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

Throne speech delivers more of the same; glimmers of hope

More of the same with some glimmers of hope” is how I would characterize the throne speech, delivered November 20 at the legislature. Keeping to tradition, the speech tried to touch upon as many constituencies as possible to soften the fiscal restraints and program cuts that have been the government’s hallmark to date.

The long-awaited provincial economic growth strategy – which will see “a restructuring of Manitoba Growth Enterprise and Trade and its programs” – is expected to be released soon. That strategy is to be guided by the results of the Angus/Gamey report, written following community consultations. One hopes for our collective interests it is progressive and dynamic in its goals.

A long-term strategy to unleash the economic potential of Manitoba’s north, focusing on six priority areas including northern mineral and resource potential, Indigenous engagement and partnerships and strategic infrastructure investment, will be released based upon recommendations from the ‘Look North’ steering committee.

The definition of strategic core infrastructure yet again strayed from traditional, to include schools, hospitals and cultural projects. The government committed only to “sustaining our levels of investment.” The Lake St. Martin project is again profiled as a priority flood-protection and mitigation project.

Absent from the speech was any reference to a focused plan to strategically invest in Manitoba’s trade transportation system, or highways. The speech commits the government to “sustaining our levels of investment” – meaning, $350 million, which is also the worst news.

Of particular interest was the government’s intent to work with the partners in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region to shape regional investments in infrastructure, including regional economic growth, water wastewater and transportation. Given the WMR hosts 65% of the economy, 70% of the population and 39 of the 57 seats in Manitoba’s legislature, it would appear that the WMR has attracted deserving attention from Manitoba.

“Over the next year, my government will encourage and work with members of the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region to develop and adopt a regional strategy to improve and co-ordinate land use and development in the region. It will promote co-operation between area planning districts and municipalities in the delivery of services, economic development strategies and development of infrastructure in the region.”

The MHCA will continue its work to press the government to make sustained investment in core infrastructure, including in strategic transportation assets that support trade, which accounts for 53% of Manitoba’s annual GDP.

Trade is at the heart of the economy and is fed by highways, its arteries. Neglect the arteries and you choke its heart.

MHCA President Chris Lorenc was among invited guests in the legislature’s gallery for the reading of the Speech from the Throne on November 20.

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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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