Ontario’s Leading Voice for Non‑Residential Construction
For over five decades, the Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA) has united construction associations across Ontario to champion a competitive, safe, and sustainable non‑residential construction sector.
Who We Are
COCA is a coalition of construction associations working collaboratively with government, industry leaders, and members to ensure Ontario’s non‑residential construction sector remains competitive and innovative.
We serve as a credible, data‑informed partner on the issues that matter most to contractors, suppliers, and the broader construction community.
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
COCA is the most influential and respected advocate in Ontario for the non-residential construction industry.
Our Vision
On behalf of our members, COCA advocates for a public policy environment that supports the success of Ontario’s non-residential construction industry.
What We Do
Policy & Government Relations
We represent the collective voice of non‑residential construction at Queen’s Park, advancing practical, evidence‑based solutions that support growth, innovation, and commercial fairness.
Safety & Workforce
COCA champions initiatives that strengthen workplace safety and support employers in building skilled, resilient teams for the future.
Payment, Procurement & Commercial Fairness
Our advocacy helped modernize Ontario’s Construction Lien Act into the Construction Act, introducing prompt payment and adjudication to improve certainty and cash flow across the industry
Workers’ Compensation & WSIB
COCA has led sustained efforts to modernize WSIB policies, resulting in a fairer rate framework and improved predictability for employers.
Our Impact: Milestones That Mattered
1975 – A Unified Voice
COCA is founded to unite Ontario’s construction associations under one influential umbrella.
1983 – Protecting Payment
Advocacy helps secure the Construction Lien Act, strengthening payment protection for contractors.
1990s – WSIB Reform Progress
COCA challenges unfair workers’ compensation practices during a period of economic uncertainty.
1999 – Industry Relief
Sustained advocacy contributes to a significant reduction in WSIB liability for the industry.
2000s – Streamlining Disputes
COCA supports the Limitations Act, helping simplify construction‑related litigation.
2010s – Construction Act Modernization
Landmark reforms introduce prompt payment and adjudication across Ontario.
2020–2021 – Pandemic Leadership
COCA works with government to ensure construction can operate safely as an essential sector.
Recent Years – Delivering Value
Advocacy aligns with a significant WSIB surplus distribution to employers.
COCA’s Members
From the solid foundation that was laid in 1975, right through to today, COCA has successfully worked for the betterment of the industry and Ontario. The journey has been marked by numerous achievements, driven by the collaborative efforts of our diverse membership. We are a powerful federation of leading associations in the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors of Ontario’s construction industry.
COCA’s governance structure ensures accountability, transparency, and responsiveness to member priorities. Our member associations collaborate through COCA to address shared challenges and strengthen Ontario’s construction sector.
