The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) is making headlines with its innovative Tailgate Toolkit program, recently honored as the recipient of the 2024 Community Leader Award by the Canadian Construction Association (CCA). Since its inception in 2019, the Tailgate Toolkit has embarked on a mission to revolutionize the construction industry in British Columbia (BC) by offering comprehensive education and training focused on substance use, mental health, and pain management.

Rory Kulmala, the CEO of VICA, expressed his gratitude towards the CCA for this notable recognition, emphasizing the significance of the Community Leader Award among the various accolades the program has received. Kulmala highlighted the importance of peer recognition in promoting a paradigm shift within the industry towards more proactive management of substance use, mental health, and pain management issues.

The Tailgate Toolkit’s inception was partly in response to a concerning statistic from a 2022 Death Review Panel report by the BC Coroners Service, which found that 35% of individuals employed at the time of their death were working in trades, transport, or as equipment operators. In an effort to counteract this trend and support BC’s construction workforce, the Tailgate Toolkit program offers a range of resources, including on-site and virtual “toolbox talks”, supervisor training sessions, an industry support group, and region-specific guides for accessing local support services. The program’s impact is noteworthy, with over 4,000 individuals in the construction industry having already benefited from its resources.

The Community Leader Award is a testament to the dedication of CCA member firms, partner associations, and their employees to the betterment of their communities. Jeannine Martin, President of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA), commended the Tailgate Toolkit team for their commitment to developing and implementing essential training and harm reduction services within the construction sector. Martin’s acknowledgment underscores the collective appreciation and support from the VRCA and its members for the Tailgate Toolkit’s objectives.

Funded by the Ministry of Mental Health & Addictions, The Canadian Mental Health Association (BC Division), and the Community Action Initiative, and supported by various associations including the BC Construction Association and VRCA, the Tailgate Toolkit is a beacon of innovation and support within the construction industry. For those interested in learning more about the Tailgate Toolkit and its offerings, detailed information is available at the program’s website, thetailgatetoolkit.ca.

This award-winning program is not just a win for VICA but represents a forward step for the entire construction industry in BC, highlighting the importance of mental health, substance use awareness, and pain management in creating safer, healthier workplaces.

Check out more news and blogs here

• 
•