CCIL News

Concrete Alberta, the provincial advocacy organization with a membership of approximately 250 companies made up of Producers, Associates and Affiliates, is the recognized authoritative voice of the concrete industry in Alberta and has been servicing the industry since 1962.  Concrete Alberta has been named the recipient of the 2026 Leadership Award by the Canadian Council of Independent Laboratories (CCIL) at its Members Luncheon held in Edmonton on October 19, 2026. 

The CCIL Leadership Award was established in 2014 to recognize any government agency, association, organization, or individual that has made a positive contribution towards the environment, testing industry or any humanitarian cause. 

This year’s recipient, Concrete Alberta, has demonstrated a level of leadership, collaboration, and technical commitment that reflects the very highest ideals of the Canadian Council of Independent Laboratories. 

Through the longstanding dedication and leadership of Dan Hanson, and the professionalism of the individual members who actively dedicate countless hours to the betterment of the concrete industry by virtue of their service to Concrete Alberta, the dynamics of the Association are unparalleled in Canada, and an example of how various stakeholders with a common goal can work together to achieve a respected and trusted concrete industry.

Concrete Alberta’s dedication to quality and technical excellence has been evident for many years. Their proactive endorsement of the CCIL Laboratory Certification Program has reinforced the essential role of competent, independent laboratory services in maintaining confidence in construction materials and infrastructure.

“Concrete Alberta has consistently demonstrated leadership within the Canadian concrete industry through initiatives that advance testing quality, improve industry confidence, and foster collaboration among stakeholders” says CCIL Chair Mark Charbonneau. 

One of their most significant contributions has been their long‑standing compressive strength comparative testing program. This initiative has provided Alberta testing laboratories with invaluable opportunities to assess and improve testing consistency and performance. Building on that success, Concrete Alberta has partnered with CCIL to support the preparation of test specimens for laboratories across Canada as part of CCIL’s national correlation testing requirements.

Concrete Alberta has also distinguished itself through its inclusive and collaborative approach to industry engagement. Eleven Alberta‑based independent testing firms—representing twenty-seven laboratory locations—are Associate Members of Concrete Alberta, far exceeding participation of the testing industry in any other province. The organization actively encourages laboratory professionals to participate on its technical committees, ensuring that the voices of the testing industry are heard in discussions on standards, specifications, quality assurance, and best practices. This collaborative spirit has helped bridge producers, consultants, contractors, owners, and independent laboratories, resulting in stronger technical outcomes for the entire industry.

What truly sets Concrete Alberta apart is its willingness to contribute beyond its provincial mandate. Its support for national correlation testing, and its ongoing collaboration with CCIL demonstrates a commitment to advancing quality assurance across Canada.

“These efforts have strengthened the credibility of laboratory testing programs and have provided tangible benefits to laboratories, industry stakeholders, and the public alike” says CCIL Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Gluck.

Of local interest, this year’s CCIL Concrete Compressive Strength correlation program is once again being coordinated out of Alberta with test cylinders being distributed to 278 concrete testing laboratories across Canada.  CCIL also extends its thanks to the generous contribution of Amrize for the supply of concrete used in the preparation of test specimens. 

Concrete Alberta exemplifies the qualities this award is intended to honour; vision, collaboration, technical leadership, and a sustained commitment to raising industry standards. Their work has made a lasting contribution to the advancement of concrete testing in Canada, and their partnership with CCIL has strengthened our shared mission of ensuring reliable, competent, and consistent testing nationwide.

Receiving the award from CCIL Chair Mark Charbonneau on behalf of Concrete Alberta is Dan Hanson, Executive Director of Concrete Alberta.