Jim Harder

July 10, 2009                

 

Manitoba Labour Market Information: Tradesperson Shortage!

Construction employment in Manitoba is on the rise -- so much so, that the industry is facing a skilled tradespeople shortage of nearly 9,000 over the next nine years. According to the Construction Sector Council's annual labour market forecast, an additional 5,300 workers will be required to keep pace with trade occupations, while 5,400 more people will be needed to replace those who retire by 2017.

Construction Looking Forward 2009 - 2017 - Key Highlights - pdf

The full report, Construction Looking Forward, An Assessment of Construction Labour Markets from 2009 to 2017 for Manitoba, is part of the Construction Sector Council’s Labour Market Information Program, and will be available electronically at www.csc-ca.org later this summer.

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Smith Carter's SC3 Achieves LEED® Platinum Certification

Smith Carter Architects and Engineers Incorporated's head office (SC3) has received LEED® Platinum Certification from the Canada Green Building Council.

The innovative workspace, which was already awarded the prestigious Governor General's Medal in Architecture in 2006, was designed to inspire people, foster innovation and contribute positively to the community.

Smith Carter was the Architectural Team on the project, while M.D. Steel Construction Ltd. served as the Construction Manager.

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New Law Will Prohibit Cell Phone Use While Driving

If you regularily drive while using on your cell phone, come June 2010, you'll be breaking the law. On June 11, 2009, the Manitoba Government passed the third reading of a bill that bans the use of handheld devices, including telephone function or text message functions for drivers. The new Highway Traffic Amendment Act will also prohibit smoking in cars while children under the age of 16 are present. According to Manitoba Infrastructure & Transportation, the new law will be proclaimed next year, allowing for a one year implementation process.

There will be a few exceptions to this Act, including using a hand-operated electronic device by hand to call or send a message to a police force, fire department or ambulance service about an emergency, as well as use of certain radios and other equipment. This bill will not apply to the use of

a) a radio apparatus that

i) is operated under the authority of a radio operator certificate issued under that Act,

ii) must, in order for its operator to communicate with another person, transmit radio signals to another radio apparatus that is operated under the authority of a radio licence issued under that Act, other than a radio licence issued to a cellular telephone network provider, or

iii) is the type of a radio apparatus commonly known as a citizen's band radio or family band radio; or

b) a mobile data terminal that

i) is used for dispatch or other business-related communications in a vehicle used for business purposes, and

ii) is not held in the driver's hand when the vehicle is moving.

For more information, please review the pdf documents below:

Bill 5 under The Highway Trafic Amendment Act

Proposed amendment to Bill 5 - Exception of certain radios and other equipment

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Federal Apprenticeship Completion Grant now available for eligible applicants

Effective July 2, 2009, eligible apprentices may apply for the Apprenticeship Completion Grant. The Grant provides $2,000 to eligible apprentices who successfully complete their apprenticeship training and receive their journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade on or after January 1, 2009.

To find out more about the Goverment of Canada's investment in apprenticeship training and tradespeople, click HERE.

Application forms and further information will be available through Service Canada's Web site at servicecanada.gc.ca/apprenticeship or by phone at 1-866-742-3644.

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The Government of Canada introduces new resource for employers interested in hiring internationally trained workers

A new resource to help guide employers through the hiring process for internationally trained workers was announced June 16th. The Employer’s Roadmap will help employers meet their labour needs and will allow skilled newcomers to put their knowledge and training to work in Canada more quickly.

For more information or to obtain copy of the Employer’s Roadmap, please visit the FCRO Web site at www.credentials.gc.ca.

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CCA and Federal Infrastructure Program "Watch"

CCA has developed a Federal Infrastructure Program "Watch" which describes each of the current Federal Infrastructure programs and its current status in tabular form. Also included is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS).

CCA Federal Infrastructure "Watch" pdf

These tables will be posted on the CCA Web site at http://www.cca-acc.com/ and updated on a periodic basis.

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Gold Seal Update

NEXT EXAM: The next Gold Seal exam is on Friday, October 9, 2009. Application deadline is Friday, September 18, 2009.

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.

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Comments or Questions?

Email: wca@winnipegconstruction.ca • Visit our Web site at www.winnipegconstruction.ca

Winnipeg Construction Association is located at 290 Burnell Street, Winnipeg, MB  R3G 2A7 • (204) 775-8664

Copyright of Winnipeg Construction Association © 2009.