WINNIPEG, April 17, 2026 – The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) is applauding the City of Winnipeg on its announced pilot project usage of Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC)  contracts on certain construction projects. The pilot project is an important step towards the use of standardized documents.

“WCA has been advocating with the City of Winnipeg to adopt CCDC documents for at least 20 years,” said Darryl Harrison, WCA’s Director, Stakeholder Engagement. “CCDC contracts are the industry standard – this is a great step for the city”.

CCDC Contracts are nationally recognised, industry-standard legal agreements designed to balance risk between owners, contractors and consultants. They are developed through a consultative process with representatives from all sectors in the construction industry and are designed to ensure clarity and fairness for all parties involved.

“Using CCDC contracts gives the industry confidence they’re signing a fair deal with the City of Winnipeg. This will lead to more bidders on projects, meaning more competitive bids and ultimately better value for Winnipeg taxpayers,” said Harrison. “Many contractors felt the current construction documents used by the city did not share risk fairly, and they chose not to bid. Adopting CCDC contracts solves that problem.”

WCA thanks the leadership of Mayor Scott Gillingham, CAO Joe Dunford and CCO Tom Sparrow for their leadership on this file. We look forward to continuing to consult with the city on the further adoption of CCDC Contracts.

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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 750 member firms, including manufacturers, suppliers, financial institutions, lawyers, insurance and bonding companies and brokers

WINNIPEG , April 13, 2026 – The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) welcomed the news that the province is requiring hot water be available for handwashing on large construction sites. The change follows a five-year review of the Workplace Safety and Health Act, which WCA participated in.

“We’ve been advocating for the hot water handwashing requirement since at least 2022,” said Darryl Harrison, WCA Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy. “This is just one step we can take to raise the bar for Manitoba’s construction industry. Improving working conditions like these helps our members attract and retain a skilled, diverse workforce.”

The amendments to the act state that large construction sites must provide hot water for handwashing, including industrial, commercial and institutional projects that exceed 600 square metres, are more than three storeys high or have more than 25 workers. The new requirements will come into effect on April 1, 2027.

“Giving contractors a year to prepare for the transition is reasonable. We look forward to seeing the hot water requirements come into effect in the new year. It’s a meaningful change that workers on these projects will surely appreciate,” said Harrison.

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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 750 member firms, including manufacturers, suppliers, financial institutions, lawyers, insurance and bonding companies and brokers

The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Darryl Harrison as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026.

“Darryl brings a strong understanding of the construction industry and the role WCA plays in supporting it,” said Peter Bernatsky, Chair of the WCA Board of Directors. “He is a trusted voice among members, has built meaningful relationships across the sector, and has consistently demonstrated the ability to translate industry challenges into clear, practical advocacy. The Board is confident in his leadership as WCA continues to advance the interests of Manitoba’s construction industry.”

Harrison currently serves as Director of Stakeholder Engagement at WCA, where he has led advocacy efforts on key issues including procurement practices, labour policy, prompt payment, and industry development for the past seven years. He has worked closely with members, industry partners, and all levels of government to ensure the industry’s voice is clearly understood and effectively represented.

“I’m honoured to take on this role at WCA,” said Harrison. “Construction is a cornerstone of Manitoba’s economy, and the work our members do every day is critical to building and sustaining our communities. WCA has an important role to play in ensuring the industry remains strong, competitive, and positioned for the future.”

At a time when workforce pressures and procurement practices are placing increasing strain on the industry, Harrison emphasized a clear and practical focus for the organization moving forward. His priorities will include strengthening member value, advancing workforce development, advocating for fair and transparent procurement, and reinforcing WCA’s role as a trusted convener and voice for the industry.

Harrison also acknowledged the leadership that has helped position WCA for continued success. “I want to thank Ron Hambley for his leadership and the strong foundation that he has built over the past 26 years. Ron’s steady leadership has made WCA what it is today and he was an excellent mentor for me over the past seven years. I look forward to working with our WCA Team, our membership, and partners to continue building on that momentum.”

Founded in 1904, the Winnipeg Construction Association represents approximately 750 member firms across Manitoba’s industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) construction sector. WCA provides education, networking, advocacy, and construction information services to support a strong and sustainable industry. Together, we build Manitoba.

The April 2 edition of The WCA Newsletter, which includes a look at the 2026 provincial budget, is now available here.

March 19, 2026

Construction Industry says Manitoba Jobs Agreements (MJA) are filled with Red Flags

Three major associations representing the majority of vertical and heavy construction industry across Manitoba have requested Manitoba’s Auditor General review the 85-cent-per-hour per worker charge collected on MJA-covered projects that flows directly to a union body on top of existing union dues — with no public oversight, no explanation, and no end in sight. Taxpayers are paying for it.

WINNIPEG, MB — Every hour worked on a Manitoba Jobs Agreement covered construction project now comes with a hidden price tag — 85 cents, collected from contractors, handed directly to a union organization, with no public accounting of where it goes or who decided it was the right amount. That’s 85-cents per hour per worker. On a major MJA-covered infrastructure project, that’s not pocket change. That’s potentially millions of dollars diverted from public investment with zero transparency.

Today, Manitoba’s three largest construction associations — the Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA), the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA), and the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba (CARM) — are formally requesting that the Auditor General of Manitoba investigate this fee and the broader accountability failures of the provincial government’s Manitoba Jobs Agreement (MJA).

“This fee is being sent directly to the Manitoba Building Trades without any clear oversight. Nobody in government has explained how the number was set, what it’s supposed to fund, or who’s watching the money. At the end of the day, taxpayers are the ones paying for it.”

— Ron Hambley, President, Winnipeg Construction Association

The Fee Is Just the Beginning

The unaccountable fee is the most glaring problem — but the associations say the MJA is broken at a structural level. The agreement requires that unionized workers be hired first on covered projects, effectively locking out the vast majority of Manitoba’s construction workforce.

According to Statistics Canada, approximately 88 per cent of Manitoba’s construction workforce is non-unionized.

Under the MJA, open-shop contractors can start a project with their own existing workforce — but that’s where their control ends. Any new workers brought on during a project are subject to union hiring preference, and even the use of their own workforce requires union approval. In practice, unions hold veto power over staffing decisions on MJA-covered work. For the 88 per cent of Manitoba’s construction workforce that chose not to join a union, that means their job opportunities on these projects depend on union sign-off. Competition shrinks. Costs rise. Manitobans end up paying more to build less.

“Transparency and accountability for public funds are absolutely critical. Neither the industry nor Manitoba taxpayers have been given a clear explanation of how this fee was determined or what it is intended to fund. That is not acceptable.”

— Chris Lorenc, President & CEO, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association

Rural Manitoba Gets Hit Hardest

The MJA’s union-first hiring requirements don’t just hurt competition in Winnipeg — they actively disadvantage workers in rural and northern Manitoba, where unionized labour is far less available and local contractors have built skilled, loyal workforces over decades.

“The MJA gives unions approval rights over the workforce on covered projects and hands them first access to any new hiring. Open-shop companies can start with their own people — but the moment they need to bring someone new on, unions go to the front of the line. That restricts competition, drives up costs, and puts rural Manitoba workers at a disadvantage getting work in their own communities. Manitobans will end up paying more and getting less.”

— Shawn Wood, Executive Director, Construction Association of Rural Manitoba

What the Industry Is Asking

The three associations want the Auditor General to examine how the fee was set, who governs the collected funds, how those funds are reported publicly, and whether the entire financial structure of the MJA meets basic standards of transparency and value for money in public procurement.

Beyond the Auditor General, the associations are calling on the provincial government to fix the MJA’s structural flaws: restore fair and open competition on public projects, end discriminatory hiring requirements, and ensure that Manitoba’s construction workers — union and non-union alike — have a fair shot at building their province.

“Manitoba needs a construction policy that supports good jobs, strong workforce development, and fair competition. Manitoba’s construction workers, contractors, and taxpayers all deserve to be treated fairly.”

— Ron Hambley, President, Winnipeg Construction Association

About the Associations

The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA), the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA), and the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba (CARM) collectively represent a substantial majority of Manitoba’s construction sector, including general contractors, trade contractors, and allied industry firms operating across the province.

Media Contacts

Darryl Harrison, Director, Stakeholder Engagement — Winnipeg Construction Association

Phone: 204-906-8944; Email: darryl@winnipegconstructionassociation.ca

Chris Lorenc, President & CEO — Manitoba Heavy Construction Association

Phone: 204 230 0994; Email clorenc@mhca.mb.ca

Shawn Wood, Executive Director — Construction Association of Rural Manitoba

Phone: 431 541 6559; Email: swood@carm.ca

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The following piece is a submission on behalf of WCA, the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association and the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba that originally appeared in the February 24 Opinion section of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Manitoba was built through hard work, collaboration, and community. Every hospital, school, road, and bridge reflects the dedication of our construction industry. Today, the sector employs more than 57,000 Manitobans, contributes $4.2 billion annually to the provincial economy, and supports businesses in every region. We are proud of the role we play in building Manitoba’s future.

We are speaking out about the Manitoba Jobs Agreement (MJA) not to oppose the government’s goals, but to ensure public policy delivers real value, respects worker choice, and protects taxpayers. The practical consequences of the MJA are clear: fewer bidders, reduced competition, increased administrative burden, and higher project costs. When competition narrows, prices rise. When compliance complexity grows, risk premiums follow. All of this lands on a provincial budget already facing structural deficits.

The MJA imposes a specific labour relations structure on provincially funded projects exceeding $50 million. Successful bidders must hire union card-holding workers first if their own workforce is insufficient. Union membership becomes the deciding factor — not skill, experience, or performance. If the goal is to ensure Manitobans work on these projects, there is a simple solution: require contractors to certify that their workforce consists of Manitoba residents. A union card should not determine who is entitled to work on taxpayer-funded infrastructure. The agreement also introduces entirely new costs. All employers must pay 85 cents per hour worked to the Manitoba Building Trades Council; an unprecedented charge in Manitoba construction. On a typical school project, this payment alone can exceed $250,000, with no measurable benefit to taxpayers.

Open-shop contractors face additional costs, including compulsory union dues, numerous union fund contributions, and payments to third parties. Taken together, these requirements will add millions of dollars to publicly funded projects. It’s money that could otherwise be invested directly in classrooms, hospitals, and infrastructure.

These levies apply to every qualifying project for as long as the policy remains in place. Has the government publicly quantified this financial transfer? How much will be collected annually, and who ultimately receives these funds? If those figures are unknown, taxpayers should be concerned.

Equally troubling is how the MJA was developed. It was negotiated privately with the Manitoba Building Trades Council, while industry associations representing the majority of workers and employers of Manitoba’s construction workforce were excluded. This policy was not clearly presented during the election campaign, nor transparently detailed in the provincial budget. A change of this magnitude warrants open consultation and public debate.

Approximately 80 per cent of Manitoba construction workers have chosen not to join a union. Yet the MJA effectively imposes union structures on publicly funded projects, requiring many workers to operate under union rules and contribute fees to organizations they did not choose. Worker choice — a fundamental principle of our labour system — is being disregarded.

Manitoba already has strong wage, safety, and local hiring protections. Existing legislation provides robust safeguards for fair pay, safe worksites, and local employment. The MJA duplicates these frameworks while adding new layers of cost and red tape.

There are also broader economic risks. If local open-shop contractors are discouraged from bidding, provincial capacity shrinks. Over time, this may force labour to be imported from outside Manitoba — undermining the stated goal of maximizing local employment and weakening rural and small-business economies.

The MJA is already being applied to major projects, including a four-school construction bundle and the Victoria Hospital redevelopment. The stakes are no longer theoretical. This direction, however, is not irreversible. The construction industry has consistently articulated three principles for any revised framework: respect for worker choice, open and fair competition, and broad workforce participation. These are not partisan positions; they are practical foundations for delivering infrastructure efficiently in a province with diverse labour models and regional realities.

Taxpayers deserve policies that maximize competition and value. Workers deserve respect for how they choose to work. Employers deserve the opportunity to compete based on merit — not union affiliation. Manitoba’s construction industry stands ready to work with government, labour, and community leaders to find a better path forward — one that protects public value, maximizes local opportunity, and delivers the infrastructure Manitobans need. It is time for genuine partnership. We can respect workers’ choices and protect taxpayers at the same time.

On Wednesday, February 18, WCA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting saw the election of this year’s Board of Directors, headed by new Chair Peter Bernatsky. Congratulations to all our new and returning Board Members – we’re looking forward to a busy year ahead of building the ICI industry across Manitoba.

(Front Row, L-R): Dom Costantini, Treasurer; Teri Urban, Vice-Chair; Ron Hambley, President; Peter Bernatsky, Chair; Roger Tuk, Immediate Past Chair

(Middle Row, L-R): Xuan Nguyen, MWC Representative; Chris Dyck, Electrical Division Chair; Tara Kroeker, Director-at-Large; Daniel Hartley, Director-at-Large; Stacey Gagné, Manufacturer and Supplier Division Chair; Chris Erbus, Director-at-Large

(Back Row, L-R): Shane Storie, Director-at-Large; Julien Lafleche, Mechanical Division Chair; Nicholas Withoos, Director-at-Large; Ben Robinson, YCLM Representative; Chris McRae, Director-at-Large; Rich Marchetti, CSAM Advisory Chair; Travis Paul, Director-at-Large; Chris Precourt, Trade Contractor Division Chair; Craig Hildebrandt, Director-at-Large

Not Pictured: John Schubert, Past Chairs Committee Representative, Soo Lee, General Contractors Division Chair; Zeb Hudon, Director-at-Large.

The February 6 edition of The WCA Newsletter, featuring stories on the Manitoba Jobs Agreement, MITT’s closure and more, is now available here.

Earlier today, the provincial government held a press conference promoting the Manitoba Jobs Agreement. We are surprised and disappointed by the government’s decision to hold this press conference while we are actively engaged in ongoing discussions with them to address its serious flaws.

WCA members are both union and open shop construction firms, which gives us a unique perspective and voice on project labour agreements like the MJA. It is concerning to see the government push forward with an approach that could drive up costs, reduce competition and delay vital projects for Manitobans.

We urge the government to work with us on practical changes to the MJA that will ensure timely delivery of critical infrastructure and better opportunities for all Manitobans in the construction industry.

Catch up on the latest industry new and notes with today’s edition of The WCA Newsletter, including a look at our submission to the provincial government on energy tier adoption, a link to tickets for our Chair’s Reception on February 18, and information on three excellent courses coming up next month. Click here to check it out.