WINNIPEG , January 21, 2025 – The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) is pleased to welcome the City of Winnipeg’s first ever Chief Construction Officer, Tom Sparrow, to his new position. Sparrow was unanimously recommended by a City Council search committee.

The creation of the Chief Construction Officer (CCO) position was initially announced during Mayor Scott Gillingham’s campaign, and WCA is happy to see this promise become a reality.

“Hiring a Chief Construction Officer will help make sure the projects our members build will get done on time and on budget – which is something both contractors and the City of Winnipeg want to achieve,” said Ron Hambley, WCA president. “It should help the industry be more efficient.”

According to a news release earlier today from the City, Mr. Sparrow brings more than 35 years of experience in construction and infrastructure management across both the public and private sectors to the role. He has led major projects including hospitals, schools, airports, and data centres across British Columbia and Yukon, with project values ranging from tens of millions to over a billion dollars.

Mayor Gillingham has previously said the key goals of the CCO are: Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Thinking, Cost Management, Centralized Oversight and Reporting, Acting as an Industry Liaison and Strengthening Intergovernmental Relations.

“These goals are in line with what the industry would like to see from government,” said Hambley. “We look forward to working with the Mr. Sparrow, and our members are always passionate about giving Winnipeggers and Manitobans new high-quality of life buildings to live, work, heal and play in”.

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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 industry news and notes with the first 2025 issue of The WCA Newsletter, now available here.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with the December 6 edition of The WCA Newsletter, available now here.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with The WCA Newsletter for November 8, now available here.

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#13 – Range Rover Ride On Winning Ticket #192504 *claimed*

#16 – Thermea Package Winning Ticket #050155 *claimed*

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If you have a winning ticket, send us an email at wca@winnipegconstruction.ca to claim your prize.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with the October 25 edition of The WCA Newsletter, now available here.

WINNIPEG – Oct 22, 2024 The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) is deeply concerned with today’s announcement that the provincial government is reducing apprenticeship ratios from 2:1 to 1:1.  

This significant policy change will have profound negative impacts on the construction industry, limiting opportunities for many aspiring tradespeople in Manitoba. 

Under the current system, one journeyperson can oversee two apprentices, allowing for more hands-on training and facilitating the entry of more young women and men into fulfilling and well-paying careers in the trades. The regression to a 1:1 ratio will effectively halve the number of apprentices each journeyperson can mentor, significantly reducing the number of new apprentices entering the program. 

 “Manitoba’s construction industry provides stable, high-paying jobs and develops skills for young people across Manitoba,” said Ron Hambley, WCA’s President. “This is a disappointing decision by the Provincial Government. It will restrict access to apprenticeship programs, denying many young Manitobans the opportunity to learn a trade and build a successful career.” 

 The Provincial Government held a consultation period about the change which closed on August 29.  The results of those consultations have not been made public. 

“Considering the magnitude of this decision, and in the name of transparency and openness, we think the public and the industry have the right to see the results of those consultations,” said Hambley.

 “We urge the government to reconsider this decision and to genuinely consult with industry stakeholders to develop policies that enhance, rather than restrict, the apprenticeship system.” 

“WCA is committed to working with the provincial government to find solutions that support both the industry’s growth and the career aspirations of our youth,” added Hambley. 

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

darryl@winnipegconstruction.ca, 204-775-8664

The Winnipeg Construction Association is an incorporated, not-for-profit trade association representing commercial contractors and suppliers throughout Manitoba. We currently have over 750 member firms, including manufacturers, suppliers, financial institutions, lawyers, insurance and bonding companies and brokers. 

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with the WCA Newsletter for October 11, now available here.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with the September 27 edition of The WCA Newsletter, available here.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with the September 13 edition of The WCA Newsletter, available here.