b'WCA POLICY PRIORITIESfor a new provincial governmentBy Darryl Harrison, Manager, Policy & ResearchThis past September Manitobans headed to the polls to elect a new provincial government. Leading up to the recent provincial election and in anticipation of the federal election on October 21, we ramped up our advocacy efforts to ensure the strength of our industry. In May, WCA formed the Government Relations Committee, comprised of knowledgeable and experienced members to help guide WCA in advocacy efforts. This committee developed the policy priorities for the WCA over the next four years and a strategy during the pre-election phase.With a newly elected leadership in place, WCA will continue pushing for these important priorities and make sure we develop an industry where Together, we build Manitoba.THE 4 POLICY PILLARSto building a thriving construction industry in Manitoba1. Creating an Attractive 3. Investing in InfrastructureBusiness Environment Were pushing for an increase in First and foremost is the need forinfrastructure spending and will prompt payment legislation incontinue to work with all levels of Manitoba. Ontario, Saskatchewan andgovernment to deliver important and Nova Scotia all have the beginningmuch-needed hospitals, schools and of prompt payment and it is timeaged-care facilities.Manitoba built our own. Secondly, WCA is committed to advocating for improvementsto the building permit andinspections process. 4. Building a Skilled andInclusive WorkforceDID YOU KNOW?Supporting school programs to The value of construction is oversupport vocational career options $2 billion annually in Manitoba,has long been a priority for WCA and and construction employs overwe continue to call for additional 52,000 Manitobans. programming.We are calling for a renewed focus and basic math and communication skillsin schools.2. Reducing Trade Barriers DID YOU KNOW? Were calling on our new provincial government to adopt the 2015 NationalThe construction industry in Building Code. Manitoba is aging. The current Amendments to the Limitations ofaverage age of the workforce is Actions Act will bring Manitobas law in41, with 15% of the workforce line with the rest of Canada and giveover the age of 65. It is expected the professional trades in the provincethat 20% of the workforce will be consistency and certainty into retiring in the next 9 years. the future.26 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'