February 23, 2009
Vale Inco Unveils 2009 Construction Plans
On February 12, 2009, representatives of Vale Inco Limited returned to Winnipeg to unveil 2009 construction opportunities at its Thompson, MB, facility.
Exclusively for WCA member companies, the WCA-hosted information session allowed Vale Inco's Don Allen, Superintendent of Capital Projects, to present an overview of the work and discuss construction opportunities with potential contractors.
As the world's second largest mining company, Vale Inco is an integrated operation that produces premium grade nickel for the plating market. In 2008, Vale Inco exceeded their planned capital investment of $214 million with a $240 million expenditure.
Major projects planned for 2009 include T1 Mine Cage Hoist Automation, T1 Mine Electrical Upgrade, Refinery Control Room, Refinery Modernization, Refinery Crane Rail Replacement, Smelter Concrete Floor Repairs, Refinery Chlorine Scrubber Upgrade, and three phases to the Mill Tailings Pond Management.
While capital projects were once restricted to mining and local contractors, Vale Inco is now extending bid invites to non-local contractors and expanding the contractor database to include use of non-mining companies.
Though Vale Inco experienced challenges in 2008, like delayed payment to vendors and contractors, problems have been resolved and a new financial process was implemented in August 2008. With the amount of work last year, Vale Inco was concerned about the potential of a work stoppage, limited accommodation for workers in Thompson and skilled trade shortages, but many of these issues did not materialize.
In 2009, Vale Inco's plan includes zero harm to employees, the environment and the community through safe and sustainable construction. Taking safety precautions one step further, Vale Inco will be moving towards making COR Certification mandatory for all contractors working on Vale Inco projects.
For more information contact Donna Patterson, Purchasing/Contract Administrator, (204) 778-2462 or donna.patterson@valeinco.com or Don Allen, Superintendent of Capital Projects, at (204) 778-2280 or donal.allen@valeinco.com.
Watch for further details on Vale Inco projects in Manitoba Construction News, WCA's prebid product.
2009 WCA Annual General Meeting and President's New Year's Reception
Winnipeg Construction Association rang in 2009 with a high note – jazz, to be specific, by Class Act Music Productions - along with a sumptuous buffet and mixing and mingling.
Held at the Winnipeg Convention Centre on February 10, 2009, the President’s New Year's Reception was another resounding success, with over 200 WCA members and guests gathering for the festivities.
Attendees were given the opportunity to meet the 2009 WCA Board of Directors, most of who were re-elected at WCA’s Annual General Meeting prior to the reception.
On Friday, February 13th, 80 curlers on 20 teams descended on the Heather Curling Club in Winnipeg for the annual WCA curling bonspiel.
Participants from various companies, with varying degrees of experience on the ice, spent a fun-filled day getting to know the game and their opponents.
Shopost Iron Works (1989) Ltd.’s team consisting of Wolfgang Rolke, Dylan Davies, Devyn Rolke and Dave Kuryk rocked the competition, finishing in first place.
Thanks to the generous sponsors and donators, everyone went home with a fabulous prize! A special thanks also goes out to WCA staff and Entertainment Committee Chair, Rick Holberg, for helping make this event such a success.
Share Your Construction Photos
WCA is compiling a construction photo library and we'd like your photos! We're looking for construction site photos, finished project photos or professional project photos for featuring in Upword, and in other WCA marketing materials. Send low-res images to Twila Driedger at tdriedger@winnipegconstruction.ca or send high res images on CD to Twila at WCA, 290 Burnell St, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 2A7.
New Rules on Recruiting Foreign Workers
Effective April 1, 2009, all Manitoba employers wishing to recruit foreign workers will first be required to register with Manitoba Labour and Immigration before undertaking their recruitment activities. This new requirement results from the Government of Manitoba's Worker Recruitment and Protection Act, intended to strengthen protections for foreign workers.
Those employers required to apply for a Labour Market Opinion through the Government of Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program must include evidence of registration along with their Labour Market Opinion application form in order for their application to be processed.
As of April 1, 2009, employers can apply for registration through an online application posted on Manitoba Labour and Immigration's Web site, http://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/. Through registration, Manitoba Labour and Immigration will be able to assist employers in accessing government resources and programming to support the recruitment and retention of their workers.
For more information on how these changes will affect you, please visit the Employment Standards Web site at www.manitoba.ca/labour/standards. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes, please contact the Employment Standards Division at (204) 945-3352 or employmentstandards@gov.mb.ca.
Online Planroom Tip of the Week: Keep Up-To-Date With the Online Planroom
At the bottom of your screen there is a scrolling marquee. Watch for timely messages from WCA or Infinite Source, and gain valuable information on upcoming events and items of interest to our members.
Want to know more about the item scrolling by? Click on the icon to the left of the scrolling text to open the Service Announcements page. Need further information? Contact WCA and we will be glad to assist you. To leave the service announcements page, either click on one of the links in the top blue toolbar of the Online Planroom, or click on the “back” button on your Internet toolbar.
To receive training on this and many other WCA Online Planroom features, please attend one of our next Online Training Sessions. Complete the form HERE, or register by contacting the Planroom at 774-2431.
Education Courses
Interpreting Construction Documents
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Presented by: Kurt Dietrich
Objectives: The key to properly interpreting construction documents lays in understanding the basic framework of a full set of documents. These are comprised of Specifications and Drawings. This session will provide a clear understanding of the requirements and information found in construction documents for use in bidding and field purposes. The session will explain where to typically find required information and how to interpret the documents towards the installation and performance of the item.
WCA Member Fee: $200.00 + GST
Gold Seal Information Session
Friday, March 20, 2009
Presented by: Kelly Thiessen / WCA Gold Seal Administrator
Objectives: Gold Seal Certification is a Canadian Construction Association National Program. Learn what you need to obtain your Gold Seal Certification as a Project Manager, Superintendent, Estimator or Construction Safety Coordinator. Certification is based on experience and education.
WCA Members: NO CHARGE!
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.
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.
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.
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@wpgca.com or 775-8664 x 2225.