WCA Members and guests got to enjoy one of the nicest days of the year so far on Wednesday at our annual Spring Golf tournament held at Pine Ridge and Elmhurst golf courses. We had 288 golfers out for a sunny day filled with golf, food, friends and fun – thank you to everyone for making it a great day!

Congratulations to our winning team from Absolute Petroleum (8A) who fired a best ball 59 at Pine Ridge to take home bragging rights and the winners prize – four Bushenll Golf Phantom Slope 3 GPS Rangefinders with Magnetic Mounts. Well done! The team was made up of Matt Lindquist, Tyrus Schotchenko, Chris Schotchenko and Cary Schotchenko.

You can find a full album of all the photos from the day here.

All prize winners – please contact wca@winnipegconstruction.ca to arrange prize pickup.

Elmhurst Prize Winners:

Longest Drive (Golf Buddy Voice XL Speaker):

Men: Josh Wells, Con-Restor Technoligies

Women: Whitney Morse, Veolia

Closest to the Pin (Ion Edge GPS Rangefinder Watch)

Men: Paul Sigurdson, Heidelberg Materials

Women: Heather Haucox, PCL

Pine Ridge

Longest Drive (Golf Buddy Voice XL Speaker):

Men: Tyler Pchajek, Marrbeck Construction

Women: Cindy Kahler-Krochak, Con-Pro Industries

Closest to the Pin (Ion Edge GPS Rangefinder Watch)

Men: Ryan Trubyk, Dave’s Quick Print

Women: Cindy Kahler-Krochak, Con-Pro Industries

MB1 Call Draw Prize ($250 to Miller’s Meats)

Ticket #: 808339

Door prize (pink ticket) winning numbers:

437657 (Pink Yeti Shot glasses and LC gift card)

437593 (Box of TaylorMade TP5X PIX)

*Claimed* 37447 (Bazooka Driver Cover and Yeti Rambler)

437490 (Frogger amphibian golf towel and BrushPro)

Sponsors

Thank you to all our incredible sponsors for making the day possible

Feature Sponsor – Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc.

Lunch Sponsor – Construction Safety Association of Manitoba

Cart Sponsors – Intact Insurance and BFL Canada

Hole Sponsors:

• CSAM
• Gallagher
• Signex
• Heidelberg Materials
• Zedcor
• Classic Fire and Life Safety
• Bird
• Penn-co Construction
• YCLM
• Flynn Canada
• Lafarge
• Building Products & Concrete Supply
• Parkwest Projects Ltd.
• BFL Canada
• Breathe Easy Eco Solutions
• Sunbelt Rentals
• Intact Insurance
• Northwestern Roofing
• Drogo
• Universal Plumbing & Heating
• AON
• Battlefield
• MB1Call

Next up is our Summer Golf Tournament at Grand Pines Golf Course on June 18. We’ll see you on the tee!

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with the May 2 edition of The WCA Newsletter, available here.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with the April 17 edition of The WCA Newsletter, available here.

WINNIPEG , April 10, 2025 – Earlier this week, various news outlets reported a representative for the construction firm overseeing the Templeton Heights project pleaded guilty to illegally hiring foreign workers, and subjecting them to poor conditions, low wages, missed payments and failed to provide them with Workplace Safety and Health protections. The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) was extremely disappointed to hear this news and condemns the practice of illegal hiring.

“It was more than disappointing to read that news, and hear what those workers were subjected to,” said Ron Hambley, WCA president. “These illegal practices undermine the integrity of our industry, compromise worker safety and violate Canadian immigration and labour laws.”

Reports state that as many as 14 foreign nationals were illegally employed on the site. The Canada Border Services Agency first started investigating the issue in August of 2023.

“This is obviously not representative of the construction industry in Manitoba. We urge all construction firms to rigorously adhere to legal hiring practices, ensuring that all employees possess the necessary documentation and authorization to work in Canada,” said Hambley. “Compliance with labour laws is not only a legal obligation but also essential for maintaining a fair and competitive industry.”

The incident should remind the industry not only of the importance of using legal hiring practices, but also maintaining safety standards on construction sites and paying fair, regulated wages.

“Ensuring the safety of and rights of all workers is paramount. Unauthorized employment can lead to exploitation and unsafe working conditions,” said Hambley. “WCA emphasizes the importance of a workforce that is both legal employed and adequately protected under Canadian labour laws.”

“Manitoba also has legislation that regulates wages in the construction sector, the Construction Industry Wages Act, which is in place to ensure construction workers are compensated fairly.  All ICI construction companies are required to abide by that legislation,” said Hambley.

-30-

Media Contact: Darryl Harrison, Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

darryl@winnipegconstruction.ca, 204-775-8664 ext: 2249

The Winnipeg Construction Association is an incorporated, not-for-profit trade association representing commercial contractors and suppliers throughout Manitoba. We currently have over 700 member firms, including manufacturers, suppliers, financial institutions, lawyers, insurance and bonding companies and brokers

Catch up on the latest WCA Newsletter, which features updates on Prompt Payment, U.S. Tariffs, the Federal Election and more. Click here to check it out.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes – including our reaction to the 2025 Manitoba Budget – in the March 21 edition of The WCA Newsletter, available here.

WINNIPEG , March 20, 2025 – The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) was on-hand for today’s Budget 2025 speech from the provincial government. This year’s budget delivers some promising items for the provincial construction industry, whose members are ready to build the quality-of-life structures where all Manitobans live, work, play and heal.

WCA has been advocating for more resources to be spent on these quality-of-life buildings like schools, personal care homes and hospitals. We were pleased to see Budget 2025 commit to three new schools , as well as three personal care homes in Transcona, Lac du Bonnet and Arborg, Manitoba.

“The construction industry will always be ready to get to work on building these important projects for Manitobans,” said Darryl Harrison, WCA’s Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy. “Our members look forward to seeing more details on the projects that were announced today”.

Industries thrive on certainty, which is why WCA has been informing the government of the need for improved planning and transparency on future capital spending so our members can plan accordingly. Budget 2025 sees the province improving transparency by committing to building 11 schools over the next three years.

“Clarity on future projects allows for the development of building plans earlier and allows for the industry to plan and prepare,” said Harrison.

WCA and our members look forward to working with the provincial government to bring these projects to life for all Manitobans.

-30-

Media Contact: Darryl Harrison, Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

darryl@winnipegconstruction.ca, 204-775-8664 ext: 2249

The Winnipeg Construction Association is an incorporated, not-for-profit trade association representing commercial contractors and suppliers throughout Manitoba. We currently have over 700 member firms, including manufacturers, suppliers, financial institutions, lawyers, insurance and bonding companies and brokers

Yesterday, March 6, Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced Canada would suspend its second wave of retaliatory tariffs – originally planned on $125 billion worth of U.S. goods – until April 2, 2025. This pause aligns with efforts to continue diplomatic work with the U.S. to resolve the tariff dispute. He noted, “Canada will not proceed with the second imposition of tariffs on the $125 billion of American products until April 2, while we continue to work to lift all tariffs.”

This step suggests a strategic delay to allow for further negotiations, reflecting a preference for de-escalation over immediate escalation. The list of goods considered under the second waves can be found here.

As of today, it appears the Canadian retaliatory tariffs that are currently in place will remain in place.

The U.S. tariffs on Canadian good covered under CUSMA are paused until April 2.

On March 4, Manitoba premier Wab Kinew announced an opt-in tax deferral program for businesses impacted by the U.S. tariffs. This will allow effected businesses to defer payments of two provincial taxes for at least three months, starting with the February tax period (effectively covering March through May 2025):

• Provincial Sales Tax (PST): A 7% tax on most goods and services, which businesses collect and remit. Deferring this keeps cash in hand rather than sending it to the province immediately.

• Health and Post-Secondary Education Tax Levy (Payroll Tax): Applies to businesses with annual payrolls over $2.25 million (at rates of 4.3% or 2.15%, depending on size). This relief targets larger employers.

There is still more information yet to come, but this is a ‘opt-in’ program, meaning businesses must actively choose to participate rather than it being automatic. The province hasn’t fully detailed the mechanics as of today, such as:

• Application Form or Deadline: No specific opt-in form or cutoff date is public. The February period implies businesses must act before March 20 (typical PST due date), but this isn’t confirmed.
• Eligibility Proof: Unclear if firms need detailed proof (e.g., invoices showing U.S. trade) or just a self-declaration.
• Repayment Terms: There is possibility of extensions or gradual payback, but no firm plan exists yet—likely to evolve based on tariff duration.

We will update members as this information becomes available.

For your reference, A full List of U.S. products subject to a tariff can be found here:

List of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs effective March 4, 2025 – Canada.ca

Also, a full list of U.S. Products being considered for a Tariff after a 21 day evaluation period can be found here:

Notice of Intent to Impose Countermeasures in Response to United States Tariffs on Canadian Goods – Canada.ca

The Government of Canada has announced a 25% tariff on a range of American goods in response to recent U.S. trade measures. These countermeasures, effective March 4, 2025, will significantly impact construction materials and equipment imported from the United States. This a first step by the Federal Government with and further tariffs planned on an additional $125 billion in goods.
 
Click here for a full list of American goods subject to Canadian tariffs.
 
Key Construction-Related Items Subject to Canadia Import Tariffs

• HS Code 4408 – Veneer sheets and wood sheets for plywood or other wood products
• HS Code 4418 – Builders’ joinery and carpentry of wood (doors, windows, and their frames)
• HS Code 8418 – Refrigerators, freezers, and heat pumps
• HS Code 8516 – Electrical water heaters and space heaters
• HS Code 8205 – Hand tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches
• HS Code 8302 – Metal fittings for buildings (hinges, locks, brackets, and other mountings)

 
What This Means for Your Business:

1. Increased Costs: Expect higher prices for U.S.-sourced materials.
2. Supply Chain Disruptions: Delays in availability of key construction inputs.
3. Alternative Sourcing Needed: Canadian and other international suppliers may become more viable.

The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) is closely monitoring developments and engaging with stakeholders to assess the impact on Manitoba’s construction industry. We encourage members to review procurement strategies and explore domestic sourcing options.

Government of Canada Next Steps
The Federal Government intends to impose additional countermeasures on an additional $125Bn on imports from U.S. Click here for the list of proposed goods, which includes steel, aluminum and construction vehicles and machinery.

Government of Manitoba planned steps
Manitoba premier Wab Kinew has signaled the provincial government will be rolling out measures to both counter American tariffs and assist Manitoba businesses affected by them.

This is a quickly evolving policy situation and we will keep WCA members informed. Watch this space as well as our LinkedIn page for relevant information as it becomes available.