Advocacy
We are a non-profit organization created and run by construction company owners from across New Brunswick. We champion open-shop construction across the province.
As provincial policies continue to shift, we stand firm in our mission to elevate the
open-shop construction industry and speak up for our members. We
strive to advance a regulatory and business environment that supports open-shop
principles and levels the playing field so our members can compete on and win
building projects. We believe that our members can compete with any contractor
when infrastructure bidding is fair and transparent.
Together, we are one strong unified voice.
great workers deserve great benefits
Open Circle Benefits (previously called Merit Benefits) have provided robust and cost-effective benefit plans for 40 years, and for our more than 50,000 active members - our plans continue to remain stable.
Designed exclusively with our construction industry open-shop sector in mind, our hour bank program ensures workers are covered – while on the job, between work and even during lay-offs. We also offer an excellent supervisory benefit program, which can be as simple or as comprehensive as you choose.
And... your local Merit Contractors Association of NB offers a kickstart program to all new members, where we help you start benefits by reimbursing your first month remittance for all of your hour bank employees!
Merit NB helps construction companies to protect their greatest asset – their people.
Contact us for a no obligation quote or free comparison to your existing benefit package today!!
Training & Trust Fund
When you're a member of Merit NB, .04 cents from each hour you remit to your benefit plan is held in a separate training and trust fund on your behalf. In the fall of the following year, you may apply for reimbursement for training completed during the year from this fund. Here are a few samples of what we've recently paid out to put this into a dollar context:
25 employees = $2,008.14
31 employees = $2,151.04
46 employees = $3,849.14
160 employees = $10,060.28
This Training Fund is designed to help you cover the costs of continuing education programs for yourself and your employees.
Just another way we support our members.
Lin Hupman Annual Bursary
These $500 scholarship awards are offered to qualified students who:
- are a resident of New Brunswick
- are enrolled in a degree or diploma program, in the study of a construction related occupation or profession at a University or College
- are a member of or has a parent who is a member of Merit Contractors Association of NB
Proof of enrolment for post-secondary education is required prior to issuance of scholarship cheque. Annual deadline is July 31.
Please send complete application to [email protected]
