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.

The January 9 edition of The WCA Newsletter, featuring stories on the new version of the Manitoba Trade Definitions, nomination forms for our Division elections, the Save the Date for our AGM and Chair’s Reception and more, is now available here.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with the December 12 edition of The WCA Newsletter, available here.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with the October 31 edition of The WCA Newsletter, available here.

Construction associations call for immediate reversal to 2:1 ratio 

WINNIPEG, October 28, 2025 – Manitoba’s construction industry is calling on the provincial government to immediately reverse the apprenticeship ratio change introduced in October 2024, after new government data shows a clear decline in apprenticeship participation. 

According to Apprenticeship Manitoba’s published statistics, new apprentice registrations fell from 3,128 in 2023-24 to 2,730 in 2024-25, while active apprentices dropped from 11,878 to 11,628. These declines mark the first measurable downturn since the pandemic and coincide directly with the government’s decision to impose a 1:1 journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio. 

“The numbers don’t lie — this policy is reducing opportunity for Manitobans who want to work in the skilled trades,” said Ron Hambley, president of the Winnipeg Construction Association. “Employers are being forced to turn away apprentices at a time when our industry desperately needs to grow the workforce.” 

“There’s no evidence that the 2:1 ratio compromised safety or training quality,” said Shawn Wood, president of the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba. “But there’s clear evidence now that the 1:1 ratio is limiting opportunity. It’s time to correct course.” 

The associations noted that Manitoba and Canada are entering a period of historic investment in housing, health care and defence infrastructure — projects that will depend on attracting and retaining skilled tradespeople. “We need to be pulling more people into the trades, not pushing them away,” said Hambley. 

The associations note that Manitoba’s construction industry is already facing a shortage of nearly 3,000 skilled workers, according to BuildForce Canada, and that most provinces have more flexible apprenticeship ratios. 

In a joint letter to Minister Jamie Moses, the industry coalition urged the government to reinstate the 2:1 ratio, calling it a “proven, balanced model that supports both safety and opportunity.” 

“We support this government’s commitment to building the workforce of the future,” said Hambley. “But this decision is holding that workforce back.” 

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Media Contacts:
Darryl Harrison, Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy, WCA 
darryl@winnipegconstruction.ca, 204-775-8664 ext: 2249 

Shawn Wood, Executive Director, CARM
carmed@carm.ca, 204-571-0041

Click here for appendices providing data on apprenticeship numbers since 2019 and a comparison on apprenticeship ratios by province. 

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. 

Construction Association of Rural Manitoba is an incorporated, not-for-profit trade association representing commercial contractors and suppliers throughout Manitoba. We currently have 200 member companies, including manufacturers, suppliers, financial institutions, lawyers, insurance and bonding companies and brokers.

Thanks for joining us at Builders’ Night! Here are the winning ticket numbers for our Builders’ Auction. If you have a winning ticket, please contact us at wca@winnipegconstruction.ca to claim your prize:

*Claimed* Pair of Jets Box Seats: 047046

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*Claimed* Yeti Package: 043571

*Claimed* Golf Package: 192508

*Claimed* Samsonite Luggage Set: 181388

*Claimed* Date Night Dinner Package: 181350

*Claimed* Tory Burch Package: 192744

Robot Vacuum: 143616

*Claimed* Ninja Slushi Machine: 047076

*Claimed* Thermea Gift Card: 192737

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with The WCA Newsletter’s October 3 edition, available here.

Catch up on the latest industry news and notes with the September 19 edition of The WCA Newsletter, available here.