The Changes Being Made to the Legal Construction Hypothec

As we arrive at work each day, we’re hoping for things to run smoothly. Regardless of our title or position, the possibility of injury on the job is always around the corner. Though it’s likely most employers are working to keep things safe, it’s important to be aware of compensation available for job-related injuries. The WSIB or Workplace Safety and Insurance Board pay benefits to injured workers from the money it collects from employers. Not all workplaces are required to have WSIB coverage. But if yours does and you’re curious to know more, then you’ve come to the right place! This article will cover the crucial points of WSIB. WSIB: everything you need to know WSIB basics Every workplace has insurance in place to assist workers who have been injured on the job. This insurance should entitle the worker to a range of benefits, but in order to access these, some steps must be followed. As mentioned in our introduction, the WSIB covers work-related injury or illness, and this happens by paying benefits directly collected from employers. In some cases, your workplace will have workers’ compensation, while other workplaces will be required to have WSIB coverage. Regardless of if your workplace pays into it or not, you’ll be covered by WSIB automatically. If you happen to get injured at work or as a result of your job, you’ll need to file a claim. Following this, the WSIB will take the steps to determine what kind of coverage you need. It’s important to mention here that if your injury is covered by workers' compensation, then you won’t be able to sue your employer if that’s your prerogative. Next, we’ll cover the in’s and out’s of filing a claim. The claims process First things first, you’ll need to file a claim for your work-related injury. This claim can be filed by you alone, your workplace or your doctor. When it comes to filing a claim, these are the first 3 steps: It’s crucial to report the accident as soon as possible. If not right away, then within the first 6 months. If you’re dealing with a work-related illness, then the time will start when you first learn of the illness. You’ll need to call the WSIB to begin the claim, then they’ll send you a Worker’s Report of Injury/Disease (Form 6) or you can obtain this directly from their website. This form will need to be given to your employer. Once your employer has been notified, it’s up to them to report the injury or illness within a 3 day period and this is especially important if you’re in need of medical treatment or lose time from your job as a result. Your employer must then give you a copy of the form they file, called The Employers Report of Injury/Disease (Form 7). Your doctor must also file a Health Professionals Report (Form 8) and you’ll need a copy of the second page. It’s important to note that depending on the nature of your injury, a workers' compensation claim may be in process for years. If you are permanently impaired and receive compensation as a result, you’ll be dealing with the WSIB until age 65. In the early stages of the process, you’ll need to be in contact with your employer even if you’re no longer going to work. Further, the law requires you to report to the WSIB if there are any “material changes”. Though it’s not clearly defined what this means, we’d suggest reporting if you return to work or your medical condition changes. If you’re unsure about what to report, the safest route is to give the WSIB a call. It’s also worth mentioning that the WSIB may choose the doctor you see in order to assess whether or not you’re fit to return to work. They also may recommend that you attend a treatment or rehabilitation program. If these suggestions don’t suit you, it’s important to discuss this with your own doctor. Be certain to keep a record of all the calls made between you, your doctor, as well as you and the WSIB. Workers compensation claim: what’s involved? A claim can involve many decisions made over a period of several years. When you file a claim, you’ll be assigned a case manager and this individual will make decisions about some of the following: if your injury/illness is work-related; if you need to take time off for your recovery process; if you should receive funds for a loss of wages; if your medicine or therapy will be paid; if you’re able to do light work or return to your original job; if you have a permanent impairment; if you need retraining. Again, we’d recommend keeping in touch with the WSIB as much as possible, as each of these decisions will affect the benefits you receive including the amount of monthly compensation. WSIB benefits: a breakdown Let’s look at some of the scenarios you may encounter and the benefits the WSIB can offer you. Lost wages: If you qualify, you’ll be entitled to full wages from the day you were injured, regardless of if you were at work or not. Following this day, if you continue to lose wages, the WSIB should cover them. These are referred to as LOE benefits or Loss of Earnings. The WSIB will cover 85% of the difference between the net amount of what you earned before you were injured and what you will be earning after the injury. If you happen upon a lower-paying job post-injury, the WSIB will calculate your LOE benefits based on what they think you should earn. LOE covers those who: cannot work; cannot work as many hours as before; can only work a job that pays less. Health care benefits: If you require health care as a result of your injury, the WSIB may cover it. It’s important to be approved before you access health care, as the WSIB may not pay you back. It’s possible they could cover the following: prescriptions; therapy or counselling; physio and massage therapy; chiropractic treatment; acupuncture; the costs of visiting the doctor, including transportation; dental care or service as a result of your injury; work transition. If you’ve worked at a job where you were injured for a period of more than 1 year, your employer should offer your regular job back. It’s important to note here that there are special rules for the construction industry. If you’re not able to return to work because of your injury, then the WSIB must help you find other work. This is referred to as the work transition plan, which should help you overcome your injury and begin working again: literacy and basic skills; ESL training; college preparation courses or academic upgrading; on the job training; job search training. What happens while I wait for WSIB benefits? There are some important steps to take while waiting for a WSIB claim and they are the following: look for replacement income; cooperate and keep in touch with WSIB; follow the doctors' orders; make efforts to return to work or seek employment. It’s difficult to say how long it will take for your benefits to come in, so looking for other sources of income or options during the waiting period is relatively crucial. Covid-19 and WSIB The WSIB is treating Covid's work-related leave and illness on a case-by-case basis. Since this is the case, it’s best to read over the Covid-specific FAQ on the website. This page includes information about coverage, claims and information for businesses.

If the pandemic offered us insight into anything, it’s that home renovation and construction have plenty of public interest. This interest doesn’t seem to be fading. The construction industry is a booming one, as a contractor or entrepreneur (or both), you may be curious about starting and registering your own business. The demand for skilled contractors is definitely there, but what are the logistics when it comes to registering a construction company? If you’re looking to transition into owning your very own business in Canada, now is as good a time as any to jump right into this venture. As our economy grows, your business can grow alongside it. This article will list the primary steps and considerations that you should take in order to turn your construction company business dream into a reality! Moreover, we’ll be looking specifically at Ontario and Alberta. How to register your construction company in Canada Determine your type of business Regardless of the province where you’re located, if you’re registering a business in Canada, it will need to be recognized by the Government of Canada as well as the Canada Revenue Agency. This means you’ll have to obtain a legal license for your business. This process will involve deciding whether you want to register as a small business or an incorporated company. We’ll go over the pros and cons below but would like to note that many of the larger Canadian construction companies choose to be incorporated for the reasons we’ll detail below. Personal liability When you register as a small business, you are personally liable for the actions of your business alone. This means that any liabilities your business incurs will be charged to you. When it comes to incorporation, the business will be separate from you and thus, will have its own liability risk that’s separate from your individual person. Name Unfortunately, a small business license will not offer you name protection, so it’s easy to have your name or something similar used with no real recourse. In contrast, when incorporated you do have name protection and may be able to seek infringement recourse if someone decides to register a similar business name. Taxes With a small business, you’ll be taxed at a personal income level as registering a business means that it’ll automatically become part of your personal tax account. With an incorporated company, the corporation has its own tax account independent from yours. Do bear in mind this will require you to file both a personal and business tax return each year. Corporations are privy to lower tax rates and other tax concessions. Registration length The length of your business registration will depend on the province you’re in. In Ontario, a business license will be valid for 5 years and once this time is up you’ll be able to register your business for another 5 years. Otherwise, the Ontario Government will automatically cancel it. In Alberta, your business license will be active indefinitely and remain valid unless you choose to dissolve the business. In regards to an incorporated company, it’s continual. In Ontario, the corporation has no yearly filings. However, in Alberta, you’ll be required to file an annual return in order to remain active. Regulations and licensing In Canada, there are specific licensing requirements when it comes to skilled trades. In many cases, each Province has their own rules and you can determine this by checking with the College of Trades or the equivalent to figure out what these are. For Ontario specifically, there are trades referred to as compulsory trades which need licensing or certifications to legally operate. Here is a brief list of some of the trades that do require specific licensing: Electrician Gasfitter Refrigeration / AC Sheet metal worker Plumbing Oil Burner Mechanic For the very specific trade licensing specifications check here for Ontario and here for Alberta. Do keep in mind that for certain cities you’ll need municipal licensing to practice certain construction projects. Health and safety regulations Health and safety are very important considerations when it comes to registering a business. You want to make sure that your workers are protected. In regards to the many trades covered under the construction sector, you’ll need to register with your provincial Workers Safety Board. It’s also recommended to look into the workplace safety regulations as defined by the Ministry of Labour, Skills and Training Development. For construction companies, there is a long list of considerations as this is a career with many risks. This includes covering areas such as fall prevention, hazardous substances, scaffolds, and so forth. You can find Ontario regulations here, and Alberta regulations here. Trade associations In the construction industry, trade associations are a useful tool to connect with others in the field locally as well as internationally. Some options are: Canadian Home Builders Association Canadian Construction Association Ontario General Contractors Association If you're just getting started in this industry, registering with a trade association comes with many benefits. These include: saving money, gaining guidance, networking, learning from others in the field, maintaining the best construction and renovation practices, boosting your company reputation. Insurance Insurance is a crucial consideration for any business, but especially in the construction industry where you’ll need protection against various risks. Without insurance, you’ll be liable for every and all costs related to the workplace including injuries, broken equipment and so on. To do this, contact an insurance company and obtain construction liability insurance that covers both general and property liabilities. In some instances, you’ll also want to cover any vehicles your business is using. In specific cases and with specific clients, you may require additional types of insurance including workers compensation insurance, disability insurance or unemployment insurance. Follow these links to register your business in Ontario and Alberta. Follow these links to incorporate them in Ontario and Alberta.

The growing number of urban residents from diverse cultural backgrounds is prompting cities to rethink how they manage various public spheres. The concept of the "smart city" came about a few years ago to improve public services and curb negative impacts caused by ever-increasing population sizes. Smart Cities: Quick Overview Simply put, a smart city has a positive impact on the community, fosters local development, and reduces the ecological footprint. These ideals are tailored to each community and the initiatives being implemented are achievable with the help of collected data and advanced technologies. To ensure the long-term sustainability of a community, one must reconsider urban development in terms of the quality of life and governance transparency. By using information communication technology tools, consistency between all services and active participation by citizens, businesses, and elected officials is far more attainable. Relying on accurate information regarding the daily use of public structures and services allows for innovative solutions based on real and verified needs. The Makings of a Smart City There are as many battles to fight as there are cities when it comes to creating smart communities. Nevertheless, they all result in a single objective: development. Since a truly smart city is unlikely, and all cities are looking at different aspects to establish their overall strategy, there's no standard set of guidelines. Nevertheless, three key factors come to light when faced with this goal. These main points are the economy, the environment, and the social dimension. However, each city initiates its efforts according to its specific circumstances and the needs of its population. This is logical, as no two cities have the same core infrastructure, size, history, financial resources, citizen age demographics, and so on. For example, one city will benefit from reducing its carbon footprint by implementing eco-friendly roofs and offering local amenities, while a neighbouring city will focus on improving citizen interactions through digital means. Source: Flickr Economic Aspect Several potential solutions are consistent with the vision of a forward-thinking city. Among these potential solutions are, just to name a few: Financial or other support for local businesses; Linking participants at all stages of a project (researchers, manufacturers, merchants, investors, etc.); Variety of training offered to students; Incentives to draw in companies with ethical practices; Digital upgrades for existing businesses to save money and improve workplace safety. Social Aspect A city connected with its citizens understands the new realities around which they revolve. However, to be inclusive, community leaders will have to be determined to find a way to create partnerships between public and private institutions and residents. Without the solidarity of citizens and genuine communication, municipal services may fail to mirror the population and, under the guise of good intentions, the divide will remain. A so-called smart city favours the use of collective intelligence, precisely to benefit itself. Moreover, a transparent administration results in a better quality of life and a shared sense of trust. Not only does this affect decision-making and project effectiveness, but also the city's capability when it comes to tackling a potentially problematic situation. Here again, technology can be used to improve community involvement. It can be as simple as creating a platform where people can access information regarding local news, upcoming projects and events. People could also give their opinion, register for classes, fill out surveys, report a problem, request permits, and so forth. What’s more, law enforcement agencies could have access to certain digital data to ensure civilian protection. Are you looking for general contractors to tackle your renovation project? Fill out our form to receive quotes from certified contractors! Environmental Aspect Managing water and heat islands is complex on many different levels and involves various parties. To sum it up, whether municipalities employ solutions such as blue roofs or incentives to reduce water consumption, or hire engineers to redesign entire structures, they’re all related to the objectives established by a smart city. Naturally, there are various and sundry ways to help the planet. Amongst other things, a city can establish laws or requirements which must be met during new construction or renovation projects. Cities can create urban developments that feature plenty of green spaces and functional roadways where proximity to resources and public transit converge. Smart cities can collect data concerning energy use and thus adapt their services accordingly, decide where to establish select infrastructures, or better allocate their budgets to tackle environmental issues. Community gardens can be created with collective compost bins... the possibilities are virtually endless. Source: Flickr A Few Examples of Smart Cities Mitchell, South Dakota: Emphasis on the use of digital technology in all areas, especially education. Christchurch City in South Island, New Zealand: Offers an innovative urban living environment, is attentive to the needs of citizens and has established a window portal for shared knowledge. Feldheim, Germany: Fully self-sufficient community in terms of energy due to their use of wind turbines, solar panels, and a biogas plant. Copenhagen, Denmark: Aiming to be carbon neutral by 2025. In closing, as with any project that entails a lot of technology, there's ongoing debate and opinions concerning ethical issues, democratic integrity and privacy. Yet, smart cities remain focused on a vision that advocates: Improving quality of life without stunting development; Social well-being while protecting dignity; Equality and inclusivity among the various parties involved in urban life, perhaps a participatory democracy; Benefits outweighing negatives, such as costs; ISO standards (infrastructure efficiency); Information and communications technology. For more information, check out this document (French only). Cover image source: Pixabay

Progress, innovation, and environmentally friendly concepts are all part of the current culture in various industries, and the real estate industry is no different. When it comes to architecture, the possibilities are now only limited by your imagination. In fact, since the mid-1950s, one method of manufacturing has never stopped evolving: modular construction. In Quebec, more than 20 large and renowned companies have joined forces as part of an association (SQMH) and offer this type of structure, which leads to the construction industry's industrialization. Contractors, construction workers, and clients benefit from being informed about this type of building. Defining Modular Construction Based on the prefabricated house concept, modular construction, or industrialized construction (IC), is a system that is carried out in factories. It consists of a building designed with one or more modules that are transported to a building site and are then assembled on a concrete foundation. These modules are already equipped with the necessary elements such as electricity, interior finishing, plumbing system, and so on. The only remaining step is connecting the cables and pipes to the water and electrical services if needed. Purchased or leased modules can be used for long-term, fixed construction or for short-term use that can then be disassembled. Although widely used for commercial and institutional purposes, they are now becoming increasingly used for residential projects. Where to Find Modular Buildings Construction site bungalows and trailers. Occasionally, construction workers are required to permanently stay on-site while working. For their comfort and for practical purposes, buildings are temporarily set up on the periphery of the site and include bunkhouses, bathrooms, locker rooms, etc. Similarly, supervisors and administrative staff can benefit from temporary offices to manage the daily on-site operations. Photo: Flickr Utility buildings. If a school is renovating a section of its structure, some classes may be held in an off-campus building until the work is completed. Or, real estate brokers or construction workers may set up in a strategic location nearby during open houses. In the event industry, they are typically used for trade shows, sanitary facilities during festivals, conference rooms, and so on. Lastly, health professionals often need well-equipped and fully functional facilities such as medical offices, laboratories, and nursing stations. These buildings can be used following natural disasters, events to raise public awareness or to set up small neighbourhood clinics. Photo: Flickr Tiny homes. In this day and age, people are encouraged to be conscious consumers, and more people choose to live alone, therefore, the whole idea of modular construction is perfectly suited for tiny homes or for mobile home expansions. Photo: Flickr Larger projects. Cube or straight block houses with an industrial look, prefabricated businesses or industries, multi-storey buildings... Photo: giovanni gargiulo - Pixabay Manufacturing Process of Modular Buildings On the Quebec market, you can find home kits, prefabricated architectural houses, and eco-friendly modular buildings. Modular constructions are classified into two categories: 2D panels and 3D modules. The modules are easily and quickly assembled or disassembled, and can be placed side by side and configured according to your plans. The 2D panels are pre-assembled structures designed by the manufacturer. They do not require any actual fitting or integration; they are directly transported and dropped off at the destination, ready to be used. In the factory, the procedure starts with the frame and is then followed by flooring. The mounted walls will be supported by wood or steel structures. Next, the wiring and connections are made, followed by the installation of doors and windows. The modules are then transported to the building site where the inside is fitted and completed. Eventually, the partitions are inserted and stairs are put in if needed. Photo: Flickr Benefits of Modular Construction The most obvious advantage is its eco-friendly factor. In Quebec, building certifications are regulated according to standard CSA A227, and prefabricated buildings according to LEED and Net-Zero. Contrary to traditional construction, which is gradually built on-site, the environmental footprint of modular buildings is reduced since there is less transportation, waste, and land damage. Furthermore, the materials used are often recyclable, such as wood and steel. The prefabricated steel constructions respect an eco-friendly approach and established environmental standards. Another benefit is freedom from constraints. Materials are sheltered from rain and snow, thus protected from damage and problems associated with substandard quality such as warping. Also, building construction is not hindered by the weather. The project can therefore be completed 30 to 50% faster, in comparison to conventional methods. The workforce is stable, trained in the same way and operates in a controlled, high-tech, and clean environment. As a result, there is less risk of injury or inconsistent results, and the process is generally smoother. In addition, CNESST premiums are much lower than for on-site construction, since the work environment is safer for both the workers and the public. The next advantage is cost-efficiency. As previously mentioned, insurance and labour costs are reduced. In addition, steel is a very good price-quality option. Also, given the current cost of gas, it is worthwhile to make fewer trips. Since raw materials, and overall supplies, are available through a catalogue, contractors do not have to rely on the materials available from wholesalers. This avoids unforeseen purchases, costs, or fluctuating prices based on supply and demand or the concept of urgency. In other words, costs are much more predictable and can be as much as 30% lower than those of traditional construction. Ultimately, the advantage is the structure itself. Extensions can easily be added in the future and the modules are stronger than conventional structures because they are designed for transportation and craning. The design possibilities are almost endless and cater to all tastes. Various manufacturing or installation techniques for building components are facilitated by the automation of machinery and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Photo: Pexels Consider a modular solution whether you are a contractor or an architect, studying this trade, reluctant to build, or in need of a temporary facility.

It’s undeniable that the pandemic we're facing has been the source of many upheavals, both socially and economically. As we all know, several sectors of the economy have been greatly affected by this situation and unfortunately, the construction sector hasn’t been spared. Now, the recent fluctuations in the price of lumber remind us that this situation’s clearly not yet resolved. Rising lumber prices: the factors involved Source: Canva As the price of lumber now averages an approximate rate of $1260 per thousand-foot board measure, its high rate remains a major issue for those involved in the construction industry. This price is even higher than the 2021 average, a year in which new highs were reached. This increase in lumber prices greatly complicates the situation for construction contractors, who’re already suffering the negative impact regarding a lack of qualified labour. So, what exactly are the factors involved to explain this new increase? 1- The slowdown in production in British Columbia Regarding the factors involved in explaining the current situation, let us first note the slowdown in production in British Columbia due to the major floods and fires that this province has dealt with in recent months. Let's not forget the damage caused by the pine beetle, as this insect has managed the sad feat of devastating forests covering more than 15% of the province’s area, in addition to destroying approximately 50% of the lodgepole pines that they found on its territory. 2- The increase in US countervailing duties Secondly, it would be difficult to deny the considerable impact of the increase in countervailing duties imposed by the American economy, motivated by what our neighbour to the South calls unfair competition on the part of Canada in regards to the American forestry industry. It should be noted that this increase is considerable and that it even goes so far as to double the former rate (from 9 to 18%). As the president of the forest committee of the Union des municipalités du Québec points out, the changes to the forest regime were put in place in an effort to resolve the conflict between the two countries. Unfortunately, it seems that the efforts invested in this process did not yield the expected results and now the compensatory costs are skyrocketing, as is the price of lumber. Some large Canadian companies such as Resolute Forest Products will pay a much higher rate, around 30%. Although the tensions surrounding the timber trade between Canada and the United States have been public news since 2017, its impact is all the more considerable since the Canadian economy is in a worse position than last year. 3- The increase in cases caused by the arrival of Omicron Due to the greater transmissibility of the Omicron variant and the rapid increase in the number of cases, it should also be noted that a slowdown in production is certainly a fear. Although the current situation still doesn’t indicate a problem in this regard, the rapid spread of Omicron casts doubt on the situation. 4- Residential construction on the rise Let's not forget that residential construction is still very popular, here as well as in the United States. Further, The Madison's Lumber Report states a 12% increase in residential construction in November 2021 compared to the same period the previous year. Whether it’s to build new homes or to undertake renovations, wood is currently in high demand. Therefore, this unabated popularity increases the demand for lumber, which is accentuated by the need to rebuild the homes destroyed during the natural disasters in British Columbia mentioned above. As the beginning of the year is often the time when the various intermediaries stock up on wood in preparation for the projects and works that will take place in spring, it’s undeniable that the current demand greatly exceeds the supply. Good news for Quebec? Source: Canva Michel Vincent, an economist at the Quebec Forest Industry Council, maintains that Quebec produces much more wood than it requires (three times more). Supply would therefore not be a concern for the Quebec market, although the situation is not immediately as reassuring for the rest of Canada. Another interesting fact to note on this subject, the increasingly active presence of Europeans on the American market could very well increase the quantity of wood available. Thus, this new player could eventually help to rebalance the price of lumber, a material whose popularity doesn’t seem about to subside.