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

Pallister says broad, external review coming of construction, development permitting

 

manitoba chambers of commerce breakfast

MHCA seeks clarification of Premier’s comments heavy construction industry to save $60 million from PST cut

Premier Brian Pallister gave his clearest signal yet this morning there will be a provincial election this year – rather than 2020, as designed by fixed-election date legislation – in a breakfast address that also announced the province is undertaking a review of how construction and development are approved and inspected.

At a Manitoba Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Pallister reiterated that having politicians stumping for 90 days, while Manitoba’s 150th birthday celebrations are going on, is a no-go. There will be no election campaign in 2020, he said.

Because the provincial government must hold an election before early October, 2020, that only leaves 2019. A provincial election must also avoid overlap with the federal election this fall.

In his address, the Premier reviewed his government’s efforts to reduce expenditures, cut the deficit and taxes – something he said some in other jurisdictions have marveled about.

Pallister also said in his address his government has exceeded investment in roads compared to 15 of the 17 years the NDP was in power.

Public Accounts indicate in their last three years, the NDP government’s actual investment in highways capital rose from $381 million (2013-14) to $628.4 million (’15-16). The Progressive Conservative’s actual investment in highways capital has fallen from $520 million in 2016-17 to an estimated $340 million in ’18-19.

Pallister further suggested the heavy construction industry would see about $60 million in savings due to the PST cut from 8% to 7%. The MHCA is seeking clarification of that figure. The provincial government has previously indicated that the broad construction industry, of which buildings comprise the greater portion, would see savings of $51 million from the PST reduction.

“We have asked the province for clarification of the Premier’s numbers because we don’t see how $60 million in savings could be expected for the heavy construction sectors,” MHCA President Chris Lorenc said.

Pallister’s address also served as a shot across the bow of the City of Winnipeg, which is dealing with controversy in how some employees in the inspections branch of Planning, Property and Development Department spend their days. A recent private investigation found some inspectors took lengthy coffee breaks or spent their working hours in pursuits other than inspections.

The Premier, however, said his government is going to undertake a broader, independent review of construction and development approvals and inspections in Manitoba, starting with the Planning, Property and Development Department.

“In particular, industry stakeholders have told us they’re concerned about the efficiency, the timeliness and the accountability of building permitting inspections and approvals,” the premier explained. Media reported that the broad, external review will also touch upon rural municipalities, Manitoba Hydro and the Office of the Fire Commissioner.

“These concerns aren’t just limited to the City of Winnipeg processes and staff accountability. They’ve been raised in relation to the timeframes involved in obtaining approvals from other authorities as well.”

Pallister said Winnipeg could learn from the provincial government’s experience on how to find inefficiencies, having undergone a sweeping review of programs, process and expenditures to cut waste.

He offered to assist the city in conducting a fiscal performance review, should it choose to do so.

Mayor Brian Bowman, in a press conference called to respond, said what the city wants is for the provincial government to call an inquiry into the financial matters surrounding the police headquarters and other real estate deals, which the province has not done.

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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