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“Tailgate Toolkit” Recovery Resource Program

By January 22, 2025No Comments

The City of Calgary announces funding to the Calgary Construction Association (CCA) to launch the innovative Tailgate Toolkit recovery resource pilot program. Funded by The City through the Mental Health and Addiction Investment Framework with an investment of $283,000, this marks a significant step in increasing substance awareness, providing access to support programs, and promoting safer workplaces across construction sites in Calgary.

Originally developed and successfully piloted by the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA), the CCA is expanding the program to address the unique needs of Calgary’s construction industry. Through tailgate meetings, targeted training, and engagement, the program raises awareness of the resources available to workers struggling with substance use while connecting them with recovery and support services.

“Collaborating with the Calgary Construction Association allows us to tackle these critical issues head-on,” says Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “Our investment in the Tailgate Toolkit program demonstrates our commitment to improving the quality of life and work conditions for Calgarians in this key industry.”

The City is proud to invest in this program that helps advance Calgary’s Mental Health + Addiction Strategy’s “Getting Help” pillar. It does this by providing those in the construction industry better information and access to addiction support.

“We are pleased to support Calgary Construction Association with the launch of this important program,” says Ryan Vanderputten, Director of Capital Planning and Business Services. “It is important to us that we support the mental well-being of those on worksites across Calgary. The people that that work on these construction sites help put The City’s plans into action as we build infrastructure needed for all Calgarians.”

“Our industry recognizes the responsibility we have to prioritize the well-being of all construction workers,” says Bill Black, President and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association. “By collaborating with The City of Calgary to bring the ‘Tailgate Toolkit’ to our community, we aim to equip workers and site supervisors with the resources they need to address substance use issues with compassion and informed support, ultimately fostering a safer, healthier and resilient workforce.”

This partnership highlights the importance of shared responsibility and a proactive approach to recovery, underscoring Calgary’s role as a leader in workplace safety and mental health support.

Sean Chu

Sean Chu arrived in Calgary from Taiwan in 1985 speaking not a word of English, and within 7 years he was a sworn officer with the Calgary Police Service. From that point on Sean worked with the Calgary Police Service as on Officer for 21 years in a number of roles until 2013.

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