Event Schedule:
6:00 PM to 6:30 PM: Doors Open
6:30 PM to 7:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM to 7:20 PM: Talbot Award
7:20 PM to 8:20 PM: Technical Presentation
8:20 PM to 8:30 PM: Closing Remarks
Free parking onsite.
Rory Kulmala, is the CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA). The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) is a not-for-profit organization that serves the construction industry of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and other coastal areas of British Columbia. As a member-based and industry-led association, it advocates for the construction community at large while offering exclusive benefits to its 470+ member companies and their employees.
He will speak about mental health and addiction issues that are affecting those that work in the construction industry. VICA has been educating workers about harm reduction, connecting them with local resources to help, and reducing the stigma around mental health and substance issues. With funding provided by the Ministry of Mental Health & Addictions, The Canadian Mental Health Association (BC Division), and the Community Action Initiative, VICA has developed a four-part program called the Tailgate Toolbox, which incorporates on-site/virtual toolbox talks, supervisory training for site and company leaders, an industry support group, and extensive, region-specific resource guides for construction/trades industry people throughout British Columbia.
Rory took inspiration from his time in the navy as he and his team take action to find ways to help with mental health issues. Rory found that, day by day, that action is helping save lives.
Managers and others with a duty of care can benefit from participating in this event and applying the learnings in other sectors.