Happenings.

This is, without a doubt, a challenging time for all of us. As we navigate this pandemic, we are inundated with information, changing requirements, business uncertainty and concern about the well- being of staff, friends and family. At this difficult time, we want to reassure all our members that the AANB office is available to help you in whatever way possible and adjust our processes to meet our members needs.

AANB OFFICE 

The AANB office has been closed to the public for two weeks. Since Monday, March 30, 2020 we have all been working from home. With respect to operations, it’s business as usual with phones being answered during normal business hours, emails being responded to, etc. Please reach out if you need anything.

CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) 

As noted in an email to members, the AANB has extended the current CE cycle by six months, to December 31, 2020. In addition to the extension, the cap on carry-forward hours has been lifted. With the help of our Canadian regulatory counterparts, we are developing a list of on-line learning opportunities and will have those available on the AANB website soonest.

VIRTUAL MEETINGS 

We encourage all members to respect the current advice of our medical professionals and political

leaders and “stay home” and encourage all staff to work remotely wherever possible. Social distancing is one of the best ways for you to do your part in flattening the curve of this pandemic. All AANB council meetings are now scheduled by conference call and we are looking at a variety of platforms available to us for future AANB member meetings if needed.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS 

The AANB continues to relay to government representatives the importance of ensuring stability in the design and construction industry in New Brunswick. We are encouraging them to adopt new ways of doing business such as electronic RFP submissions, tendering, etc. We have assured them that our members, who are leaders in doing business electronically, are ready to move projects forward as needed. The talks are ongoing.

CONSTRUCTION SITES 

Many of you have asked for guidance regarding construction site visits, meetings, inspections, etc. The AANB is confident that the necessary health and safety measures are being adopted by the construction industry in New Brunswick. It is essential that members fulfill their professional responsibilities even during these challenging times while ensuring their safety, the safety and well- being of their staff and adherence to the guidelines established by the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Government of New Brunswick and our Municipal leaders.

LINKS 

At a time when we are getting inundated with information, we are providing you with just a few links to information you may find beneficial.

About COVID-19 https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/ocmoh/cdc/content/respiratory_diseases/coronavirus. html 

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan 

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

Province of New Brunswick – COVID-19 Guidance for Business 

https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/gateways/for_business/covid19.html

Canadian Architect – Legal, financial guidance for Canadian Architecture firms during COVID-19: https://www.canadianarchitect.com/legal-financial-guidance-for-canadian-architecture-firms-during- covid-19/ 

WorkSafe NB 

https://www.worksafenb.ca/safety-topics/covid-19/covid-19-what-workers-and-employers-need-to-know/

We encourage all members to seek financial and legal advice as you navigate through these changing times. As your association, we will communicate with you when we have vital information to share but remain here to assist you in whatever way possible. 

Stay healthy! 

Karen L. Chantler, Hon. MRAIC

Executive Director AANB