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2025

Annual Report

MHCA Chair John Highmoor looks back on 2025

As we reflect on 2025, it’s clear that our Association continues to strengthen its role as the voice for Manitoba’s heavy construction industry. This year has brought meaningful progress in our operations, advocacy, and partnerships that drive industry growth.

In my 30 years in heavy construction, I’ve never seen as much change as I have in the past five years, with projects now far more complex and demanding. Despite these challenges, most member companies have adapted and remain industry leaders.

Like the changes our member companies have made over the years, MHCA is also evolving. This year marked an important milestone with the hiring of our first-ever Vice-President, Felicia Wiltshire, whose leadership experience, strategic insight, and collaborative spirit will strengthen our work.

We are placing greater emphasis on member services and advocacy with public offices and stakeholder partners, and Felicia’s addition reflects MHCA’s continued growth and commitment to building a strong, capable team that amplifies our profile in these critical areas.

I’m also pleased we welcomed several other talented new staff members to both MHCA and WorkSafely this year. Each has contributed skill, energy, and fresh perspective, strengthening our capacity to deliver exceptional value to members and to advance our priorities with government and industry partners. This team has had many successes this year and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Advocacy remained a central focus throughout the year.

Following a 3% increase to Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s (MTI) capital program in Budget 2025, we met with MTI officials to discuss critical steps needed to ensure full annual program expenditure. MHCA continues to closely monitor MTI’s tender advertising schedule to help ensure the budget set is equal budget spent — a principle that underpins predictable, efficient infrastructure investment.

At the municipal level, we worked closely with the City of Winnipeg to share industry concerns about the proposed social procurement clauses in heavy construction tenders. After many meetings, City’s decision to pause implementation for 2025 was a constructive outcome — one that allows for further consultation and refinement.

We urged the City of Winnipeg and the Provincial government to adopt consistent aggregate specifications for road bases. Currently, differing requirements mean companies must produce separate materials for City and Provincial projects, creating inefficiencies. MHCA has been advocating for better coordination between the two levels of government. As of this fall, discussions have finally begun, which is a positive step toward harmonizing aggregate specifications.

Additionally, we worked with the South Interlake Planning District (SIPD) to help revise its proposed development plan to protect access to tens of millions of tonnes of aggregate resources vital to Manitoba’s infrastructure. Establishing a collaborative working group, including SIPD, MHCA, and aggregate producers, ensures this issue continues to be addressed in a thoughtful and strategic manner.

The events we hosted this year once again brought together our members, industry, and government officials for conversation, engagement, learning, and fun.

In September, Premier Wab Kinew unveiled his government’s new Manitoba Economic Development Strategy at the Leaders’ Forum on Growing the Economy, hosted by 14 organizations including MHCA. The event, which drew a record 400 guests, featured Kinew discussing the new strategy and taking part in a Q&A moderated by Mary Agnes Welch of Probe Research.

New this year, our industry breakfast seminars featured legal experts providing timely guidance on prompt payment and other key issues to help members stay ahead of legislative and contractual changes.

As we look toward 2026, we do so with pride in what we’ve achieved and confidence in what lies ahead. We’ve made great progress this year. From strengthening our leadership team to advancing critical advocacy, these efforts reflect the commitment and collaboration that define our association.

Together, we continue to build the foundation for a stronger industry, a stronger economy, and a stronger Manitoba. Thank you to our members for your support and for trusting us to be your voice this year.

John Highmoor
Chair, Board of Directors

MHCA President & CEO Chris Lorenc Looks Forward

Looking Forward, Our Priorities 2026/27

This is a special moment I look forward to each year, as it lets me share with our members the key advocacy priorities the MHCA will focus on a go forward basis, in this case in 2026.

It is a highlight only, because in the world of public policy advocacy, nothing is ever certain, and issues are never fixed, static or defined.

I begin with some thanks:

To John Highmoor and our Board of Directors for their consistent commitment to leadership and sharing their experience, which helps shape our advocacy
To the many MHCA members, who through their volunteer work, inform the MHCA’s ability to advocate
To all MHCA members for your membership, sponsorship, attendance at events
To the city, province and colleague stakeholder associations, some of whom are here with us this morning, for their collaboration in developing and advancing public policy options
And last, but certainly not least, to the entire MHCA and WorkSafely Program staff
- I have the great privilege of working with each of them.
- I see, hear and feel at meetings, discussions, training sessions, their commitment to support the purpose of the MHCA and our WorkSafely Program.

So, thank you! You enable the MHCA to earn respect, and in the world of advocacy, presence, profile and impact.

All of our activities are anchored to the MHCA vision and mission statements which collectively challenge us as the voice of our industry, to promote economic growth, by harnessing strategic investment in core infrastructure, delivered safely and reinforced by policies that support the public best interests.

We execute our advocacy priorities alongside our Board Chair, Executive Committee, Committee chairs, members, government officials, government agencies, and public and private stakeholders.

We network with more than 40 organizations provincially, regionally and nationally to advance principled, evidence-based, socially responsible public policy advice to each of our audiences – public or private.

Our strategy is built on the understanding that ‘advocacy is a marathon, never a sprint,’ and that ‘you can go faster alone, but further together.’

Our approach is always about building relationships, agreeing where we can, or where we disagree, never being disagreeable.

These are the core foundations that uphold MHCA’s reputation, as a respected and trusted organization.

OUR PRIORITIES

So, with the above foundational context, here are some of our areas of focus for 2026.

Our top priority—and the focus of all our work—is partnering with others to promote the proposition that ‘growing the economy is job #1 for every level of government.’

Without growth, government revenues remain limited …… constraining fiscal strength, flexibility, and ability to maintain, improve, and introduce programs that benefit our communities.

In support of this objective:

Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan (CTIP)
Together with the Canadian Construction Association, Civil Infrastructure Council, Western Canada Roadbuilders and national business stakeholders, we continue to advocate for a federal Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan (CTIP) to invest in trade gateways and corridors that support diversification and a resilient economy.

Manitoba Transportation System Asset Management and Investment Strategy
To give Manitoba an effective, efficient, and sustainable transportation system that supports economic growth, we are pressing the province to adopt a Manitoba Transportation System Asset Management and Investment Strategy. This will usher in a sustainable, long-term investment strategy, including dedicated ‘fenced around funding,’ supported by an annual and five-year capital plan.

MTI’s Annual Highways Capital Budget
MTI’s annual highways capital budget lacks a transparent, evidence-based connection to the system condition. MTI budgets have been marked by variances, underspending, have not kept pace with inflation, and have lacked a sustainable, predictable, and incremental approach to investment.

Alongside the first MTI recommendation, the 2026/27 Highways Capital Budget should see a significant increase to strengthen the system, drive economic growth, and support jobs—an essential first step toward real impact.

Manitoba Transportation & Infrastructure (MTI) – Program Delivery
The Board has identified priority areas that require decisive steps to ensure a smooth a predictable MTI program delivery including:

Early design, tendering and timely contract awards
Reliable tender ad schedule
Budget set=budget awarded
Prompt payment
Post project review
Spec and measurement harmonization between MTI and Winnipeg

Manitoba Jobs Agreement (MJA)
Our message to the provincial government has been crystal clear with respect to the proposed Manitoba Jobs Agreement (MJA).

The government’s MJA briefing note showed no issues needing “fixing” in the heavy construction sector and should therefore not apply—especially to any bids under MTI oversight.
MJA’s negative impacts include:
- Required hiring preference for workers holding union cards
- Payment of union dues and benefits costs even IF open shop AND have own benefits in place
- Creates organized labour workplace practices e.g. stewards, with access to job sites by union representatives
- Additional costs with no project benefits

Utility Locates Working Group
We believe the provincial government is now close to convening a Utility Locates Working Group to develop and present consensus-based recommendations to ensure timely and reliable utility locates.

Quarry Rehab Program and Mines Branch Approvals
Continuing to ensure further improvements in the Quarry Rehab Program delivery and timeliness in Mines Branch approvals, of new and renewed leases and related permits required by industry.

South Interlake Planning District (SIPD) Development Plan
An industry working group is closely monitoring the SIPD Development Plan review process, which over the last two years has been updated without any contact with industry.

We only learned in June 2025 that the draft plan, as written, overlooks the Mines Act, Regulations, and Provincial Land Use Policies (PLUPs), which provide the necessary legal and regulatory context:

Protect access to and extraction of finite resources to support public interest
Temper negative impacts with reasonable application of principles of sustainable development
Mindful that pits and quarry operations are considered temporary land use

We are attempting to come to a common ground understanding with SIPD.

Deputy CAO, Economic Development
The MHCA, along with others, is pursuing a recommendation that Winnipeg create a Deputy CAO, Economic Development. This person will serve as the strategic lead for the city’s economic future, guiding how the city attracts investment, creates jobs, and fosters inclusive prosperity.

The position would be housed within the Office of the CAO, reporting through the CAO to the Mayor and Chair of the SPC of Finance and Economic Development.
Demonstrable focus by Winnipeg on growing the economy enables a credible argument for a new fiscal deal with Manitoba and by extension Ottawa, which we also support.

Working Group to Review Local & Regional Streets
We are pressing Winnipeg to establish a working group to review the condition of local and regional streets upon which to then base budgets going forward.

Winnipeg Specification Review
We are advancing suggested specification, quality assurance and practices changes to the Winnipeg Spec Review Committee, whose creation we initiated and of which we are members. We have alerted the city to challenges with required design and practices which are causing significant project cost increases without demonstrated cost benefit to product quality.

Leaders’ Forum on Growing the Economy

The MHCA is part of 14 partner associations, who embrace the proposition that growing the economy is job #1 for every level of government.

Since 2022, this partnership has hosted an annual Leaders’ Forum on Growing the Economy and welcomed government and party leaders, including Manitoba’s Premier and Winnipeg’s Mayor, to share their strategies, priorities, and initiatives for advancing local and provincial economic growth.

The 14 associations have invited Prime Minister Carney to be keynote speaker at an April 2026 Leaders’ Forum in Winnipeg.

Equipment Rental Rates (ERR)
The MHCA publishes the only Equipment Rental Rate Guide in Manitoba. The ERR Committee has embarked on an ambitious investment to update all equipment categories to ensure rental rates are current now and into the future.

WorkSafely Program
The WCB Act Legislative Review Committee has been struck. The MHCA must be vigilant and participate to ensure that the careful historical balance of employers, organized labour and public interest is not skewed.

We must ensure that the WorkSafely Program contract with the WCB when renewed in 2026, preserves the right for industry to set direction, based upon a common understanding of our workplace safety objectives.

The MHCA WorkSafely Program must continue to be the education and training delivery entity of choice, supporting continuing reductions in frequency, duration and costs associated with workplace injuries.

Workforce Development
We will continue to focus on developing our Workforce development strategy in order to help our members attract, train, and retain high quality workers

We are working with partners such as Manitoba Construction Sector Council to provide training opportunities for new technology, along with exploring options to partner with post-secondary institutions like Red River College Polytechnique to provide skills needed to be successful in the heavy construction industry

CONCLUSION

Please know the above represents only a small sample of the many areas where the MHCA is actively engaged in advocacy. There are many, many more.

We remain always available to members, to colleague stakeholders and to governments to find solutions to problems which afflict our common objectives, and to do so collaboratively.

All of the above speaks to the MCHA working to advocate for the development and implementation of public policy, which reflects public best interest, and concurrently demonstrates to industry, the value of membership in the MHCA.

Thank you for your attention and most importantly, your support.

Chris Lorenc, B.A., LL.B.,
President & CEO, MHCA
November 21, 2025

2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee

BOARD CHAIR
John Highmoor,
BA., B Sc. (C.E.)
Tri-Core Projects

PRESIDENT & CEO
Chris Lorenc, B.A., LL.B.

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

SECRETARY
Tony Teixeira
J.C. Paving Ltd.

TREASURER
Marcel Machado,
B.Sc., C.E.
Green Infrastructure Partners Inc.

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Dennis Cruise,
CET, G.S.C.
Bituminex Paving Ltd.

AT LARGE
Nicole Chabot,
B.A., G.S.C.
L. Chabot Enterprises Ltd.

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

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
John Highmoor,
BA., B Sc. (C.E.)
Tri-Core Projects

HIGHWAYS
Marcel Machado,
B.Sc., C.E.
Green Infrastructure Partners Inc.

WINNIPEG
Tony Teixeira
J.C. Paving Ltd.

AGGREGATE PRODUCERS
Nicole Chabot,
B.A., G.S.C.
L. Chabot Enterprises Ltd.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL RATES
Greg McKee

WORKSAFELY
Peter Paulic
Brandt Tractor Ltd.

EVENTS
Michael Byrne
Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc.

MEMBERSHIP
Michelle Magdic
BFL Canada

GOVERNANCE & NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
Dennis Cruise,
CET, G.S.C.
Bituminex Paving Ltd.

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

DIRECTORS – AT LARGE

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

Tyler Bennett,
M.E.T.
Sigfusson Northern Ltd.

Tina Larson,
P. Eng., MSc.
Amrize

Alex Gray,
C.E.T.
Russell RediMix GIP Group

Advocacy – MHCA working for you

The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) has consistently advocated for economic growth as a central priority across all levels of government. These efforts produce measurable results in both policy and budgeting. MHCA continues to press for a sustained focus on economic growth to support stable, predictable, and incremental investment in core infrastructure.

Areas of MHCA advocacy in 2025 include:

National

Working with the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) to ensure a federal budget focus on national investment in trade gateways and corridors, including Route 90 enhancements, Chief Peguis Trail, and Port of Churchill.

Continuing to work with the CCA to advocate for a collaborative government–industry Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan (CTIP). Canada must prioritize shovel worthy projects over simply shovel ready ones to maximize long-term strategic and economic value.

Provincial

Discussing with Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) to create and release a complete, transparent highways system needs and investment strategy supported by a long-term financial investment plan and enabled by an annual and five-year capital program that significantly increases the annual highways capital program.

Meeting with MTI officials to address critical areas for ensuring full annual capital program expenditure, following a 3% program increase in Budget 2025.

Tracking MTI’s tender advertising schedule, to try to ensure budget set = budget spent.

Continuing discussions on the Manitoba Jobs Agreement, that was announced by the Province of Manitoba in September, to ensure they are aware of the significant challenges it presents for our industry.

Working with the Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg to strike a joint working group to harmonize aggregate specifications and measurements to support efficient, cost-effective aggregate production and application.

Working with the Manitoba Mines Branch to generate system improvements, including the Quarry Rehab Program.

Pushing the Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg to engage in New Fiscal Deal discussions to provide cities with access to growth revenues which would enable investment in core mandates including infrastructure.

Municipal

Making headway in persuading Winnipeg City Council to create a Chief Economic Development Officer position to inject a ‘growing the economy’ focus in all policy discussion and budget deliberations. Without growth there will be insufficient revenues to fund existing or enhanced programs.

Engaging with the City of Winnipeg to create a working committee that focuses on updating standards and budget requirements for the city’s local and regional streets system.

Working with the City of Winnipeg’s Chief Construction Officer and Public Works to ensure market informed, cost benefit anchored improvements to the city’s design specifications.

Collaborated with the City of Winnipeg to convey industry concerns regarding social procurement clauses in heavy construction tenders. The City decided to pause their implementation for 2025

Engaging with the South Interlake Planning District through a working group to revise its proposed development plan to ensure protection of access to tens of millions of tonnes of aggregate resources. This led to the establishment of a working group that is collaborating with the SIPD, MHCA, and aggregate producers to develop a plan ensuring continued access to aggregate resources.

Partners in Progress
– Priorities for 2025

Canadian Construction Association (CCA)

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is committed to advancing the interests of the Canadian construction industries affiliated with it, while building a stronger, more resilient Canada for generations to come.

With an ongoing national housing crisis, the government’s prioritization of a low-carbon economy and a mounting workforce shortage, CCA will advocate for strategic investment and policies that address Canada’s significant infrastructure deficit, secure the workforce we need to build for the future, modernize procurement to support shared risk and incent innovation, and ensure meaningful collaboration with provinces and municipalities.

CCA also continues to work in partnership with the Civil Infrastructure Council Corporation and the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association to strengthen the nation’s trade gateways and corridors through a Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan.

CCA Board of Directors

MHCA Past Chair Nicole Chabot serves on the CCA Board of Directors. Chabot also serves as Chair of the CCA’s Civil National Advisory Council
MHCA Past Chair Dennis Cruise and MHCA President & CEO Chris Lorenc also serve on the Civil NAC

Western Canada Road builders &
Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA)

The WCR&HCA will build on good progress toward the adoption at the federal level of the Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan, the principles of which were endorsed by Canada’s Premiers in July, 2023.

The WCR&HCA’s biennial conference was held in Hawaii in February 2025, helping reinforce the collegial and working relationship among the four member associations. It fostered the sharing of advocacy priorities for implementation consideration at the regional and national levels.

WCR&HCA will continue to elevate the profile and priorities of the heavy civil industry through:

partnerships with provincial, regional and national business groups, including the Canadian Construction Association, the Civil Infrastructure Council Corporation and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce for trade gateway & corridor infrastructure investment
collaborating in advocacy to ensure economic growth is Job #1 at all government levels

WCR&HCA Board of Directors

MHCA Chair John Highmoor serves as Sec. Treasurer of the WCR&HCA
MHCA President & CEO Chris Lorenc serves as President & CEO of the WCR&HCA
MHCA Past Chair Dennis Cruise serves on the WCR&HCA Board

Civil Infrastructure Council Corp (CICC)

The CICC, composed of the 11 heavy civil associations across Canada, will support raising the profile of the industry’s role in Canada’s economy by:

working, with the CCA and WCR&HCA and other national business organizations to keep the campaign for a Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan (CTIP) in the public eye, including through a social media. CTIP promotes a federal trade gateway & corridor investment strategy that harnesses trade to grow the economy. CICC will work to help industry associations and members use their voices to send this message to the federal government.
CICC, in partnership with ARHCA, is providing support for a University of Alberta study to provide insight to the heavy civil industry regarding barriers to better collaboration models with various government owners. It will be a three-year project.

CICC

MHCA Board Chair Dennis Cruise and President & CEO Chris Lorenc serve on the CICC

2024
BURSARIES

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 $2,500 bursary is awarded to a full-time student in any year of the Construction Management Degree Program.

HAYLEY LECUYER
Lecuyer works as a surveyor for Tri-Core Projects, creating models for machine data control, performing on-site layout and assisting in securing future work through survey take-offs.

HUGH CLARKE
Clarke, a 4^th year student in the program, says he wants to pursue a career in civil transportation projects, such as high-speed rail and light-rapid transit systems.

WORKSAFELY
2025 – YEAR IN REVIEW

2025 was a significant year for the WorkSafely program as we continued our commitment to modernizing our safety services, training, and program integrity to meet the evolving requirements of the heavy construction industry. We remain focused on enhancing support and communication for our members and ensuring safety is integrated into daily operations across the sector. This report outlines the program’s key accomplishments and developments throughout 2025.

2025 Highlights

Engagement and Statistics:

1028

Individuals trained

512

Organizations working with WorkSafely

$1,539,869.45

Prevention rebate for COR® companies with WorkSafely

Audits conducted

299

COR® certifications

New COR® companies

Severe Injuries

Time Loss Injuries

Total Days Lost

2025 Program Highlights and Accomplishments

Marketing and Communications

2025 marked a transformational year in how WorkSafely connected with industry, enhanced safety awareness, and celebrated the companies leading the way in safety.

Launched the New MHCA and WorkSafely Websites
Our redesigned websites provide a modern, user-friendly platform with streamlined navigation, enhanced course booking, and simplified access to safety tools, resources, and COR® program services. The new sites support our long-term plan to expand digital access and deliver more online tools for industry.
Introduced the Safety Scoop Newsletter
We launched our dedicated WorkSafely monthly newsletter, sharing timely safety updates, training opportunities, COR® guidance, regulatory news, and practical insights from our team. Industry engagement continues to grow each month as members rely on Safety Scoop for trusted and relevant safety information.
New Industry Serious Incident Reports
To support proactive learning across the sector, we introduced serious incident summaries as part of our newsletter. These anonymized reports help companies learn from real events in heavy construction and reinforce the importance of hazard awareness and root-cause analysis to prevent similar incidents.
Expanded Industry Awareness and Social Media Presence
We increased safety-focused social content, highlighting resources, member achievements, and seasonal safety reminders. This online presence continues to strengthen awareness of WorkSafely as a trusted industry partner.
COR® Brand Recognition and 20-Year Milestone Celebration
This year, we strengthened COR® brand visibility and celebrated the companies leading the way in safety excellence. Organizations successfully completing their audits received refreshed COR® banners to promote their certification in the workplace and community proudly.

Companies that have maintained COR® for 20 years were also celebrated and received a commemorative banner and special recognition.

COR® Certification and Audit Services

Our COR® program continues to evolve to reflect national standards, regulatory requirements, and the needs of Manitoba’s heavy construction industry.

New COR® Quality Assurance Report Card
To help employers strengthen internal audit submissions, we launched a standardized QA report card that provides clear, structured, and consistent feedback. Members now receive professional guidance on areas of strength and improvement, increasing audit quality.
Self-Calculating Audit Tool Improvements
Earlier this year, we introduced our first self-calculating audit tool, making evaluation more efficient and accurate. After receiving member feedback, we released an improved version in October, including separated COR® and SECOR® audit tools and usability upgrades—ensuring the tool is fast, reliable and easy to navigate.
Online COR® Audit Submission
Companies can now submit internal audits online through our website, streamlining administration and improving submission tracking and processing times.
Online COR® Logo Request System
To support companies in promoting their certification, COR® logo requests are now completed online and processed efficiently through our website.

These improvements reflect our continued investment in a modern, responsive COR® program aligned with emerging national standards and industry expectations.

Training and Education

We continued to strengthen and expand training services to support safer worksites and emerging industry priorities.

Training Centre Technology Upgrades
We completed A/V enhancements in our main training space, including an interactive smart board and upgraded sound/visual equipment. These improvements provide a more dynamic, engaging learning experience.
Modernized All COR®-Required Courses
All COR® required courses were redesigned with a fresh visual format, new activities, and modern adult-learning approaches. These updates improve retention, interactivity, and workplace application—ensuring training reflects current best practices and learning styles.
Expanded Training Access in Brandon and Across the Province
We increased training availability in Brandon and continue to grow offerings across Manitoba to reach members in all regions better.
Confined Space Entry Training Added
Confined Space Entry was introduced into our training lineup, supporting companies in meeting regulatory requirements and protecting workers in high-risk environments.
New Injury Prevention & Mental Health Training
WorkSafely now offers Worker Injury Prevention and Mental Health First Aid, addressing both physical and psychological safety needs in the workplace.
Quarterly Webinar Series
Our quarterly webinars are now a core part of our program, delivering expert insights and education on specialized topics. Engagement continues to rise each quarter, demonstrating industry appetite for accessible professional development opportunities.
WCB Basics & Return-to-Work Training Introduced
We expanded our learning portfolio to include courses that help companies understand WCB processes and build strong return-to-work systems to support injured workers.
Transition Away from In-House Flagger Train-the-Trainer
In alignment with national and provincial training standards, WorkSafely discontinued our internal Flagger Train-the-Trainer program.

This was an intentional, safety-driven shift consistent with industry expectations to ensure high-quality, consistent flagging training across Manitoba. Our focus remains on supporting safe work zones and preparing industry for the upcoming provincial flagger training standard.

As we build on the momentum of 2025, we are already preparing for an exciting year ahead. In 2026, WorkSafely will continue advancing industry-leading safety programming through innovative training methods, refreshed course content, and strengthened COR® program supports.

We are investing in modern technologies, enhancing safety learning through new approaches, and expanding resources for high-risk work areas. Our plans also include new ways to celebrate safety leadership across Manitoba’s heavy construction sector and deepen engagement across our member network. These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting safe, productive worksites and ensuring WorkSafely remains a trusted partner for our industry today and into the future.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Since January 2025, the WorkForce Development Committee has focused its efforts on advancing our mission of attracting, building, and retaining a strong and diverse workforce for Manitoba’s heavy construction industry. This work continues to align with our long-term vision of a thriving sector supported by clear career pathways, modern promotional tools, and meaningful opportunities for workers at every stage.

Building on the foundational work completed in 2024, the committee shifted toward implementation—moving key components of the WorkForce Strategy forward. This year, our efforts centred on two major initiatives: the development of a comprehensive strategic marketing plan for industry promotion, and the advancement of a new industry-led career pathways and competency framework in partnership with MITT.

This work is positioning our sector for future growth and ensuring that employers have the tools needed to recruit, develop, and retain talent in a competitive labour market.

Strategic Marketing & Industry Promotion

The Workforce development committee partnered with a marketing firm to develop a formal strategic marketing plan for WorkForce. This project provided an in-depth analysis of our target audiences, a refined industry value proposition, and a structured approach to promoting careers in heavy civil construction.

The strategy includes a comprehensive mix of tactics—campaign design, video content planning, refreshed brand elements, promotional outreach, and digital engagement tools—to elevate awareness of career opportunities among young workers, diverse groups, and key career influencers.
Following the development of the strategy, the committee moved forward with several foundational pieces to support future campaign rollout. This included updating website content, developing digital creative assets, and establishing a dedicated WorkForce landing page to support recruitment efforts. These elements will serve as the backbone for future public-facing promotional work.

Career pathways & Competency Framework

The committee also advanced a major opportunity through a partnership with MITT, supported by a national grant program focused on career pathways and mid-career transitions.

Through this project, MITT developed an industry-specific competency matrix—mapping the core skills and knowledge required for key positions across heavy construction. A working group of employers participated in detailed competency ranking sessions, reviewing pathways from entry-level roles (such as flaggers and labourers) to skilled labour and heavy equipment operator roles. This work required extensive employer input and provided valuable insight into the progression of skills across job families.

The result is a practical, fully functional tool that supports hiring, onboarding, performance development, and succession planning. The matrix enables the identification of competencies required for career advancement and provides a structured way to support career conversations with employees looking to progress within their organizations.
The project also generated new visual resources illustrating career pathways within heavy construction. These materials will support future marketing work and help prospective and current workers understand how they can grow within the industry.

This initiative represents an important first step toward standardizing industry career pathways, improving internal mobility, and informing future education and training program development.

2024/2025 EVENTS

November 22, 2024
RBC Convention Centre

Manitoba Transportation & Infrastructure (MTI) Award Winner

Paving: GIP O/A Russell Redi-Mix Concrete
- bituminous rehabilitation
- PTH 2 from PR 240 – PTH 13
Urban Works: GIP O/A Russell Redi-Mix Concrete
- bituminous reconstruction
- PTH 5A in Dauphin (Triangle Rd – Whitmore Ave.)
Special Projects: Strilkiwski Contracting Ltd.
- asphalt surface treatment
- PA 620 – PR 391 to Nelson House (Nelson House Access Road)
Major Structures: GIP O/A Russell Redi-Mix Concrete
- Daly Overpass Grade Separation Facility (Structure)
- On PTH 10 (City of Brandon)
Minor Structures: ArmCon Ltd.
- new reinforced concrete box culvert
- in Eppinette Creek on PTH 5
Water Operations Projects: PCL Construction Inc
- replacement of Wanipigow dam structure
- Wanipigow Dam – Wanipigow River, West of Bisset MB

224 members and guests gathered to hear a panel discussion ‘Trade & Transportation – A Team Sport’ – presented by

Hon. Lisa Naylor, Minister Transportation & Infrastructure
- Overview of provincial directions and aspirations.
- Carly Edmundson, President & CEO, CentrePort Canada
  - CentrePort Canada’s achievements, aspirations and impacts in growing trade.
- Francis Roy, Chair, Canadian Construction Association
  - National advocacy perspective

Minister Naylor handed out the MTI Awards.

Also addressing the members was Councillor Janice Lukes, City of Winnipeg Deputy Mayor and Chair of Public Works, who gave a progress and future directions overview on The City of Winnipeg.

We recognized 25 companies for their milestone membership commitments.

Edward Le, Heidelberg Materials Canada Ltd., received the Safety Leader Award.

Larry Jamieson of Tri-Core Projects received his Gold Seal Certification.

November 22, 2024
RBC Convention Centre

673 people attended from both industry, government and stakeholder partners. Dennis Cruise, Bituminex Paving, term as Chair came to an end as he passed the gavel to the new Chair of the Board of Directors, John Highmoor, from Tri-Core Projects.

December 11, 2024
David Livingstone School

The Heavy Santa event took place at David Living Stone School for 75 kids in grades one through four. The kids all received a pizza lunch, goodies bags and a gift from Santa.

All funds were raised at our curling event’s 50/50 draw, the Spring Mixer’s silent auction and buy-in for the gaming tables at the Gala dinner.

January 23, 2025
Heather Curling Club

This event sold out with 32 teams participating in this fun-filled day of curling and networking.

A side winner: EF Moon Construction

B side winners: Canadian Public Works Association – Manitoba Chapter

C side winners: Heidelberg Materials Canada Ltd – Aggregate

April 24, 2025
The Delta Hotel

MHCA’s Chair’s reception-style event, had 206 people registered, including members, one federal MP, five Provincial Ministers, The Mayor of Winnipeg and five City Councillors.

June 10, 2025
Assiniboia Downs

This casual networking event retains its perennial popularity, having drawn 522 – members, politicians and key industry stakeholders – for an evening of dining, races and the silent auction. Proceeds from the silent auction continue to help fund Heavy Santa.

August 13, 2025
Quarry Oaks Golf Course

The Golf Classic this year continued its popularity at the Quarry Oaks Golf Course. Nors Construction Equipment Canada GW Ltd. placed first under par and Mid Canada Hydroseeding placed second under par.

This event continues to be extremely popular, accommodating 236 golfers and an impressive number of sponsors, including 16 contests and 27 golf hole sponsors.

September 25, 2025
Victoria Inn Hotel and Conference Center

Premier Wab Kinew unveiled his government’s Manitoba Economic Development Strategy at the Leaders’ Forum on Growing the Economy.

This annual event, hosted by 14 organizations including MHCA, stems from ongoing industry advocacy championing the proposition that growing the economy is job number one for every level of government.

More than 400 guests attended the event where Kinew spoke about the economy, the Strategy, and answered questions on a variety of topics during a Q&A moderated by Mary Agnes Welch of Probe Research.