AN INDUSTRY FOR ALL
The heavy construction industry has always drawn its workers from various groups within our communities. The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association’s Diversity tab provides members, managers, employees and future employees resources and information, aiming to assist with recruiting, hiring and retaining workers and making all workers, from all backgrounds, welcome. Take a look at our initiatives, to see what we’ve done and where we’re going.
DIVERSIFYING OUR WORKFORCE
Who works in heavy construction?
This diverse industry has something for everyone, whoever you are and whatever your skills, qualifications or interests. Our industry members are proud of their work in attracting people from all backgrounds.
There are numerous, well-developed resources, including on-line courses and seminars for employers, managers and employees on what diversity looks like, why it’s important to you and how we can all work to ensure successful implementation of respectful workplace policies.
EMPLOYERS/ MANAGERS
Workers
Future Workers
Resources for all
Messages
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE, YOUR CAREER IN HEAVY CONSTRUCTION AWAITS
This industry and this association are intent on providing jobs and careers to all.
BUILDING ON OUR PAST, ON THE ROAD TO NEW POSSIBILITIES
The history of heavy civil construction and roadbuilding has been built, to a degree, on the work of diverse groups.
MOVING BEYOND STEREOTYPES – DIVERSITY IN HEAVY CONSTRUCTION
Did you see the recent story about pink porta-potties on British Columbia construction sites? I must admit, it raised an eyebrow or two. Really? Pink?
MHCA’S LEE WOODS NAMED VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: TOURISM WINNIPEG
MHCA Marketing and Communications Coordinator Lee Woods is proud of his work to raise the profile of Pride Winnipeg.
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Do you have questions about the MHCA’s marketing materials and publications? Contact Lee Woods at lee@mhca.mb.ca


LATEST NEWS
CCA Webinar – Diversity and inclusion: more than words
Diversity has been a persistent problem in construction industries and while many organizations are striving...
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The MHCA has posted on its website masthead an acknowledgment it is located on Treaty...
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City of Winnipeg offices will be closed Thursday, September 30 to recognize the National Day...
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There is no rationalization or justification that can possibly excuse or diminish the fact and...
Keep readingMHCA welcomes, learns from Elder Betty Ross
MHCA Vice-chair Dennis Cruise and President Chris Lorenc with Elder Betty Ross at the Oodena...
Keep readingMcPherson named MHCA’s Indigenous liaison, northern division
MHCA WORKSAFELY™ Safety Advisor Dave McPherson has been named the program’s Indigenous Liaison, Northern Division,...
Keep readingBURSARY OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION POST-SECONDARY PROGRAMS

The Canadian Association of Women in Construction this year is offering a number of $2,000 bursaries to female students enrolled in construction related studies at Canadian post-secondary institutions.
Applicants must identify as a woman and have completed the first year of a diploma or degree program at a college or university, with full-time enrolment in the subsequent year. Additional information about the bursary can be found here and the application form can be found here.
Get into heavy construction
MHCA has been working with various industry and community partners to diversify recruitment and employment in the heavy construction industry.
MMF initiative
– UNDER CONSTRUCTION –
Looking for work? Need to hire?
Click here to post your resume or a job position on the MHCA WORKSAFELY® job board.
In the news
Forget one-size-fits-all: Why PPE built for women means safer working conditions
August 4, 2021
Canada is facing a major skilled trades shortage over the next decade. While measures are being taken by local and national leaders to attract more workers to the trades, more can be done to recruit from one relatively untapped demographic: women. However, there are many barriers women face when it comes to joining the construction trades, a major one being safety.
August 18, 2021
The MHCA, as part of the Manitoba Construction Sector Council, is involved in a number of initiatives to attract women and Indigenous people to the industry. The Manitoba government announced $600,000 grant in August, 2021, for a training program in four northern, Indigenous communities to help women enter the trades, including water and sewer heavy construction work. Listen to Cathy Cox, Minister for the Status of Women, talk about the opportunities here.
Manitoba funding trades training for Indigenous women
August 19, 2021
Sietta Marsden, 19, of Pinaymootang First Nation, says it can be intimidating for women to step into the industry, but the training course helped her overcome her initial reservations. Now she can be a role model for younger women considering construction as a career.
Manitoba funding trades training for Indigenous women (aptnnews.ca)
Indigenous women in Manitoba have a new opportunity to take trades training in their communities
August 19, 2021
Carol Paul, Executive Director of the MCSC, spoke to Sam Samson, from CBC Information Radio’s Up to Speed program, about the training initiative, challenges the construction industry faces in recruiting women and Indigenous people and why women should look to construction for good jobs and career opportunities.
With equity far from reality in Manitoba's unemployment rates, construction and manufacturing sectors are targeting a "she-covery" strategy to move forward.
Faith Fundal is joined by two women who operate heavy construction companies. Nicole Chabot, owner of Chabot Enterprises Ltd, and Colleen Munro, President of Hugh Munro Group.
March 8, 2021
Listen now
Pandemic job losses impact more Manitoba women than men
Almost one year after the pandemic began, policy analysts say unemployment rates for Manitoba women are quickly outpacing rates for men.
March 8, 2021
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Leading family business into next generation
Colleen Munro pulls up to her office just off Wilkes Avenue in Winnipeg and gets ready for another day of business as owner and president of Hugh Munro Construction. Founded in 1959, Hugh Munro Construction provides excavation and heavy construction services for Manitoba, Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
April 29, 2020
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Manitoba recognizes International Women’s Day with funding for career programs
Manitoba’s provincial government has announced funds geared toward propelling women into fields of work dominated by men, like construction and information technology.
March 8, 2021
Listen now
Manitoba tech, construction sectors get $50K to boost women in trades
The Manitoba government announced supports for programs that promote women in trades on Monday as part of International Women’s Day.
March 8, 2021
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Pink portable toilets a signal of changing site attitudes?
It may not be the traditional welcome mat, but the pink portable toilet is becoming a sign of changing attitudes at construction sites as more women enter the job site.
June 25, 2021
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Interested in talking to someone about your future in heavy construction? Call Jacqueline Kent at 204-947-1379.

