Carr to ask Wilkinson for focus on moving outlet channel project ahead

Manitoba’s senior MP, Jim Carr, committed to speaking with Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson about the Lake Manitoba-Lake St. Martin outlet channels project, following a video conference with local construction industry representatives.

“We are encouraged to know that MP Carr will make inquiries on the progress of the project and assist where he can,” said MHCA President Chris Lorenc. “We understand from our conversations with provincial officials that the assistance would be welcomed.

The video meeting was organized as part of the Canadian Construction Association “Hill Days”, meetings with federal politicians and senior officials, which this year are held via video.

The MHCA and Winnipeg Construction Association discussed a number of items with Carr, including the flow of funding from and the need for flexibility within the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, status of the development at the former Kapyong Barracks and the need for attention to strategic trade transportation corridors and gateways, such as the Chief Peguis Trail extension.

The outlet channels project is particularly concerning as it is required to prevent catastrophic damage from flooding, events that are expected to continue with increased frequency as the climate changes.