MHCA acknowledges it is located on Treaty One land and the homeland of the Metis Nation

Trade corridor investment vital to economic growth: MHCA

Canada needs a trade infrastructure investment strategy that prioritizes “shovel worthy” projects, rather than those that are simply “shovel ready”, some 220 attendees at the Manitoba Chambers Ministers Dinner heard May 25.

“we’re anxious to recharge our economy, moving beyond just regaining lost ground, but forging ahead with sustainable growth,” MHCA President Chris Lorenc said in an address to the dinner’s guests, including Premier Heather Stefanson, the Cabinet ministers and senior political officials.

However, Budget 2022 indicated that while the provincial GDP would grow this year by 3.6%, it would slow to 2.6% growth in 2024. That would place Manitoba under the national economic growth.

We cannot settle for Manitoba trailing Canada in economic growth nor be satisfied with simply rebounding, Lorenc told the dinner. 

“We need to build the conditions for sustainable, envied growth. And that, largely depends on our global trade profile.” Trade accounts for 66% of Canada’s GDP and 53% of Manitoba’s.

However, in Canada, those who rely on trade infrastructure have spoken loudly about their falling confidence in the condition, connectivity and efficiency of the trade corridors and gateways across the country. Further, international investors and traders also have registered their lagging confidence.

That is because not only has Canada not significantly increased trade infrastructure investment in 10-plus years, the way it prioritizes projects for funding is failing the country. Canada needs a strategy that selects projects with the highest return to the GDP, aligns infrastructure improvements of national significance, and sets up a project pipeline of 20 or 30 years.

“This is about our ability to move what we manufacture, harvest and produce to market seamlessly and reliably,” Lorenc stressed. “If you can’t move it, you can’t sell it.”

Lorenc urged the attendees to read a Canada West Foundation report, released May 10, called From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy – The Path to a National Trade Infrastructure Plan. It lays out the foundation to constructing a strategic, multi-year infrastructure investment plan, borrowing from best practices internationally and from past Canadian investment programs.

Click here to read Lorenc’s full address to the Ministers’ Dinner.

Chair’s Gala

November 18, 2022
RBC Convention Centre

Close to 650pp attended from both industry, government and stakeholder partners.  It was the closing of Nicole Chabot’s two year term as Chair.  Dennis Cruise of Bituminex Paving was welcomed as the new Chair.

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2022 Heavy Santa

December 16, 2022
David Livingstone School

This event was made possible through fundraising at the MHCA Chair’s Gala and Spring Mixer.

104 goodie bags and presents were prepared for the grades 1-4 students at David Livingstone School. 

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Awards Breakfast & Annual General Meeting

November 18, 2022
RBC Convention Centre

Manitoba Transportation & Infrastructure (MTI) Award Winner

  • Grading – Strilkiwski Contracting Ltd.: PTH 6 Grahamdale
  • Paving – Coco Paving o/a Russell Redi-Mix: Bituminous Reconstruction PTH 83
  • Urban Works – Coco Paving o/a Russell Redi-Mix: Bituminous Reconstruction PA 634 and Bituminous Pavement PTH 5
  • Special Projects – Mekhana Development Corp/Arnason Industries Ltd: Theresa Point Airport
  • Major Structures – D. Steele Construction: Bridge Replacement over the Red River Floodway on PTH 59N
  • Minor Structures – Moncrief Construction Ltd.: Reinforced concrete box culvert on PTH 5
  • Water Management – Brunet Ltd.: Flood response, Morris ring dike closure

200 members and guests gathered to hear greetings from Premier Heather Stefanson and the newly elected Mayor of Winnipeg, Scott Gillingham. Hon. Doyle Piwniuk, Minister, Manitoba Infrastructure, handed out the MTI Awards.

31 companies were recognized for their milestone membership commitments.

Matthew Neziol, of Bayview Construction, received the Safety Leader Award.

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