Post Forum Highlights

The first CHBA – Alberta Spring Builders’ Forum took place on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 in Edmonton.  The event was well attended by industry leaders and a great program was delivered by the presenters. 

 

The day commenced with keynote speaker Allan Gregg, regularly seen on CBC’s At Issue panel discussion and founder of the Strategic Counsel. He spoke about the relationship between government and industry associations, what could make this relationship a success, and the current political environment.

 

An economic panel comprised of Peter Norman (Altus Group), Todd Hirsch (ATB Financial) and Richard Goatcher (CMHC), discussed the current state of the economy in both Alberta and Canada. Their detailed presentations provided a wealth of information to all attendees, including a perspective on the nearest future of both the economy’s recovery more generally, and the housing starts and demand more specifically.

 

Honourable Hector Goudreau, Minister of Municipal Affairs, addressed several issues that his department and homebuilders had been working on. He stressd the importance to increase consumer confidence in builders and the training they receive; to demonstrate that the industry is diligent and continuously improving. The Minister also spoke about improved building standards,  envelope protection, and the new model energy code.

 

Mayor Melissa Blake of Wood Buffalo and Mayor Stephen Mandel shared the stories of their vastly different communities, highlighting the challenges they had faced and opportunities that were on the horizon. They spoke at length about the impact of the growth boom on their communities and the lessons learned that can be applied as the economy recovers.

 

The final presentations of the day were given by the Competitiveness Panel, consisting of MLA and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy Diana McQueen, MLA and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance, Cal Dallas and Les Larocque of the Alberta Competitiveness Council. This discussion covered a wide range of issues impacting competitiveness, including the issue of housing affordability. The majority of the discussion focused on the topics of immigration and labour, considering them as the most significant challenges for both industry and government in the coming years.  

 

The day was concluded with a reception including local MLAs, Councillors, officials, and members of the homebuilding industry. Minister Goudreau addressed the group once again, and noted the importance of working together with the industry on the challenges we face.

 

Presenters at the event have graciously provided their presentations to CHBA - Alberta to share with its members.  Please click on the speaker below to view their presentation.

Presenters:
  • Todd Hirsch, Senior Economist, ATB Financial
  • Richard Goatcher, Senior Market Analyst, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
  • Peter Norman, Senior Director & General Manager, Economic Consulting at Atlus Group
  • Mayor Blake, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
  • Cal Dallas, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance and Enterprise & co-chair of the Overall Factors Task Team with the Competitiveness Initiative
  • Diana McQueen, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Chair of the Regulatory Enhancement Project
  • Les LaRocque, Member of the Alberta Competitiveness Council’s Overall Factors of Competitiveness Task Team & Chair of the Productivity and Competitiveness Committee of the Alberta Economic Development Authority

Thank you To Our Sponsors

Alberta New Home Warranty Program and the Professional Home Builders Institute of Alberta

Christenson Developments

Homes by Avi

Landmark Group

Pals Surveys & Associates

Rohit Communitties

Stepper Custom Homes