The mission of the Construction Association of PEI is to foster, promote and advance the interests and efficiency of the construction industry in Prince Edward Island by acting on behalf of and for its members.
Construction is not just a matter of on-site activities of installing materials, components and capital equipment. It includes conceptual, research, development, exploration, design, manufacturing, supply, testing activities.
Traditionally, construction has been termed a service industry, serving residential and non-residential categories. In fact, it is really a production industry, producing a vast array of new capital assets, ranging from a modest dwelling to a mammoth energy project or our own Confederation Bridge. This industry requires well-trained trades and management personnel to ensure that Canadian standards measure up to world requirements.
The Construction Association of PEI has participated in various construction management training projects as well as their regular support of the Apprenticeship Training Program. This participation has been at the provincial and national level.
The technology and management of construction projects has outpaced the ability of the workforce to maintain competency in all fields, most particularly in management training. The Gold Seal Construction Management program has helped in this regard, but further training in basic and advanced techniques are required if the industry is to compete more effectively on the national market. There are construction firms on PEI which compete in the regional markets as well as in upper Canada and the western provinces. Such companies require advanced training to compete effectively in those markets. The Education Committee of the Association has identified this as their target to meet Association purposes and objectives. A meeting in August 1999 identified the goals for a project proposal to meet this target.
CAPEI was originally formed in 1962 as the PEI Builders Exchange. Most of the founding members are no longer in the Industry. However, there are a few members that are still involved in the Industry.
In 1968 the PEI Builders Exchange name was changed to the PEI Construction Association. This was a Non Incorporated Association and continued in the fashion until 1974 when the Association was Incorporated for a Not for Profit Organization known as the Construction Association of Prince Edward Island.
Francis Reid was appointed General Manager for CAPEI on February 18, 1980.
Francis Reid retired in 2003. Phillip McInnis took over as General Manager until January 2009 when he left to take a position with the Provincial Government. Ross Barnes was General Manager from February, 2009 through to April, 2015.
CAPEI's current General Manager, Sam Sanderson, took over the GM position in June of 2015.