Michael Atkinson
President, Canadian Construction Association

Dear Michael,

RE: GOLD SEAL, CCA POLICY

In May I wrote to you on behalf of the BCCA to express our concerns regarding the CCA policy of allowing non-members to compete with members in the sale of Gold Seal training. This issue continues to be an urgent priority for the leadership of our organizations, and we look forward to receiving an official response from CCA in regard to our request for a business model review.

In an effort to gain momentum and find a resolution, BCCA has a solution to propose. That solution is founded on two core beliefs:

1. Broad access to high quality training is essential for maintaining and improving the safety and performance standards across the construction industry;
2. The CCA members have jointly created the Gold Seal program through their investments of time, dues, resources, and expertise, and therefore should be the primary beneficiaries of the financial and branding benefits that are derived as a result.

Accordingly, the BCCA Board of Directors believes that non-member organizations should be considered sub-licensees of the Gold Seal training programs, where the CCA Members are co-owners of the training programs, and that this relationship manifest in three key ways:

• The sub-licensees must co-brand the relevant regional CCA member in all Gold Seal marketing;  (Eg Camosun College/VICA)
• The regional CCA member will receive a percentage share of gross training revenues earned by the sub-licensees in its region;
• The Gold Seal students attending sub-licensed courses will be automatically granted complimentary, term-limited status as “Student/Apprentice” members in their RCA.

These are protections and opportunities that will help to secure the membership value and relevance of the CCA member organizations, will stem the dilution of training revenues, and provide a pipeline to membership and other training provided by the CCA members.

Non-member competition for training dollars will be an increasing challenge. We need to move now, as partners, to put protections in place that will benefit CCA and its member organizations across Canada.

Thank you and I look forward to discussing at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

Bob Cooke
BCCA Board Chair