The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) began in the United States over ten years ago as a member-driven association dedicated to ensuring public safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of services by promoting effective damage prevention practices. Since then, the CGA has established itself as the leading organization in an effort to reduce damages to all underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders.

In Canada, the CGA began with provincial Regional Partnerships – first in Ontario in 2003 and soon followed by partnerships in Québec, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and in early March 2010; Manitoba’s request for Regional Partner status was accepted. The Regional Partnerships have effectively aligned with regional stakeholders and regulatory agencies developing Best Practices that are suited to their respective provinces while maintaining a view of neighbouring provinces and federal damage prevention legislation. About three years ago, however, the Regional Partnerships recognized a need to be more closely linked to one another to maintain consistency and a common voice on issues with national perspective. As such, the Canadian Common Ground Alliance emerged as an ad hoc committee comprised of leaders from each Regional Partnership and key stakeholders representing national damage prevention interests – namely, the National Energy Board and the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association as well as several industry leaders.

The CCGA’s mandate is to manage Damage Prevention Issues of National Interest through a common voice. In those early years, Regional Partner leaders from BC, Ontario and Québec played dual roles leading their own Regional Partnerships while leading the efforts of the CCGA. Over the past three years, the CCGA has identified common strategic goals, engaged additional federal champions, developed and passed a governance model; and finally successfully held its first election for a Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary in late 2009.

The CCGA is closely linked with the CGA in the U.S. In fact, Bob Kipp, President of the CGA, has attended every CCGA meeting and has always maintained an open door and collaborative policy with Canada.

The CCGA has identified the following key initiatives as its primary Damage Prevention Issues of National Interest:

·         3 digit One Call dialing

·         One Call Legislation; and

·         Best Practice Harmonization

…and of course, achieving a Regional Partnership in every Province and Territory. Thanks to the dedication of our committee, federal champions and members across the country, we are making progress!

If your business has an interest in public safety and the prevention of damage to buried facilities, join your Regional Common Ground Alliance and become part of the solution.

Mike Sullivan – Chair CCGA (Vice-President, Operational Services, HMA Land Services Ltd.)

Dave Baspaly – Vice-Chair CCGA (Executive Director, BCCGA)

Derrick Saedal – Secretary CCGA (Executive Director, MCGA)

Jim Douglas – Treasurer CCGA (Executive Director, ORCGA)

HMA Land Services Ltd. is proud to be an active participant and member of the:

British Columbia Common Ground Alliance

Alberta Damage Prevention Council

Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance

Canadian Common Ground Alliance