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Canada's underground utility infrastructure sustains billions of dollars in damage every year... and the data needed to stop it keeps slipping through the cracks. 

Mike Sullivan is joined by CCGA Executive Director Todd Scott for a wide-ranging conversation about momentum, leadership, and the future of damage prevention in Canada. 

They unpack the success of the Halifax event, why bringing the industry together in person still matters, how a new generation is stepping up across the board and committees, and why that leadership transition feels so encouraging. 

The episode also digs into the hard realities behind DIRT reporting, the challenge of collecting useful national data, the need for stronger municipal engagement, and the growing role AI could play in mapping, quality assurance, and field safety. 

At its core, this is a thoughtful and optimistic discussion about where the Canadian Common Ground Alliance is headed next and what it will take to build a smarter, stronger, more connected damage prevention community.

Listen for:

18:29 Why is voluntary DIRT reporting Canada's biggest damage prevention blind spot?

23:24 What does a 99% damage reduction in ALP locates tell us about the future of best practices?

33:48 How could AI transform notification centres and field locate quality and what has to come first?

38:18 What did the Sereno societal cost analysis reveal and why did the number drop so dramatically?

46:32 What is Todd Scott most looking forward to at the 2026 CCGA Symposium in Calgary?

Connect with Guests:

Todd Scott, Executive Director of Canadian Common Ground Alliance
Todd's LinkedIn | Todd's Email | CCGA LinkedIn | CCGA Website

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