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

Construction industry pushes back on Saskatchewan’s local preference clauses

Western Canadian construction associations have again sought the help of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association to see local preference clauses removed from provincial government tender and construction contract documents. Those clauses give Saskatchewan companies an advantage in bidding on public tenders.

The joint letter to the Chair and President of SHCA is signed by their counterparts at MHCA, Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association and the British Columbia Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association. Sent October 14, it in part reads:

It is well-established that local preference practices work against the economic interests of our provinces and our country. A 2019 report from the International Monetary Fund concluded complete liberalization of internal trade in goods can increase GDP per capita by about 4 percent — a significant boost to the economy especially during the pandemic.

The associations noted that the practices adopted by Saskatchewan, currently in an election campaign, directly conflict with national and the western Canada trade agreements that the province has signed. 

The letter noted the province recently awarded a construction contract to Saskatchewan company Ptozus Paving & Road Maintenance Ltd., despite the fact an Alberta-based company’s bid was $1.2 million, or 7%, lower.

The CCA also released on Oct 9, 2020, a statement reasserting its position that labour and trade must flow freely across jurisdictional borders in Canada, to ensure the country’s economy gets the greatest benefit from the return to GDP.

“Some regions have been harder hit economically than others. But the solution is not to reflexively turn inward. Interprovincial trade barriers are inefficient, and do not support fair, transparent and competitive procurement processes,” said Mary Van Buren, president of CCA.

“When we are facing one of the biggest challenges in our history, it is more important than ever that we stand united and work together.”

MHCA President Chris Lorenc said all construction companies and associations, and indeed taxpayers, should be speaking out against such trade barriers and local-preference procurement, as only open competitive bidding can guarantee taxpayers get the best value for their dollar from public procurement.

“The pandemic economic hit has been tough on all governments, businesses and economies but now is not the time to turn inward and reject the sound principles that support open and free trade.”

The CCA’s Hill Days campaign, in which the association’s members engage with federal ministers and opposition parties on industry issues, has put on its agenda the elimination of internal trade barriers.

Premier Brian Pallister recently sent a letter to Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, seeking his commitment to remove barriers to the free flow of trade across the border, specifically referencing local preference clauses within public procurement.

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.

Press [Esc] to close

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. 

Press [Esc] to close

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.

Press [Esc] to close