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Celebrating 75 GROUNDBREAKING years in 2018

HIGHWAYS BUDGET CUTS PUT OUR ECONOMY ON ROUGH ROAD MANITOBA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH POTENTIAL HAS BEEN STUNTED SINCE 2016 BY SHORT-SIGHTED FISCAL POLICY. HERE’S THE ECONOMIC CASE THE MHCA PUT BEFORE PREMIER PALLISTER IN SEPTEMBER, IN A REQUEST TO RESTORE THE HIGHWAYS CAPITAL BUDGET.

he MHCA supports the government’s Manitoba’s GDP. Manitoba’s infrastructure investment deficit) • Identifying a minimum annual capital program focus on growing the economy, investing That fact illustrates why eight Manitoba business • Restore MI capital program to a minimum $500 tied to best economic return on investment objectives smartly in strategic infrastructure as part and stakeholder groups joined MHCA in publicly million, annually, 2019-24 — trade-enabling infrastructure — harnessing in of that strategy, and reducing the deficit. calling for strategic, sustained investment in • Accelerate MI’s service-delivery review the process federal-match funding and appropriate TIt is well-documented that investment in strategic Manitoba’s transportation infrastructure system. and transition in-house service delivery to the P3 opportunities. infrastructure provides amongst the highest return on Trade is at the heart of our GDP; transportation competitive market • Merge trade and infrastructure into one ministry investment (ROI) of public sector dollars, facilitating infrastructure are the arteries that keep the goods and • Release the report on the transportation system - Trade & Infrastructure - to maximize ROI and sustained economic growth, investment, jobs and commodities flowing. infrastructure investment deficit (understood to be ensure that trade-enabling investment is a pillar generating new revenues to government, which assist In all discussions since 2016 with MI ministers ~$6 billion), with annual and five-year rolling budgets supporting growth in Manitoba’s regional, national achieving a fiscal balance objective. on the Highways Capital program, MHCA has to support a capital-asset management strategy. and global trade profile. While the degree of the ROI varies, dependent consistently advocated for strategic, sustainable Manitoba faces challenges to achieve sustainable • Adopting the six guiding principles for strategic on the type of infrastructure, the value of strategic investment — not spending — in transportation levels of investment in infrastructure. Governments infrastructure investment, embraced publicly by infrastructure investment return to the GDP infrastructure. The context? The government ignored for decades sound advice from the private Manitoba in November 2016, namely: a permanent is unchallenged. inherited a ~$6-billion transportation system sector, compounding the infrastructure deficit’s program; focused on greatest economic ROI; Finance Canada - Report to Canadians (2011) (highways, roads, bridges & structures) growth. The government inherited this but has embraces innovation; harnesses partnerships with the states every $1 invested in strategic infrastructure investment deficit. opportunity, with the public’s trust, to address it. private sector; funded by dedicated revenue streams; returns $1.60 to the GDP. At Budget 2018’s $350 million, the Highways The MHCA strongly recommends the government and annually reviewed for adjustment and assurance A Conference Board of Canada analysis (2014) Capital program does not reflect a sound capital- appoint a panel to review existing funding structures of discipline to purpose. of the GDP impact of $1.05 billion infrastructure asset management plan. That level will add $50-75 to strike a new funding model. Its considerations • Taking advantage of the Winnipeg Metropolitan investment showed a return to Manitoba of $1.36 million annually to the ~$6-billion investment deficit, could include: Region strategic transportation plan (and others billion, the largest effects via personal/disposable facilitating its exponential growth. Further, it impairs • Dedicating a portion of the PST, all revenues like it) that would support provincial investment income, cascading impact on retail sales and the sound fiscal investment in an asset that underpins from road-related fuel taxes and fees to the Highways priorities in the strategic trade network that promotes corresponding direct and indirect taxation revenues. Manitoba’s economy. Capital and the Maintenance & Preservation economic growth. Other such reports arrive at similar conclusions. The MHCA respectfully urges the government, programs, as base funding. • The delivery of programs contemplated above The point is the ROI of public-sector dollars is heading into Budget 2019, to: • Given a ~$6-billion transportation system through a new, stand-alone utility, with contractual real. The extent of that return can be refined via • Solicit, in partnership with the business investment deficit, identifying and allocating a funding and delivery objectives set by government as an update of the Conference Board of Canada’s community, from Canada West Foundation (or minimum maintenance and preservation budget to a matter of public policy. Manitoba analysis. similar institution) an estimate of ROI from trade- stem its exponential growth. (Consider policy that The above is offered to advance government The larger effect of infrastructure investment is transportation investment strategy, and the lost lays out a reasonable multi-year target to resolve the objectives of growing the economy and restoring in its impact on trade, which accounts for 53% of value of delaying this strategy (compound effect on deficit, to get to sustainable annual funding levels). fiscal balance.❱❱❱

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Celebrating 75 GROUNDBREAKING years in 2018 MANITOBA’S ECONOMY ON NOTICE PALLISTER GOVERNMENT’S ECONOMIC REPORT CARD SHOWS OBVIOUS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Chris Lorenc is president of the Manitoba Yvette Milner is president of BY CHRIS LORENC AND YVETTE MILNER Heavy Construction Association. Merit Contractors.

e all like a good deal. We’re Apparently, not the Pallister government. (2%) over 2014-2018, create 59,000 person-years of pound. The bridge or overpass you drive on (or under) Manitobans. Money in the pocket. Far from being Manitoba’s economic saviour, this employment and boost average incomes by $1,100. doesn’t spectacularly, tragically “fail.” When it comes to putting out a government is restraining immediate growth and In 2015, the Board checked its numbers. It reviewed It means things that must work, actually do work. couple of bucks to make a couple putting our potential for growth at risk. It has no the $1.04 billion invested in core infrastructure in 2014, We don’t think about that, until something fails. Wmore bucks, who wouldn’t go for a guaranteed return? multi-year plan for investment in core infrastructure. and found every $1 of that investment boosted GDP And speaking of failing, here’s a mid-term report We’re Manitobans. It has slashed the very budget that supports return by about $1.30. The largest impact was on personal card: The Pallister government cut or under-expended Public investment in core infrastructure (streets, on investment, that helps fill the treasury with tax incomes and retail sales. The spin-offs were seen in tax the highways budget by 55% since 2016. It cut funding highways, bridges & structures, sewer & water, land revenues that carry social program budgets. revenues (people earn and spend) to governments. to municipal water and sewer this year by 27%. It drainage) is about as close a guaranteed return on the In 2015-16, $628 million was invested in our The ROI? We get to invest in health and education. slashed funding for municipal highways and bridges dollar as you can get. But it’s not all delayed reward: highways. The Pallister government cut the budget Cut deficits. Decide on where taxes might be adjusted. by 84%. there is instant gratification in smoother roads, and every year and for 2018-19, it budgeted a mere $350 fewer traffic jams, too. Who would leave that kind million for highways. Municipalities are hurting too – of opportunity for return on investment (ROI) on the municipal roads and bridges program was all but the table? eliminated, cut from $14 million to $2 million. WE CALL CORE INFRASTRUCTURE AN As for the future ROI, strong investment in roads The ride’s getting bumpier, yes. But where the and highways is the gift that keeps on giving: It boosts pain really hits the road is on our economy because ECONOMIC INVESTMENT. REALLY, IT’S AN our GDP for many years – it increases trade, and trade if we can’t get trade on the road, 53% of our GDP is in Manitoba is 53% of our GDP. Who wouldn’t grab impaired, employment takes a hit, and incomes don’t that kind of opportunity? rise. Our standard of living doesn’t get the solid lift INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE. IN MANITOBANS. This is the kind of investment governments can and it should. should use, in the interests of the provincial economy, How do we know these things? Our province and our economy get on solid footing. We call core infrastructure an economic investment. and all Manitobans. We deserve and need better roads. Economic analyses have documented Setting aside the financial and fiscal benefits of Really, it’s an investment in people. In Manitobans. Now. And we need to look after our economy — our infrastructure’s predictable, high-value ROI. sustained, strategic investment, let’s talk about how We know “there are no guarantees in life.” But when kids’ employment prospects — by investing in the The primer for Manitoba was written in 2014 by the well-maintained core infrastructure gets personal. experience and evidence repeatedly bear out that GDP returns that keep on giving. Conference Board of Canada. It means your car doesn’t get swallowed by a the ROI of core infrastructure is like money in the This is Public Investment 101; pretty much text The Conference Board analysis said Manitoba’s plan, sinkhole. It means your water flows when you turn the (treasury) bank, why wouldn’t you invest? book stuff, on the shelf. The text is backstopped by a at the time, to invest $1.02 billion annually in core tap; your sewage gets flushed and, equally important, It’s Public Investment 101. The Pallister hefty bibliography supporting the business case. Again infrastructure – roads, highways, bridges and water treated. It means your house and your community government apparently doesn’t get it, and it’s hurting – who wouldn’t seize that opportunity? structures — would boost real GDP by $6.3 billion won’t get swamped when the snows melt and rains our economy. ❱❱❱

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4 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018 A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Celebrating 75 GROUNDBREAKING years in 2018

GETTING TRADE ON THE ROAD IN MANITOBA

BY DON LEITCH

his is a time of much economic rates, due to the past decade of development our affect many sectors, some immediate, some longer uncertainty. That’s no secret to rates remain very competitive, and will continue term. Reducing investments in infrastructure anyone. The rising price of goods and so. of all types, including long-term cuts to the job-security anxiety are the wingmen And we have an abundance of water. We need to highways budget, hurts economies. The City of Tof economic uncertainty. ensure a sustainable, reliable supply. That means Winnipeg developed a large infrastructure deficit. That’s how global-trade disputes hit home in a well-maintained water and sewer infrastructure. Reduced investments have an impact on the personal way. That requires long-term planning and investments people commuting to jobs and on the shipment We’re all still trying to figure out what the new — we have to take the opportunity presented by of goods they produce to markets. NAFTA – USMCA – really means, and doesn’t the large federal commitment for infrastructure The Business Council has also advocated for mean, for Canada’s trade prospects. We’re trying and sign cost-shared project agreements. Green a comprehensive, provincial infrastructure- to figure out how we’ll diversify, something we infrastructure is a priority for them. investment strategy. There is no multi-year plan have talked about for decades. And, what of transportation? to guide sustained investment in our strategic, What is certain is we have to look for, develop This is where the rubber hits the road, or hits trade-transportation assets, our highways and and seize opportunities. the ditch. our regional roads. These are the arteries that The new, revised Trans-Pacific Partnership Everything rides on a road. Our goods may keep our economic heart pumping. being ratified now by its signatories holds eventually move by rail, water or air, but getting In my circles, you don’t do business without a immense potential for Manitoba. It is one of them from the point of production to the multi-year plan. You don’t scope a budget without the largest free trade agreements in the world. customer will always rely on roads. Good roads knowing where you should be five years forward, Canada will get greater access to Japan, Australia, pave the way for strong trade. Prosperity. and how you get there. Simply put, that’s the Don Leitch is president of the Business Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, and in developing The strongest case for public investment, “infrastructure” plan of any business hoping to Council of Manitoba. He will be Asian markets, including Malaysia, Singapore for high-value return to the economy has been stay in business. addressing the Annual General Meeting and Vietnam. proven, time and again, to be our investment in The Business Council has endorsed and of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Manitoba has shown that with the right core infrastructure. There is an immediate lift to supported the call by nine leading Manitoba foundation and planning, it can compete in global the economy, from the surge in employment and Association on November 16. business groups for the provincial government trade. Trade supports 53% of our provincial the local sourcing of materials. But there also is a to make sustained, strategic investment in economy — that’s some $37 billion worth of long-term return, from the impact on the GDP, infrastructure a real, immediate priority. ‘business.’ most noticeably from increased productivity and We need to plan now to ensure Manitoba But to compete, we have to get the foundation trade. capitalizes on the trade potential at our doorstep. right. That’s why there isn’t an economist, investment Trade uncertainty will continue as we try to As President of the Business Council of advisor or business owner who doesn’t recognize diversify. But we must diversify. Manitoba, I am concerned about our ability to the critical role that good roads and strategic In Manitoba we can do that. We have shown capitalize on those and other emerging trade infrastructure investment play in economic we can compete and succeed. opportunities, and about the implications of that growth and moving goods, services and people. But we need government to play its role: for our economy. We at the Business Council are keenly aware of alongside prudent fiscal management, it must There are four critical things companies look Manitoba’s debt and deficit position. We strongly develop and successfully implement its growth for when locating or looking to expand — people, advocate for prudent fiscal management. But strategy, and commit to sustained, innovative power, water and transportation. economic stewardship is not just about controlling investments in infrastructure. We have talented people and have shown we costs and cutting the deficit. Strong fiscal policy We need to get the building blocks right, lay can trade, recruit and attract more. has economic growth as its complementary goal. them down. Pave the road. Although we are facing increases to our hydro Reduced expenditures across government It leads to economic growth and prosperity. ❱❱❱

TRADE, HIGHWAYS AND INVESTMENT – THEY’RE INTIMATELY CONNECTED WHAT MANITOBA CAN LEARN FROM KANSAS ON INVESTING IN HIGHWAYS, TRADE ROUTES

BY CARLO DADE

he link between investment in did produce positive impacts what if anything for states and local governments, the recently trade-enabling infrastructure and could be improved. Conversely, if the projected enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) will trade is, as the term implies, self- outcomes fell short then what went wrong and lower investment in our nation’s infrastructure. evident. Also self-evident is the needs to be changed. This is a priority. This runs counter to President Trump’s repeated linkT to wider economic growth and prosperity But while waiting for the numbers to come desire to tackle the major problems associated that comes from expanding trade, or what in a in, a cautionary tale of what happens when with America’s crumbling infrastructure through Carlo Dade is director of the Centre for Trade province like Manitoba where trade accounts for infrastructure investment faces extreme cuts is increased investment. The impact may be large and Investment Policy at the Canada West over half of GDP, could more simply be called in order. This warning came, from of all places, and immediate enough to swamp the short-term Foundation. He is co-author of “Building ‘earning money.’ Winnipeg this summer during the annual U.S. impact of any infrastructure package Congress on Advantage: Improving Canada’s Trade Trade infrastructure enables money to be Council of State governments mid-west meeting can put together in the immediate future.” earned to pay for those things the province needs held in town. That says a lot. It also tells us what we need to Infrastructure,” part of a multi-year and wants. Research shows a positive impact From 2011 to 2017 Kansas moved close to do in response. If the Americans are going to try research project on Western Canadian from investing in trade-enabling infrastructure. US$2 billion from its highway fund to cover to become more competitive by cutting taxes and trade infrastructure, and lead author of the A 2012 study published by the San Francisco budget shortfalls caused by its now-infamous we do not want to match them in a race to the background paper for the 2014 New West Federal Reserve Bank found $1 in federal experiment to effectively cut its corporate tax to bottom, then we are going to have to assure that highway grants was equated with at least an zero. The state cut a dozen highway expansion there is a return on the revenues our governments Partnership Premiers’ Infrastructure Summit. increase double the amount to a state’s GDP. In Manitoba, the Conference Board of Canada IF ONE IS CONCERNED ABOUT SPENDING ON EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE, forecasted similar investment would spin-off $1.16 to the GDP for every $1 expended. THEN THE FIRST PRIORITY FOR THE PUBLIC AND GOVERNMENT IS TO DO WHAT If one is concerned about spending on IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE, OR BETTER, INCREASE, THE MONEY ON THE TABLE education and health care, then the first priority for the public and government is to do what is FOR THESE PROGRAMS. DONE CORRECTLY, INVESTMENTS IN TRADE-ENABLING necessary to ensure, or better, increase, the money INFRASTRUCTURE CAN ALSO BE EDUCATION-ENABLING, AND HEALTH-ENABLING. on the table for these programs. Done correctly, investments in trade-enabling infrastructure can also be education-enabling, and health-enabling. projects and was essentially reduced to funding take in and spend, to assure that it makes us more This, at least, is the theory. highway maintenance. All in a state that, like competitive. If the Americans are going to dig a In Manitoba, this theory was put to the test Manitoba, is reliant on moving products from hole for themselves on infrastructure, we need to ACCOUNTING • AUDITING, in 2013 with a decision to invest the equivalent rural areas and a few urban centres to markets dig a different sort of hole; one that is shovels in of one percentage point PST increase in what outside the state. Kansas came to this summer’s the ground to build advantage, investing money RESEARCH • MANAGEMENT, was defined as core infrastructure, which meeting in Winnipeg in dire straits. What was to make ourselves more competitive where the included trade-related infrastructure and also supposed to be a genial breakfast roundtable to Americans will not. Given the other hurdles that CORPORATE TAXES flood mitigation projects for a total investment exchange ideas on state infrastructure devolved the Americans have placed and will continue to of $5.1 billion over five years. The Conference into a crisis intervention and brainstorming by place before us, this is imperative. Especially as PERSONAL TAXES Board estimated that this would raise provincial Canadian and American lawmakers on how to we in Canada have opportunities in new, multi- GDP during this time period by two percent, or help Kansas dig out. country trade agreements that open Asia and $6.3 billion. After the first year of the planned That is the cautionary tale. But there is also a Europe to our firms while the Americans do not. 3 - 396 Assiniboine Avenue program, the Conference Board tested its tale of opportunity in this. This advantage over the Americans will not last estimates and found the $1.04 billion invested The Trump administration is looking forever; we must act now to capitalize on the Winnipeg, MB in core infrastructure in 2014 actually increased to inadvertently repeat part of the Kansas opportunity at hand. GDP by $1.31 billion. So, about $1.30 return for experiment by also retarding infrastructure But first, Manitoba needs to know the results each $1 invested. spending. As the Brookings Institution noted in a of the 2013 experiment to learn, to improve 204-947-0935 While only two of the five years were rolled 2017 examination of the President’s tax-cut plan targeting and the return on investment, and out as planned, that is enough time to crunch the on infrastructure: guarantee money invested in difficult times does [email protected] numbers to see if this actually worked, and if it “By increasing the cost to finance infrastructure what is needed. ❱❱❱ C M Y K

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Celebrating 75 GROUNDBREAKING years in 2018

THE “OTHER” ECONOMIC CASE THE CONFERENCE BOARD OF CANADA’S ANALYSIS FOR STRONG, MULTI-YEAR CORE OF THE MANITOBA GOVERNMENT’S $1.04-BILLION CORE INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT INVESTMENT IN FISCAL 2014- 15 SUGGESTS THAT IT HAS ASIDE FROM BOOSTING GDP, INVESTING IN HAD THE FOLLOWING ROAD MAINTENANCE NOW AVOIDS COSTLY RECONSTRUCTION LATER IMPACT ON

here are a few truisms about economic forecasting. roads (municipal) and highways (provincial) will continue to THE ECONOMY: The first one is that those who are tempted to rely decay. Already, we know that the infrastructure investment on economic forecasts many years into the future deficit — the difference between what is and what must be should invest in crystal balls. They are about budgeted to bring our roads to good condition — sits at • GDP INCREASED BY Tas reliable. about $6 billion, now. $1.31 BILLION Reputable economists temper forecasts, add cautionary The plans to budget $1 billion+ per year in core notes to factor in unknowns and rely on standard indicators infrastructure would have made some headway on that • 9,755 JOBS OR PERSON- — and rough confidence margins — to forecast for the near infrastructure investment gap. Now, especially as it relates to future. the highways budget, we are simply digging the hole deeper, YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT That’s how we know, with confidence, that strategic every year. WERE GENERATED investment in core infrastructure is a pretty good bet as a The problem is compounded by the fact that those way to prime the economic pump. Depending on what kinds highways and roads in good condition slip to fair, and those of infrastructure public funds are invested in, the return in fair shape fall into the “poor” category. • PERSONAL DISPOSABLE to the GDP can be anywhere from $1.16 to $1.60 for every Research on road life and deterioration shows that if INCOME INCREASED BY A $1 invested. repairs aren’t made when they’re in “fair” condition, roads fall That’s a pretty good ROI — return on investment. very quickly to “poor” and then to “very poor” shape. TOTAL OF $523 MILLION It’s also why we have a good idea, That’s a hazard. It’s a drag on in Manitoba, of the potential for productivity (people getting • PROVINCIAL EXPORTS economic growth that this province to work, supplies getting to WERE BOOSTED BY had in the five-year plan set out RESEARCH ON ROAD LIFE manufacturers, goods getting in 2013 for investment in core to market). It’s also setting up $699 MILLION infrastructure — roads, streets, AND DETERIORATION taxpayers for a whopper of a bill. highways, sewer & water, bridges The study published by the Conference Board of Canada, Manitoba and water-control structures. SHOWS THAT IF REPAIRS Transportation Research Board Government Infrastructure Investment Spending The former NDP government (TRB), National Research in Fiscal 2014-15, Briefing, September 2015 set out a $5.5-billion investment AREN’T MADE WHEN Council in 2003 estimated that plan, 2014-2018, or an average of every $1 spent on roads when $1.1 billion a year. The Conference THEY’RE IN “FAIR” wear and tear begin to appear, Board of Canada forecasted the CONDITION, ROADS FALL called preservation, saves $5 to $9 GDP would rise $1.16 for every $1 that will be spent on rehabilitation invested, during the construction VERY QUICKLY TO “POOR” or reconstruction, once the road phase. Given the knock-on effect slips to worse condition. of the total investment’s full impact AND THEN TO “VERY What you should take (ie. on productivity and increased from this is that the Pallister trade), the Conference Board said, POOR” SHAPE. government’s decision to cut “the $5.4-billion investment will investment in core infrastructure boost Manitoba’s real GDP by an — budgets for highways, and for average of $1.25 billion a year from 2014 to 2018.” municipal sewer & water, roads and bridges have all been A follow-up study in 2015, measuring the impact of the slashed — since 2016 means taxpayers will be shelling out $1.04 billion invested in core infrastructure in 2014, found much bigger dollars in future years because all of these assets that, indeed, Manitoba’s GDP rose by $1.31 billion. will deteriorate. That estimated $6-billion infrastructure gap The five-year strategy, however, halted after just two years, will widen, perhaps dramatically. when the government changed in 2016. Take away? Manitoba has lost some solid opportunity That means Manitoba will not get the benefit of the to boost its economy, push its trade profile nationally economic boost that would have flowed. More’s the pity. and internationally. And it has dug itself deeper into the But there are other consequences of the decision made by infrastructure-investment deficit hole. The province has the provincial government to cancel robust and predictable effectively left money on the table. multi-year investment plans. How is this going to make Manitoba “the most improved For the taxpayer and the traveller, it means that Manitoba jurisdiction” in Canada? ❱❱❱

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT IS OUR ECONOMIC HEATH-CARE PROGRAM

BY CHUCK DAVIDSON

n today’s globally competitive business is done with a strategic, sustained, disciplined and • Is permanent yet flexible, not unlike our environment it is imperative that governments transparent approach is critical. ‘permanent’ investment in health care, education, at all levels strive to create a climate that A common ground, principle-based Manitoba recreation, public safety and the like. attracts new business and allows existing solution would include sustained investment for • Invests in a sustained and strategic manner in Ibusiness to reach full potential, if we really want to core infrastructure, which includes trade and assets which enable and create new opportunities grow our economy. transportation assets. This is required to support for economic growth, without ignoring maintaining The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, along with growth and prosperity throughout Manitoba. or rehabilitating key assets that already enable a number of other leading business organizations, A well-funded and maintained, seamless multi- economic activity. believes that there are seven key public policy pillars modal transportation system in Manitoba ensures the • Embraces innovation, from composite fibers, the province must address if the government is truly ability to attract new areas of economic growth, and fiber optics, remote-sensing systems and new grades committed to growing the Manitoba economy. sustain and/or enhance existing nodes of economic of asphalt and concrete products, to awarding Those pillars include: Creating a competitive tax activity. Without core municipal infrastructure, projects based upon innovation and service- framework; creating an accessible venture capital including a transportation plan, each of which is life costing. fund; commitment to an expanded global-trade strategically and permanently funded, we place our • Seeks partnerships with the private sector, profile; creating an Aboriginal engagement strategy; economic stability and therefore our social well- which is the engine of innovation, growth, jobs, Chuck Davidson is president attracting, educating, training and retaining a skilled being at risk. prosperity, taxes and revenues to government. workforce; addressing the fiscal framework with Infrastructure is not of passing interest or • Mandates, through legislation, that any new & CEO of the Manitoba municipalities; and, finally, investing in Manitoba’s unimportant to our collective progress. It enables revenue streams — preferably growth-based — be Chambers of Commerce core infrastructure. and supports our economy, and therefore our quality dedicated to these purposes in a clear, transparent, The reality is that while the provincial government of life. Investment in infrastructure, including a transitional and accountable manner. has made progress on some of these pillars, there focus on trade-enabling transportation systems, on • Legislates periodic, transparent public reviews is much more work needed if we want to unleash a permanent basis is our economic and social health- enabling experience-based improvements and the full potential of the Manitoba economy. For care program. adjustments for the future. instance, despite past efforts to add dollars to both The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce currently With a commitment to investing in core the provincial and municipal capital budgets, the has a policy calling on the Government of Manitoba, infrastructure, the Manitoba Chambers of infrastructure deficit in Manitoba continues to grow. in partnership with municipal governments and Commerce believes the results will be sustainable Infrastructure development is an important the private sector, to establish a core municipal economic growth leading to greater prosperity for economic engine for the province and ensuring it infrastructure plan that: business and communities in Manitoba. ❱❱❱ C M Y K

6 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018 A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Celebrating 75 GROUNDBREAKING years in 2018

Reconstruction work underway in the McPhillips Street underpass this summer. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

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very new city councillor gets a crash course in civic to construction companies early enough to make the most of a short governance, from the how’s and why’s of city hall, to season — that’s called ‘procurement’ and it depends on planning the ethical code for public office holders. But, a newbie’s projects ahead, internally, so they can be pulled off the shelf when education starts long before the name plate goes up on council approves annual budgets, or the program runs a surplus. Ethe door. It began at the constituents’ doorsteps, on the campaign. #3 KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL: That’s where taxpayers, face to face, outline their concerns, and Back to the 2% dedicated annual tax hike for local and regional repeatedly Winnipeg’s streets top the list. streets. The city set, in 2013 and 2014, a special levy for streets Portage and Main got a lot of attention during the election because Winnipeg’s infrastructure was crumbling, and there was no campaign, but it’s not the prime infrastructure concern of taxpayers. good plan to address it. Council approved the tax hit, predicated And, like Portage and Main, infrastructure is more complicated on a strategy outlined at the time to resolve the infrastructure gap than what appears on the surface. Fixing those potholes, a metaphor by 2022. for crumbling infrastructure, demands a deeper look at what ails As noted by the recent 2018 State of the Infrastructure Report, our roads, back lanes, sewer and water network and bridges — our we have a lot of work to do yet. The city streets, in particular, got core infrastructure. “The Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC) has a portable a C+ grade for condition. City councils in the past didn’t always Settle in, councillors: here’s a core infrastructure primer to ensure office trailer that houses a Sandvik and an Epiroc Blast Hole stick to the plan. Despite revenue increases of $10 million+ from the you’re ready for the budget debates just weeks away. Drilling Simulator. These simulators may be shipped anywhere dedicated tax, there were years when there was no increase to the across western Canada where training is required. #1 THERE’S MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE: local and regional streets program. MCSC has a blast hole drilling course developed by industry As with the Portage and Main debate, solutions are not superficial. Now we’re hearing that Winnipeg’s done enough, that increases for industry that was developed in partnership with Austin Powder, Patching potholes, or making a quick fix of a broken sewer pipe, just to date have been sufficient and other priorities, such as community Hugh Munro Construction and Epiroc. We have a certified Indigenous puts off the real work. centres and recreation facilities, should move ahead of streets. blaster/driller to deliver training on site. All of our infrastructure assets have a “best-before” date. We have been here before. When city council feels current MCSC wants to train 35 Indigenous drillers by June 2020. We Ensuring the full life-cycle is taken up is why good, timely repairs investment is ‘good enough,’ the infrastructure gap widens. Deficit will seek federal funding to support delivery of the drilling program are central to the local and regional street renewal program. A life- becomes a huge hole. with company partners. cycle approach makes sure people and business move safely and The original policy plan said sustainability required an investment For more information please contact: efficiently on our streets — that’s our economy in motion, daily. of $80 million annually by 2022 for local streets, and $60 million The economic imperative is why property owners pay 2% increases for regional roads. This year, the city invested $60 million and $56 Carol Paul to their municipal taxes each year, raising $11 million in revenues million, respectively. And while the recent federal government Executive Director, MCSC specifically to boost the city’s contributions to the Local & Regional commit of $100 million over the next five years for regional roads T: 204.272.5092 Street Renewal budget line, annually. is progress, it has an expiry date. How will Winnipeg hit its 2022 E: [email protected] #2 PLANNING IS CRITICAL, FINANCIALLY targets for the total program? What is the plan for the following five AND LOGISTICALLY: or 20 years? We must plant to invest, otherwise it’s like throwing money at #4 KEEP THE PROMISE a problem. What’s the problem? Beyond potholed roads — again, Any aspiring councillor knows that taxpayers’ No. 1 concern the ‘deeper’ issue — is the fact that Winnipeg has not been so good is our streets. Each of Winnipeg’s councillors, in a questionnaire at asset management. Past years of inadequate maintenance in our returned to the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association prior to streets, roads and sewer and water pipes meant things began to Oct. 24, said infrastructure is among their priorities, too. Some said crumble. We’re playing an expensive game of catch-up now. The it wasn’t No. 1; we respect that. infrastructure investment deficit — the gap between what is and But, if city council decides current infrastructure budgets are what must be budgeted to bring our core infrastructure to good good enough, we will quickly dig ourselves into a deep, dark hole. condition — is $3.8 billion, over the next decade. More like a sinkhole, than a pothole. Like any investment, we need a strategy to look after our We have a plan — backed by $11 million in new city revenue infrastructure. The strategy is in the way we forecast sufficient dedicated for local and regional streets. Stay with the plan, keep the budgets to meet the need (see above: deficit) and ensure we get the promise. Ensure council approves $11 million more from the city’s biggest return for our dollar. Then, the city needs to award contracts own-source contributions for streets, every year. ❱❱❱ C M Y K

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018 7

Celebrating 75 GROUNDBREAKING years in 2018

L. Chabot Enterprises vice- president Nicole Chabot is among THE GOLD STANDARD IN the more than 8,000 construction professionals to earn Gold Seal Certification since the program CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT was established in 1991.

hen Nicole Chabot tells you she Working in the family business since 1994, skills and abilities endorsed by their employer would we have to change?’ People understand has the Gold Seal of approval, Chabot developed the company’s safety program and pass an exam. better now, there is better compliance and there she’s not messing around. about six years later to earn COR™ certification. Chabot says completing the program has has been tremendous education in the industry, The vice-president of L. As others had done before her, she wanted to made her a better manager, particularly when like at MHCA. (Safety) isn’t being imposed WChabot Enterprises is one of a growing number increase her knowledge, education and training it comes to safety, and the company benefits as on you, you’re part of it for the betterment of managers, owners and executives to obtain so getting the Gold Seal Certification was the a result. of everyone.” Gold Seal Certification, a nationally recognized next logical step. “It makes you better than you were. It forces Chabot doesn’t think that getting a Gold Seal program in construction management. “I felt it was a good fit for me. My father is also you to take education and training and have Certification will result in any new business Delivered in partnership with the Manitoba a Gold Seal professional. I feel it presents a high involvement in your industry that you wouldn’t coming her way. It does, however, show that an Heavy Construction Association (MHCA), standard in terms of commitment and wanting otherwise,” she says. organization supports programs that further the the program is designed for project managers, to truly be a part of your industry,” she says. Safety has changed “by leaps and bounds” skills and abilities of its people. superintendents, estimators, construction safety Gold Seal Certification can be undertaken over the last 20 years thanks in large part to the “It demonstrates commitment on the coordinators and owners of projects in general by an individual at a company but not by the buy-in from employees, she says. individual’s part but also that the employer contracting, electrical contracting, mechanical company itself. Anybody looking to become “It was a real uphill battle at one point. You values the education and training of their contracting, specialty trades and road building certified has to have experience in the industry, were working with a lot of guys in their 50s and employees and supports them getting Gold and heavy construction. complete the educational component, have their 60s who said, ‘We’ve always done it this way, why Seal-certified.” ❱❱❱

• CONCRETE AGGREGATES • ASPHALT AGGREGATES • LIMESTONE • FILL SAND • PIT RUN • SPECIALTY PRODUCTS • AND MORE

(204) 777-2233 | www.glacialagg.ca | [email protected]

Gravel & Stone Ltd.

CUSTOM CRUSHING, SCREENING AND RECYCLING SERVICES

(204) 663-0064 | www.bhgravel.com | [email protected] C M Y K

8 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018 A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Celebrating 75 GROUNDBREAKING years in 2018

30 YEARS OF WORKSAFELY™ IN 2019, MHCA MARKS THREE DECADES OF KEEPING WORKERS SAFE AND HEALTHY

BY PAT ST. GERMAIN

eavy construction is hazardous safety program, which was rebranded as A former MHCA board chair, Lee sat on WCB premiums. by nature. The workplace is WORKSAFELY in 2010. the association’s safety committee in the early Lee says safety programs have brought outdoors, on rough ground Paulic recalls that 70 per cent of staff years, when it was a challenge to convince other unexpected benefits. When daily and often adjacent to moving members involved in the initial safety some workers, particularly old-timers, that hazard assessments became routine, worker Htraffic, overhead electrical wires and discussion had suffered an injury of one kind there was a good reason to change their ways. engagement improved, since people were underground utilities. or another — damaged knees, hips and at least “There were guys in the industry who had better informed about the work they were Add to that the inherent dangers of working one eye injury, all common afflictions before worked for 20 years and never got hurt, but expected to perform and understood the on or close to heavy machinery, drilling and safe-work procedures and training came into not because of safe practices — in many cases company’s goals for each day. blasting operations and it’s easy to understand play under MHCA’s guidance. they were just lucky,” he says. “They were improving their skills as a why the Manitoba Heavy Construction “It was amazing, the change in the culture, “Just getting people to wear a hard hat years business and they were improving their Association saw the need to create an and it didn’t take very long to make that ago was a big deal. It always falls off, it’s too productivity because all of a sudden, we industry-specific safety program back in 1989. change. And, it’s just the right thing to do, hot, it just gets in the way — there was a host of have this new requirement to communicate Brandt Tractor branch manager Peter Paulic, knowing that people are going home at the arguments. Then you get them to wear a hard regularly with your people. So, safety was who has worked in the heavy construction end of the day safely,” he says. hat, you get them to wear a safety vest, you get adopted and communication became more industry for 28 years and currently serves as “If there was an incident, the employees out them to wear hearing protection and gloves regular and improved business in general.” MHCA’s WORKSAFELY™ committee chair, in the field knew what to do, and that only and long-sleeve shirts where you need to. Lee adds the focus on safety has also helped has witnessed the evolution of MHCA’s safety happens if the training was correct.” “Now it’s a deeply rooted way of life in the to attract skilled workers to the industry. services almost from Day 1. Nelson River Construction president and industry as a whole.” “It has highlighted the world of heavy “We’re one of the most progressive and CEO Gord Lee says his company was ahead of Since 2000, when WORKSAFELY began construction as not only a place to make a proactive associations out there. So, it’s been a the safety curve, even back in the mid 1970s. administering the nationally recognized great career, but it’s a place where you can real treat for me to see the growth and what’s “We had what we thought was a pretty solid COR™ (Certificate of Recognition) safety make a great career and not be concerned happened, and I truly believe in what they do safety program — self-made, self-driven, self- program, 340 companies employing 75 about the environment in which you work as and how they do it,” Paulic says. monitored, in trying to instill into the people per cent of Manitoba’s heavy construction being overly hazardous,” he says. “The positives that came out of the safety the importance of not only looking out for the workforce have become COR-certified. “People know that they can come here, earn program — it’s second to none.” safety of your own health but those around COR certification is required to bid on a good dollar, and do it in a manner that is Before moving to Winnipeg a year ago, you,” he says. provincial government construction contracts safe and reflective of (the fact that) the best Paulic had logged 27 years with Thompson- “And the industry itself jumped in with worth more than $100,000 in Manitoba practices in the world are right here in good based Smook Contractors Ltd. Under the both feet to make it an official part of its and it is recognized as equivalent to SAFE old Manitoba. leadership of former owner Ted Smook, the service to its members to help them build Work Manitoba’s SAFE Work Certified “I think it’s come a long way — in a good company was one of the first in northern safety programs and improve performance in program, which means companies certified way. It’s helped our industry become a career Manitoba to get onboard with the MHCA general around the world of safety.” for a full year receive a 15 per cent rebate on of choice for many.” ❱❱❱ C M Y K

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018 9

Celebrating 75 GROUNDBREAKING years in 2018

We are a diversified company, based in Portage la Prairie, offering heavy construction services. A HISTORY • Excavation OF SAFETY • Road Building AT THE MANITOBA • Sewer and Water HEAVY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION • Lagoon Construction • Bridgework FIRST SAFETY 1989 • Demolition ADVISOR HIRED by the Providing High Quality, MHCA 1990 MHCA designed a SAFETY- Professional Services - AND-HEALTH Safely and Efficiently MHCA developed a separate 1997 TRAINING environmental safety PROGRAM to program. Through the two reduce injuries programs, MHCA offered among workers. efmoon.ca | 204.857.7817 | [email protected] comprehensive safety and environmental accreditation to any company willing to go through the process. The accreditation was recognized throughout Canada. In 2000, For Total Lube Solutions, MHCA amalgamated the two programs under one banner, called the SAFETY *2:,7+7+()/2 HEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM (SHEP). √ Autogreasers for Your Mobile Equipment 2000 COR™ (Certificate √ Fluid Handling Equipment for Your Garage of Recognition) program √ Our Mobile Workshops Come to You established by the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations and MHCA begins delivery of the nationally recognized COR Safety Program in the Manitoba Heavy Construction MHCA LED THE 2004 Industry. ESTABLISHMENT BY 2001, 40 OF SAFE ROADS COMPANIES HAD MANITOBA, a ACHIEVED COR 12:,1:,11,3(* community initiative to CERTIFICATION educate and encourage .JTTJTTBVHB1.800.668.54588JOOJQFH [email protected]www.Glocomponents.com motorists to engage WCB introduced in respectful and safe 2007 a 5% DISCOUNT driving practices to ON PREMIUMS protect the safety of for COR-certified those who work on companies or adjacent to our roadways. MHCA introduced 2008 ROAD BUILDERS SAFETY TRAINING SYSTEM on-line training MHCA delivers 2010 MHCA’s safety WINTER ROAD program was SAFETY TRAINING rebranded as on behalf of WORKSAFELY™ the provincial government 2012 WORKSAFELY introduced Building a Better the E-COR DIGITAL SAFETY Winnipeg APPLICATION for company Our people and solutions make an impact everywhere you look safety program documentation We pride ourselves in building better cities and better communities, from the buildings in which we live and work, to the roads and and management bridges that connect our cities and towns. We provide construction solutions that respond to the needs of our customers and the people living in the communities we help create.

Lafarge.caLafarge.ca

FULL-TIME SAFETY 2014 MHCA ADVISOR HIRED IN WORKSAFELY and NORTHERN MANITOBA other members AND BRANDON/ of the Canadian WESTMAN REGION. Federation of WORKSAFELY became the Construction only IBSP to have full-time Safety Associations safety advisors located in ENDORSE THE Asphalt Paving Parking Lots northern Manitoba NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION COR BECAME SAFETY MANDATORY for OFFICER (NCSO) Concrete Paving government construction DESIGNATION Subdivision projects exceeding Development $100,000 Base & WCB INTRODUCED 2018 340 COMPANIES 15% REBATE FOR ARE COR- Excavation COR-CERTIFIED CERTIFIED, Asphalt COMPANIES and other covering industries (replacing approximately Supply former 5% discount) 75% of the Sewer & Water workforce

INJURY RATE Phone: (204) 237.6253 www.bituminex.com PER/100 WORKERS Fax: (204) 237.5032 [email protected] 2000: 7.5 2014: 4.49 2011: 5.06 2015: 4.71 2012: 4.56 2016: 3.70 2013: 4.53 2017: 3.60

Note: WCB does not have stats going back further than 2000 C M Y K

10 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018 A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Celebrating 75 GROUNDBREAKING years in 2018

From top: MHCA WORKSAFELY regional safety advisors Ed Gregory (Southern Region), Randy Olynick (Eastern Region) and Dave McPherson (Northern Region), on a job site with Smook Contractors manager JR Beavis (left). IN EVERY MANITOBA REGION, WORKSAFELY™ HAS IT COVERED

day “at the office” for Manitoba Heavy Construction Association WORKSAFELY™ safety advisor Dave McPherson is unlike most. Based out of Flin Flon, McPherson has more than 60 clients working as far north as Tadoule Lake and as far south as Swan River. AMcPherson is one of four safety advisors that comprise MHCA’s WORKSAFELY team. WORKSAFELY covers all regions, and is Manitoba’s only safety and health training program to employ a full-time advisor living in northern Manitoba. WORKSAFELY advisors help companies obtain and maintain COR™ certification, conduct safety audits, provide training, and address workplace safety and health regulatory requirements. “If you’re doing your due diligence and making sure people understand the jobs they’re doing, things should be fine. Training is huge,” he says. “You want to make sure the group that leaves home to work in the morning is the same group that comes home that night.” McPherson also provides safety instruction to First Nation communities and construction companies building Manitoba’s winter-road system. The WORKSAFELY safety advisor in the Eastman region, Randy Olynick, works with many companies that operate larger-scale sand and gravel operations. Olynick joined the WORKSAFELY program in 2015, bringing 20 years of safety experience in the construction and manufacturing sectors, as well as regulatory expertise obtained working at Workplace Safety and Health. “We are a safety service. If companies need assistance, they can count on us to help connect them with solutions to their safety challenges,” Olynick says. “Whether the question is about a regulatory detail or what to do during a serious incident, I can assist you, and if need be, come directly to your workplace.”

“WE ENCOURAGE OUR COMPANIES TO USE THEIR WORKSAFELY ADVISOR AS A RESOURCE. WE ARE AVAILABLE AROUND THE CLOCK AND DO OUR BEST TO HELP OUR COMPANIES, WHETHER IT IS ANSWERING A QUESTION OVER THE PHONE, ON-SITE VISITS, OR THROUGH ON-SITE TRAINING.”

WORKSAFELY safety advisor Ed Gregory works with many of the MHCA’s smaller member companies located in the southern region of Manitoba. Gregory joined the MHCA in 2012, bringing 20 years of experience in safety and risk management. “We encourage our companies to use their WORKSAFELY advisor as a resource. We are available around the clock and do our best to help our companies, whether it is answering a question over the phone, on-site visits, or through on-site training.” The majority of the work sites Gregory oversees involve a variety of heavy construction firms, building roads and highways from scratch or repaving roads in subdivisions. Workplace accidents can have a significant impact on a company’s ability to get its work done effectively, he says. “WORKSAFELY isn’t just a safety program at work. It is an initiative that helps our workers get home safely to their families. Many of the younger workers in our industry are just starting their families. I want to be part of the solution that helps ensure they make it home safely.” ❱❱❱

CONTACTS

Ed Gregory, NCSO, OH&S Cert. WORKSAFELY™ Regional Safety Advisor, Southern Region E: [email protected] T: 204-594-9058 C: 204-227-6932 Randy Olynick, CRSP WORKSAFELY™ Regional Safety Advisor, Eastern Region E: [email protected] T: 204-594-9057 C: 204-295-3876 Trevor Shwaluk, NCSO WORKSAFELY™ Regional Safety Advisor, Central Region E: [email protected] T: 204-594-9061 C: 204-871-0812 Dave McPherson, NCSO WORKSAFELY™ Regional Safety Advisor, Northern Region E: [email protected] C: 204-271-2088 Gerry McCombie, Gold Seal Cert., NCSO WORKSAFELY™ Regional Safety Advisor, Western Region E: [email protected] C: 204-720-3362 C M Y K

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018 11

Celebrating 75 GROUNDBREAKING years in 2018

Clockwise from top left: Safety professionals Robert Paige (Arnason Industries), Ray Bissonnette (Nelson River Construction), Jeff Love (Borland Construction) and Marc Rodrigue (Accurate HD). PHOTOS BY DARCY FINLEY

A CENTURY OF BUILDING MANITOBA Airport, Highway & Municipal Paving Asphalt & Concrete Street Resurfacing Commercial Parking Lots Sewer, Water & Land Drainage Renewals & Installations Snow Removal Asphalt, Limestone, Gravel & Sand Supplies Equipment Rentals

751 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R2J 0T8 Email: [email protected] Ph: (204) 255-6444 Fax: (204) 255-5209 INVESTING IN SAFETY PAYS OFF borlandconstruction.com – AND SPAWNS SUBSECTOR IN CONSTRUCTION

BY PAT ST. GERMAIN

ince the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association hired Creating personal connections is part of the job. It isn’t always easy to its first safety advisor in 1989, the focus on keeping workers convince workers to wear all their personal protective equipment on a healthy and whole has given rise to an entire industry subsector hot day, or follow safety protocols when they’ll only be operating a piece of specialists — trained professionals who are dedicated to of machinery for a few minutes. ensuringS safety is top of mind, every day. Borland Construction safety supervisor Jeff Love says that’s one “On a day-to-day basis, we strive to spot the hazard, assess the risk reason why it’s important to nurture relationships with workers in and find a safer way,” says Arnason Industries safety coordinator Robert the field. Paige, whose career choice was motivated by personal experience. “It helps to build that culture of safety within the organization,” Love “Twenty-five years ago, a friend lost his life trying to save a worker in a says. “Once you build that culture and people are doing it on a day-to- confined space. I made a promise to make a difference in the workplace day basis, that in turn helps Borland to lower our incident numbers and because of that incident,” he says. keep workers safe.” Paige completed his Construction Safety Officer (CSO) training at A graduate of RRC’s Occupational Health and Safety program, Love BCIT, and earned his National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) did his practicum at Borland and was hired on immediately, starting out SERVICING SASKATCHEWAN, designation through MHCA’s WORKSAFELY™ program, which as a safety technician. Since then, he has earned NCSO, CRSP and Gold MANITOBA & ONTARIO requires candidates with at least three years of construction safety Seal Certified Construction Safety Coordinator designations. experience to complete a minimum of 12 industry-specific courses and For Love and others, maintaining the company’s COR™ (Certificate of write a national exam. Like many of his peers, Paige’s commitment to Recognition) status is an achievement in itself. SERVICES: safety extends beyond his day job. COR-certified companies are required to conduct annual internal • Metered Fuel Deliveries “I am a first aid instructor for Canadian Ski Patrol and volunteer audits of safety training and procedures, and provide documentation to • Fuel Tank Rentals almost every weekend in the winter, and also teach first aid for the Red WORKSAFELY, which conducts an external audit every third year. Cross for workplace first aid courses. I instruct confined space, working For some safety specialists, MHCA’s electronic documentation • Winter Road Deliveries at heights, respiratory protection programs, risk mitigation and I am a system, e-COR™, has become an indispensable tool. • Fuel Tank Commissioning Licensed Industrial Audiometric Technician.” Arnason’s Robert Paige says it allows him to upload and share new and Decommissioning Nelson River Construction safety, health and loss prevention manager safety procedures with hundreds of workers in the blink of an eye, and • Temporary/Permanent Tank Ray Bissonnette was completing his HR Management certificate at Red maintain constant contact with more than 20 remote job sites. Farm Design and Set-up River College when RRC introduced a new accelerated Occupational “I can look at a hazard assessment for a location 600 kilometres away. I Safety and Health program. He decided to enrol and soon launched can approve a confined space entry within minutes of it being submitted a new career, working with the Construction Safety Association of and have recently started using a new feature that immediately notifies Manitoba before joining Nelson River 11 years ago. me when certain events happen, like an incident report,” he says. Since then, he’s earned his Canadian Registered Safety Professional “I can’t imagine being a safety manager without it,” he adds. “Almost (CRSP) certification and taken advantage of a multitude of MHCA all our sites are fly-in or ice road-only communities and the logistical WORKSAFELY training opportunities. challenge of a safety manager would be impossible without e-COR.” “I’ve pretty much gone through the whole gamut of MHCA courses Accurate HD safety coordinator Marc Rodrigue also relies on e-COR over the years. They’ve all been useful — I’m a big proponent of training,” to help meet stringent documentation requirements. In 2017, Rodrigue he says. received the MHCA WORKSAFELY safety leader award at the “A big part of it is not only the knowledge that I gain, but making inaugural Safetys, presented in partnership with seven other provincial sure our employees get the training they need. I always remind our safety organizations. employees, nobody ever kisses their family goodbye thinking it’s the last Accurate HD has been COR-certified since 2012, largely thanks to time they’re going to see them. Everybody should go home the same way Rodrigue’s diligence. He implemented the company’s safety program they came to work and a big part of that is training.” and is vigilant in ensuring that employees follow best practices and Bissonnette says all employees are encouraged to take responsibility procedures, right down to inspecting electrical cords before they use for their own safety and for the safety of their co-workers. And he urges any machinery. them to practice safety at home, too. First aid training is available to Hazard assessments are conducted at every job site, every day. Even if every employee, and Bissonnette does his best to motivate them to take workers have been on the same site for several days, Rodrigue says new advantage of it. In one instance, he casually asked an older worker who hazards could crop up — anything from ice on a cold morning to the was reluctant to sign up if he had any grandchildren. As it turns out, the discovery of a wasp nest. man enjoyed spending time fishing with his granddaughter. “It keeps everybody on their toes. They’re looking for hazards, they’re “I said, ‘What would you do if she was having a hot dog and started being a lot more careful,” he says. “Change is hard, but the guys are choking and you didn’t know what to do?’ He signed up the next day.” adapting to changing if it means it’s going to keep them safe.” ❱❱❱ 1-800-665-4302 • penneroil.ca C M Y K

12 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018 A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Celebrating 75 GROUNDBREAKING years in 2018

A Public Works large asphalt paving crew at work on Ferry Road just north of Portage Avenue. PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF WINNIPEG PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

SAFETY TRAINING FOR MANITOBA’S MUNICIPALITIES CITIES AND TOWNS TURN TO MHCA’S WORKSAFELY™ FOR CERTIFICATION

ublic employees who maintain implementing what they have learned from With more than 1,000 full-time equivalent them beforehand to avoid incidents.” municipal streets, sidewalks and MHCA as part of the COR certification. This positions — a number that rises to about 1,500 While the City of Winnipeg is self-insured, other vital infrastructure deserve is a testament to the excellent training and during construction season, including seasonal Western Financial Group Insurance Solutions the same level of workplace support provided by MHCA and we are eager employees — Winnipeg’s Public Works provides liability insurance and other products Pprotection as their peers in the private sector. to continue the certification process.” Department is a large-scale operation. for municipalities. And many are getting it through the Manitoba The MHCA is the industry-based service In Morris, six full-time Public Works The company’s director of Risk Management, Heavy Construction Association (MHCA), as provider that works with industries that most employees cover everything from water, Rudy Penner, says there are several benefits to cities and towns across the province partner closely resemble the work that the Public sewer and road infrastructure to greenspace COR certification. with MHCA WORKSAFELY™ to earn COR™ Works Department performs. As part of maintenance and snow clearing. Because “The primary one to me is that it forces (Certificate of Recognition) certification. the city’s tendering policy, contractors and Hwy 75 is a major trade and transportation companies and municipalities to create and The City of Winnipeg’s Public Works and subcontractors are required to be COR-certified, route through the town, they often work with maintain a safety culture to ensure work is Water & Waste departments are in the process and administrators felt it would be beneficial to Manitoba Infrastructure, as well. completed in a safe manner. So it puts safety on of becoming COR-certified and several be certified through the same program. Wiebe says there have been significant the minds of everybody right from the top level municipalities are already seeing the benefits of “Workplace safety and health is the No. changes in how his department operates. For down to the workers,” Penner says. certification, which is recognized as equivalent 1 priority for the City of Winnipeg’s Public example, each day starts with a job hazard “In the insurance industry as well, to SAFE Work Manitoba’s new SAFE Work Works Department and is something we take assessment and staff discuss upcoming documentation is key in trying to mitigate or Certified program. very seriously,” says director of Public Works projects and potential hazards at weekly reduce liability claims and the COR program “For us, it has been incredibly worthwhile,” Jim Berezowsky. “Through our partnership safety meetings to ensure they’re prepared for ensures that this process is followed,” he adds. says Town of Morris Public Works sub-foreman with the MHCA, we look forward to becoming any eventuality. “I think it’s important that municipalities Brian Wiebe, whose department received COR COR certified and continuing to enhance our “You’re constantly making the conscious regardless of their size continue to look at it certification in December 2015. safety systems to ensure the safety of our valued effort to think safely,” Wiebe says. “Now that we and if they aren’t COR-certified yet to receive “You have to be willing to change and we’ve employees involved in construction projects or are COR-certified we take a much more intense that certification because it is a great risk adapted very well to that with our Public maintenance activities within our parks and on look at the safety aspects of jobs and assess management tool.” ❱❱❱ Works staff, and everybody has bought into the our roadways.” program. You have to create the culture of safety The department is responsible for 6,900 lane at work and once guys are in then it’s a breeze.” kilometres of streets, 3,100 lane kilometres of City of Winnipeg Water & Waste director sidewalks and 900 lane kilometres of lanes. In Moira Geer says safety is the department’s top 2018, it has undertaken more than 200 projects. priority, “and the prime reason we partnered Staff often work alongside private contractors with the MHCA earlier this year, to work or supervise projects that are contracted out toward COR certification. to private construction companies. And many “We couldn’t be happier with the results of are involved in activities related to heavy this partnership. Though our partnership is construction, such as asphalt paving and relatively new, we are already seeing its impact concrete repair, on a large number of job sites, on our field staff. They are excited about versus large single projects. C M Y K

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018 13

Celebrating 75 GROUNDBREAKING years in 2018

ADDRESSING WORKPLACE IMPAIRMENT DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICIES PUT SAFETY FIRST

BY PAT ST. GERMAIN

annabis use is high on the list It’s important not to jump to conclusions, of workplace safety concerns and to keep in mind that some signs of these days, but the Manitoba impairment could be due to a medical Heavy Construction issue that requires immediate attention. AssociationC is providing employers with “Fitness for duty and impairment is just the tools to nip it in the bud. one piece of performance. You can have While recreational cannabis has been an employee who’s performing poorly for legal since Oct. 17, employers still have a lot of reasons and supervisors should be the right to prohibit use of marijuana, trained to recognize poor performance alcohol and other impairing substances whatever the cause, whether it’s sleep in the workplace. deprivation, alcohol use, illness or “The fact that something is legal disability,” she says. doesn’t give you a right to use it at work, “It’s not about the substance causing Maple Leaf Construction safety manager Mike Burtnick and MHCA WORKSAFELY™ and it certainly doesn’t give you a right the impairment, it’s just about the fact Education & Safety advisor Jackie Jones. PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY to be impaired from doing your job that you are impaired. If there’s too properly,” says lawyer Jamie Jurczak, who much focus on the ‘what’, you might start specializes in labour and employment missing the more important issue, which law at Taylor McCaffrey LLP. is the fact that somebody should not be “So, what’s changed after legalization? operating heavy machinery or should not Well, nothing in the sense that you still be out there in the field or on the floor can’t come to work high. You still need to potentially putting themselves, their co- be fit for duty.” workers or, depending on the nature of Jurczak and Joel Gervais, an addictions the job, maybe members of the public in and training specialist at CBI Health danger.” Centre, say cannabis isn’t a new issue Maple Leaf Construction safety in the workplace, but legalization has manager Mike Burtnick has made all the focused attention on the importance right moves to bring the company’s drug

“IT IS REALLY A SAFETY-SENSITIVE OCCUPATION BECAUSE WE ARE WORKING WITH HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND IN TRAFFIC A LOT OF TIMES… IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT IT IS, ANYTHING THAT CAN ALTER SOMEONE’S PERCEPTION OR THEIR MOOD OR THEIR ABILITY TO OPERATE EQUIPMENT AND HAVE THEIR WITS ABOUT THEM — WHETHER IT’S ALCOHOL OR CANNABIS, OPIATES, COUGH MEDICINE, WHATEVER — IS NOT SOMETHING THAT WE NEED TO HAVE ON JOB SITES WHEN PEOPLES’ LIVES COULD BE AT STAKE.”

of establishing clear drug and alcohol and alcohol policy in line with the times. policies, or enhancing existing policies. He attended Gervais and Jurczak’s “This isn’t permission for everybody WORKSAFELY seminars and followed to go out and smoke weed,” Gervais up with them and other sources to revise says. “This is about setting standards and the policy. He also made sure it was really just applying safety to a drug that’s distributed to all workers and discussed already out there. I say to people just at weekly safety meetings. because we’ve legalized this substance “And we had Jamie speak with all of doesn’t mean it’s a free for all.” our supervisory staff again to clue them Gervais and Jurczak have shared their in on what I think a lot of people already expertise with MHCA members, through knew, but to make sure they understood WORKSAFELY™ seminars and speaking it, because as supervisors and foremen engagements at private workplaces. that’s one of their jobs, to make sure And WORKSAFELY Education & people are ready to work,” Burtnick says. Training advisor Jackie Jones consulted “It is really a safety-sensitive with them and industry stakeholders in occupation because we are working developing a comprehensive half-day with heavy equipment and in traffic a training course, Managing Impairment lot of times… It doesn’t matter what in the Workplace. Aimed at providing it is, anything that can alter someone’s managers, supervisors and safety leaders perception or their mood or their ability with concrete solutions they can apply in to operate equipment and have their Aggregate Productions - Asphalt Paving their workplaces right away, the hands- wits about them — whether it’s alcohol on course includes information on how or cannabis, opiates, cough medicine, Concrete Highway Construction - Major Exavations to develop and implement an effective whatever — is not something that we drug and alcohol policy. The MHCA need to have on job sites when peoples’ Site Development - Underground Utilities Installation has created a generic policy template lives could be at stake.” that managers can customize to their Jones conducted the first specific needs, along with additional WORKSAFELY Managing Impairment resources such as safety talks, a fit-for- in the Workplace course in Winnipeg on duty assessment checklist and advice on Nov. 13. The next course will be held in how to approach a worker whose job Brandon on Dec. 4, and it will be offered performance appears to be impaired. to MHCA members throughout the Jurczak says training is critical when province as required. ❱❱❱ it comes to recognizing fitness for duty. C M Y K C M Y K

ASUPPLEMENTTOTHE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16,2017 13 14 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018 A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Celebrating 75 GROUNDBREAKING years in 2018

TAKING SAFETYFROM GOODTO GREAT BUILDING ON INDUSTRYSUCCESS

BY PATST. GERMAIN fthere’s asecrettoshaping astrongculture of TheCOR™(Certificate of Recognition)safety safety,it’sthis: Thereare no secrets. program has become an industry standard.Currently, Sharinginformation is keytosuccess, and about 75 percentofManitoba’sheavy construction theheavy construction industry is unique in companies areCOR™-certified.Lee wouldliketosee thIat itsmembers arewillingtocollaborate, says Gord theindustryitselfmoveitupwards of 90 percent. Accurate HD safety coordinator Marc Rodrigue reviewssafetylogs. PhotobyDARCY FINLEY Lee, presidentofNelsonRiverConstruction. “You actonsafetybecauseit’sthe rightthing to “Whateveryou’vedonereallywellinyour do andifyou have astrongmoral compass,whichI hazard assessments first thinginthe morningand “Because we allhavetoworkalongside each other owncompany,you’rehappy to shareitwithyour believe most of theemployers in ourindustrydo. It’s reassessingpotential hazardsthroughout theday. andifeverybodyisheldtothe same standardsthat competitor so that they don’t find themselves in a good fortheir people,it’sgood fortheir companyand “Someone mightnotice atreewithabigwaspnest willhelptakesafety from good to great.” predicamentthatyou couldhaveotherwise helped it’s theresponsible thingtodo.” later,”hesays. Earlier this year,HughMunroinitiated a them with,” Leesays. Inspired by thebook Good to Great: WhySome “In thelastyearwehavehad twoemployees Behaviour-BasedSafety (BBS) program as an “It’sjustamazingthe cooperation youget on CompaniesMakethe Leap …and Others Don’t, workingfor us that were highlyallergictobee incentive to encourage workerstofocus on safety safety from people whocould be your most fierce by American businessconsultantJim Collins, the stings… thosethings also have to be broughtupto behaviours,bothgood andbad.Workers fill out competitor. They’requite open about what they’re ManitobaHeavy Construction Association(MHCA) thecrew.” cardsand submit them in aballot box, with the doingtobesafety-mindedand youreciprocate.” is lookingatwaystoapply Collins’ analyses to raising When in doubt, Rodrigue calls upon optiontobeentered in adrawfor small prizes,or At Nelson RiverConstruction, successrests on thesafetybar. That meansadheringtocore values, WORKSAFELY™ staff andother companies for remain anonymous. promotingasenseof“internal responsibility” as maintainingfocus andtakingactionbecauseit’sa advice,and he’s happytoreturnthe favour. Reported behaviours might be anythingfrom well as maintainingalonghistoryofcorporate responsibility,not ajob. Goodhas been with Hugh MunroConstruction noting that an equipmentoperatorfailedtouse responsibility. The first stepistohavethe rightpeopleinthe right formorethan30years,and since 2010, he has been three-point contactwhileclimbingoff amachine, to “Internal responsibility means that safety always place.PeoplelikeHughMunroConstructionsafety teachingsafety in formal classroomand workshop acknowledgingaworkerwho droveatasafespeed starts with theindividual,”Lee says. “Eachofushas coordinator BrentGood andAccurate HD safety settings as well as in the field. throughajob site. aresponsibilitytoact safely forour ownsakeand so coordinator Marc Rodrigue. “If you’re workingwithasubcontractorwho isn’t, Thereports arenot used forpunitive response but we don’tbring harm to thepersonnext to youoreven TheMHCAwas amongeight organizations that say, up to parontheir safety,wewould make sure rather as valuable feedback.Good has used some Don Hurst, director of MHCA WORKSAFELY™, Education and Training. outside of your group.” presented awards at theinauguralSafetys, co-hosted to help them out,givethemsomeguidance, make issues in histoolbox talks. PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY Leesaysseniormanagementhas always provided by SAFE Work Manitoba in September. Rodrigue them awareofthings they should have in their Loo says theopencommunicationcontributes to a unequivocalsupport forsafetyinitiatives. receivedthe first MHCA WORKSAFELY™ safety safety program.” cultureofsafety from thetop to bottom. “It’salwayssafety first,productionsecond. I leader award. Hugh Munrogeneralmanager WayneLoo says it Rather than laying blame, thecompany uses remember back rightfrom theearliestdays, 30 years Alongwithprovidingsafety orientation fornew benefits everyone to helpsmaller companies bridge incidents forlearningpurposes, andsharesthat ago, when Iwas workingpart-time here,safetyalways workers, WORKSAFELY™ trainingsessionsand anysafetygapsand increase baselineknowledge information with others. took precedence at Nelson RiverConstruction.” “toolbox”talks, Rodrigue conducts inspections throughout theindustry. “Sharing what’s been successful andnot successful In theearly days, only afew in theindustryreally to ensure everyone on ajob site is in compliance “Thebestthingwecan do as an industry is make forcompanies is notgoing to create anyunfair paid attentiontothatelementofoperations, Leesays. with safety protocols—everythingfrom wearing sure that everybodyworking in this industry is advantagecompetitive edge to contractors.It’sall “Today everybodythinks about it.” personal protectionequipmenttoconducting gettingtothe same standardsand levels,” he says. leadingtogrowth.” ❱❱❱

Manitoba’s largest Specializing in STRONGER FOCUS ON andmost dependable •Asphalt Paving/Concrete Paving •Site Development INDUSTRY PROGRAMS •Sewer &Water Services Dust Control •Diamond Grinding EXPECTED IN NEXT Provider WORKPLACE INJURY for27Years PREVENTION PLAN

aking Manitoba a leader in reporting; promote sustainability of workplace safety and injury existing industry-based programs prevention will require stronger • Promote COR™/SAFE Work Certification support from SAFE Work as a requirement for government contracts MManitoba for industry-based safety programs, a • Support the industry-based delivery of consultant’s review has found. return-to-work training programs. MNP released on Oct. 23 the results of its “We are pleased that the findings of the review of the last five years of work by SAFE MNP prevention review strongly reflect Work Manitoba (SWMB), the arm of the the input received from MHCA and other Workers Compensation Board created to deliver stakeholders, including other industry-based its initial five-year injury prevention program. safety associations,” said Don Hurst, director With the first term drawing to an end, WCB of MHCA WORKSAFELY, Education and hired MNP to assess the effectiveness of SWMB’s Training. initiatives. Overall, the response from industry The next five-year strategy is intended to COR Certiﬁed and labour stakeholders was that SWMB has refine the emphasis of injury prevention and to been effective as a resource, in promoting the make Manitoba a leader in safety prevention. development of more industry-based safety In line with stakeholder feedback, MNP has programs (IBSPs). advised WCB to focus on: “Stakeholders generally agreed that there is an • Clarifying SAFE Work Manitoba’s role important role for SWMB in public awareness — focus on setting of standards, leave and standards,” the MNP report noted. program delivery to industry-based safety But it added, “Delivery of actual programming programs to avoid duplication should be done by IBSPs, industry and other • Targeting gaps, such as vulnerable workers Manitoba organizations.” Further, there is work • Shifting communications away from yet to be done to improve communication SAFE Work certification to increasingly Gold Seal Employer and engagement, specifically with individual promote IBSPs industry-based programs such as the Manitoba • Simplifying administration and reporting Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) • Improving SAFE Work Manitoba’s WORKSAFELY™ program. engagement with industry-based The MHCA met MNP in January, and stressed safety programs that the next five-year plan must strengthen the • Enhancing return-to-work programs effectiveness of province-wide injury and illness • Strengthening performance measures and prevention by focusing on industry-driven targets for SAFE Work Manitoba. and delivered programming and services. The With the MNP recommendations, the WCB MHCA emphasized the need for SAFE Work Board will now provide direction to SWMB on 938 McPhillips Rd.|St.Andrew,MB Manitoba to: the focus for the next five-year injury and illness 204.785-2180 |www.fortdistributors.com • Support existing industry-based prevention plan. safety programs “We look forward to the next five years, • Shift its marketing away from SWMB particularly measures that more strongly 777 Erin St. Winnipeg, MB R3G 2W2 to emphasize prevention and industry- support the delivery of prevention initiatives We inviteapplications for aMechanic Supervisor for our based programs through industry-based safety programs, such Phone: 204-783-7091 |Fax: 204-786-3106 ❱❱❱ Semi Truck /Trailer repair shop to join our staff • Simplify administration — rebates and as WORKSAFELY,” Hurst said. www.mapleleafconstruction.mb.ca

MH_xx_Nov-16-17_PP_01.indd 13 2017-11-14 5:21 PM C M Y K

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2018 15 Celebrating 75 GROUNDBREAKING years in 2018 WHEN YOU WANT IT ALL

Land Development Road Construction Commercial Parking Lot Construction Sewer & Water Installation and Repairs Concrete Crushing - 4”, 2” & 3/4” recycled concrete spec material Heavy Equipment Rentals WCB’S SHARPER complete with GPS Street & Lot Sweeping FOCUS ON SAFETY Snow Clearing & Sanding REAPING REWARDS Services Hydro Excavation Services FOR MANITOBANS Concrete Cutting

BY WINSTON MAHARAJ

or more than 100 years, service to established as a separate arm of the WCB. It was workers and employers has been at the tasked with implementing Manitoba’s Five-Year heart of the Workers Compensation Plan for Workplace Injury and Illness Prevention, Board of Manitoba. While our focus has which emphasized dedicated prevention services as Ftraditionally been compensation, in recent years, one of its key goals. our vision has expanded to include a consideration Today, one of SAFE Work Manitoba’s greatest of the overall impact of workplace injury and illness achievements has been to work with industry — not only on individuals, but also on families, partners to create and expand industry-based colleagues and our province as a whole. safety programs (IBSPs) throughout the province. The WCB currently covers 77 per cent of New programs are in place for the manufacturing, Manitoba workers and serves more than 36,000 trucking, service and agricultural sectors. Most employers. Our wide reach means that we have recently, a program has been developed for self- the potential to positively affect the lives of many insured government organizations. Following the example of programs such as the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association’s WORKSAFELY™, these IBSPs provide industry-specific training, services and tools for their members. Working with its industry partners, SAFE Work Manitoba launched the SAFE Work Certified program in 2017. This safety certification program is aligned with the COR™ model used in the construction industry. Through its use of COR, MHCA has demonstrated its strong leadership in the area of workplace safety and health. COR led the way in developing a standard for certification, which in turn set the standard for other certification programs in Manitoba. It’s been proven that safety certification works — employers that are safety certified experience many benefits, including fewer time loss injuries, greater employee engagement and lower costs. The launch of a prevention rebate in 2018 means that companies meeting the SAFE Work Certified standard are also eligible to receive rebates on their WCB premiums. These efforts have already resulted in lower rates of injury and illness among Manitoba workers. This, in turn, means fewer family members and friends forced to cope with the loss of loved ones or to deal with the effects of life-changing injuries. It also means a more healthy and productive staff Winston Maharaj is president & for Manitoba employers, with fewer days lost due to CEO of the Manitoba Workers injury and the associated cost savings. Compensation Board Prevention efforts put forth in collaboration with our safety partners are paying off. Industries with Manitobans. Over the past five years, in particular, established IBSPs saw time-loss injuries decline by we’ve made significant progress toward establishing 15.3 per cent from 2013 to 2017. And in the years safer and healthier workplaces. We’re investing since the MHCA adopted the COR program, the more in safety because we believe our efforts will construction industry in Manitoba has experienced bring great benefits — and we’re already seeing the a drop in total injuries of 18 per cent, also proving evidence. that certification works. In addition to other system In 2013, prevention efforts in Manitoba were improvements and return-to-work efforts, these fragmented. Various organizations delivered efforts have resulted in Manitoba currently having different components. As well as the WCB, these the lowest WCB premiums in Canada. organizations included Workplace Safety and While much has been accomplished, we know Health, private companies and construction there is more to do. Working with our valued industry associations. Comprehensive reviews were partners, such as the MHCA, we look forward undertaken, which led to the creation of SAFE to even greater gains in injury reduction and an 4000 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg, Manitoba | 204.254.7761 Work Manitoba in 2014. SAFE Work Manitoba was improved culture of safety in our province. ❱❱❱ [email protected] bayviewconstruction.ca | rockyroadrecycling.ca C M Y K