The Canadian Construction Association has placed on its agenda a study of the environmental benefits of investing in strategic infrastructure, the MHCA Executive Committee heard at its monthly meeting June 17.
The request, initiated from the MHCA, was to be on the table at the CCA’s mid-March annual convention, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CCA has committed to sponsoring such a study, MHCA President Chris Lorenc said, in recognition of the need to reduce the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions across industries, including heavy civil construction.
“As well, we know that coordinated transportation networks with well-maintained roads reduce emissions because traffic flows more efficiently. Further, the carbon footprint of reconstructing a road, versus maintaining it, is much higher, ultimately.”
The environmental review was among a number of priority topics discussed at the Executive Committee meeting, which included:
- MHCA’s annual Golf Classic tournament will be held August 12 at the Pine Ridge and Elmhurst Golf courses, with adjustments to the format to ensure the safety of all involved and complying with provincial COVID-19 health restrictions. Registrations begin next week.
- The provincial government has assured MHCA it is raising the issue of Saskatchewan’s use of local preference clauses and penalties within its construction tender and contract documents. Manitoba does not include such impediments to out-of-province companies that bid on government tenders.
- Manitoba submitted its list of projects for federal approval under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan June 12. As part of the province’s $500+ million, economic recovery plan, Manitoba is allotting $230 million for the cost-shared infrastructure program.
- The province has signaled it is intending to restart the Quarry Rehabilitation Program this year, and has committed to consulting the Provincial Aggregate Advisory Committee, of which Manitoba Heavy Construction Association is a member, before deciding on reorganizing the rehab program.
- The Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association is poised to be revitalized as a four-province advocacy group representing Western interests for economic and industry growth particularly at the national level.
- Peter Paulic, chair of MHCA’s WORKSAFELY™ Committee, has agreed to sit as the association representative on the Manitoba Construction Sector Council board, replacing Gord Lee, who has stepped down after many years’ service to the industry.
