Our Vision and Commitment
The Hamilton Community Benefits Network envisions Hamilton as an inclusive, thriving city in which all residents have equitable opportunities to contribute to building healthy communities and a prospering economy. Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs) are a proven approach to achieve this vision.
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Community Benefit Agreements
A CBA is founded on a shared, legally binding commitment between government, the contracting firm and community to build and complete public infrastructure projects through an effective, efficient, transparent, fair and inclusive process that supports good jobs and prevailing industry standards.
The initial focus of applying the Community Benefit Agreement model is around transit expansion in Hamilton. The HCBN will be entering into negotiations with Metrolinx for a CBA on the Hamilton LRT Project which will begin later in 2018-2019. The HCBN is committed to negotiating a Community Benefit Framework, under which there is a legally binding agreement for a Community Benefit plan between the government (Metrolinx) and the successful contractors, and sub contractors being selected through the Infrastructure Ontario, Metrolinx, and the City of Hamilton RFQ/RFP process for the complete execution of the Hamilton LRT Infrastructure Project and operation and maintenance of LRT system. The Framework provides a process to which the HCBN can hold the four parties accountable (IO, Metrolinx, City of Hamilton & Project Co/Subs) to the Community Benefit plan. The HCBN remains committed to developing three-way legally binding Community Benefit Agreements in Ontario. |
Objectives
1. Provide equitable economic opportunities that promote economic inclusion through apprenticeships
Apprenticeships in the construction industry create both long term careers and short-term jobs for Hamilton communities. As entry level jobs they offer opportunities to people who are beginning their careers. Specific measures should include, but not be limited to:
2. Contribute to the integration of skilled marginalized population into Professional, Administrative and Technical jobs Professional, Administrative and Technical (PAT) job categories are part of every major construction project and Transit System. Many newcomers to Canada have much needed and valued skills, but may lack professional networks to find jobs in their field. The HCBN will work with workforce development agencies to match skilled workers into PAT jobs. Specific measures should include, but not be limited to:
3. Support social enterprises and other related vehicles to economic inclusion through commitments to social procurement Social enterprises are businesses that are directly involved in the production and/or selling of goods, services and training for the blended purpose of generating income and achieving social, cultural, and/or environmental aims. A CBA will be integral in fostering the establishment and successful growth of social enterprises affiliated with the infrastructure project. Specific measures should include, but not be limited to:
4. Contribute to neighbourhood and environment improvements through building new infrastructure Most residents will experience long-term benefits, thanks to physical improvements and street beautification as a result of new infrastructure, affordable housing, access to more transit options and diversification of local economies. All expropriated/reclaimed properties along the Hamilton LRT route, allow for new opportunities and solutions between stakeholders working in partnerships with Metrolinx, Project Co, City of Hamilton and the HCBN, for a made in Hamilton commitment to address affordable housing shortages stemming from the increased commercial and residential redevelopment along the Hamilton LRT corridor. Specific measures should include, but not be limited to:
5. Ensure clear commitments and accountability from all parties to deliver to the CBA HCBN will work with key stakeholders to finalize a strategy for operationalizing CBAs. It will be built on the shared commitment by all parties to achieve the objectives of the CBA within the context of successfully delivering on Metrolinx project deliverables. The CBA will define the specific roles and responsibilities of Agencies, Contractors and its Subcontractors, labour/trades, and other key stakeholders in the Agreement. Specific measures should include, but not be limited to:
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