Bruce Bolduc, president of the Simcoe County Home Builders Association (SCHBA, formerly the Barrie Home Builders Association), brings to the table a unique mix of experience and expertise, as well as links to provincial and national residential construction associations.
A decade ago, after 27 years in the construction industry, Bolduc formed his own company, Construction Workplace Safety Training Ltd., focusing on safety consulting, inspections, training and creating policy documents. “I sit as the chair of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) health and safety committee,” he said. “I am involved on other committees as well and with the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering at different levels, which allows me to bring different perspectives everywhere I am involved.”
Bolduc is often invited in as a guest speaker, taking part in panels or giving his own speeches, where he discusses incoming changes and their potential impact. “While we may embrace the intent of changes that are initiated, things aren’t always simply what they seem. There is a fear, for instance, that Bill 119 (requiring expanded WSIB coverage) will drive people to an underground economy,” he explains. “Other things, like the College of Trades and Bill 160 (expanding health and safety training programs) have further implications. We address these changes head on,” he adds.
Bolduc says he has met with Ontario’s labour minister several times recently, as well as WSIB representatives and the new chief prevention officer to discuss these issues. “My involvement with different levels of the industry affords me the opportunity to bring opinions – local and provincial – to the politicians and decision-makers.”
A member of the Barrie Construction Association (BCA) as well, Bolduc says he embraces opportunities for information flow and communication. “We have a great working relationship with the BCA and I get the opportunity to speak with others in Guelph and London, Stratford and Ottawa as well as other parts of the province. There is a great opportunity for a collective voice to further advance our input and support the industry.”
Bolduc says the SCHBA takes great pride in supporting the community through events like its annual ice fishing tournament. Since 2004, the association has raised more than $800,000 for community projects, helping build a more accessible home for a man who’d been seriously injured in a fall, and building and selling two homes.
He hopes to see the SCHBA take on a greater role in the community and a greater level of participation with local government. This year, for the first time, the group will host a classic car show to raise money for charity.
