The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) has launched its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee.

The VRCA EDI Committee, comprised of VRCA members and industry leaders from the Lower Mainland, will play a crucial role in advancing and fostering a more inclusive and equitable construction industry in our province.

“This is a pivotal moment and a giant step forward in VRCA’s advocacy work to champion diversity and inclusivity in B.C.’s construction sector,” said Jeannine Martin, president of the VRCA. “We feel honoured to work alongside industry peers and influential individuals who generously dedicate their time to help create a more welcoming and inclusive industry for all.”

Anna Lary, a master electrician and instructor in the Electrical Apprenticeship Program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), will chair the newly established EDI Committee. Lary is recognized within the industry for her advocacy efforts to promote equity in the trades. She has actively participated in numerous national working groups dedicated to enhancing the recruitment and retention of equity-priority trades workers.

“There is a groundswell of change occurring across the industry, and there are tremendous opportunities to not only improve the participation of equity-priority trades workers but for organizations to adapt, evolve and profit from these changes,” said Lary. “I look forward to working with my fellow committee members, who represent an interesting and diverse cross-section of the industry. I firmly believe the advocacy work that this committee will do will help provide the resilient and richly resourced workforce that is so urgently required to address labour shortages.”