More than ever, the construction industry shows its pride!

Fiers de bâtir ensemble (Proud to Build Together). This is the signature chosen by the employer and union associations as well as the Commission de la construction du Québec for the coming years. The signature is spearheading a campaign that started in May 2002 and will continue until 2006; the goal is to promote the construction industry and bring it to the minds of Quebecers.

Why a campaign to make the industry known ?

The construction industry is one of the best-organized and most dynamic sectors in Quebec. Its impact on the Quebec economy and its forward-looking initiatives in training, labour development, and social benefits make it the envy of other sectors. But these initiatives, unfortunately, are not well known to the public.

This is why union and employer associations and the Commission de la construction du Québec have mobilized to change things by developing an effective and striking campaign aimed at the public, workers and companies in the industry, and the younger generation.Why a signature?

What are the campaign's objectives ?

• To build the notoriety and credibility of the industry, which is an important economic actor in Quebec.
• To show the impact, the potential, and the dynamism of this constantly innovating sector.
• To highlight the expertise and knowledge of the companies and workers who make up the industry.
• To attract the younger generation so that the industry is assured of a future rich in human resources trained in the trades, with the specialties, and in the regions where the needs are greatest.

The more the real value of the industry is recognized, the more the men and women who are part of it will be mobilized and proud, and the more young people and adults will take the time to think about a possible career in the sector, or about its contributions to their lives.

The signature Fiers de bâtir ensemble wasn't chosen by pure chance; it was the result of the expression of hundreds of workers and employers in the construction industry. And the general public and young people wanting to enter the industry confirmed it: pride and construction go together! Yes, the construction industry is proud! Yes, the construction industry builds together! It builds for all Quebecers: their factories, schools, houses, roads, hospitals, and schools. In short, our industry works to create the built patrimony of Quebec.

This is why the campaign takes up the theme of pride, a feeling already present in the industry and shared by public opinion. The industry wants to project this pride by linking it to the accomplishments of its companies and workers.

What are the campaign's strategies and activities?

The Fiers de bâtir ensemble campaign will be based on the following axes:

• The economic and social impact to position the construction industry as an important, dynamic, and innovative economic and social actor.
• The next generation and training to encourage young people to consider certain trades, specialties, and occupations in the construction industry as offering interesting career opportunities, with training designed to help them. There will be particular emphasis on the trades in which the training facilities are best established and for which the greatest need exists.
• Quality and skill to feature the knowledge, talent, expertise, and accomplishments of construction companies and workers and their contribution to the built patrimony.

To achieve this, the partners will take as many interesting opportunities for visibility as possible to make the industry known, to highlight its accomplishments, and to recognize the talents of its companies and workers. They may also create events to provide the industry with the desired visibility and achieve higher objectives, or take on other partners who share the same interests.

The means used will include taking advantage of public or industry events and thematic weeks; organizing press events; creating activities at various locations, including going to construction sites or schools; producing posters, ads, and printed materials; and the Fiers de bâtir ensemble Web site. These are all ways for the industry to become known and recognized and to show its pride.