April 3, 2009

 

Manitoba Construction Sector Council

cid:416E0CAA-4DEC-460D-A6BC-9326CD5D245E@local

Five enthusiastic partners have joined together to form a new Manitoba council; committed to strengthening the skills of the province’s construction sector workforce. The Manitoba Construction Sector Council (“MCSC”) has now opened its office for business at 1000 Waverley Street in Winnipeg. Representatives of the following organizations will guide the activities of the new organization:


- Construction Association of Rural Manitoba
- Manitoba Building and Construction Trades Council
- Manitoba Heavy Construction Association
- Manitoba Home Builders’ Association
- Winnipeg Construction Association


The mandate of MCSC is to assist all sectors of the Manitoba construction industry by offering solutions to current and projected human resource needs as expressed by the
industry. It is a goal of the council to create, upgrade and where applicable certify the skills of workers at all levels in the industry. Efforts will also be undertaken to enhance the image of the industry, and in particular, the benefits of employment in the construction sector, with an emphasis on the participation of non-traditional labour groups.

To find our more about the Manitoba Construction Sector Council, the projects already underway, and the officers of the new organization, read more here. For more information, please contact MCSC Executive Director, Taras Luchak at (204) 272-5091 or tluchak@mbcsc.com.

Top of page

WCB Back Care Pilot Program

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Manitoba will soon be piloting a Back Care Program for injured workers who are employed in the construction industry. This program is aimed at improving outcomes through timely education and support to injured workers in conjunction with their treating healthcare practitioners.

As part of the Back Care Program, workers who are missing time from work as a result of their back injury, along with their primary treating healthcare practitioners, will receive a copy of The Back Book. This informational booklet, based on current healthcare research, provides advice on how to manage back pain with the goal of facilitating the patient's safe return to health and work. The Back Book recommends activity as an important part of the recovery process.

An early assessment by a WCB Healthcare Professional may be initiated to assist in clarifying the patient's diagnosis, if appropriate, and to provide education and reassurance with respect to their prognosis for recovery.

It is anticipated that the pilot will run from April to October 2009. For more information, contact Dan Holland at 954-4369.

Top of page

WCA Education: Business Owners' Seminars

You spoke and we listened! Starting April 7, 2009, WCA, Assante Wealth Management and United Financial will sponsor an Executive Seminar Series exclusively designed for the business owner.

1. Succession, Sale & Tax Planning

Tuesday, April 7, 2009, 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.

The first seminar will deal with succession and tax planning issues facing business owners over the next 10 years. Specific strategies that will be discussed include:

1) Multiplying your access to the $750,000 small business capital gains exemption

2) Issues of waiting to plan for succession or sale of your business

3) Income splitting strategies

4) Corporate freeze structures and

5) Estate planning – how to create significant tax savings for your family.

2. Compensation Strategies for Owner Managers

Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

3. Asset Protection: Strategies for the Business Owner

Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Executive Seminar Series Presenter: Sean Rheubottom, BA, LLB, TEP

Sean Rheubottom, a lawyer for United Financial Corporation, has worked in the field of tax and estate planning since 1997 and specializes in tax planning for business owners.

Come to one or come to all! To register, please contact Kelly Thiessen at kellythiessen@winnipegconstruction.ca.

Top of page

WCA Education: Other Courses

Winnipeg Construction Association in conjunction with Red River College is pleased to bring back the following popular courses:

Construction Blueprint Reading – INTRODUCTION                      

Two-day course: May 13 – 14, 2009

Registration Deadline: May 4, 2009

Gold Seal Credit: 2 points (WCA)

Unsure where to find information? This course is an overview of commercial construction drawings for buildings, with a focus on architectural and structural content, but including an overview of mechanical and electrical drawings. Also included will be an introduction to the Project Manual (Specifications).

Fee: $370                                         

 

Project Scheduling With MS Project 2007 (Level 1)                    

Two-day course: May 20 – 21, 2009

Registration Deadline: May 8, 2009

Gold Seal Credit: 2 Points (WCA)

This course is introductory in nature and is intended for individuals in the design and construction industries. Learn the theory of critical path project scheduling and use Microsoft Project 2007 to schedule projects, assign resources and track project progress. Previous computer experience is essential, preferably with Microsoft Office applications.

Fee: $370

Top of page

CCA Weekly

CSC Releases Impact of Federal Stimulus on Construction

The Construction Sector Council (CSC) has released an analysis on how the announced federal stimulus measures will likely impact the construction forecast over the next three years. Read The Impact of Fiscal Stimulus on the Construction Industry.

Top of page

Improvements Made to Record of Employment Website

On March 15, 2009, the Government of Canada made two major changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) Regulations that affect Records of Employment (ROEs). The changes apply only to ROEs employers submit electronically through Service Canada’s online services, such as ROE Web. The changes will reduce the number of amended ROEs you have to issue, and will reduce your paper burden by eliminating the need to print and mail copies of electronic ROEs. Read more here.

Top of page

AFD Subcontract Threshold to be Increased

CCA has learned that PWGSC is seeking to increase the scope of SNC Lavalin ProFac’s AFD Subcontract from $1 million to $5 million. In light of this major increase and the possibility that it may become permanent, CCA is soliciting feedback from members regarding any concerns that they may have with SNC Lavalin ProFac practices. CCA’s position on this important change will be based upon the feedback it receives from members. Please contact CCA Senior Director of Industry Practices Eric Lee at ericlee@cca-acc.com.

Top of page

  _________________________________________________________________

 

Support the Skills Manitoba Competition!

Winnipeg Construction Association is once again organizing the Carpentry and Cabinetry Competition at Skills Manitoba, an event designed to improve the public perception of trade-based careers by bringing students, employers and educators together for a friendly day-long competition.

WCA is also looking for sponsorship and contributions toward the bursary, materials or registrant prizes. To view the Skills Manitoba High School Building Competition support form, click HERE.

Top of page

Construction Career Expo: Act Fast to Reserve Your Space!

Thank you for your interest in the first-ever Manitoba Construction Career Expo! Both exhibitors and schools are excited about participating in the interactive skilled trades event on May 12, 2009, with approximately 600 students registered to date and many associations and companies registered to coordinate interactive trade displays, informational booths, or provide sponsorship support.

While the large interactive 20'x20' spaces have already been filled, there are still a number of 10'x10' display spaces left for purchase. This is a great opportunity to showcase your company and construction trade to a host of interested Grade 9 and 10 students.

To purchase a 10'x10' booth space or to become a sponsor at the upcoming Expo, complete the registration form below and fax it in TODAY!

EXHIBITOR APPLICATION FORM

For more information, go HERE, or contact:

Ron Mark

Ready Event Marketing

Phone: (204) 219-4442

Fax: (204) 219-4443

readyevent@shaw.ca

Let’s join forces to show students how profitable, fulfilling and fun a career in construction can be!

Top of page

Gold Seal Online Training

Communication, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Objectives: This course is designed to help improve the written, oral and negotiating skills for estimators, superintendents and project managers who must deal effectively and professionally with employees, sub-trades, owners, clients, engineers and their employees. This course is self-paced and is approximately 8 hours in length.

REGISTRATION CNCR

WCA Member Fee: $90.00 + GST

 

Construction Project Management

Objectives: This course is designed for project managers, superintendents and estimators. The course covers business case development, procurement, contracting, risk management and project close-out. 

REGISTRATION CPM

WCA Member Fee: $90.00 + GST 

 

Construction Law

Objectives: This course will provide managers with the tools to help them understand construction contracts, write contracts, identify simple errors in construction contracts, understand the process claim and learn to solve construction disputes effectively. A final mark of 75 per cent is required in order to receive a certificate of completion.

REGISTRATION Construction Law

WCA Member Fee: $90.00 + GST

For more information, visit www.goldsealcertification.com or contact Kelly Thiessen, Gold Seal Administrator, Winnipeg Construction Association, at kellythiessen@winnipegconstruction.ca or 775-8664 x 2225.

Top of page