Malcolm D. Kirkland is the new president of Merit Contractors Association, Alberta’s largest open shop contractors association, effective November, 2014.

Kirkland was most recently the president of the Beverage Container Management Board for several years, and prior to that role he held various executive positions within the health care industry.

“Merit has built a great foundation and carved an important role in the construction industry. I look forward to continuing the work they have been doing and further shaping Merit’s future,” he said.

Kirkland takes over from Stephen Kushner, who announced his intentions to retire in April, 2014. Kushner has been with Merit since 1986 and has been Merit’s president since 1988.

Merit Contractors Association has been in Alberta since 1986 and has grown from 15 member companies to over 1,300 member companies in 2014. The Association provides benefits, training, and human resource tools to over 45,000 construction employees in the province.