavators, which were positioned on an adjacent temporary work platform. The debris generated during the demolition was transferred to secondary barges for material handling that shuttled between the demolition barge and a temporary wharf that was set up on the shore. “Another important engineering challenge was the in-house design of a sophisticated ballasting system to enable the lifting and displacement of the 2,000-tonne spans, while ensuring the stability of the system when it was deployed to its maximum height of more than 28 metres,” says Hebert “Apart from all the above, our greatest achievement was to complete these complex operations under trying conditions without any incidents, material failures, delays, or environmental damage,” says Hebert. For more information, please visit www.delsan-aim.com 25 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

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In 1963, three electricians and friends—Lord, Manny and Landry—seeking to amalgamate in order to take on larger hi-voltage projects joined forces to form LML Electric. What started out as a standard electrical contractor with a team of 12 employees has evolved into the top provider of turnkey electrical solutions in Eastern Canada. Headquartered in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, an unwavering dedication to the top technology in electricity, automation, excavation, mechanics and energy has made LML grow to one of the largest private companies as a specialized contractor in the field of electricity in Montérégie. For 60 years, the Groupe LML has offered an all-inone service of expertise in electricity, automation, excavation, industrial and process mechanics, and green energy. LML today comprises of five distinct divisions and more than 120 employees. 27 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

Réjean Quintal, President receiving the ‘Business Personality of the Year’ award from the Haut-Richelieu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIHR) 28 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

32 years later after LML was founded, two of the original 12 employees at the time— Réjean Quintal and Fernand Raymond—bought the company, with Quintal taking on role of President and Jean-Luc Cossette and Philippe Labarre, co-managers. As LML celebrates its 6th decade, Business Elite Canada spoke with Mr. Quintal about the changing needs of LML clients and how the company stays constantly plugged into new technology. MONUMENTAL GROWTH In 1997, Quintal recognized a burgeoning need for automation in all industries, going so far as to suggest to the Department of Education the creation of a new course on industrial automation systems to prepare the future for the arrival of waves of future automation products and equipment. “One of our strengths is from the moment a customer demands something, we are able to give them a turnkey solution in almost all of our departments that we cover,” says Quintal. “Being almost vertically integrated in our services allows our engineers to design, draw, build, repair, make work, install, the perfect solution for their needs. We are solution providers for our customers.” “With the changing world, we began to have more and more work for the automation department that was taking more and more space,” says Quintal. “There was new equipment coming in through established customers, all now equipped with PLC and sophisticated sensors on all electronics 29 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

Job site Meunerie la Milanaise 30 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

components. We took on more specialised technicians and field engineers to fit into the new reality of the market and respond to our customer needs.” LML then recognized the large market opportunity in highway lighting, capitalizing on the work the Department of Transportation needed to update the roadways. “As our customer base grew, all sorts of demands began to emerge,” says Quintal. “One of them was to become a panel builder, so we added a new section in our shop. We have about 20 engineers of all types—electrical, automation, programming, mechanical, and more—that help to put into shape what the customers want.” Next came the Industrial Mechanics division, then the Mechanical Process division trying to respond to the growing demand. More people were hired. As time went by Mr. Quintal added a new arrow to his bow: Énergie Net Zéro, which reduces energy consumption in existing and new buildings. To do so, Quintal explains “First, we eliminate or reduce energy consumption as much as possible, and then produce the rest of the necessary power with solar panels depending on the type of industries.” As for that part, Quintal has invented a new window insert (patent pending) that could help a lot to drastically reduce energy consumption in Job site at Airex Electrical and Mechanical 31 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

Solar Panels Installed on LML Roof Lighting of Route 132 Near the Highway 20 32 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

existing building and further more working with new HVAC methods, cost can also be highly reduced. “This window insert is the corner stone of our basic strategy to lower energy cost. In a couple of months, the solution that we have been working over for the last seven years should be ready to be commercialised.” This forward thinking is at the root of everything LML produces. “I try to project myself in the future,” says Quintal. “What is going to happen in the future? Where will we be in one year? Two years? Three or five years? What will be the tending trend? What will our customer want and what are they going to ask as for services in the future? How is the economy going to respond to the changing climate and all the disaster that will happen because of that?” “I want to create an impact on my surroundings with the decisions I am going to make for the future of the company and the planet,” says Quintal. “For so many years I tried to put in the mind of the people the importance that our planet has for our survival, throughout many simple things that can be done. “We are deeply involved in R&D for lowering the overall cost of energy consumption in existing buildings and new ones. We have found so many ways to reduce the overall energy bills of the buildings through electrical, HVAC, controls and insulation, and windows covering that we think we Some of the LML Fleet 33 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

Electrical Entrance at Charles Lemoyne Hospital Building a Control Panel Electrical Connection on Existing Panel 34 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

could easily reduce the average heating and cooling bill by half. And of course, every time we are talking to our customers and utilities, they all want the winning recipe to achieve that goal.” Thankfully, LML has a trusted team of highly capable engineers. “Nothing can be accomplished without our dedicated team,” says Quintal. “I never was shy to get myself surrounded with people stronger than me in their domain, that could put in place, in their own way, the objectives that were set in the beginning. That strategy as always help me to achieve my goals, steady growth and mostly the satisfaction of my customers with excellent service and the best of material.” Quintal walks the walk, having recently built a 12,500 square foot home that, because of his environmental stewardship, runs on an electrical bill of less than $ 500.00 per year, which includes the $12 for the meter from hydro Quebec! As LML enters its 6th decade, it will be exciting to see the dividends of LML’s environmental protection and can-do attitude. The future is very bright and promising. For more information on how to get in touch with Groupe LML, please visit www.groupelml.ca Building of Control Panels for the MTQ 35 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

A mainstay in Quebec since 1985, ALTRA | SANEXEN has pioneered and provided environmental solutions to industrial, municipal and governmental customers and partners. ALTRA | SANEXEN, a member of the LOGISTEC family key business lines—including Flexible Fluid Transport Solutions, Industrial Effluents Treatment, Lead Free Solutions, PFAS Removal Solutions, and Water Main Renewal—delivers creative and customized solutions through expert environmental engineers and scientists. A combination of in-house research and development teams explore and implement new technologies to address the ever-evolving environmental issues the world faces today. Over its 38 years in business, the Company completed over 7,000 site remediation projects, generating over CA$2 billion in revenue, treated and/or disposed of up to 23 million tons of impacted soils, and treated more than 3 billion gallons of heavily contaminated wastewater, using both our proprietary and other conventional water treatment technologies and approaches. 36 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

“ALTRA | SANEXEN’s founding team’s mission back then, which still remains to this day, was to build and share their expertise, in order to contribute to the success of their clients and communities. They wanted to find solutions to protect and renew our environment and water resources,” says Marie-Chantal Savoy, Vice President, Strategy and Communications. With over 750 employees across Canada and the US. ALTRA | SANEXEN operates in two main sectors: specialized environmental services and water solutions. “Our environmental services include site remediation, industrial degraded sites management, risk assessment, dredging and dewatering, and biosolids management,” says Savoy. “Our water solutions are PFAS removal solutions, water main renewal, lead free solutions and flexible fluid transport solutions.” INNOVATION ALTRA | SANEXEN has been a leading provider of environmental solutions for the past 38 years. “Our environmental engineers and scientists, 37 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

combined with our in-house innovation (research and development) team, have implemented new technologies to address the ever-evolving environmental issues the world faces today and carved out a reputation as some of the most innovative environmental experts in North America,” says Savoy. ALTRA’s PFAS Solution is another innovation that has received increased attention in the last two years. The proprietary foam fractionation technology, combined with high-performing modular units operating in continuous mode, allow to treat large volumes of water heavily contaminated with PFAS, the “forever chemical”. With over 7,000 projects realized, ALTRA | SANEXEN has completed an array of very complex environmental projects. After the historic 2013 Lac Mégantic rail disaster, the team worked closely on the ground to decontaminate water from the contaminants present in firefighting foam and started working with McGill University and University of Montréal, who are now world leaders in analytical PFAS chemistry. “Our partnership over the years has delivered solid results to combat today’s most critical challenge, PFAS. In the last 18 months, our team has analyzed more than 10,000 samples using the new EPA methods,” says Savoy, adding proudly, “All of this is happening here in Montréal.” Deloitte Best Managed 2023 38 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

ENVIRONMENTAL REHABILITATION OF THE FORMER RAYROCK MINE In January 2023, ALTRA | SANEXEN was awarded the major environmental remediation project of the former Rayrock mine in Northern Canada. The former mine is located around 60 km northeast of Whatì, an aboriginal community right at the center of the Northwest Territories. The mine only operated from 1957 to 1959, but had lasting effects on the land and people. Preliminary cleanup works took place in the 1990s, but more contamination problems have since come to light. The impacts of the mine on the surrounding land—and the local community—have been felt for generations. This project will allow the indigenous Tlicho people to return to the land. ALTRA | SANEXEN will be in charge of the extensive cleanup of the former Rayrock uranium mine and its surroundings, which include lakes and beautiful natural habitats. “The major environmental remediation project of the former Rayrock mine in Northern Canada is one of ALTRA | SANEXEN’s largest site remediation project to date,” says Savoy. “The extensive cleanup includes the areas of the former uranium mine and its surroundings, which include lakes and beautiful natural habitats.” Jean-François Bolduc, President 39 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

ALTRA PFAS treatment mobile units on site Northern Canada landscape – the Rayrock mine remediation project is located in the Canadian Northwest Territories 40 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

The process of addressing Rayrock’s contamination is being done in collaboration between the Tlicho and Federal Governments. The remediation work will help make the site safe, shrink the “avoidance area” – the zone around the Rayrock mine that Tlicho people currently avoid – and involve the local community in all aspects, from employment to communications. The cleanup project will also tackle former satellite exploration sites around Rayrock, an old barge landing at Marian Lake, and a disused power line between Rayrock and the Snare hydro facility at Big Spruce Lake. “This is another major environmental project for ALTRA | SANEXEN and are we extremely proud to be contributing directly to a more sustainable future for Canada,” says Savoy. “And more importantly, our people’s know-how and expertise in the field is being recognized directly by communities. Kwetı̨ı̨ɂaà (Rayrock) is an important area to the next generation of the Tłı̨chǫ people and the process of addressing its contaminations will provide lasting benefits. Our number one priority of the Kwetı̨ı̨ɂaà remediation project is to make the area safe again for the community.” The project is done in complete collaboration 41 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

ALTRA water main renewal technology deployed in Quebec City 42 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

between the Tlicho, the Federal Governments and our team. The remediation involves the local community in all aspects, from employment to communications. Indigenous knowledge and local traditional values are guiding the cleanup work and most of all, the long-term vision for the site and surrounding lands and water. This collaborative approach will be a model for other projects to follow. Says Savoy, “There has never been a more important time for ALTRA | SANEXEN solutions in the marketplace. Our team prides themselves on building and sharing their expertise in order to contribute to the success of our customers and communities, and is dedicated to finding the best solutions that protect our environment and our water resources.” For more information, please visit www.altragroup.com 43 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

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In 2021, Ben Gaudry, Ken Woelders, and a group of partners opened Norcon Construction Services in Edmonton Alberta. The team’s vision was to create a small, service-oriented construction company that provided clients with exemplary service and value-adds at a cost-effective price. They hoped the idea would gain traction. Instead, it took off like a racecar. It started with word-of-mouth. “Potential clients were reaching out to us giving us opportunity to bid and execute projects,” Ken Woelders, COO, says. “We landed our first projects in that first year and immediately started hiring some amazing staff and craft along with purchasing our first pieces of equipment.” Fast forward to today: Norcon has grown to a team of 13 staff, with over 75 craft in the field and an equipment fleet of over 40 pieces. Revenues have increase year over year—a staggering 450 per cent increase in 2022 and an estimated 80 per cent increase in 2023—with projects though out Alberta and BC in the oil & gas, renewables, infrastructure and mining sectors. 45 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

Norcon’s presence is due to its specialities in civil earthworks, tree clearing and access matting services to the oil & gas, renewables, infrastructure and mining sectors. “At Norcon, our goal is to provide our clients with safe, cost effective, quality projects year after year,” says Woelders. Woelders credits caring, hard working staff and craft that go the extra mile to ensure Norcon clients are satisfied. “We are a safety-first construction company focused on employees first,” he says. “Our greatest asset is our people. We ensure safety is top-of-mind in everything we do as we want everyone to go home safe each and every day.” Norcon also has developed and fostered relationships with Indigenous communities in Alberta that has helped Norcon create long lasting partnerships. “We support Indigenous communities throughout Alberta with employment, subcontracting opportunities, profit sharing and community support and donations,” he says. “Through these partnerships we can provide our clients with the same level of service we typically provide while 46 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

giving back to Indigenous communities. Some of the ways we give back include community donations, employment, contracting opportunities and volunteering. Supporting Indigenous communities in and around the areas we work is very important to us.” An illustration of Norcon’s capabilities is its current project, a major mine reclamation project with over 1,500,000 m3 of earth to move using 40 pieces of equipment and 50 personnel on the project at peak. Norcon is also in the last stages of a major pipeline project where it completed pad and road construction for two facilities along the pipeline. This project included excavation, backfill, gravel installation, culvert installation, asphalt paving and concrete foundations requiring 20 pieces of equipment and 30 personnel on site at its height. Adds Woelders, “We recently completed a 140-hectare pipeline clearing project where we executed all the stumping, grubbing and burning. Crews worked day and night for three months all winter with a fleet of excavators ensuring the work was completed ahead of the pipeline contractor ensure zero delay.” Within the group of companies, there are 400 pieces of new and well-maintained equipment. “There are offices, shops and laydowns scattered throughout Alberta that support all of our projects,” says Woelders. “Having access to a large equipment fleet and multiple locations throughout Alberta 49 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

50 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

allows us to provide our clients with more costeffective project solutions than some of our competitors.” Norcon communicates with its clients with regard to all matters, whether its during the bid stage of a project, to contract negotiation, to project execution and closeout. Clear, transparent, and open communication with our clients on a daily basis helps them better manage the projects from their end. “Our goal is to partner with our clients and work with them long-term, not just for one project. To do this we do everything we can to meet our clients’ needs, add value whenever possible and ensure they are satisfied with the end project they are paying for.” “We have a team of smart, talented and enthusiastic individuals that are very experienced in what they do,” adds Woelders. “We support local and Indigenous and want to truly add value when and where we can.” With its head office, yard and shop is located in Edmonton Alberta at 11310 Winterburn Road, the group of companies has yards located in Wetaskiwin, Drayton Valley, Grande Prairie, and Fox Creek. Norcon’s projects takes the team throughout Alberta and BC in locations such as Fort McMurray, Drumheller, Hinton, Fox Creek and Chetwynd. For more information, please visit www.norconconstruction.ca 51 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

52 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

On November 26, 1947, the Ironworkers International went to the Province of British Columbia to charter Local 712, a new shop that protected and supported the rights and safety of local workers. 75 years alter, Shop Workers Local 712 is still setting industries standards and advocating for workers across all the manufacturing industries. “During those 75 years, Local 712 has been a part of almost every major construction project in British Columbia, helping to build the landscape of one of the world’s great cities,” says Mike MacIntosh, Business Manager. BC Place Stadium and its later renovations, Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver and Nanaimo convention centers, GM Place, sky train stations, dams, major hydro and gas projects, ships, ferries, barges, tunnel borers, telescopes, Disney roller coaster, and almost every large steel and metal component throughout the province have the contribution of the skills of Local 712. And of course, the famous Ironworkers Memorial Bridge, which recently hosted its 65-year memorial since it collapsed on June 17, 1957, where 13 Ironworkers never made it home that day. “One of the many reasons that worker safety cannot be stressed enough,” says MacIntosh. Over its 75 years, Shop Workers Local 712 has evolved into other areas of worker representation. Over 1,500 members strong, its roots are firmly planted in the steel and metal fabrication industry. Decade over decade, Local 712 continues to deliver the highest quality Collective Agreements and the highest quality product due to its highly-quality trade workers and their extensive skills and experience. 53 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

“With 25 shops under 712’s representation, many are highly specialized and produce parts and assemblies for complex equipment such as those required for the aerospace industry,” says MacIntosh. “Their members are involved in many other industries, comprised of men and women who build theme park rides, fireplaces, windows and window assemblies, non-ferrous metal ornamental foundries, handrails, galvanizing, metal recycling, oil and gas, mining, tanks, boilers and pressure vessels and more.” 75 YEARS STRONG On November 26, 2022, Local 712 celebrated its 75th Jubilee Celebration. Just coming out of the pandemic, the timing was perfect opportunity to bring everyone together again for this monumental achievement. Over 650 members attended the anniversary dinner—a themed casino night was hosted in conjunction with the annual retiree’s dinner and pin ceremony, “which is always a pleasure. Especially since they hadn’t hosted one 54 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

since the spring of 2019,” says MacIntosh. “Some of the 75th Celebration guests were, other union leaders, local Mayors, MLA’s, MP’s, and BC Premier Eby created a video for us to play, just eight days into his new leadership role. It was a very successful event that will be remembered for a long time.” Most members participate in the Shop Workers Local 712 pension plan which was established almost 30 years ago, one that has seen tremendous growth and has been a very welcome source of income at retirement. “For the first time in the union’s history, we recently implemented a retirement benefits program as well,” says MacIntosh. Mike Macintosh, Business Manager 55 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

Over the last 3 years and leading up to the 75th anniversary, Shop Workers Local 712 has taken some internal bold steps. With new MacIntosh taking the reins in 2021, Local 712 has become a harder working and progressive union while taking great reflection by honoring the past, and mapping out goals to build the future. Shop Workers Local 712 uses its market knowledge, experience, and diverse employer base to maintain strong relationships to help employers tender and procure more work. Shop Workers Local 712 has a union hall to conduct its business. Union meeting are held once a month and members are always encouraged to come. “Our members work in many specialized manufacturing sectors,” says MacIntosh. “Whether its working to represent workers, taking political action, improving skills through training, or other, the professionals staffed by 712 go above and beyond for its members and manufacturing workers to secure their job stabilities and futures.” Local 712 strongly supports apprenticeship and training and oversees many Red Seal trades such as Metal Fabrication, Welding, Machining, Millwrighting, Electrician, Carpenter, and Painter, along with other certificate programs or learn on the job skills like Robotic Welding, CNC machining, CNC plasma machines, break presses, pipe, HSS, beam and bar bending, plate shears, saws, ironworkers, machine operators, shipping receiving, truck drivers and so much more. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY Over its 75 years, Ironworkers Shop Local 712 has gained extensive knowledge in many different markets and also many different types of working conditions. Occupational Health and Safety is the absolute top priority for its members. Every worker has the right to work in a safe workplace and every worker has the right to go home safely to their families every day. Local 712’s members and its signatory companies contribute towards a 56 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

joint training fund to support safety and training in real time, which greatly assists the financial cost burdens that any form of training may bring. Shop Workers Local 712 takes its roles as a private and public advocate very seriously, working collaboratively with various government agencies. Shop Workers Local 712 sets the standards for manufacturing workers and companies in manufacturing through strong business relationships, strong collective agreement bargaining, and a strong grassroots relationship with its membership. Each company has its own collective agreement and is negotiated through extensive collaboration with each bargaining Unit. These relationships at all levels ensures prosperous employers, the workers have a voice in the workplace, and that leads to strong communications based on mutual respect between members, the union, and the employers. Moving forward, Shop Workers Local 712 is honoured to represent blue-collar middle-class workers. “We fundamentally believe that no one can put a price on safety and job security,” says MacIntosh. “And it is an honour to set the standards and enjoy nurturing growth and success for all the days, years, and decades to come. Local 721 has a hearty business plan and looks to build off their momentum. And will continue putting in the work to be recognized as the best manufacturing union in British Columbia.” Interested in finding out more information about manufacturing and manufacturing representation in British Columbia? Use one of the many tools available and get in touch with us to learn more. We are here to assist all manufacturing workers in the great province of British Columbia. www.iw712.org 57 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

The Community Housing Transformation Centre (CHTC) is working to ensure all Canadians have an affordable, secure and decent place to call home. A non-profit organization, CHTC was founded in 2018 by a network of community housing organizations. A catalyst of growth, the Centre’s work aims to support the growth of community housing across Canada by supporting and promoting the sector’s advocacy, economic viability, growth and its improvements in efficiency. CHTC provides funding, tools and services to all community housing stakeholders including Non-profit housing organizations; Housing co-operatives; Federations; Associations; and Government stakeholders. TRANSFORMING THE SECTOR In its fourth year, the CHTC has established itself as a prominent player in the community housing landscape across Canada. Though originally launched as part of the National Housing Strategy, the federal government is no longer its sole source of funding. 58 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

Stéphan Corriveau, Executive Director 59 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

“While the initial premise was to have a 10-year life, we firmly believe that 10 years is not enough to accomplish our mandate properly,” says François Fayad, Communications Director. “Completing the transformation of the housing sector will require more time and more engagement. As such, CHTC has chosen the path of resilience, innovation, and growth. In this spirit, we are working on developing agreements with the provincial and territorial governments to fund CHTC’s activities that will contribute to further growth in their jurisdictions. We’re also actively working to increase partnerships with private-sector companies who understand the positive impact of expanding community housing supply on the country’s economy. This includes developing housing solutions for the middle class, Stéphan Corriveau, Executive Director of CHTC, Romy President/CEO Nunavut Housing Corpo 60 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

for current and future levels of immigration or to meet the housing needs of workers in the North.” The Centre believes that in order to fulfill its mandate and effectively address the housing crisis, the community sector must be proactive and bold. “Transformation, for us, means contributing to the sector means to succeed,” says Fayad. The goal of CHTC is that it will participate more effectively in the sustainable growth of the sector through impact projects. “The Centre’s objective is to develop the Canadian community housing sphere and establish an effective, resilient and inclusive model that will enable all people to be safely and affordably housed, now and in the future,” says Fayad. Eligibility Criteria This fund is available to organizations working in the community housing sector in Nunavut: • Non-profit housing providers • Co-operative housing providers • Non-profit organizations • Community/regional groups & coalitions Academics in partnership with non-profit organizations can also apply to the Research and Innovation stream (the non-profit must apply). The Nunalingni Piruqpaalirut Fund The Nunalingni Piruqpaalirut Fund or Growth in our Land Fund (NPF) provides financial resources to support the community housing sector in Nunavut. It was created in partnership with the Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC), under the Nunavut 3000 Strategic Plan, to address several housing priorities across the territory. The fund will help increase the affordable housing stock, reduce homelessness, and leverage the overall resources to expand the housing continuum. Grants Capacity Building To support projects designed to develop community housing organizations, address gaps in capacity, strengthen skills and competencies, and create a strong, sustainable foundation for growth. Planning & Pre-Development To help cover costs of pre-development activities related to the construction of new affordable housing and address barriers in accessing capital and federal funding. Research & Innovation To support projects that will promote innovation, education, and knowledge transfer in the community housing sector. Igluliuqatigiingniq ᐃᒡᓗᓕᐅᖃᑎᒌᖕᓂᖅ y Bowers, President and CEO of CMHC, Eiryn Devereaux, oration, Lorne Kusugak, Minister of Finance 61 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

“Collectively, we have the power to strengthen and grow the sector to meet the current and future needs of Canadians.” The housing crisis has intensified over the past years, says Fayad. “The warning signs were already plentiful in the early 2000s, and while many of those involved in the community housing arena have sounded the alarm repeatedly over the past two decades, no major effort has been undertaken to prevent the crisis. Today, millions of households and individuals are living in increasingly precarious conditions, if not outright homelessness, and policies lack the necessary clout to tackle the systemic damage this situation causes.” 62 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

The sources of the issue are well known: speculation, concentration of land and property ownership, financialization, commodification, renoviction, short-term tourist accommodation, globalization, tax incentives, and discrimination. The answers to the problem are also known: community housing, land trusts, lease registries, rent control, fair taxation, humane and social urban planning, inclusion and diversity, etc. “Although more and more political, financial and legislative players are finally acknowledging the issue, the solutions so far remain quite modest when compared to the magnitude of the task at hand,” says Fayad. “While the public authorities own a large part of the responsibility, the community housing sector must have the courage to recognize that it wasn’t as proactive and entrepreneurial as it could have been. We have the means at our disposal to begin mitigating the crisis in part. The sector’s legitimacy requires acting without delay and assuming a leadership position regarding this matter by taking the necessary measures for change.” It is within this framework that The Community Housing Transformation Centre was created and has operated for the past four years. “Using ambition, without illusions, CHTC works to facilitate the quantitative development and qualitative evolution of community housing,” says Fayad. “Whether through the provision of funding or services, all regions have benefited from more than $28 million in allocations since our creation.” According to CHTC’s partners and numerous sector stakeholders across Canada, significant contributions are being made to move the needle towards the transformation of the sector by using more of the sector’s own resources to leverage 63 AUG 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA

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