Convention

The 81st Annual General Meeting and Convention of the Canadian Diamond Drilling Association (CDDA) actually hasn’t happened yet—it is scheduled to take place next week, from **May 24 to May 26, 2026**, at the Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria, BC.
Because the convention is just around the corner, no official post-meeting business has been finalized yet. However, the association has published its core agenda and focal points for the upcoming sessions under this year’s theme, “Viva Victoria.”
The business and major objectives scheduled to be tackled include:
### 1. National Workforce Development Initiatives
A major presentation led by Dana Imbeault from the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) will focus on establishing a nationally aligned, industry-driven framework. The goal is to strengthen Canada’s mining talent pipeline by:
* Setting national skills and competency standards.
* Supporting clear educational pathways.
* Ensuring consistent, recognized training coast-to-coast.
* Overseeing programs like “Mining Essentials” for Indigenous peoples.
### 2. Industry Safety and Mental Health Focus
Safety and wellness are dominating the business docket this year:
* **”Bring It to the Surface” Campaign:** Dedicated presentations and panel discussions targeting mental health, wellness, and peer support within the high-stress drilling sector.
* **Safety Awards Gala:** The convention will officially honor excellence and leadership in safety with the presentation of the Contractor Safety Appreciation Award and the Manufacturer Safety Appreciation Award.
### 3. Technical Sessions & Innovation
Contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers will conduct sessions reviewing current drilling trends, supply chain logistics, and engineering advancements. This includes fireside chats centered on mentorship and technological integration to drive the future of the industry forward.
81st CDDA AGM and Convention – Victoria, BC
This video provides an early promotional overview of the event’s location, registration info, and core themes ahead of the gathering in Victoria.