Skip to content
October 19, 2026

WCA Welcomes Recommendations from Winnipeg Police Service Headquarters Public Inquiry Final Report

WCA Welcomes Recommendations from Winnipeg Police Service Headquarters Public Inquiry Final Report

Winnipeg, MB – October 19, 2026 – The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) welcomes the release of the final report of the Winnipeg Police Service Headquarters Public Inquiry and supports the Commissioner’s recommendations aimed at strengthening accountability, transparency and oversight in public construction projects.

 The Inquiry’s final report contains troubling findings of falsified financial documents, inflated billing claims, inappropriate financial dealings and serious conflicts of interest. WCA unequivocally condemns the misconduct identified by Commissioner Garth Smorang. Such practices are fundamentally inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of construction companies and public officials. They represent a serious breach of public trust and undermine the reputation of construction businesses that operate honestly and professionally.

“There is no place for the conduct described in the report in our industry. Contractors have a responsibility to deal honestly with their clients and those who fail to meet that responsibility must be held accountable,” said Darryl Harrison, WCA President and CEO. “Our industry is overwhelmingly made up of honest, hardworking construction professionals who take pride in their work and their integrity.”

While the Inquiry examined the circumstances surrounding a specific project, WCA believes its findings provide important lessons for public construction procurement and project delivery more broadly.

“One of the most important lessons from this Inquiry is that accountability must extend to everyone involved in delivering a public project,” Harrison said. “Contractors must be accountable for their conduct, billing practices and contractual obligations. Equally, public owners must have the expertise, systems and independent oversight necessary to properly manage projects and safeguard public funds. Weak oversight does not excuse dishonest conduct, and dishonest conduct does not excuse weak oversight.” 

WCA participated in the Inquiry by convening a panel of experienced construction industry representatives who met with Commissioner Smorang and subsequently provided a written submission outlining practical recommendations on procurement, construction contracts, project management, financial controls and independent oversight.

The Association is encouraged that several of its recommendations are reflected in the Commissioner’s final report, including:

  • Standardized construction contracts: Greater use of Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) contracts to establish clear responsibilities, fair risk allocation and consistent contractual expectations.
  • Fair and transparent procurement: Stronger procurement practices that maintain competitive integrity, particularly when significant changes to project scope or delivery models occur.
  • Independent oversight: Improved owner-side project management, financial controls, independent payment certification and accountability.
  • Early industry engagement: Meaningful consultation with the construction industry to identify project risks, assess market capacity and establish appropriate procurement approaches.
  • Modern project controls: Improved project management information systems and consideration of broader adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to strengthen project coordination, monitoring and accountability.

With the Inquiry now complete, WCA believes attention must turn to implementation. The Association encourages the City of Winnipeg to establish a clear plan for responding to the recommendations and to engage construction industry stakeholders in developing practical improvements to procurement and project delivery practices. 

“We have an opportunity to learn from what went wrong and strengthen public confidence in future infrastructure projects,” Harrison said. “WCA stands ready to work with the City and other public owners to make that happen.”

-30-

About the Winnipeg Construction Association

The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) represents the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) construction industry in Winnipeg and surrounding areas, with members spanning general contractors, trade contractors, and manufacturers and suppliers. WCA advocates on behalf of an industry that employs tens of thousands of Manitobans and contributes billions to the provincial economy annually.

September 4, 2026

Fall Golf Recap

Golf season is winding up, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying an absolutely perfect day at the beautiful Minnewasta Golf and Country Club in Morden, Manitoba for the annual Fall Golf Tournament. 144 Members and Guests enjoyed a day on the course as well as great food, drinks and company.

Congratulations to our winning team from Westland Construction made up of Peter Grose, Craig Hildebrandt, Tanner Grose and Ryder St. Laurent. There score of 59 was good for a three-way tie at the top, and they were determined the winners based on a count back. Well done! They’ll each be receiving $150 gift cards to Golf Town as their prize.

You can find all the photos from the day here.

Our other prize winners from the day:

Men’s Longest Drive: Tanner Grose, Westland Construction (Blue Tees Player +2 Golf Speaker)

Women’s Longest Drive: Crystal Bornn, Convoy Supply (Blue Tees Playmaker +2 Golf Speaker)

Men’s Closest to the Pin: Declan Vallely, AON ($125 Earl’s Gift Card)

Women’s Closest to the Pin: Terri Randall, Ambassador Sales (1986) Inc. ($125 Earl’s Gift Card)

Door Prizes (blue tickets)

Ticket #151250 – Palladium Golf Indoor Putting Matt

Ticket #103941 – $100 Miller’s Meats Gift Card & Hockey BBQ Utensils Set

Ticket #103807 – TaylorMade Golf Bag courtesy of XPromo

Ticket #108746 – Tropical Pink Yeti Rambler & Pink TaylorMade Tour Response Golf Balls

If you’re a prize winner, please contact wca@winnipegconstruction.ca to arrange prize pickup. We’ll see you on the tee next spring!

September 3, 2026

U.S. Counter-Tariff Bulletin

Effective September 8, 2026, Canada will impose new counter-tariffs of 15%, 25% and 50% on specified goods originating in the United States. The counter-tariffs will not apply to affected U.S. goods that are in transit to Canada on September 8.

Construction Product Exposure

Products to watch include, but are not limited to:

  • 50%: many steel and aluminum products, including structural and fabricated products, pipe and fittings, and fasteners; certain LED lighting; vinyl floor coverings; plywood and laminated veneer lumber (LVL).
     
  • 25%: softwood lumber; most carpet and textile flooring; many powered hand tools and saws; hinges and certain building fittings; iron, steel and aluminum sanitary products; and some heating and air-conditioning equipment.
     
  • Variable rates: selected hand tools and interchangeable tooling are subject to rates ranging from 15% to 50%. Certain HVAC and heat-pump tariff items are subject to rates of 15% or 25%. Some synthetic tufted flooring is subject to the 50% rate.

These descriptions are indicative only. Coverage and rates depend on the product’s exact HS tariff classification and whether it qualifies as originating in the U.S. Click here for the the full product list.

Keep in mind that a U.S. supplier does not necessarily mean U.S. origin, and purchasing through a Canadian distributor does not necessarily mean Canadian origin. The tariff rate will also not necessarily equal a resulting dollar-for-dollar change in purchase price. Project parties should substantiate actual tariff-related cost impacts whenever a tariff is imposed, changed or removed.

Tariff Best Practices Refresher

In June 2025 WCA released a Best Practice Bulletin for reviewing and advancing potential tariff-related claims for price increases. You can find the full bulletin here, or keep reading below for an overview:

  • Review contracts for tariff risk allocation. Check the prime contract, subcontracts, purchase orders and supplementary conditions, including taxes-and-duties, change-in-law, escalation, notice and claims provisions. Also review purchasing and shipping terms that assign responsibility for import duties.
     
  • Confirm bid requirements and assumptions. Check for buy-Canadian stipulations or other sourcing requirements and clearly document the tariffs, pricing assumptions and exclusions incorporated into bids and quotations.
     
  • Assess mitigation options. Review alternative products, suppliers and procurement timing, along with any associated cost, schedule or specification implications. Communicate available options to impacted parties promptly so the appropriate project parties can make informed decisions.
     
  • Follow notice and approval requirements. Review the contract and Division 01 requirements for notice periods, supporting information and any required authorization before proceeding with an alternative product or supplier.
     
  • Substantiate cost and schedule impacts. Maintain an itemized record of the original pricing basis, dated quotations and invoices, tariff amounts, origin and classification information, and related freight or other costs. Clearly establish the connection between the tariff and any claimed cost or delay. General or unsupported “tariff surcharges” may not be sufficient.

Many standard CCDC contracts provide for Contract Price adjustments when applicable tariffs change after bid. In an unamended CCDC 2 – 2020 contract, GC 10.1 addresses these adjustments. Under CCDC 5B, before the stipulated-price option is exercised, applicable tariffs are generally included in the reimbursable Cost of the Work. The treatment of tariff increases, decreases or removals remains subject to the specific contract, including any supplementary conditions.

Business and Employee Supports

Federal and provincial resources and support programs are available to businesses and workers affected by the trade dispute. Program eligibility and assistance vary. Additional information can be found at:

Government of Canada

Manitoba Government

August 4, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: City of Winnipeg to use Canadian Construction Document Committee (CCDC) Contract on new Fire Paramedic Station

WINNIPEG, August 4, 2026 – WCA is applauding the announcement of the City of Winnipeg using a CCDC 5B-2025 contract for the construction of the new Waverley West Fire Paramedic Station. This will be the first non-roads project to use a CCDC contract and marks a significant step towards the use of standardized documents.

“The use of CCDC contracts will benefit both contractors and taxpayers,” said Darryl Harrison, President and CEO of the Winnipeg Construction Association. “These contracts are the national standard for good reason – they set clear expectations, allocate risk fairly, and reduce disputes and delays that can drive up costs.”

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.

“These contracts add clarity for contractors bidding on jobs, meaning more firms will bid on City work,” said Harrison. “More bids will lead to better outcomes for the City and for taxpayers.”

The use of CCDC contracts was a campaign pledge from City of Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham during his 2022 campaign.

“We’re very happy to see the mayor follow through on this campaign promise,” said Harrison. “There have been several road projects tendered under a CCDC contract already, so it’s great to see one being used on a building project.”

With a municipal election happening in October, WCA will be urging candidates for mayor and for city council to continue using CCDC contracts for building projects.

“Our hope is the use of CCDC projects becomes the norm for the City of Winnipeg,” said Harrison. “This is a great first step, and we look forward to seeing more projects built under these contracts in the future.”

-30-

Media Contact: Darryl Harrison, President and CEO

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.

June 18, 2026

Summer Golf Recap

The Summer Golf season is in full full swing, and 144 WCA Members and Guests enjoyed a beautiful day at Grand Pines Golf Course on Wednesday, June 17. Golfers dealt with some windy conditions but enjoyed plenty of sunshine and good vibes at our annual Summer tournament.

Congratulations to the team from Absolute Petroleum Ltd. made up of Matt Lindquist, Chris Schotchenko, Tyrus Schotchenko and Doug Riach who fired a 14-under score of 58. Well done! They’ll each take home a Blue Tees Ringer Magnetic Touch GPS for their efforts.

Our other prize winners are:

Longest Drive (Blue Tees Playmaker GPS Watch):

Men’s (Hole 6): The marker for Men’s Longest Drive was missing. If you had longest drive when your team finished Hole 6, please email holly@winnipegconstruction.ca and we will determine the winner. No cheating please!

Women’s (Hole 12): Julia Vossen, Team Signex

Closest to the Pin (Bushnell Phantom Slope GPS Rangefinder:

Men’s (Hole 14): Braden Shaw, Team Building Products and Concrete Supply

Women’s (Hole 17): Meghan Simpson – Team PCL Constructors

Putting Contest (YCLM Putting Green) $100 Liquor Marts Giftcard and YCLM Prize Pack: Daniel Lowen, CDL Arch (33 points)

Door prizes (yellow tickets):

064416 – Palladium Golf Indoor Putting Matt

051262 – One dozen WCA Bridgestone Golf Balls + $50 Golf Town Giftcard

085371 – Wingman 2 GPS Speaker

085467 – Tropical Pink Yeti Rambler + $50 Golf Town Giftcard

Please reach out to wca@winnipegconstruction.ca if you’re a winner to collect your prize.

Of course, thank you to all our sponsors for making this tournament possible!

May 19, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: FIPPA Release Raises Serious Concerns Regarding Development of Manitoba Jobs Agreement

WINNIPEG, May 19, 2026 – Manitoba construction industry associations are calling for greater transparency and an independent review regarding the development and implementation of the Manitoba Jobs Agreement (MJA) following the release of documents obtained through Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) requests.

The records raise significant concerns regarding how the MJA framework was developed, the absence of consultation prior to implementation, and the apparent lack of publicly available procurement analysis supporting one of the most significant changes to Manitoba public infrastructure procurement in decades.

The documents reveal:

  • The Manitoba Jobs Agreement was developed by Manitoba Building Trades representatives and submitted to the provincial government on July 23, 2025
  • The Province and Manitoba Building Trades held only one meeting on August 26, 2025 to discuss the Manitoba Jobs Agreement
  • The agreement was signed only 13 days later.

“This is not a minor administrative policy,” said Darryl Harrison, Director of Stakeholder Engagement with the Winnipeg Construction Association. “The MJA fundamentally changes procurement conditions on publicly funded infrastructure projects, affects contractor participation, alters labour administration practices, and impacts billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded construction work. Manitobans should expect a significantly higher level of consultation, transparency, and procurement analysis before a framework of this magnitude is implemented.”

The associations also point to the apparent lack of analysis prior to signing the MJA relating to:

  • Bidder participation
  • Competition impact
  • Independent cost modelling
  • Compliance cost analysis
  • Value-for-money evidence supporting broader expansion of the MJA framework

The FIPPA materials further undermine suggestions that Project Labour Agreements (PLAs) are standard procurement tools for ordinary public infrastructure projects.

According to the Province’s own internal “Jurisdictional Scan” presentation:

  • Only 36 PLA projects were identified (including private projects) across British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba;
  • Average project values ranged from approximately $1.6 billion to $10.9 billion;
  • Manitoba’s primary historic PLA examples involved extraordinary megaprojects such as the Red River Floodway Expansion and Manitoba Hydro projects;
  • Project timelines ranged from 4 to 16 years.

“These records show PLAs have historically been used selectively on massive megaprojects with extraordinary labour coordination requirements — not as broad procurement frameworks for routine public infrastructure,” said Chris Lorenc, President and CEO of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association.

Industry associations have requested an independent oversight review into the development, governance, and financial structures associated with the Manitoba Jobs Agreement. The three construction associations have written to the Manitoba Ombudsman to ask for a review of the process to develop the MJA and recommend a pause in it further use.

“This issue has moved well beyond a normal policy disagreement,” said Shawn Wood, Executive Director of the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba. “It is now a serious public-interest procurement issue involving transparency, competition, governance, worker choice, and accountability for taxpayer dollars.”

The Winnipeg Construction Association, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, and Construction Association of Rural Manitoba continue to support apprenticeship growth, workforce development, fair wages, and strong labour standards. However, the associations maintain that public infrastructure procurement must remain transparent, evidence-based, broadly consultative, and open to all qualified Manitobans.

–30–

Media Contact:
Darryl Harrison
Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy
Winnipeg Construction Association
darryl@winnipegconstruction.ca
204-906-8944

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 Manitoba Heavy Construction Association is a non-profit association who advocates for the heavy construction and related industries in Manitoba. MHCA represents more than 400 contractors, suppliers, and financial companies, promoting sustainable investment in core infrastructure to support economic growth and social development benefiting our province and country.

The 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.

May 14, 2026

Spring Golf Recap

What a way to tee off golf season! WCA Members and Guests were treated to what was easily the nicest day of the year so far, as 288 golfers soaked in the sunshine at Pine Ridge and Elmhurst Golf Courses at our annual Spring Golf Tournament.

Congratulations to the team from Schneider Electric Canada made up of Dustin Kelly, Kevin Marchuk, Brett Kuran and Aaron Contant who fired a truly incredible score of -18 (54) at Pine Ridge Golf Course. This is by far the best round ever recorded at any WCA Golf Tournament, and they easily came in first place. Well done! They’ll each take home a $25 Liquor Mart gift card and a dozen Titleist balls for their efforts.

You can find all the photos from the day here.

Our other prize winners are:

Elmhurst Longest Drive (Hole 17 – Bushnell Golf Wingman Speaker)

Men: Jordan Ivanyshyn, Sunbelt Rental (Bushnell Golf Wingman Speaker)

Women: Shea Pyle, Ellement (Bushnell Golf Wingman Speaker)

Elmhurst Closest to the Pin (Hole 14 – $100 Golf Town Giftcard)

Men: Chris McRae, PCL Constructors Canada

Women: Soo Lee, Bockstael Construction

Pine Ridge Longest Drive (Hole 17 – Bushnell Golf Wingman Speaker)

Men: Curtis Duester, Wallace & Wallace

Women: Lindsay Mysak, AMC Foam Technologies

Pine Ridge Closest to the Pin (Hole 14 – Playmaker Touchless GPS Golf Watch)

Men: Doug Riach, Absolute Petroleum

Women: Natalia Pedersen, Multicrete

Door Prizes (Yellow and White tickets)

108487 – Bucket Golf Game

108677 – One dozen Ladies Reva Golf Balls and $50 to Golf Town

108598 – One dozen WCA logoed Bridgestone Golf Balls and $50 to Golf Town

108726 – WCA Trolley Cooler and Beer to kickoff summer

Sponsor Prizes

Heated Chair from XPressions – Cary Schotchenko, Absolute Petroleum

Blackstone Grill from Sunbelt Rentals – Aloke Rajbhadary, Bird

YCLM Prize Pack – Shawyn Friesen, Penn-co

If you’re a winner please email wca@winnipegconstruction.ca to arrange pickup of your prize.

Of course, thank you to all our sponsors for making the tournament possible!

April 29, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: Ottawa is Spending Billions to Fix a Trades Shortage Manitoba is Making Worse

WCA and CARM Call on Kinew Government to Immediately Restore 2:1 Apprenticeship Ratio

WINNIPEG, April 29, 2026 — The federal government is investing billions of dollars into Canadian Skilled Trades, but a backwards policy from Manitoba’s government means some of our young people will be left behind.

The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) and the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba (CARM) are applauding the federal announcement of $6 billion to recruit, train and hire up to 100,000 new skilled trades workers by 2030‑31. The Carney government has recognized what the construction industry has long known: skilled trades are the backbone of Canada’s economy, and investing in the next generation of tradespeople is investing in Canada’s future. This is bold, necessary and long overdue.

That investment makes what is happening in Manitoba all the more frustrating. While the federal government is spending billions to grow the trades workforce, Manitoba’s 1:1 journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio is actively shrinking it. Ottawa is opening doors for young Manitobans who want careers in the trades. The Province is closing them.

WCA and CARM are calling on the Province of Manitoba to immediately restore the 2:1 journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio — and to align Manitoba’s apprenticeship policy with the national direction the federal government has just established.

Manitoba’s Numbers Tell the Story

Since the Kinew government imposed the 1:1 ratio, the data is unambiguous:

  •  New apprentice registrations fell from 3,128 in 2023-24 to 2,730 in 2024-25 — a drop of nearly 400 in a single year.

  •  Active apprentices declined from 11,878 to 11,628.

The math is simple: a 1:1 ratio means every journeyperson on a job site can train only one apprentice. Restore the ratio to 2:1 and Manitoba employers can immediately double the number of young people entering the trades. At a time when Canada is declaring a trades shortage a national priority, Manitoba is limiting its own pipeline.

The federal Team Canada Strong program offers apprentices up to $16,000 in income support during in-class training, a $5,000 Red Seal completion bonus, and employers up to $10,000 per apprentice in first-year wage subsidies. Based on Manitoba’s registration decline since the 1:1 ratio was imposed, WCA and CARM estimate that Manitoba workers and employers could miss out on more than $50 million in federal apprenticeship support over the five-year life of the program — money that will flow to workers and employers in every other province while Manitoba’s own policy keeps employers from taking apprentices. It is difficult to square the Premier’s ambition to be a ‘have’ province with a policy that actively narrows opportunities for Manitoba workers and employers.

“The federal government has just told us, in clear terms and backed by $6 billion, that Canada needs more trades workers — not fewer. Manitoba’s 1:1 ratio is a direct contradiction of that national priority. Every year we leave this policy in place is another year of young Manitobans who didn’t get the apprenticeship they wanted, and another year of employers who couldn’t take them on. The Kinew government can fix this today. There is no good reason to wait.”

— Darryl Harrison, Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Winnipeg Construction Association

A Disservice to Young Manitobans

Apprenticeship is one of the most reliable pathways to a stable, well-paying career available to young Canadians. When the Province limits the number of apprenticeship positions available, it is limiting opportunity. In rural Manitoba, where contractor crews are often small, the 1:1 ratio can mean the difference between a young person getting a start in the trades and not getting one at all.

“For rural contractors, this isn’t an abstract policy debate — it’s a daily reality. A small crew with two or three journeypersons can only bring on two or three apprentices under the current rules. Go back to 2:1 and we can double that. These are real jobs, real careers, and real futures for young people in communities across Manitoba. The Province should be making it easier for our members to bring young people into the trades, not harder.”

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

The Ask

The WCA and CARM are calling on the Kinew government to immediately restore the journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio to 2:1 across all trades.

-30-

About the Winnipeg Construction Association

The Winnipeg Construction Association represents the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) construction industry in Winnipeg and surrounding areas, with members spanning general contractors, trade contractors, and manufacturers and suppliers. WCA advocates on behalf of an industry that employs tens of thousands of Manitobans and contributes billions to the provincial economy annually.

About the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba

The Construction Association of Rural Manitoba (CARM) represents ICI construction contractors and industry stakeholders across rural Manitoba. CARM advocates for policies that support a competitive, skilled, and accessible construction workforce in communities throughout the province.

Media Contacts

Darryl Harrison Director, Stakeholder Engagement, Winnipeg Construction Association  darryl@winnipegconstruction.ca

Shawn Wood Executive Director, Construction Association of Rural Manitoba carmed@carm.ca

April 17, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: Winnipeg Construction Association Supports City of Winnipeg Pilot Project Using CCDC Contracts

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.

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

April 13, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: Winnipeg Construction Association Applauds Hot Water Requirement at Large Construction Sites

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.

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