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2021

ANNUAL REPORT

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

MHCA Chair Nicole Chabot reviews 2021

A year of tangible progress

Read full ‘Year in review’ report here

MHCA PRESIDENT CHRIS LORENC LOOKS AHEAD

Ambition builds on achievement

Read full ‘Year ahead’ report here

2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BOARD CHAIR

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

PRESIDENT

Chris Lorenc, B.A., LL.B.

VICE CHAIR

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

SECRETARY/ TREASURER

Kevin Brown, P.Eng, G.S.C.
Maple Leaf Construction Ltd.

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

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

AT LARGE

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

AT LARGE

Robert Reidy, P.Eng.
Taillieu Construction

AT LARGE

Barry Arnason
Arnason Industries Ltd.

AT LARGE

Greg Orbanski, B.A., CET
Tri-Line Construction Ltd.

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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

HIGHWAYS

Kevin Brown, P.Eng, G.S.C. Maple Leaf Construction Ltd.

WINNIPEG

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

AGGREGATE PRODUCERS

James Kaskiw, P.Eng.
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.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

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

DIRECTORS – AT LARGE

Denis Collet, B.Comm.
Gravier Collet Gravel Inc.

Richard Wilson, CET,, G.S.C.
MD Steele Construction Ltd.

John Highmoor, B.A. B.Sc. (C.E.)
Tri-Core Projects

Advocacy – MHCA working for you

The pandemic continued to complicate economic activity, but the heavy construction industry in Manitoba never ceased working, to ensure essential services to Manitobans were not disrupted. Further, the MHCA saw some notable advocacy achievements in 2021.

  • Manitoba Infrastructure has committed to presenting multi-year highways capital budgets, starting with a three-year program, progressing to five-year plans.
  • 2021 was the second year in which MI’s highways capital budget reached $500 million, as committed to by the government; MHCA pressed for full expenditure of the budget that was set and is continuing this discussion with senior administration
  • In discussions about the Lake Manitoba/Lake St. Martin outlet channels project with MI, industry representatives pressed for careful scoping and scheduling of the construction to ensure competitive bidding by Manitoba companies
  • Public discussion and support for strategic, long-term infrastructure investment plans is gaining strength. The Urban Development Institute of Manitoba published commentary in the Winnipeg Free Press, pressing for Winnipeg and surrounding municipalities to adopt strategic infrastructure planning
  • MHCA submissions to and industry discussions with the RM of Springfield on its draft new Zoning Bylaw and an Aggregate Operations Bylaw saw critical revisions and consideration of our suggestions. The bylaw preparation process continues in 2022
  • Good progress was made in discussions with the Workers Compensation Board on the composition of a new advisory council for injury prevention.
  • On regional and national levels, the MHCA worked with the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association, the Canadian Construction Association and stakeholder partners to cooperatively advocate for significant investment in trade corridors, and to champion a Western Canada Trade Gateways and Corridors Initiative.

CCA – looking forward to 2022

  • CCA, with WCR&HCA and on MHCA’s initiative, will press the federal government for significant recapitalization of the federal trade corridor fund to spur regional trade transportation infrastructure investment, including the Western Canada Trade Gateways and Corridors Initiative.
  • In 2022 CCA and WCR&HCA will take possession of a report from Canada West Foundation regarding the regional spinoffs and the overall economic growth benefits of strategic investment in Canada’s – particularly Western Canada’s – trade transportation infrastructure.
    • The report will serve as the basis upon which advocacy for public investment from all levels of government can combine with private sector investment to raise Canada’s trade productivity and profile.
  • CCA and WCR&HCA will advocate to the federal government to get funds flowing by loosening criteria, uncluttering the funding mechanism, and supporting the real and immediate infrastructure priorities of provinces and municipalities.

2020 BURSARIES

MHCA Construction Management Award

Kiara Kerwin

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

Kerwin, a graduate of College Sturgeon Heights Collegiate, was inspired to enter the construction field by her father, a site superintendent.

"I would like to inspire younger female generations, and show them that there is a ton of opportunity available for them and that the industry is growing and needs more diverse talent to get the job done."

Kiara Kerwin

MHCA Cornerstone Award

Richard Arpin

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.

Arpin has worked as a survey technician on the Manitoba Hydro Riel Station Convertor project, has training in carpentry and is knowledgeable in survey total stations, GPS rovers and machine control systems.

WORKSAFELY®

Working safe, working smart

Investments in safety by the heavy construction industry have resulted in significant returns to our companies. 

Read report here

Diversity

Russel Spence, operator, L. Chabot Enterprises Inc.

An industry for all

Message from MHCA President

MHCA and the heavy construction industry are expanding their efforts to raise awareness, educate and recruit new workers from the broad community, including among Indigenous groups, women and newcomers.

Read report here

2020/21 EVENTS

2020 Awards Presentation & Annual General Meeting

November 20 2020

Zoom

Read more

Heavy Santa

December 2020

David Livingstone

School

Read more

Curling Bonspiel

Cancelled

Heather Curling Club

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

Breakfast Sessions

2021

Zoom

Read more

Lunch ‘n Learn Webinars

2021

Zoom

Read more

Spring Mixer

CANCELLED

Assiniboia Downs

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

Annual Golf Classic

August 11, 2021

Pine Ridge & Elmhurst Golf Courses

Read more

NEW MEMBERS IN 2020/2021

Total number of new members 28

2021 Affinity Program Partners

Telus

Inn Keepers (Super 8 & Motel 6)

2021 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
Office Administration Coordinator

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® Safety Advisor and Indigenous Liaison, Northern Region

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

DELANEY KUNZELMAN-GALL, B.Env.Sc., OH&S NHSA Cert.
WORKSAFELY® Regional Safety Advisor, Winnipeg Region

JACKIE JONES, CAE
WORKSAFELY® Education and Diversity Programs Advisor

SARAH CRAIG, OH&S Cert.
WORKSAFELY® Client Services Advisor

KRISTEN RANSON
WORKSAFELY® Administrative Assistant

Click here to view the MHCA staff listing

2021 HIGHLIGHTS

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A year of tangible progress

Our industry has always placed economic growth and prosperity at the top of its advocacy efforts, and the past two years have shown why that must be government’s No. 1 priority. We have seen what havoc a global health emergency can wreak upon the strongest of economies. Imagine the toll had our governments not been tuned into pressing fiscal realities, and held to the task by leading business groups such as the MHCA.

I am pleased to report that this year – true to our focus on economic health and growth — the MHCA saw real progress on a high-profile advocacy file that is very much about strengthening budget programs and returns on public investment.

Our long-standing call for Manitoba Infrastructure to adopt long-term infrastructure investment planning has met with success. Manitoba Infrastructure has said it plans to adopt three-year budgets, and expects in the near future it can get to five-year budgets.

That’s good for everyone – the taxpayer, the department and provincial treasury, and for the industry.

When our industry has a good idea what the future holds for public tenders, companies can better plan, look at necessary capital acquisitions, align with suppliers and give their workers a sense of security for predictable employment. That makes for stronger pricing in the market, which returns higher value for the budgeted programs of governments.

Someone once said, advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint. I feel we’re beyond the half-way mark on this one.

2021 was the second of three years MI has committed to budgeting $500 million for highways capital, including funds identified in the economic recovery plan. It is clear, though, we must now focus our efforts to ensure the provincial government makes good on its commitment to carry over any unexpended dollars to the successive highways capital budgets.

In 2020-21, the budget was under-expended by some $60 million of which $49 million was saved due to industry’s competitive bidding. While $11 million in additional projects were tendered as a result, only $22.9 million of the under-expenditure was carried into the 2021-22 highways capital budget. MHCA has started discussions with the Premier’s Office on this.

Budget set must be budget spent. With a highways and roads investment deficit of about $9 billion, every dollar available must be mustered to the challenge.

At the municipal level, MHCA is hard at work to see strategic infrastructure investment planning become a reality. For years, our industry has pressed for a such strategies to sustainably fund the needs of municipal streets, roads, bridges and water and wastewater infrastructure.

Our call has been taken up by others in the business community. We were encouraged to see the Urban Development Institute (Manitoba) publicly call on Winnipeg to set out such a strategy, including identifying where growth in Winnipeg can occur and plotting the appropriate infrastructure to support it.

It is budget time for the City of Winnipeg. MHCA met recently with individual City Councilors, including some within the 2022 budget working group. There is continued pressure on Council to use the revenue reserves dedicated to annual local and regional street renewal to also fund other programs.

The message from our industry to City Council is clear: We support the ability of all residents to get to where they need to go by their chosen mode. We support the construction of active transportation facilities.

But funding for that purpose cannot erode the capacity of the local and regional street reserve to address the top complaint of Winnipeggers – the condition of their streets.

Winnipeg needs a sustainable infrastructure investment strategy that is informed by the condition of the assets, a reasonable time-line for addressing their needs and a financing plan adequate to the challenge.

Other work this year includes:

  • Our industry representatives are engaged with the RM of Springfield administration on its draft new Zoning Bylaw to ensure appropriate rules on setbacks from property lines and residences, and that applications for development in permitted use zones do not require development agreements. We have reason to believe the municipality is responding to our concerns.
  • Discussions with the Workers Compensation Board on the composition of a new advisory council for injury prevention have gone well and MHCA expects good relations and progress to continue.
  • The Lake Manitoba/Lake St. Martin outlet channels project is proceeding – not as fast as we expected, but discussions with Ottawa are progressing and federal approvals and licenses are expected soon.
  • On regional and national levels, the MHCA worked with the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association, the Canadian Construction Association and stakeholder partners to cooperatively advocate for significant investment in trade corridors, and to champion a Western Canada Trade Gateways and Corridors Initiative.

Finally, I want to thank all of you who have supported the MHCA, and especially my colleagues on the Board of Directors. It is a pleasure working with you all. I have no doubt that 2022 will present new issues; I know we are up to the challenge.

Thank you

Nicole Chabot, G.S.C.

Chair, Board of Directors

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Ambition builds on achievement

Advocacy is not a sprint, but a marathon. The adage is useful to help pace and measure the progress of priority files. It also helps keep the occasional reflex to despair in frustration at bay.

But measurable progress is critical to putting wind in the sails. And so it is with pleasure that I can describe 2021 as a year of real, tangible progress.

I would like to begin the outline of our priorities for 2022 with a note about one of our achievements. I am pleased to say we are seeing results from MHCA’s advocacy for long-term, strategic infrastructure investment plans.

Manitoba Infrastructure has acknowledged the benefit of preparing and publicly presenting multi-year budgets, starting with a three-year highways capital program in the next budget and moving toward five-year programs.

This was noted in the preceding Message from the Chair. However, it is important to repeat now, as I offer you my “looking ahead” perspectives, because it sets out some particularly important priorities for the MHCA in 2022.

We have for many years repeatedly pressed government, on our own and recently with the voices of leading business groups, to be strategic on how it plots its annual and forecasted investment in core and trade-enabling infrastructure, to ensure that the greatest return to our GDP is realized.

The economic recovery of our municipalities, province and country in large measure depends on strategic infrastructure investment, making best use of public dollars to support local businesses and generate revenues to our governments to support core public services, and our social and cultural programs.

With the province’s acknowledgment of the value of multi-year highways capital budgets, MHCA will press for:

  • Timely adoption of an annual and five-year highways capital program
  • Ensure that MI’s commitment to “budget set, budget spent” – supported by a rolling forward program – is firmly entrenched
  • Release of the provincial infrastructure investment deficit for highways and bridges, which we last understood to be approximately $9 billion
  • A provincial asset-management plan, so Manitobans can see for themselves the condition and the needs of our transportation network
  • A sustainable funding strategy to address those needs within a reasonable timeframe.

These are lead items among the priorities for 2022, all of which the MHCA considers integral to the goal of economic recovery, growth and prosperity. Since MHCA’s founding in 1943, all its advocacy has been anchored by the imperative to grow the economy as the enabler of everything else. The wisdom of that principle has been proved by the hardest test of all – time.

In keeping with the above we will intensify our advocacy at the City of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region and rural municipalities to support strategic infrastructure investment strategies that can deliver the highest return on investment to the GDP.

The MHCA was pleased that the City has released Economic Response and Recovery Plan AND that it has created the office of Senior Manager for Economic Development and Policy to help refocus and purpose capital budgets through a best ROI to GDP lens. This was a position long advanced by the MHCA.

At the City of Winnipeg, the MHCA will press to ensure that the integrity of the financing plan for local and regional street renewal – which is backed by an asset management plan and an annual and five-year budget – is not weakened by calls to use the dedicated, 2% annual tax that serves as a revenue source for other purposes.

Bridges were added to qualify for funding from the reserve in 2019. And now we are seeing calls for active transportation projects to also draw from that fund.

The MHCA supports the construction and maintenance of all modes of transportation. Bridges, rapid transit, bicycle facilities – all deserve attention and priority. But the dedicated, 2% tax financing plan for local and regional street renewal was never contemplated to be the solution to all investment deficit problems.

As a result, we will call upon City Council in preparation for the 2023 budget deliberations to:

  • Task a stakeholder group resourced by Public Works and the Office of Economic Development & Growth, to recommend a detailed strategic infrastructure plan addressing at minimum the following areas:
    • The specific strategic goals and objectives including mode shift, induced demand and inverted mobility pyramid considerations.
    • Identify where growth can/will occur by explaining the locational or strategic importance associated with infrastructure improvements and how they will help grow Winnipeg’s tax base.
    • Define an appropriate “level of service” that the system should be designed to provide, the scale of required investment to achieve and maintain it
    • Prioritize projects that will provide the best ROI to GDP.
    • Identify potential external funding sources (federal/provincial/private sector/other)
    • Inclusion of an implementation strategy
  • Concurrently, direct the Public Works department to
    • update the assessment and needs of the transportation infrastructure
    • set out financing strategy options, to meet the needs of local and regional street renewal, bridges and active transportation facilities in a reasonable timeframe
    • enable Council to begin a public discussion on the necessary resources and revenues required for a long-term, sustainable funding plan for infrastructure: municipalities do not have the taxation tools necessary to access adequate revenue resources.

The final point underscores why the MHCA will continue to advocate for better sharing of costs in infrastructure funding agreements among the three levels of government, to help municipalities pay not just for the construction of infrastructure but its maintenance.

In keeping with that, the MHCA in 2022 will continue to advocate for a new fiscal deal in which the province and the federal government assist municipalities with new taxation tools, the sharing of growth taxes and related options.

Beyond our borders, you will see the MHCA’s advocacy campaign for a Western Canada Trade Gateways and Corridors Initiative gather strength, in provincial, regional and national efforts with our business and stakeholder partners. This will go hand-in-hand with pressing Ottawa for a significant recapitalization of the national trade corridors fund.

Other areas of advocacy MHCA will focus on include:

  • Resurrecting and restructuring delivery of the Quarry Rehabilitation Program
  • Supporting truth and reconciliation efforts through engagement in the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord and through education and training outreach programs to attract, train and retain new workers to our industry from Indigenous communities and equity groups
  • Collaborating as members of the Manitoba Construction Sector Council to ensure training gaps are addressed
  • Supporting safe workplaces by efficiently and strategically managing delivery of the MHCA WORKSAFELY® Program
  • Working with the RM of Springfield in its development of the Zoning By-Law and Quarry Operations By-law
  • Engaging in discussion with the City of Winnipeg related to its combined sewer overflow program
  • Working with the province and MI to ensure funding of the Lake Manitoba/Lake St Martin outlets materializes and the project is scoped and scheduled to enable competitive bidding by Manitoba companies
  • Monitoring MI budgets to ensure the commitment of no less than $500 million is invested in Manitoba’s highways system annually with a view to its increase
  • Pushing each level of government for sustainable predictable and incremental infrastructure budgets
  • Working collaboratively as members of the City of Winnipeg Social Procurement Working Group to emerge with a social procurement policy that works for the targeted equity group, the public and industry

It is encouraging to see growing support for advocacy of initiatives that have been part of our industry’s public campaigns for years. It is testament to our founding vision that what we do is critical to protecting our communities, laying  the road for economic growth, for future prosperity.

I conclude with this especially important acknowledgement:

None of the achievements, nor plans to go forward, mean anything without principled leadership from successive Chairs of the Board, and the Boards of Directors, supported by a committed, robust membership.

I have witnessed that principled, collaborative leadership now for 30 years as your President having started with the MHCA on October 1, 1991.  For your collective leadership and support, I very sincerely thank you.

Chris Lorenc, B.A., LL.B.,

President, MHCA

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WORKSAFELY®

2021 – 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 2021 from 4.7 injuries per 100 workers in 2015.

Average WCB compensation rates for the industry are markedly lower than in 2015, from $2.59/$100 in 2015 to $1.78/$100 in 2021.

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 2021, 336 of our industry companies – covering over 75% of the workforce – are COR® certified.  Despite COVID-19 challenges, we have delivered 120 courses to over 600 participants.

Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Our industry has responded well to the challenges from the pandemic. 

As for all industries, COVID-19 posed a significant challenge for the heavy construction industry.  Our industry responded well and there were few significant disruptions due to the pandemic in 2021. Our industry showed leadership by following public health direction in implementing appropriate prevention measures.

The key reasons our industry was able to work throughout the pandemic were the experience and safety and health discipline developed by our companies through their implementation of practices and procedures in the COR® program. 

This has shown that the COR® program works for our companies. 

Client Outreach

Strengthening communication with our clients continued to be a key element of the WORKSAFELY® strategic plan.  In addition to newsletters and e-news, which reach all of our clients, WORKSAFELY® staff consistently made one-on-one contact each quarter with close to 2/3 of our COR® client base.  The overall objective was to deliver services, provide advice and ensure companies’ training needs and safety and health assistance were met.

Enhanced Services & Training

The unique challenges posed by COVID-19 meant that much of our contact with companies in 2021 has been through virtual or digital means (phone, email, and videoconferencing).  This approach was used in all elements of our services, from training to audits depending on the constraints posed by the pandemic. 

We have made the adjustment to ensure that we now can deliver in-class services safely, whether that be at the MHCA office or at an alternate location, including client in-house training.  However, we have learned that distanced learning through video conferencing may benefit some of our more remote clients, allowing them enhanced access.

We have partnered with River East Transcona School Division and Seven Oaks School Division to deliver programs to deliver an “Introduction to Heavy Construction Industry” high school and mature students. 

2022 – Looking Ahead

Growing COR® Program Participation

Our goal is to grow the COR® client base beyond our existing  336 COR® companies or organizations.

Our target includes:

  • New companies in the heavy construction sector
  • Companies in snow removal, waste management, forestry and oil and gas
  • Municipalities and Manitoba’s government administered northern affairs communities

Promoting the WORKSAFELY® Program

We want to promote the success our companies have achieved by improving safety in our industry, diversity in our workforces, and job opportunities in our industry to our future workforce.  We will be working with our client companies, and our partners like SAFE Work Manitoba to promote the accomplishments and the brand of the MHCA WORKSAFELY® program.

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

  • Working with other industry-based safety programs to promote practical approaches to enhanced safety certification, injury/illness prevention and regulation.
  • Taking the lead in developing training and awareness in areas such as mental health, diversity and return to work.
  • Continuing to update our training and strengthening our services to improve our training through the use of digital tools and resources including adding training options through e-learning.
  • Working with the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations to update the COR® program and improve the harmonization of the COR® program across jurisdictions.

Client Service

WORKSAFELY® will continue to

  • Emphasize one-on-one contact with our WORKSAFELY® clients
  • Use technology to strengthen training services to our clients
  • Promote the WORKSAFELY® program to new clients to the heavy construction industry and related sectors

Diversity and Workforce Development

Work with partners such as UCN and Indigenous communities to deliver safety and heavy equipment operator training

Continue engagement with the Indigenous communities and other partners, and expand the reach of our safety and workforce training with Indigenous people and communities.

Assist partners such as the Seven Oaks School Division to deliver introductory training to our potential workforce. We will continue work on developing similar programs with the Indigenous Southeast Collegiate.

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.

WORKSAFELY® Safety Leader Award

We want to recognize our WORKSAFELY® Safety Leader Award recipient for 2021– Jared Griffiths from Maple Leaf Construction. The WORKSAFELY® Safety Leader Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding achievement and commitment to the pursuit of safety in our industry. 

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

New 2021 COR® Companies

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we certified 14 new companies in 2021.

10024104 Manitoba Ltd. o/a Northrok Construction Ltd.

3193099 Manitoba Ltd. o/a Falcon Enterprises Ltd.

Cam Arrow 2019 Ltd.

Crane & Timber Inc.

Curb 2 Curb Maintenance

Fox Lake Construction L.P.

Gimli Septic Service Ltd.

Guscott Backhoe & Trucking Ltd.

Main-Line Enterprises Ltd.

No Limits Underground Ltd.

Skyline Crane Inc.

South Mountain Enterprises Inc.

Stone Bridge Redi-Mix

Points North Construction Inc.

We look forward to working hard to help you all work safely and stay healthy in 2022.

Thank you.

Don Hurst,

Director, WORKSAFELY® Education and Training

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An industry for all

Message from MHCA President

MHCA and the heavy construction industry are expanding their efforts to raise awareness, educate and recruit new workers from the broad community, including among Indigenous groups, women and newcomers. This builds on the numerous training program and outreach efforts to date, including in 2019 when MHCA became a signatory to the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord.

In 2021, with the MHCA Board of Directors’ approval, the association expanded the responsibilities of Jackie Jones, WORKSAFELY® Education Programs Advisor, to including acting as MHCA’s first Diversity Programs Advisor.

Jackie acts as liaison with industry associations, community groups and education institutions that are working for greater awareness regarding diversity and inclusion. This will step up MHCA’s collaboration with these groups on meaningful efforts and initiatives to see diverse and non-traditional individuals enter the heavy construction workforce.

MHCA launched its Diversity initiative, including a resources tab on the association website to assist employers, new and existing employees and the public. 

Please take the time to acquaint yourself with these resources and contact Jackie Jones, MHCA Education and Diversity Programs Advisor, to talk about how you can help diversify our workforce.

Chris Lorenc, B.A., LL.B.,
President, MHCA

Samantha Line, lab technician, Munro Group’s Lilyfield Quarry

Jackie Jones, WORKSAFELY® Education and Diversity Programs Advisor

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2020 Awards Presentation & Annual General Meeting

November 20, 2020
RBC Convention Centre

Manitoba Infrastructure Awards

  • Grading Winner – Earth Max Construction Inc.: Lake St. Martin outlet channel Access Road
  • Paving Winner – Maple Leaf Construction: Bituminous construction from PTH 23 to PTH 13
  • Special Projects Winner – Maple Leaf Construction: Overlay and granular shoulders PR 248 to PTH 6
  • Urban Works Winner – Nelson River Construction: Concrete reconstruction PTH 32 in Winkler
  • Major Structures Winner – D. Steele Construction Ltd.: Structure at Grassmere Drain on PTH 9
  • Minor Structures Winner – Coco Group (Canada) Inc: Box culvert structure, Munson Creek on PTH 5
  • Water Management Winner – WBS Construction: Pump station & gravity outfall, Morris Ring Dike

Over 130 members and guests joined virtually to hear greetings from Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler.

29 companies were recognized for their milestone membership commitments.

Peter Henry, of DJN Services Ltd., received the Safety Leader Award.

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2020 Heavy Santa

December 2020
David Livingstone School

Due to the cancellation of events and, by extension, fundraising for this community event, MHCA relied on member donations in 2020. 

80 gift bags were prepared for the younger students at David Livingstone School.  The gift bags along with an iPad were dropped off at the school at the beginning of December. 

Due to provincial health restrictions, the public was not allowed into the school at this time.

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2021 Breakfast Sessions

2021
Winnipeg

The Honourable Scott Fielding, Minister of Finance
February 16
70+ people registered

Bramwell Strain, President and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba
March 16
60+ people registered

John Casola, Chief Investment Officer, Canada Infrastructure Bank 
May 12
50+ people registered

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2021 Lunch ‘n Learn Webinars

2021
Zoom

March 30 – Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
     Taking Advantage of a Seller’s Market for Heavy Equipment

April 13 – Maxim Truck & Trailer
     Preventative Maintenance: Eliminating downtime due to fuel related issues

April 14 – St. John Ambulance
     Mental Health First Aid

April 15 – SMS Equipment
     Maximize your productivity with Komatsu’s new industry-leading iMc 2.0 technology

April 20 – 365 Technologies
     Your best defense against cyber attacks and ransomware? Your employees. 

April 27 – Fleet Profit Centre
     Telematics in the Construction Industry

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2021 Annual Golf Classic

August 11, 2021
Pine Ridge & Elmhurst Golf Courses

Public Health Orders eased prior to the tournament, allowing for 33 teams per course to participate

9 contests per course

44 companies sponsored at various financial levels.

Westcon Equipment & Rentals Ltd. placed first under par and Brandt Tractor Ltd. placed second under par.

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

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MHCA Treasurer’s Report

I am pleased to submit the MHCA Treasurer’s Report for the year ended June 30, 2021.

 

The MHCA Board of Directors remains focused on balanced budgets. The 2020-2021 fiscal year has been challenging. COVID-19 has reduced the MHCA’s ability to host social fundraisers. Of the association’s four major events only the MHCA Golf Tournament was held, and that was limited by public health protocols. This has impacted the association’s finances, resulting in reductions for the MHCA in both revenues and expenses. With improvements in the COVID-19 situation, the MHCA Board of Directors is hopeful that it can host more of its events in 2021-22.

MHCA Financial Statements – Year ended June 30, 2021

The audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2021, as reported on by MHCA auditor Weppler Chartered Professional Accountants Inc., were adopted by the Board of Directors on September 29, 2021.

MHCA assets have decreased by $8,718. Liabilities, including accounts payable and deferred revenues, were decreased by $7,285.

The MHCA posted a loss of $1,433 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, 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, $499,118 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, 2021

The MHCA collaborates with public and private-sector stakeholders on the SAFE Roads public-awareness media campaign. SAFE Roads was initiated by the MHCA 16 years ago and since inception has been chaired by the MHCA President. The MHCA holds and administers in trust a fund of $84,809 for the SAFE Roads Committee. The fund is reviewed by Weppler Chartered Accountants Inc. The review was presented to and adopted by the MHCA Board on September 29 and the SAFE Roads Committee on October 5, 2021.

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, 2021 the reserve fund stood at $158,552.

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Brown, P.Eng, 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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