MHCA acknowledges it is located on Treaty One land and the homeland of the Metis Nation

The annual reports are accessible to all MHCA members. Please log in to access them.

2019 Annual Report

WHO WE ARE

The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association speaks for the heavy construction contractors who build the roads, streets, bridges and sewer and water infrastructure, and the suppliers and associated businesses that support that work.

We are heard
The MHCA has made its voice heard since 1943, when it was formed. It speaks for the heavy construction industry to promote sustainable and strategic investments in municipal, provincial and federal core infrastructure, to grow the economy.

We are progressive
MHCA has led the province and nation with visionary, principled advocacy for core infrastructure investment to advance growth, in a manner consistent with the public’s best interests. The MHCA sets the standard for protecting workers, through its WORKSAFELY™ safety, health and leadership programs.

We are influential
MHCA networks with over 45 stakeholders provincially and regionally, including a large coalition of leading Manitoba business organizations. We are a prominent member of the Canadian Construction Association, serving on its board and policy/advocacy committees.

We are experienced, strong
The MHCA has 76 years of principled work, solid advocacy with a large and dedicated membership that has allowed us to produce strong positions that have met the test of time and continue to underpin our achievements.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Relentless, principled advocacy paying dividends

Like you, I’m a businessman. And in my business, like yours, I have to know that any money going out must bring money back in. That’s the definition of ‘investment’.

Business owners understand return on investment, and we know that if we don’t strategically invest – in our people, equipment, productivity, buildings – the business plan crumbles.

Pretty sure most of you know where I am going.

2019 was another tough year for our industry and our Association’s advocacy, because we expected government to manage tax dollars strategically and invest it for the greatest benefit.

Sadly, as it related to investment in core infrastructure, we did not see that in the previous government’s term of office. Our pointed but respectful communication to government, the media and public consistently demonstrated the many reasons for our disappointment.

However, even against this difficult backdrop we did make some progress with Manitoba and Winnipeg:

  • With Manitoba we saw real progress on the protection of access to extract aggregate resources. Municipalities dealing with zoning variances for pits and quarries now receive Technical Review Committee reports for guidance on regulatory compliance, and a denied applicant is entitled to appeal to the Municipal Board. This introduces reasonable checks and balances, directions advocated for by the MHCA;
  • Manitoba Infrastructure is moving on its review of its service-delivery model, with the expectation of publicly tendering some inhouse maintenance work;
  • We ensured the funds that flowed to Winnipeg from a one-time doubling of the federal gas tax revenues restored some of the significant reduction in the 2019 local streets program;
  • We worked collaboratively with Winnipeg and saw 18 recommendations enabling accelerating the budget to tender and project management process adopted by Council;

And in this year, the WORKSAFELY™ Program’s 30th anniversary, I am pleased to advise the premium surcharge paid by industry has been reduced effective 2020 from 15% to a capped 5%, which will annually save roughly $800,000.  

Further, due to our advocacy, we saw some progress, and hopeful signs from the Progressive Conservative election campaign this fall:

  • The highways capital budget will rise by $50 million over the next four years, to $400 million. While inadequate to task, the government has committed the budget will either fully flow or be rolled over into the following year. This amounts to $12.5 million more each year, adding $125 million over the term.
  • As long advocated by the MHCA, it committed to release annually the infrastructure investment deficit reports for roads and bridges, annual and five-year budgets for highways, and asset-condition and needs report, as part of a campaign promise “to develop a 10-year strategic capital plan, including appropriate reporting related to infrastructure spending and stable, predictable funding to address Manitoba’s infrastructure needs.”
  • The government pledged to dedicate funds for infrastructure projects that stimulate private-sector investment and create more jobs for Manitobans such as the local highway improvements.
  • The Public Sector Construction Projects (Tendering) Act will be reintroduced, to end the previous administration’s policy of forced unionization in the construction industry.
  • It promised to work with the MHCA and other private-sector agencies to develop a plan to allow the private sector to assume a more meaningful role in service delivery with the outcome of lowering “soft costs.” The MHCA had established a good collaborative process well ahead of the election and we anticipate that to continue.

And so, we believe – because we are eternally hopeful – that a page has been turned, and there now is room for some optimism in dealing with the many challenges still ahead.

We have weathered the impact of severe budget cuts; the long-term headache that follows such cuts will be seen not just in our industry, but in depressed GDP growth.

However, our unrelenting, principled advocacy in political offices and the public arena is beginning to pay dividends. The province appears to be easing up on its agenda of austerity and turning its mind to economic growth and job creation.

We will endeavour to be at the forefront of those discussions on Broadway, armed with facts and experience. Our industry has always been about growth, the economy and creating employment.

The heavy construction industry builds the foundation upon which people and products move. We get water to and from homes and businesses. We protect our communities with the control structures that must work when the extreme weather bears down on us.

Core infrastructure investment supports our economy, sustains our quality of life and protects our future.

The MHCA will continue to ensure that message is heard and offer collaborative approaches to those in governments shaping political and policy agendas.

Jack Meseyton,

 


Chair, Board of Directors

2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Back Row from left: Michael Byrne, Denis Collet, Dennis Cruise, Greg McKee, Ron Duncan, Warren Sigfusson  Front Row from left: Derek Walker, Barry Arnason, Chris Lorenc, Jack Meseyton, Nicole Chabot, Peter Paulic, Greg Orbanski, Henry Borger. Missing: Bob Reidy & James Kaskiw.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

BOARD CHAIR
Jack Meseyton, G.S.C.
E.F. Moon Construction Ltd.

PRESIDENT
Chris Lorenc, B.A., LL.B.

VICE CHAIR
Nicole Chabot, G.S.C.
L. Chabot Enterprises Ltd.

SECRETARY/TREASURER
Dennis Cruise, CET, G.S.C.
Bituminex Paving Ltd.

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Greg Orbanski
Tri-Line Construction Ltd.

AT LARGE
Robert Reidy, P.Eng.
Taillieu Construction

Barry Arnason
Arnason Industries Ltd.

Henry Borger, M.Sc., MBA
Borland Construction Inc.

Derek Walker, P.Eng., G.S.C.
Maple Leaf Construction Ltd.

 

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jack Meseyton, G.S.C.
E.F. Moon Construction Ltd.

HIGHWAYS & NORTHERN AFFAIRS
Derek Walker, P.Eng., G.S.C.
Maple Leaf Construction Ltd.

WINNIPEG
Dennis Cruise, CET, G.S.C.
Bituminex Paving Ltd.

AGGREGATE PRODUCERS
James Kaskiw
Lehigh Inland Group of Companies

EQUIPMENT RENTAL RATES
Greg McKee
SMS Equipment

WORKSAFELY
Peter Paulic
Brandt Tractor Ltd.

EVENTS
Michael Byrne
Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc.

MEMBERSHIP
Robert Reidy, P.Eng.
Taillieu Construction Ltd.

AT LARGE
Warren Sigfusson, G.S.C.
Sigfusson Northern Ltd.

Ron Duncan, P.Eng.
Tri-Core Projects Ltd.

Denis Collet
Collet Gravel Inc.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Signs of hope, down the road

Hands up, anyone who fancies a try at guessing the number of times you’ve heard the words “strategic, sustainable, incremental multi-year infrastructure investment program” from my office.  Wait. I forgot the word “predictable”.

Well, sometimes you’re tempted to measure success by imitation.

Today, we are hearing the provincial government talk about developing a 10-year strategic investment plan – one that includes “stable, predictable funding to address Manitoba’s infrastructure needs.”

It has also committed to multi-year budgets, rolling annual and five-year programs and reporting on the infrastructure investment deficits.

The above are positions, policies and approaches long advocated by the MHCA.

Like you in the heavy construction industry business, I am eternally hopeful but cautiously realistic. And patient.

Patient, because we must recognize that public policy advocacy is never a quick fix. It is often fraught with ‘peak and valley’ – peak success and valley despondency. It is never a sprint, but always a marathon.

You see it in your business relationships, inter-governmental relations, frankly everywhere. However, our investment in that marathon is not only critical, but appears to be beginning to pay off – we are moving out of the valley.

We’ve had a heck of haul these last almost four years, and you know it better than I, because you’ve lived it, felt it. But I am here to try to set the tone and speak to the agenda for the next year. As noted, I am hopeful.

Here’s why:

  • It appears the province is turning its focus to economic growth, rather than fiscal restraint;
  • We are hearing talk of ‘strategy’, ‘long-term’ planning and ‘return on investment’ as it relates to infrastructure and the highway’s capital program;
  • It is recognized the highways capital budget has been insufficient to maintain our system;
  • Provincial offices are talking seriously to us about forming an industry-government working group to reframe the ways we now invest in core infrastructure;
  • The province appears serious about transitioning opportunities to the private sector to deliver current MI-delivered maintenance and preservation services; and
  • It acknowledges the importance of strategic investment in the capital region trade-transportation system to enhance economic growth and trade-related activities.

At the municipal level we are optimistic and see reflected our long-standing advocacy:

  • Mayor Brian Bowman has accepted the working group’s 18 recommendations, underpinning the need for accelerated budget planning to get local and regional street tenders out early and completed faster;
  • Winnipeg has added an economic development lens to the mandate of its Innovation Committee. This will add an ROI look at capital budgets and help prioritize investments that provide the highest rate of ROI;
  • The City is moving toward multi-year budgeting, which will provide a long-term view and greater understanding of civic budget priorities, always an efficiency and cost gain for the taxpayer and industry;
  • We are ensuring industry concerns are heard by the City on its base and sub-base spec changes; and
  • We are working with the City in its challenges with the local and regional streets program funding.

We’ve seen several of our priorities advance with governments. But the MHCA is committed to seeing more progress and we are mindful that this will take more work.

On broader association matters, I want to make special mention and congratulate our WORKSAFELY™ team for a successful year, this its 30th anniversary. As noted by our Chair, the new industry-based safety program funding model was a lot of work to persuade, to negotiate. It arises from years of leadership in reducing injury rates and severity – a record that makes WORKSAFELY™ a recognized and emulated leader in safety excellence training and education.

Our association committees are doing commendable work to represent industry interests and to press for policy, legislation and regulation that grows the economy, ensures that core infrastructure can meet the demands of a growing population and carries Manitoba’s goods and commodities to markets beyond our borders.

To advance those interests, the MHCA will:

  • Press for strong investment in sewer and water, and water control structures at the municipal and provincial levels, mindful of the increasing number of extreme weather events that come with climate change;
  • Continue its work with the Canadian Construction Association, which at MHCA’s suggestion has taken on the task of compiling annual highways investment levels across the provinces, a report critical to advocacy for national and provincial goals;
  • Advocate for a ‘new fiscal deal’ for municipalities, bringing together a large and growing business coalition with municipal leaders to begin the conversation with the provincial government. This takes up the pledge the Progressive Conservatives made in response to the MHCA election-campaign questionnaire;
  • Support a Canada West Foundation report on the return on investment of infrastructure funding programs in Western Canada. This report is intended to update economic analyses that have shown returns of $1.30 to $1.60 for every $1 of public funds invested in strategic infrastructure;
  • Advance Indigenous engagement in our industry through introductory heavy-construction courses for Grade 12 students, work placements and apprenticeships for aboriginal employees, partnerships in training and education with Indigenous associations and institutions; and
  • Work with the AMM and provincial departments to review and update rehabilitation standards and funding for the provincial quarry rehabilitation program and try to ensure its re-launch in 2020.

The above only highlight some of the many MHCA 2020 priorities.

Let me close with these ‘where we’ve recently come from’ observations.

Premier Brian Pallister will likely go down as the most determined fiscal conservative of our time. He repeatedly said he ‘inherited a fiscal mess’ and set out to correct it.

All voters were aware heading into the 2016 provincial election that the Premier’s primary focus was twofold – eliminating an inherited runaway deficit approaching $1 billion, and cutting the PST from 8% to 7% in his first term.

And alongside those considerable tasks, his government laid out a hefty list of priorities, including:

  • reform of Manitoba’s ailing healthcare system, ironically based upon the recommendations of a report presented to the previous administration but not acted upon;
  • launching a review of Manitoba’s education system;
  • introducing the concept of ‘smart shopping’ in the public procurement process;
  • beginning the process of giving the private sector opportunities to bid highways maintenance and preservation work;
  • prohibiting ‘forced unionization’ as procurement pre-requisites in publicly funded projects;
  • strongly supporting internal free trade in Canada and implementing changes provincially;
  • a determination to place Manitoba on an economic-growth projection; and

Through all of this, he has generally signaled that the Manitoba he will leave as Premier on his own terms, is not only open for business, but will be the most improved jurisdiction in Canada.

Frankly, who can argue with any of the above which, in this day of populist politics, is remarkable for its stated determination irrespective of risk to public popularity.

The record of achievement was put to the test in the election campaign, in which the PC Party, under the banner of Moving Manitoba Forward, extended its fiscally conservative agenda – and added the daunting promise to eliminate school taxes from the realty tax rolls within 10 years.

And the public spoke on September 10, returning him to office with 36 seats, an historic back-to-back majority.

In the one area of public policy this association differed with the Premier – infrastructure – there now really does appear to be reason for optimism and therefore a new partnership with the Premier.

We have expressed our willingness to collaborate and believe that message has been heard and appreciated.

We encourage the government to seize the opportunity that rests within a strategic approach that recognizes the organic role core-infrastructure investment plays in this province’s prosperity and future, and take the next steps to truly making Manitoba Canada’s most improved province.

Give this Premier his due for what he has achieved. While the job is not yet done, we are ready to be part of those helping to get that job done.

As a final note, I give my very sincere thanks and gratitude to our members, for your support especially through the challenges of the past four years that would have sorely tested an industry made of weaker stuff.

Thank you!

Chris Lorenc, B.A., LL.B.,

President, MHCA

2020 PRIORITIES, PARTNERS, PROFILE

Building on success – Priorities for 2020

We will build on public concern for Manitoba’s core infrastructure to ensure highways, streets, sewer & water and water control structures receive the investment priority they deserve

Our advocacy at the provincial level will build on progress seen on the following items:

  • an industry-provincial working group to reframe Manitoba’s approach to core infrastructure investment, to get the highest return on investment to GDP while maintaining existing assets
  • preparation of annual and five-year highways capital budgets, ensuring any unexpended funds are rolled into the next year’s program
  • public release of the reports on the core infrastructure investment deficit, and the highways/bridges condition assessment and needs
  • initiating discussion on a new fiscal deal for municipalities that reflects their need for new revenue streams and to strike a fairer balance in infrastructure funding agreements

The MHCA also will press for movement on:

  • getting the suspended Quarry Rehabilitation Program fully operating in 2020, and ensuring full payment is made to contractors owed for reclamation work completed in 2018
  • accelerating MI’s service-model review to move services now delivered inhouse to open tender

On the municipal side, we will pursue with our municipal partners:

  • confirmation that the City of Winnipeg’s local and regional street renewal program will get full benefit of revenues raised by the 2% dedicated property tax
  • address City Council’s approval for bridge work to draw on revenues raised by the annual 2% property tax (originally dedicated to street renewal program)
  • making the 2019 doubling of federal gas-tax revenues to municipalities a permanent program
  • fairer shared-funding agreements among the three levels of government that recognize the lesser capacity of municipalities to raise revenues and the high burden of public infrastructure ownership 

Building our influence – Partners in advocacy

  • Group of 10 leading Manitoba business organizations, including MHCA, adopted the need for strong public investment in core infrastructure as a top priority in their call for an economic-growth strategy during the provincial election. The business coalition is pursuing discussions with the province on that strategy
  • The Canadian Construction Association, at the MHCA’s initiation, will track provincial investment levels for core infrastructure, to assist member associations in their advocacy
  • Merit Contractors and the MHCA worked together on the #FixOurRoads public campaign during the 2019 provincial election, making investment in highways a priority for candidates and voters
  • Canada West Foundation is preparing for MHCA and other partners an update to the economic analysis of the GDP gains from public investment in core infrastructure.

Building our profile – Presence in the community

  • MHCA’s fall #FixOurRoads campaign – billboards, radio and bus ads and social media messages – put the spotlight on highway-budget cuts during the Manitoba election campaign
  • MHCA sponsored the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Deputy Ministers Dinner in June; MHCA President Chris Lorenc spoke on the economic value of infrastructure investment in trade and the Capital Region
  • MHCA will again be presenting partner at the coming MCC Ministers Dinner; MHCA Board members will get preferred seating with provincial ministers
  • In January, MHCA sponsored the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce’s Civic Leaders Dinner; MHCA President Chris Lorenc spoke on core infrastructure investment
  • MHCA signed the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord and launched discussions and partnerships with a number of organizations for greater Indigenous engagement in the heavy construction industry
  • MHCA President Chris Lorenc’s columns appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press; Lorenc frequently appeared in reports in the Free Press, CBC, CTV, Global, CJOB and Winnipeg Sun regarding provincial and city budgets, road construction, procurement and the provincial election

CCA PUTS NEW STRATEGIC DIRECTION INTO ACTION

The Canadian Construction Association reworked its governance structure and, with it, heightened the need to reflect the breadth of and engage with its membership across industries and across Canada.

That took a variety of forms, in advocacy, including:

  • Commitment to collect and report on the core infrastructure investment levels by each provincial government. This is intended to make the CCA the ‘resident authority’ on provincial highways-capital budget allocation and on provincial pick-up of federal infrastructure program dollars
  • An October 23, 2019, breakfast meeting with CCA President Mary Van Buren, Board Chair John Bockstael and Association V-P Rodrigue Gilbert and MHCA members. The breakfast meeting heard a vigorous exchange on the need to elevate nation-building, core infrastructure investment in Canada as a means of driving the country’s global trade profile
  • A high profile for core infrastructure in the CCA’s federal election campaign advocacy and letter-writing campaigns

Specifically, the CCA’s federal election campaign advocacy called upon the political parties to commit to four policy and program pillars:

  • remove any further federal regulatory delays to the Trans Mountain expansion project
  • commit to a 25-year plan for infrastructure program funding in Canada
  • partner with the construction industry to support innovation
  • increase funding for career and technical training programs

2018 BURSARIES

MHCA Construction Management Award: Sukhjeet Brar

Established in 2011, the $2,000 bursary is awarded to a full-time student entering the Construction Management Degree Program.

Sukhjeet Brar entered Construction Management out of a desire to help build her city and country, and to lay the ground for future generations. Upon graduation, she intends to work in the construction field, toward a management position.

 

 

MHCA Cornerstone Award: Jeremy Sedo

Established in 2010, the MHCA Cornerstone bursary recognizes its Board Chairs who, since 1945, have laid the cornerstone foundations upon which the MHCA has been built. The $2,000 bursary is awarded to a full-time student in any year of the Construction Management Degree Program.

Jeremy Sedo received the award having distinguished himself as a leader amongst his peers through his dedication and drive to understand the industry and the issues it faces, and a commitment to be part of solutions for a brighter future. Sedo is expected to be an asset to the industry and his future employer.

WORKSAFELY™

A year of accomplishment, worthy of a milestone celebration

2019 was a milestone year for safety and health training and education at WORKSAFELY™. It is 30 years since MHCA began delivering programs to assist companies in the heavy construction industry reduce injuries and make their worksites safer. We have had notable success and that is why our program, delivered province-wide, is emulated now by other industry organizations.

We are building on those achievements, to ensure workers go home safe at the end of the day, which returns dividends in many ways to our industry members.

What does 30 years of safety leadership and excellence look like?

Here are just a few notable highlights:

  • MHCA had one safety advisor in 1989; the WORKSAFELY™ program is a team of 11 now, delivering a range of safety & health programs, including the nationally recognized COR™ safety program developed through our partnership with Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations
  • As of 2019, 340 of our industry companies – covering 75% of the workforce – are COR certified
  • The COR-certification model developed by the construction industry for the industry has set the example in our province for the SafeWork certification now being implemented in the manufacturing, automotive and trucking sectors
  • In 2018, injury rates were at 3.5 per 100 workers in our industry, down more than half since 2000
  • Dividends to our companies include significantly lower WCB rates, now $1.69 per $100 of payroll, compared to $6/$100 payroll in 1990. And, a new prevention rebate reduces WCB costs by a further 15% – this rebate returned about $1.2 million to our industry in 2018.

These lower rates are now close to the provincial average instead of much higher.

Let me turn to the accomplishments of the WORKSAFELY™ Program for 2019.

In 2019:

  • We worked with the other industry safety associations and the WCB on the development of a new funding model for industry-based safety programs.
  • This new funding model reduces the surcharge companies pay to support the WORKSAFELY™ program from 15% to 5% of their compensation premiums. The balance of program funding is provided through existing fees on services and additional funding from the WCB. This will result in additional savings of approximately $800,000 for our industry.
  • So, combined with the prevention rebates our industry will see savings in compensation costs of close to $2 million annually compared with just several years ago.
  • We are working with other industry safety associations to develop and promote practical prevention policies at the WCB and Safe Work Manitoba.
  • We have also worked with government to obtain workable solutions to a number of regulatory challenges that affected our industry.
  • And we have worked to minimize the administrative burden for our COR™ clients in meeting these requirements.
  • We introduced an electronic audit tool associated with the e-COR application that will simplify the process for conducting COR™ audits. It is available to all our companies regardless of whether or not they are an e-COR subscriber.
  • We have worked with 24 new companies on their certification including the City of Winnipeg Public Works and Water Services divisions.

WORKSAFELY™ Training & Certificate Programs

  • In the area of training, WORKSAFELY™ delivered over 170 courses in this past year to approximately 1600 participants.
  • We delivered a new training program on the management of impairment in the workplace (to address the legalization of marijuana).
  • We delivered a new course for workers new to the industry, including an introduction to safety and simulator-based heavy equipment operator orientation and training.

Communications and Outreach

  • We completed the rebuild of the WORKSAFELY™ website which now bring enhanced online tools and resources
  • We have also enhanced the WORKSAFELY™ presence on social media.
  • We’ve increasing one-on-one contact with our companies and delivered far more customized training on location in our companies’ workplaces.

Key Partnerships

We will continue to build and maintain a number of key partnerships:

  • We work within a council of safety associations so that all six industry-based safety programs are working together to promote practical policies that support industry-led solutions to safety challenges in our industry.
  • CSAM – We work jointly with our counterparts at the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba, pushing for the interests of the construction industry and the COR Program.
  • The Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations – We work cooperatively with the CFCSA to strengthen the COR program and ensure reciprocal recognition for our companies working in other provinces.
  • WCB – Work cooperatively with SafeWork Manitoba to promote fair and balanced policies that support the prevention of injuries in the heavy construction and other industries.
  • Manitoba Common Ground Alliance – to improve the timeliness and coordination of utility locates.
  • Manitoba Construction Sector Council
  • Safe Roads Manitoba
  • North American Safety and Health Week
  • Manitoba Infrastructure and First Nations on Winter Roads Program

Indigenous Engagement

  • In keeping with the MHCA’s commitment to Indigenous engagement, we have placed a priority on working with indigenous communities and organizations to deliver safety and workforce development training.
  • In particular we are working with:
    • The University College of the North to deliver workforce readiness training
    • The Southeast Collegiate in Winnipeg to develop and an accredited high school course that will prepare graduating students for entry into the heavy construction industry labour force.
    • The Manitoba Metis Federation and other organizations on delivery of simulator and in-seat heavy equipment operator training.

Continuous Improvement

My message here is that our work is not yet done.  What are the next steps to challenge our team to focus on ways to improve services to our industry?

  • Innovation and Adapting to Change: Providing options for on-line payment and e-commerce.
    • Exploring other options to enhance our services through technology in ways that can enhance the training and others services provided to our companies.
  • Client Outreach:
    • Promoting the WORKSAFELY™ program to new clients in the industry.
    • A client survey to obtain feedback from our industry on the WORKSAFELY™ program.
  • Enhancing Support for COR™:
    • We will work with our counterparts in the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations to update the three main COR courses:
      • Safety Leadership
      • Principles of Health and Safety Management
      • COR Auditing
  • Enhancing Safety Training:
    • We will be taking the lead in developing new training in areas such as return-to-work certification and Manitoba-based ground disturbance certification.
    • We will enhance services such as e-learning and on-line registration through the new website and add resources to better support classroom instruction.
    • Working with the Canadian Mental Health Association to provide improved awareness and training on mental health
  • Enhancing Workforce Training:
    • We will continue to provide assessments and contract in-seat heavy equipment operator training.
    • On Indigenous engagement, we want to expand our network with the indigenous community and other partners to expand the reach of our workforce training with the indigenous people.
    • We expect to begin the delivery of a high school credit course at Southeast Collegiate in Winnipeg in the fall of 2020 with the goal of expanding to other schools in the province.
  • Policy & Regulations:
    • We will be working with government to obtain workable solutions to regulatory challenges and changes that affect our industry.
    • We will be working through the industry-based safety program council to promote practical approaches to enhance safety certification and prevention.
    • We will continue to push for the Provincial Government to make COR certification a mandatory bidding requirement for all construction contracts regardless of value.

I want to take moment to recognize our WORKSAFELY™ Safety Leader Award recipient for 2019 – Jeff Love from Borland Construction. The WORKSAFELY™ Safety Leader Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding achievement and commitment to the pursuit of safety in our industry. 

Jeff promotes a strong safety culture through his work at Borland Construction and has successfully integrated the company’s COR™ certified safety program into all operations resulting in fewer safety incidents and injuries. He was selected by a panel of safety experts in our industry. Congratulations Jeff!

Now I want to thank the staff at the WORKSAFELY™ Program for their contribution to our industry’s safety success.

  • Safety Advisors who give the MHCA and WORKSAFELY™ a presence in all regions of the province: Phil McDaniel, Ed Gregory, Dave McPherson, Trevor Shwaluk, Randy Olynick, Gerry McCombie and Delaney Kunzelman Gall.
  • Jackie Jones – Education and Training Advisor
  • Kristen Ranson – Administrative Assistant
  • Sarah Craig – Client Services Advisor

Let me close with thanks to our membership, and the Board and leadership here at the MHCA for your continued support of WORKSAFELY™ Program. We look forward to working hard to help you all work safely in 2020.

Thank you.

Don Hurst,

 


Director, WORKSAFELY Education and Training

NEW 2019 COR™ COMPANIES

Double J Contracting

Drytech Concrete and Roadways Ltd.

Gerrard Metal Processors Ltd.

Quantum Utilities Ltd.

Fredy’s Welding Inc.

Unger Excavating Inc.

Powell Construction Ltd.

Tiger Calcium Services Inc.

SCMS Inc. Concrete and Material Services

Crown Pipeline Ltd.

Jacobson Commercial Ltd.

J&G Homes

Badger Creek Plumbing & Heating Ltd.

return to top

2018/19 EVENTs

2018 Awards Breakfast and Chair’s Gala
November 16, 2018 – RBC Convention Centre

Over 160 members and guests came out to hear Don Leitch, president of the Manitoba Business Council, deliver the keynote address at the Awards Breakfast, and greetings from Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler. Twenty-six companies were recognized for their milestone memberships.

Pat Lafantaisie of Nelson River Construction was the recipient for the Safety Leader Award.

At the evening Chair’s Gala, just under 600 members, guests and public officials celebrated MHCA’s 75th anniversary, where MHCA Board Chair Greg Orbanski handed over the gavel to Jack Meseyton, of E.F. Moon Construction, for the next two-year term.

Manitoba Infrastructure Awards winners:

  • Paving Winner – Coco Group/Russell Redi-Mix Concrete
  • Grading Winner – Hugh Munro Construction
  • Special Projects Winner – Borland Construction Inc.
  • Major Structures Winner – M.D. Steele Construction Ltd.
  • Minor Structures Winner – Gateway Construction
  • Water Management Projects Winner – Mecan-Hydro

Heavy Santa
December 7, 2018 – David Livingstone School

Santa delivered gifts to 116 kids from Grades 1-3 at David Livingstone School, which also received two iPads to aid in electronic learning.

Funds for this event came from the gaming tables at the Chair’s Gala, Curling bonspiel 50/50 and Spring Mixer silent auction.

Curling Bonspiel
January 24, 2019 – Heather Curling Club

32 teams vied for bragging rights in the points system-based bonspiel, enjoyed a hot lunch and socialized.

The winners were:

  • Standard Limestone Quarries (A event)
  • E.F. Moon Construction (B event)
  • ATCO Structures (C event)

Breakfast with the Leaders
March & April 2019 – Winnipeg

Mayor Brian Bowman was again the big draw for MHCA members and guests in the Breakfast with the Leaders series. Mayor Bowman (April 4) drew 129 people.

Other leaders who spoke at breakfasts included federal Minister of International Trade Diversification Jim Carr (Mar. 1; 72 people), MP and Conservative House Leader Candice Bergen (March 12; 71 people) and Finance Minister Scott Fielding (April 25; 95 people).

The Breakfast with the Leaders event was sponsored by Aon Reed Stenhouse.

The MHCA breakfasts were co-hosted by Merit Contractors Association, Manitoba Home Builders’ Association, Winnipeg Construction Association, Manitoba Trucking Association and the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.

Spring Mixer
May 29, 2019 – Assiniboia Downs

MHCA members dined, mingled and played the ponies along with guest politicians and key stakeholder organization leaders. This popular, casual networking event drew 440 people.

Annual Golf Classic
August 14, 2019 – Pine Ridge & Elmhurst Golf Courses

This perennial favourite of the MHCA event calendar sold out in record time and attracted 306 golfers, who teed up between the two courses. The Golf Classic was sponsored by more than 50 companies and featured 13 contests per course.

First place: WD Industrial Group

Second place: Bituminex Paving

NEW MEMBERS IN 2019

365 Technologies Inc.
Accurate Underground Utility Locating Ltd.
All States Materials Group
Apex Surety & Insurance Ltd.
Base Tek
BD Oakes Jardine Kaneski Unruh LLP
BFL Canada Insurance Services Inc.
C. Thrift Construction
Days Inn Steinbach
FLO Components Ltd.
Frontier Power Products
GCS Energy Services Ltd.
General Scrap/EVRAZ NA
Joe Johnson Equipment
K Rents
La Capitale Financial Security
Ledcor Group of Companies

Legacy Bowes Group
Lubecore Manitoba
Motel 6 Winnipeg West
Nirvana Waterworks
Nisichawayasihk Construction L.P.
Phoenix Crane & Erectors
Quality Inn Winkler
RivaCore Construction Surveys
River East Construction
Safety with Shelly – Consulting Services Ltd.
Stone Bridge Redi-Mix
Super 8 Winnipeg East
Super 8 Winnipeg West
The AIL Group of Companies
Tiger Calcium Services Inc.
Trades Labour Corporation

MHCA MEMBERSHIP

Members, please log in to view the financial report. 

MHCA STAFF








2019 Highlights

[envira-gallery id="15840"]

Chair’s Gala

November 18, 2022
RBC Convention Centre

Close to 650pp attended from both industry, government and stakeholder partners.  It was the closing of Nicole Chabot’s two year term as Chair.  Dennis Cruise of Bituminex Paving was welcomed as the new Chair.

Press [Esc] to close

2022 Heavy Santa

December 16, 2022
David Livingstone School

This event was made possible through fundraising at the MHCA Chair’s Gala and Spring Mixer.

104 goodie bags and presents were prepared for the grades 1-4 students at David Livingstone School. 

Press [Esc] to close

Awards Breakfast & Annual General Meeting

November 18, 2022
RBC Convention Centre

Manitoba Transportation & Infrastructure (MTI) Award Winner

  • Grading – Strilkiwski Contracting Ltd.: PTH 6 Grahamdale
  • Paving – Coco Paving o/a Russell Redi-Mix: Bituminous Reconstruction PTH 83
  • Urban Works – Coco Paving o/a Russell Redi-Mix: Bituminous Reconstruction PA 634 and Bituminous Pavement PTH 5
  • Special Projects – Mekhana Development Corp/Arnason Industries Ltd: Theresa Point Airport
  • Major Structures – D. Steele Construction: Bridge Replacement over the Red River Floodway on PTH 59N
  • Minor Structures – Moncrief Construction Ltd.: Reinforced concrete box culvert on PTH 5
  • Water Management – Brunet Ltd.: Flood response, Morris ring dike closure

200 members and guests gathered to hear greetings from Premier Heather Stefanson and the newly elected Mayor of Winnipeg, Scott Gillingham. Hon. Doyle Piwniuk, Minister, Manitoba Infrastructure, handed out the MTI Awards.

31 companies were recognized for their milestone membership commitments.

Matthew Neziol, of Bayview Construction, received the Safety Leader Award.

Press [Esc] to close