b'FROM OUR PRESIDENTStepping Toward RecoveryAt the time of writing this, it has been 11 weeks since we started talking seriously about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local construction industry. At the end of February, the Canadian Construction Association hosted a conference call (a sign of things to come) to consider cancelling their annual conference in San Diego, set for the following month. It goes without saying that the event was cancelled. A few days later, a colleague of mine reported that his company, a very large equipment supplier, had pulled out of CONEXPO in Las Vegas and told its sales force to stay home. Clearly this virus was not going away.In the weeks that followed, as we all know too well, countries all over the world hunkered down to battle this virus, and the battle continues. Today we are considering returning to work, businesses are gradually reopening and, hopefully, we will be able to report that a second COVID-19 wave has been avoided.Throughout all of this, the construction industry in Manitoba continued to function as an essential service, and I think it is entirely appropriate for all of us at WCA to express our admiration and gratitude to the thousands of contractors, tradespeople and suppliers that have worked tirelessly and safely during this pandemic. The level of cooperation and the sharing of information resulting in the safety protocols as we know them has been truly inspiring. We have all learned about social distancing, the importance of personal hygiene, Zoom conferences and working from home. I have had dozens of calls from sometimes frantic contractors as they struggled to cope with new jobsite realities. We shared, and continue to share, almost daily updates with members about best practices, health orders and government programs, and we hope that our efforts have helped alleviate some of the stress and anxiety. Our focus now turns to recovery and the need to rebuild investor confidence in the local and national economy. We have been advocating loudly for public sector tendering to continue, and, where possible, to increase significantly. Private construction spending has decreased dramatically over the past month and we need governments to step up and fill the void. Hopefully by doing so, this will provide the assurances that the private sector needs to resume building. We can do this!On behalf of the staff at WCA and our Board of Directors, I want to thank you for your efforts and for your continued support.Stay safe!Ronald Hambley, President8 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'