A message from Stantec CEO Gord Johnston: COVID-19 - Better Together, Even If We’re Apart

We’re all seeing and hearing words like surreal, unprecedented, and uncharted territory about COVID-19. I’ve used these words myself. Nearly everything about daily life feels like it’s changed in the past several weeks. 

Our top priority has been keeping Stantec’s people and the communities we serve safe. Over the past several weeks, our Pandemic Committee has worked tirelessly with company leadership to adapt and execute our Pandemic Response Plan. Like countless other corporate pandemic committees around the world, ours is meeting daily to assess global impacts and gain a clear understanding of what government and health officials are recommending or mandating so we can make the best decisions for our people, communities, and clients. 

Like me, most of our people are currently working from home. In locations where government policy permits, our offices and worksites are open to support mission critical employees or activities. In such instances, measures are in place to enable appropriate social distancing, enhanced office sanitization, and safe commuting options. 

Business Continuity

Stantec team members working on project sites or in client settings are committed to maintaining business continuity while upholding government-issued guidelines and mandates, as well as standards set out by both our companies. We know that we’re not alone in following these and all other government guidelines and mandates. “We put people first” is one of Stantec’s core values. Never has it been so important.

Fortunately, our team members are accustomed to working virtually. The investment we’ve made in our IT infrastructure has enabled our project teams to transition quickly into a secure, mobile workforce. The majority of our staff are equipped with company-issued laptops with the remaining individuals able to access their desktops remotely. Network access allows business continuity of projects for all files. Additionally, our collaboration software platforms enable ongoing communication between project team members across our global network. 

I am confident in saying that we are well positioned to keep projects moving forward despite the challenging circumstances. 

Our COVID-19 response is aligned with our clients and industry partners. The Stantec COVID-19 Corporate Response & Business Continuity Capabilities document provides a framework to help project managers and company leaders work with clients to make decisions in the best interest of each project. 

The document, which you can find on our COVID-19 Response page, covers

• Our Pandemic Leadership and Response Plan 
• Business Continuity and Client Support Approaches
• Client Worksite Considerations 
• Safety, Care, and Containment Measures

The measures outlined in this document will remain in place and expand as our Pandemic Committee and executive leadership continue to meet and to collect additional information. All of our people are urged to follow guidelines and utilize resources to protect themselves and their families, colleagues, and communities while providing continued service to clients.

“We are better together” is another of Stantec’s core values. Although we may not be physically together right now—in client meetings, office settings, and industry events—I know our community spirit is alive and well and we remain committed to serving our clients and communities. 
 

Gord Johnston
President & CEO