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ANNUAL REPORT

2020

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

MHCA Chair Jack Meseyton reviews 2020

  • $500 million added in unprecedented, Manitoba infrastructure, mid-year
  • Winnipeg pulled back on planned, steep cuts to streets budget
  • Planning Act gives right of appeal to applicant if pit/quarry proposal rejected
  • Quarry Rehab Program funds 55 projects

Gathering strength amid tumult

Read full ‘Year in review’ report here

MHCA President Chris Lorenc looks ahead

  • Ensuring Manitoba takes up full share of Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan
  • Improving Quarry Rehab Program, protecting access to resources
  • Encouraging best use of recycled concrete for Winnipeg road works
  • Reviving, recapitalizing national infrastructure investment program

Forged by 2020, readied for 2021

Read full ‘Year ahead’ report here

In Memoriam

ROn Duncan

read the full message

2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

VIEW THE 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Advocacy – MHCA working for you

2020 was a difficult year for all of us. As business pivoted to work in a pandemic environment, the MHCA ensured our industry was central to stabilizing and restarting economies at all levels of government.

  • Heavy construction named an ‘essential’ service during the spring pandemic shutdown
  • Manitoba Infrastructure’s 2020 and ‘21 budgets each rose to about $500 million, with Manitoba’s 2-year, $513 million infrastructure-investment boost
  • Winnipeg stepped back from proposed steep cuts to local and regional streets budget
  • Winnipeg IRPW committee directed Public Works to develop a public policy to increase the use of recycled concrete aggregates in roadbuilding; Specification Review Committee brings industries and public officials together to work on new roadbuilding specs
  • MHCA pushed Manitoba to pay contractors who completed quarry rehabilitation; Quarry Rehab Program saw $5 million approved for 55 quarry rehab projects
  • WORKSAFELY™ quickly provided critical COVID-19 resources, allowing industry to continue working through pandemic shutdown
Chris Lorenc media shot

Canadian Construction Association

Manitoba’s heavy construction industry is prominently represented in CCA’s new governance model. MHCA representatives include

  • Nicole Chabot, MHCA Vice-Chair, elected to CCA’s Board of Directors
  • Jack Meseyton, MHCA Chair, and Chris Lorenc, MHCA President, named to CCA’s Civil National Advisory Council

CCA priorities in 2020 include

  • Pushing the federal government for greater coordination, flexibility and accelerated rollouts of the federal Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Program – potential $1.4 billion of projects; accelerate economic stimulus programs harnessing infrastructure investment ROI to GDP; advocating for a 25-year, nation-building infrastructure investment strategy
  • CCA, on MHCA’s initiative, commissioned a consultant’s report on the benefits of strategic infrastructure investment to the environment including GHG reduction and climate resilience
  • CCA, on MHCA’s initiative, jointly commissioned with national business and regional construction associations, a Canada West Foundation study on the critical need for a recapitalized national trade gateway & corridors infrastructure investment program, to rebuild Canada’s reputation as a reliable trade partner
  • Reasserted, at MHCA’s urging, opposition to trade barriers across Canadian jurisdictions, in response to ‘local preference’ clauses used by the Saskatchewan government in tender and construction contracts

2019 BURSARIES

MHCA Construction Management Award: Noah Perron

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

MHCA Cornerstone Award: Hanna Postlethwaite

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.

MHCA Construction Management Award: Noah Perron

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

Noah Perron has worked on construction sites in the past and enjoys hands-on work. He is interested in the safety of and performance on construction sites and hopes that the Construction Management Degree Program will teach him how to manage projects efficiently from a time, money and labour perspective while maintaining the highest level of safety.

MHCA Cornerstone Award: Hanna Postlethwaite

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.

Hanna Postelwiathe chose to join the Construction Management Program at Red River College because she has always been a creative person, with very strong time management, cost management, quality management, and leadership skills. She aims to be a successful Project Manager post-graduation. Hanna looks forward to managing her first project in the industry, and receiving the MHCA Cornerstone Award will help her get there. 

Noah Perron has worked on construction sites in the past and enjoys hands-on work. He is interested in the safety of and performance on construction sites and hopes that the Construction Management Degree Program will teach him how to manage projects efficiently from a time, money and labour perspective while maintaining the highest level of safety.

Hanna Postlethwaite chose to join the Construction Management Program at Red River College because she has always been a creative person, with very strong time management, cost management, quality management, and leadership skills. She aims to be a successful Project Manager post-graduation. Hanna looks forward to managing her first project in the industry, and receiving the MHCA Cornerstone Award will help her get there. 

WORKSAFELY™

Read full report here

2020 – Year in Review

  • WORKSAFELY™ pivoted quickly to provide COVID-19 pandemic resources, allowing our industry to continue as an ‘essential’ service
  • Our team increased one-on-one client contact and moved training to video
  • Website enhanced to allow for eLearning
  • WORKSAFELY™ program fees for companies cut by more than half under new WCB agreement

2021 – Looking Ahead

  • Increasing COR™ Certification Participation
  • Promoting the WORKSAFELY™ Program
  • Updating and Enhancing Services
  • Client Outreach
  • Indigenous Engagement
  • Return-to-Work Training & Certification

2019/20 EVENTS

2019 Awards Breakfast and Chair’s Gala

November 15, 2019

RBC Convention Centre

Read more

Heavy Santa

December 6, 2019

David Livingstone School

Read more

Curling Bonspiel

January 23, 2020

Heather Curling Club

Read more

Breakfast Sessions

2020

Winnipeg

Read more

Spring Mixer

May 27, 2020 - CANCELLED

Assiniboia Downs

Read more

Annual Golf Classic

August 12, 2020

Pine Ridge & Elmhurst Golf Courses

Read more

NEW MEMBERS IN 2020

Mutcheson Consulting Services

Star Men Corporation

Stoffel Surveys M.L.S. Ltd.

2020 financials

Members, please log in to view the financial report. 

Staff

CHRIS LORENC, BA, LLB President

WENDY FREUND SUMMERFIELD
Manager of Finance & HR

CHRISTINE MILLER
Operations Manager

CATHERINE MITCHELL
Policy and Communications Manager

JOCELYN MARTENS
Front Office Administrator

LEE WOODS, MBA
Marketing & Communications Coordinator

DON HURST, B. A., M.A. (Econ.) Director of WORKSAFELY™, Education and Training
PHIL McDANIEL, OH&S Cert., P. Gold Seal Cert., NCSO, CRM WORKSAFELY™ Senior Safety Advisor & Indigenous Engagement Leader
ED GREGORY, NCSO, OH&S Cert. WORKSAFELY™ Regional Safety Advisor, Southern Region
RANDY OLYNICK, CRSP WORKSAFELY™ Regional Safety Advisor, Eastern Region
TREVOR SHWALUK, NCSO, B.P.E. WORKSAFELY™ Regional Safety Advisor, Central Region
DAVE McPHERSON, NCSO WORKSAFELY™ Regional Safety Advisor, Northern Region

GERRY McCOMBIE,
Gold Seal Cert., NCSO
WORKSAFELY™ Regional Safety Advisor, Western Region

DELANEY KUNZELMAN-GALL, B.Env.Sc., OH&S NHSA Cert. WORSAFELY™ Regional Safety Advisor, Winnipeg Region
JACKIE JONES, CAE WORKSAFELY™ COR™ Program, Education and Training Advisor
SARAH CRAIG, OH&S Cert. WORSAFELY™ Client Services Advisor

KRISTEN RANSON
WORKSAFELY™ Administrative Assistant

Click here to view the MHCA staff listing

2020 HIGHLIGHTS

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Gathering strength amid tumult, uncertainty

What a year. Last year, at this time, we were talking about the air of optimism that had renewed our relations with provincial offices. The Progressive Conservatives in their 2019 election campaign, committed to incrementally increase the Highways Capital budget. That was significant because of the substantial cuts we weathered since 2016.

And then, almost as soon as that budget was presented – with the additional $12.5 million to Highways – the country, and Manitoba, entered an economic maelstrom that fed even the best financial plans to the shredder.

Within the chaos as COVID-19 took hold, our association worked at warp speed. Public budget commitments had to be protected, yes. But, also, as public health orders moved to shut down business as we knew it, we needed to ensure heavy construction was declared an “essential” service, allowing our companies to continue working.

With steady pressure on political offices to keep in mind the verified returns to GDP (and thereby government treasuries) that infrastructure investment produces, our industry saw:

  • Manitoba announce a $500-million economic stimulus plan, over two years; $265 million of which is core infrastructure – highways, water and water treatment and highway safety upgrades. Another $230 million is earmarked through the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program allocation
  • City of Winnipeg preserve its local and regional streets renewal program budget, amid a series of budget cuts, designed to buffer the drop in revenues due to the pandemic shutdown
  • Federal recognition that ICIP funds allocated to lesser municipal/provincial priorities needed to be shifted to cost-shared areas where quick, boots-on-the-ground jobs could be created

So, there’s something like a silver lining to the turmoil that roiled our world, concussing economies and burying even the most conservative efforts of balanced fiscal plans.

COVID-19 is not done with us yet.

But in looking back, I want to review other issues of industry concern this year.

First, we are still pushing for progress on pressing priorities with the City of Winnipeg.

We pulled City Council back from plans in 2019 to steeply cut the street renewal program, but there is growing political pressure to shift budget support from street renewal to other civic priorities. 

Further, we have work ahead to ensure concrete pulled up from street repair and water & sewer works is reclaimed and reused as base and sub-base material. This is a tough file, but Winnipeg cannot send hundreds of thousands of tonnes of demolished construction materials to landfill each year when they can be recycled. The precedent would be dangerous; updating of road-building specifications has just begun.

But there have been wins, as well:

  • 2020 saw the provincial Planning Act amended, which granted a right of appeal to applicants when a municipality rejects a conditional-use proposal for pits and quarries developments.
  • Manitoba Infrastructure’s 2020 budget included a new ‘carryover’ line for funds not spent in the previous year. The carryover, requested for decades by MHCA, puts into practice the ‘budget set, budget spent’ commitment.
  • The Quarry Rehabilitation Program, on hold since 2018 due to an Auditor General’s investigation, finally paid out the money owed to contractors who had completed their approved work, and funded $5 million for 55 projects in 2020.

Our relations with leading business organizations continue to solidify wide support, recognition that strategic infrastructure investment helps grow the economy.

Our economy, in Canada and especially Manitoba, relies on growing our trade capacity and reach. That can’t happen without a long-term strategy to design, build and maintain a trade transportation system to carry us to that goal.

It is good to see 10 top business organizations adopt that priority and champion it in joint initiatives, and in their discussions at the provincial and federal levels.

Our work continues. A number of serious concerns weigh upon our industry.

There is the extraordinary concern about the pandemic and its legacy, which will reverberate in our economy and, therefore, our government relations for many years.

No one had a contingency plan for this pandemic, which continues to create uncertainty and risk in our industry, the effects of which must be monitored closely, by both our individual members and the association.

We need members to be engaged, to help the association keep its finger on the pulse of what the industry is experiencing. We need members to keep abreast of the work of MHCA’s committees, to write those emails to pressure public offices when the association needs its membership to speak out.

I am now stepping away from the Chair’s role – I hand over the gavel to our Vice-Chair Nicole Chabot, with whom I have had the honour of working closely with for the past two years. I know Nicole will find this role challenging, perplexing, frustrating and rewarding. I say to you, Nicole, I hope my tenure makes your work somewhat easier.

I guarantee Nicole will be thankful for the unwavering support of our industry members, who are solidly behind the MHCA’s advocacy and priorities..

The proof of the adage – strength in numbers – lies in the numbers. The MHCA’s membership held strong, through some of the most tumultuous times our industry has weathered. That loyalty is drawn from and earned by results. Our industry grows stronger for that fact.

Jack Meseyton, G.S.C.

Chair, Board of Directors

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Forged by 2020, tempered for 2021

If you stick with a job long enough, you’ll meet those moments when your resolve is sorely tested.

Those moments test the very fundamentals of how you’ve operated, the strength of your business strategy and its ability to nimbly adjust to emerging crises and outright threats.

Wow. 2020.

Not since, I would say, the forced-unionization battle during the expansion of Manitoba’s Floodway has any other event so rocked the moorings of our collective lives like the pandemic’s economic disruption.

And here we are.

As our outgoing Chair Jack Meseyton states, in his able review of the year for us, COVID-19 is not leaving us anytime soon. But we have come through the worst of an unprecedented threat to our economy, and by extension our industry’s businesses, relatively unscathed as an industry. How many business sectors can say that?

I am not going to review the year’s accomplishments, but I can say this: we are in a stronger place now than where we were March 1st because we relied on time-tested advocacy fundamentals – anchored by the principle that government’s first job is growing the economy.

COVID-19 tested us and now we know we are equal to its challenges in the months to come.

Chief among the challenges is the fact that governments at all levels have lost revenues, and deficit-financing means each will be making hard decisions on expenditures and budget priorities.

That fact will set the tone and direction of MHCA’s 2021 advocacy priorities.

First, even with the hard-won incremental increases in the Highways Capital budget, this area of concern remains our No. 1 issue.

I believe there is good understanding and support for our long-standing position that Manitoba Infrastructure should release annual and five-year Highways Capital programs, rolling over unexpended funds to the following year’s budget.

Annual and multi-year budgets round out the plan, to translate the long-term strategic vision for our trade transportation network into reality.

There are other, immediate issues provincially, including

  • Pressing Manitoba to submit project applications to Ottawa so we get full take up in time for the next construction season of the province’s allotment under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan. These funds are critical to municipal infrastructure priorities
  • Assisting in moving the federal government to timely approval of the Lake Manitoba-Lake St. Martin Outlet Channel project
  • Shifting MI’s service delivery model for highway maintenance to private-sector, open tenders
  • Securing provincial commitment to improve the Quarry Rehabilitation Program, to green-light the process of updating the program and levies. This is key to protecting community and municipal relations and long-term access to aggregate resources through good environmental stewardship of lands that have hosted pits and quarries.

On the municipal level, we are focused on ensuring Winnipeg City Council budget outcomes reflect and respect citizen’s #1 priority, which is to improve the condition of roads and infrastructure. Hence messages: to safeguard budgets; keep the annual 1% + 1% levy dedicated to the renewal of local and regional streets intact; update the infrastructure deficit; ensure an evidence-based sustained predictable and incremental financial plan with which to guide long-term investment.

Strong investment in infrastructure is an economic imperative for Winnipeggers, every bit as much as it is for Manitoba especially as we recover from the impact of the pandemic.

As well, MHCA will work to ensure:

  • City Council adopt a public policy that encourages the use of recycled concrete aggregate in road-building projects, with RCA meeting equivalent specification standards as virgin limestone
  • The joint city-industry Specification Review Committee proceed on its review of the City’s updated base and sub-base specifications CW3110-R21, including soliciting an analysis of local RCA properties and also a jurisdictional scan of practices
  • Engagement with the City on new specification reviews, including road design

On a national level, we are no less aggressive in promoting the fact our economic recovery needs strong, strategic infrastructure investment.

This year, MHCA will

  • Take receipt with Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA), the Canadian Business Council and the Canadian Construction Association of a commissioned analysis, initiated by the MHCA, by the Canada West Foundation, of the need for renewed capitalization of Canada’s trade transportation system, including regional and provincial focus
  • Join, with these organizations, in advocating for transportation infrastructure investment at the second meeting of the New West Partnership, to be hosted in Manitoba
  • Early in the new year, put transportation infrastructure investment on the table at the next meeting of the Council of Transportation Ministers

With the CCA and construction industry associations, MHCA will continue to oppose the encroachment of community benefit agreements within federal infrastructure investment agreements and speak loudly against the imposition of trade barriers wherever they appear, including against local preference clauses in provincial tender and construction documents that advantage the bids of construction companies residing within that province.

The MHCA will continue to respond quickly to emerging issues, providing services our members want and need to remain competitive and to work safely.

On that note, I would like to give special mention to the accomplishments of our WORKSAFELY™ team, led by Don Hurst. This year, our WORKSAFELY™ team helped our members protect their staff and businesses against the risks presented by COVID-19.

Our safety and health protocols, rapidly prepared when the pandemic struck, allowed our industry to show the Public Health and political offices that it could continue to work safely, which was foundational to being listed as an essential service.

Before I wrap up, I want to say that I am proud of what we accomplished in 2020 and I am optimistic for 2021. We have formidable challenges ahead but the past year’s achievements prove we can and will meet them.  I have people to thank for that:

Jack Meseyton has served as our Chair for two years. He has served the association and industry with great generosity, distinction and integrity and never failed to answer the phone and assist me when the need arose.

In our frequent discussions on Broadway, Jack has been a stalwart, articulate and passionate representative of our industry, hammering home the messages that needed to be heard. I am in his debt for his guidance, insight, wisdom and courage.

Nicole Chabot, our incoming Chair, has been a keenly engaged executive member since 2011. She is an impressive businessperson, a leader in her community and a formidable voice for our industry. Nicole has been unstinting in her service to our association and to me, personally. I am excited to work with her as Chair, and am confident our achievements will continue with her leadership. 

Lastly, it must be said that each of our accomplishments, including the mere inches gained on files that seemed impossibly complicated this year, was only possible because of the legacy of leadership from our Boards of Directors and members. That collective leadership and commitment to what the MHCA represents has laid down years of progress, built on time-tested principles that guide our advocacy.

When the world goes sideways suddenly and unexpectedly, there is immeasurable comfort in knowing if you stick to principle, rely on the guidance and support of industry members who do not waver from values forged in experience, you will land right-side up.

Thank you

Chris Lorenc, B.A., LL.B.,

President, MHCA

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In memoriam: Ron Duncan

It is with very deep sadness and a profound sense of loss that we share news of Ron Duncan’s sudden passing Monday, October 26, 2020.

Ron was president of Tri-Core Projects Ltd, a position he held since October 2003. He was recognized as an experienced industry leader with noted strengths in strategic planning, value engineering, project estimation and execution. He was a consummate professional. He was a leader. Genuine. We remember him as a ‘people person’. He was committed to his partners and staff at Tri-Core and an active and vocal supporter of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA).

Invited by his peers, Ron joined the MHCA Board of Directors in 2012 where his service gave successive boards insight, respected observations and sage advice. He was always prepared for Board meetings and unafraid to strategically voice his views and alert the MHCA to emerging issues and pressing concerns. 

Ron served on a variety of MHCA standing committees. Ron and his wife Donna attended all social functions, golf tournaments and gala dinners hosted by the MHCA. Ron’s table was a favoured stop for his colleagues in the industry.

Ron always saw the big picture in his business and association work. Ron and Donna attended conferences of the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association. He supported the advocacy work of the Canadian Construction Association on behalf of the full construction industry.

He will of course be missed most by his loving wife Donna and their three children, Adam (Mariya), Carly and Hanna.

Words cannot adequately convey the sense of loss felt by the MHCA Board and the many, many industry friends and colleagues who benefited by their acquaintance with Ron.

On behalf of the Chair, Board, staff and all MHCA members, we extend our deepest condolences to Donna, their three children and extended families, and to the staff of Tri-Core Projects.

Jack Meseyton, MHCA Chair

Chris Lorenc, MHCA President

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2020 Board of directors

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BOARD CHAIRJack Meseyton, G.S.C.
E.F. Moon Construction Ltd.
PRESIDENTChris Lorenc, B.A., LL.B.
VICE CHAIRNicole 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 LARGERobert Reidy, P.Eng.
Taillieu Construction
 Barry Arnason
Arnason Industries Ltd.
 Henry Borger, M.Sc., MBA
Borland Construction Inc.

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEJack Meseyton, G.S.C.
E.F. Moon Construction Ltd.
HIGHWAYSKevin Brown, P.Eng, G.S.C.
Maple Leaf Construction Ltd.
WINNIPEGDennis Cruise, CET, G.S.C.
Bituminex Paving Ltd.
AGGREGATE PRODUCERSJames Kaskiw, P.Eng.
Lehigh Inland Group of Companies
EQUIPMENT RENTAL RATESGreg McKee
SMS Equipment
WORKSAFELY™Peter Paulic
Brandt Tractor Ltd.
EVENTSMichael Byrne
Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc.
MEMBERSHIPRobert Reidy, P.Eng.
Taillieu Construction Ltd.
AT LARGERon Duncan, P.Eng.
Tri-Core Projects Ltd.
 Denis Collet, B.Comm.
Gravier Collet Gravel Inc.
 Richard Wilson, CET, G.S.C.
MD Steele Construction Ltd.

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WORKSAFELY™

2020 – Year in Review

Investments in safety by the heavy construction industry have resulted in significant returns to our companies.  The overall injury rate has fallen to 3.5 injuries per 100 workers in 2019 (most recent data) from 4.7 injuries per 100 workers in 2015.

Average WCB compensation rates for the industry continue to fall, dropping from $2.67/$100 in 2015 to $1.60/$100 in 2020.

Lower WCB compensation rates and the introduction of the 15% prevention rebate save our companies approximately $2 million annually in reduced WCB premium costs.

As of 2020, 330 of our industry companies – covering approximately 75% of the workforce – are COR™ certified.  Despite COVID-19 challenges, we have delivered 105 courses to over 700 participants.

 

Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 has been a year like no other.  From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic our industry has been allowed to work as an essential service.  This meant that our companies had to be at the forefront of implementing COVID-19 prevention measures in our workplaces.  Like all workplaces, our companies had to implement prevention measures that were not common everyday procedures.

A key strength of our industry in dealing with the pandemic is the COR™ program.

Having the COR™ program in place meant that our companies already had the tools to implement COVID-19 prevention measures that are essential to allow our industry to continue to work safely.

Client Outreach

Following up on our 2020 Strategic Plan and in the context of COVID-19, our WORKSAFELY™ team made it a priority to reach out individually to our CORTM clients to ensure: they have the proper tools to address the COVID-19 challenge; they have proper support for their COR™ program-; their training needs are being met; and, that we provide necessary advice and assistance to help keep their workplaces safe.

Enhancing Services

We have been emphasizing innovation to improve our services to WORKSAFELY™ clients, and to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We introduced distance learning through video conferencing to deliver training courses to our clients remotely.  Our improved website, allows us to offer options for training through e-learning.  Our clients can now access additional training courses (such as confined space awareness or WHMIS) at their own convenience.

Clients can now pay for courses and services through e-commerce on the WORKSAFELY™ website.

 

Sustainable WORKSAFELY™ Program Funding

The MHCA has recently entered into a new 6-year funding agreement with the WCB, providing sustainable funding for the WORKSAFELY™ program at a reduced cost to the industry.  Annual WORKSAFELY™ fees have been reduced from 12% of company compensation costs to 5%.  This agreement reinforces the MHCA’s commitment to supporting effective safety and health programs and services for the heavy construction and other industries in the province.

2021 – Looking Ahead

Increasing COR™ Program Participation

We aim in 2021 to add 20 COR™ clients to our current base of 330 COR™ companies.

Promoting the WORKSAFELY™ Program

We will be working to strengthen the awareness of the WORKSAFELY™ brand through social media, WORKSAFELY™ and MHCA publications, promotion of the program to new companies and by encouraging our existing companies to show the flag.

We will continue to push for the provincial government to make COR™ certification a mandatory bidding requirement for all construction contracts, regardless of value.

Updating and Enhancing Services

WORKSAFELY™ will be

  • taking the lead in developing new training in areas such as mental health wellness and Manitoba-based ground disturbance certification.
  • updating our training and adding courses to our new e-learning platform.
  • working with the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations to review the national COR™ program.
  • working with other industry-based safety programs to promote practical approaches to enhanced safety certification and injury/illness prevention.

Return-to-Work Training & Certification

We will be working with the WCB to develop return-to-work training and certification to help our companies improve disability management.

Client Outreach

WORKSAFELY™ will continue to

  • emphasize one-on-one contact with our WORKSAFELY™ clients
  • promote the WORKSAFELY™ program to new clients in the industry and
  • work with the University College of the North and Indigenous communities to deliver heavy equipment operator training

Indigenous Engagement

We want to expand our network and engagement with the Indigenous community and other partners, and expand the reach of our workforce training with Indigenous people.

After delays due to COVID-19, we hope to begin the delivery of the Introduction to the Heavy Construction high school credit course at Southeast Collegiate in Winnipeg in the fall of 2021.

 

WORKSAFELY™ Safety Leader Award

We want to recognize our WORKSAFELY™ Safety Leader Award recipient for 2020– Peter Henry from DJN Services. The WORKSAFELY™ Safety Leader Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding achievement and commitment to the pursuit of safety in our industry. 

Peter’s determination in pursuing knowledge, increasing awareness of hazards and the implementation of proper controls has created a strong safety culture within DJN Services.  His dedication to safety and his willingness to contribute and assist has led Peter to be a key resource and asset to the heavy construction industry.

 

New 2020 COR™ Companies

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we certified 11 new companies in 2020.

Centennial Contracting Ltd.
Castle Oilfield Construction
Dytron Ltd.
JMS Watt Bros. Ltd.
Long Shot Services
MDM Sand & Gravel Ltd.

Paul Dueck, Darrell Dueck, Sheldon Dueck
Phoenix Crane & Erectors Ltd.
Stoffel Surveys M.L.S. Ltd.
Reliance Services (1994) Ltd.
Rempel Backhoe & Gravel
The Town of Stonewall

We look forward to working hard to help you all work safely and stay healthy in 2021.

Thank you.

Don Hurst,

Director, WORKSAFELY™ Education and Training

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2019 Awards Breakfast and Chair’s Gala

November 15, 2019 
RBC Convention Centre

Manitoba Infrastructure Awards

  • Paving Winner – Nelson River Construction: reconstruction of PTH 1 from PR 248 to East Jct of PTH 26
  • Grading Winner – Sigfusson Northern Ltd.: Shoal Lake Access Road (Freedom Road)
  • Special Projects Winner – Zenith Paving Ltd.: Bituminous rehabilitation of PTH 16A, in Minnedosa
  • Major Structures Winner – D. Steele Construction Ltd.: Structure over the Winnipeg River on PR 313
  • Minor Structures Winner – Armcon Construction: Bridge construction over a drain on PR 256

190 members and guests came out to hear greetings from The Hon. Ron Schuler, Minister, Manitoba Infrastructure.

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman was the keynote speaker for the morning.

31 companies were recognized for their milestone membership commitments.

Jeff Love, of Borland Construction, received the Safety Leader Award.

641 members, guests and public officials in attendance for the Chair’s Gala.  WORKSAFELY™ celebrated its 30th anniversary.

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2019 Heavy Santa

December 6, 2019
David Livingstone School

115 kids from grades 1-3 received individual gifts.

School received an iPad to aid in electronic learning.

This event was sponsored by fundraising from the gaming tables at the Chair’s Gala, Curling Bonspiel 50/50 and Spring Mixer silent auction.

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2020 Curling Bonspiel

January 23, 2020
Heather Curling Club

28 teams participated on the points system-based bonspiel.  Additional members attended the lunch and afternoon portion of the day to watch the games and network.

A Event winners – Titan Environmental Containment

B Event winners – E.F. Moon Construction

C Event winners – Arnason Industries

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2020 Breakfast Sessions

2020
Winnipeg

The Honourable Scott Fielding, Minister of Finance
February 27
114 people in attendance

Manitoba Infrastructure Spec Review
March 4
78 people in attendance

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2020 Spring Mixer

May 27, 2020 – CANCELLED
Assiniboia Downs

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event was cancelled for the year.

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2020 Annual Golf Classic

August 12, 2020
Pine Ridge & Elmhurst Golf Courses

COVID-19 restrictions were in place with 200 golfers participating over the two courses.

39 companies sponsored at various financial levels.

8 contests per course

Westcon Equipment & Rentals Ltd. placed first under par
WD Industrial Group placed second under par

This event continues to be extremely popular and sells out in record time. 

Golf 2020

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MHCA Treasurer’s Report

I am pleased to submit the MHCA Treasurer’s Report for the year ended June 30, 2020.

The MHCA Board of Directors remains focused on balanced budgets. The 2019-2020 fiscal year has had a challenging last quarter. In March 2020 Canada and Manitoba were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Provincial closures and physical distancing mandates have impacted both the heavy construction industry and the MHCA. These have impacted the association’s finances. Physical distancing has impacted social events. This has resulted in reductions for the MHCA in both revenues and expenses. The MHCA has out of necessity budgeted for reduced events revenue and other related expenditures going forward into the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

MHCA Financial Statements – Year ended June 30, 2020

The audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2020, as reported on by MHCA auditor Weppler Chartered Professional Accountants Inc., were adopted by the Board of Directors on September 23, 2020.

MHCA assets have increased by $6,503. Liabilities, including accounts payable and deferred revenues, were decreased by $3,851.

The MHCA posted a gain of $10,354 at year end. The MHCA continues to closely monitor its expenditures and revenues to minimize the impact of COVID-19 in the coming fiscal year. The MHCA Board anticipates a reduction in fundraising revenue due to concerns about safely holding traditional social events in the coming year.

The MHCA Board, by policy, attempts to maintain cash reserves of $290,000 in alignment with the MHCA auditor’s recommendation. The MHCA board also reserved the amount of $245,188 for industry education and training. In addition, $468,732 remains in the general fund. The Board continually reviews the reserve amount as a matter of fiscal prudence.

MHCA Schedule of SAFE Roads Campaign Revenues and Expenses – Year ended June 30, 2020

The MHCA collaborates with public and private-sector stakeholders on the SAFE Roads public-awareness media campaign. SAFE Roads was initiated by the MHCA 15 years ago and since inception has been chaired by the MHCA President. The MHCA holds and administers in trust a fund of $77,147 for the SAFE Roads Committee. The fund is audited by Weppler Chartered Professional Accountants Inc. The audited schedule of SAFE Roads Campaign donations and expenses was presented to and adopted by the MHCA Board on September 23 and the SAFE Roads Committee on October 1, 2020.

TRIP/CANADA – Manitoba Chapter – Year ended June 30, 2020

The MHCA makes an annual payment of $6,250 to the CCA for the work of the Civil Infrastructure Council Corporation (CICC) (formerly TRIP/Canada) on behalf of the industry.

The MHCA levies a small, voluntary surcharge on all members invoiced since November 2001, to build a reserve for promoting infrastructure renewal. The reserve has funded media promotion, sponsorships and strategic partnership initiatives. As at June 30, 2020 the reserve fund stood at $114,633.

Respectfully submitted,

Dennis Cruise, G.S.C.
MHCA Secretary/Treasurer

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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