Kinew, Naylor underscore role of trade gateways & corridors in economic growth
Premier Wab Kinew told MHCA members November 17 his government understands fully the role the heavy construction industry plays in growing Manitoba’s economy, noting the “economic horse” that pulls the social cart moves on the infrastructure they build.
Kinew was the lead speaker to address MHCA’s annual Awards Breakfast at the RBC Convention Centre. His address followed his meeting, November 16, with members of a national coalition of business organizations who are pressing for a Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan.
Some 66% of Canada’s and 53% of Manitoba’s economy relies upon trade, returning to government coffers the revenues necessary to support social welfare programs and core public services.
Kinew said the industry should take confidence from the fact his administration has appointed strong talent working for the interests of infrastructure investment, including MTI Minister Lisa Naylor – probably the first woman to lead the ministry – and Sarah Thiele, who previously served as deputy minister at MTI and now moved to the position of Clerk of the Executive Council. Ryan Klos has been moved to Deputy Minister of MTI, having previously worked in Finance and, for a short time, acting ADM in MTI.
The Premier referred to the appointments as delivering real “horsepower” to the file of infrastructure planning and investment.
It is members of the heavy construction industry that built the roads, bridges, and culverts that the economic horse walks upon, he noted.
Kinew recommitted to continuing with the minimum $500-million highways infrastructure program, as the government moves on its plan to returning the provincial budget to balance, from a deficit.
The government is intent on balancing the budget, which will require increased revenues to allow it to tackle priorities such as health, he noted, and that demands strategic investment in infrastructure.
“We’re going to be relying on you to do a lot of the heavy lifting,” he said.
Following Kinew, later in the breakfast program, Minister Naylor thanked the MHCA for early engagement and discussions on infrastructure planning and investment.
She noted the importance of planning multi-year highways capital budgets, and committed to continuing that work.
Naylor, further, said the department worked intensively to prepare the MTI tender ad schedule for release today, which has been a standard feature of the MHCA Awards Breakfast.
The schedule is posted on the MTI website. You can see it here.
Naylor stressed the important regulatory and process elements that are necessary for the industry to proceed with their work, highlighting the role of prompt payment rules.
Kinew and Naylor’s addresses at the Awards Breakfast book-ended those of senior business leaders, Canadian Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Perrin Beatty, who delivered the keynote address, and Mary Van Buren, President of the Canadian Construction Association.
MHCA Board Chair Dennis Cruise delivered his Year in Review message, followed by MHCA President & CEO Chris Lorenc’s Looking Forward message.
To read the full MHCA Annual Report click here.
