The Heavy News Weekly November 1, 2012 'Street Speak' infrastructure funding debate - it's really about nation building By Chris Lorenc, BA, LL.B - MHCA President The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) co-sponsored 'Street Speak' a forum around infrastructure funding with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) held at the Winnipeg Free Press Café on October 29, 2012. Invited to speak to the topic were the Hon. Ron Lemieux, Manitoba's Minister of Local Government and Councillor Scott Fielding, Chair of the City's Finance Committee. Each spoke well from their respective perspectives. Ottawa which is struggling with questions about national infrastructure investment priorities before allocating funds to a new program. In the meantime our infrastructure crumbles. Street Speak continued on page 3... In this edition... Welcome NEW MHCA members! 2 MHCA Media Monitor 2 AGM's keynote speaker gives you a sneak peek 4 WORKSAFELY TM Training 6 COR TM Training in Winkler, MB 7 Convention direct flight deadline approaching 8 MHCA President, Chris Lorenc, addresses audience at Free Press Café Dan Lett, senior Winnipeg Free Press columnist set one tone for the discussion in a Saturday October 27, 2012 article in which he hit the nub of one policy question directly. He said, and I paraphrase, the city wants money, the province says its providing it; each level wants more funding from Weekly Tenders (MHCA members only) 10 Tender Results (MHCA members only) 12 1
Welcome NEW MHCA Members! Avenue 4 Communications Group Dennis Kost 1700 Ellice Ave. Winnipeg, MB R3H 0B1 Email: dennis@avenue4.com Ph: (204) 946-5001 Fax: (204) 946-5121 Web: www.avenue4.com Services: Graphic design, creative writing, website development, custom programming, database development, email, variable data marketing, custom printing & finishing, mailing services MHCA Media Monitor "The Final Push?" by Peter G. Hall - Economic Development Canada - (November 1, 2012) "Scrum! This rugby configuration is an apt description of the world economy in the past four years. Powerful, opposing forces have been locked together in an epic struggle between..." Read the full article: http://www.edc.ca/en/knowledge-centre/subscriptions/weekly-commentary/pages/the-final-push.aspx "MPI, PUB split over safety fund" Winnipeg Free Press - (October 31, 2012) "The Public Utilities Board has not given a green light to Manitoba Public Insurance's plan to help fund road-improvement projects. But there are indications the panel that..." Read the full article: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/mpi-pub-split-over-safety-fund-176542281.html "Apply brakes to MPI" Winnipeg Free Press - Editorial - (October 30, 2012) "Manitoba Public Insurance wants to get into the business of road design and construction, funding infrastructure works with government that would reduce accidents and, theoretically, cut insurance claims. This would be..." Read the full article: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/editorials/apply-brakes-to-mpi-176373521.html MHCA sponsors Manitoba Chamber breakfast with Brian Pallister Date: November 6, 2012 Location: The Marlborough Hotel Brian Pallister Leader Official Opposition Time: 7:30 am to 9:00 am Register online: www.mbchamber.mb.ca 227 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2A6 204-948-0103 2
Street Speak continued from page 1... All of that is true... What is also true, and here is the context we should hear more from politicians and opinion leaders about, is that sustained public and private sector investment in infrastructure fuels economic growth, which in turn provides tax revenues to governments with which to fund our quality of life and social safety net programs. Without a growing economy, discussions about social program priorities are moot. economic health program. We have a collective responsibility to act with common purpose. How we strategically invest in infrastructure over the next 10 years will shape our country's economic, fiscal and social health. Delaying today will with certainty, place an impossible financial burden on future generations, and will without question, lower our country's standard of living. In short, it's about nation building. Can we, like our forefathers, just get on with it? I submit that the focus on infrastructure and the rationale for sustained investment in infrastructure needs to be broadened to consider the economic impact of neglect, and the benefits of investment. Think about it - without infrastructure investment there would be no Kenaston Common at Kenaston and McGillivray in Winnipeg; no IKEA opening November 28 and the many hundreds of new jobs in retail, hotel and related entertainment plus millions of new investment activity; no CentrePort Canada to fully transform Winnipeg's, the region's and Manitoba's economies into a global trading hub. None of the above would have been or are possible without investment in core infrastructure - streets (transportation), sewer and water. And historically, probably no Canada had our forefathers not had the courage to support the building of the CPR mainline. And probably no 'Chicago of the North' reputation for Winnipeg, without massive private sector rail, warehousing and trucking transportation investments of the past which still position our local and provincial economy to competitively participate in national and international trade, supporting in the process well over 200,000 trade dependent jobs. And no ribbon of highway linking our nation coast to coast without Diefenbaker's 1959 vision for the Trans Canada Highway. Public and private sector infrastructure investment is what has made all of this, our country, our province our municipalities, possible. The funding discussion is more than a narrowed focus on infrastructure. It s about economic growth strategies and infrastructure's role in it; it's about the shared responsibilities between the federal, provincial and municipal governments to participate in and leverage reinvestment in our country's economic health; it's about enabling municipalities access to growth tax revenues so that they participate in the risk and reward of economic growth policies; it's about recognizing that sustained investment in our infrastructure, is Canada's Standing room only at Street Speak event at Free Press Café Chris Lorenc, Scott Fielding (St. James City Councillor), Ron Lemieux (Minister of Local Government), Tim Scott (CAA Manitoba VP of Marketing) Chris Lorenc, Ron Lemieux and Doug Dobrowolski (Association of Manitoba Municipalities President) 3
MHCA AGM and Chairman's Gala Tickets are going fast! Tickets are now on sale for the 2012 MHCA AGM Breakfast and Chairman s Gala (see next page) and they re going fast! The AGM Breakfast event at the Convention Centre will outline MHCA s priorities for 2013 and showcase all the key activities from a very busy and productive 2012, plus awards presentations. The Breakfast s keynote speaker is Casey Vander Ploeg, Senior Policy Researcher of the Canada West Foundation. Casey has been commissioned by the Canadian Construction Association to craft a comprehensive report that will thoroughly examine the direct link between investment in infrastructure and economic growth. He will give you an exclusive preview of what to expect in his report. Later that evening, the Chairman s Gala takes place at the Delta Hotel in downtown Winnipeg. A very popular event with key heavy construction stakeholders and government leaders, it s a must-attend opportunity for you to network in a relaxed, social and entertaining environment. Casey Vander Ploeg will discuss his upcoming report examining infrastructure investment and economic growth We offer a full line of Rugged, Reliable, Efficient Kawasaki Wheel Loaders 15 Models 1 to 13.5 Cu Yd 45 to 720 HP Kawasaki is the most experienced manufacturer of articulated wheel loaders in the world. Kawasaki. One Focus. Complete Solutions. Toll Free 1-866-576-8099 www.mazergroup.ca 4
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Friday, November 23, 2012 8am - 12pm Winnipeg Convention Center - Room 2H (2nd Floor) Keynote Speaker: Casey Vander Ploeg Senior Policy Analyst, Canadian West Foundation Casey Vander Ploeg will highlight key points from his report, At the Intersection: A Brief on the Importance of Public Infrastructure to Canada s Future Economic and Social Prospects. The report demonstrates a link between sustained investment in infrastructure and economic growth. Awards & Membership Presentations to follow. $40.00 + GST/person No. of tickets:......................................................................... CHAIRMAN S GALA Magical Friday, November 23, 2012 No. of Tickets - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Company: Contact Person: Phone: Fax: Please Invoice: Visa / MC / AMEX #: Exp. Date: Card Holder Name: Signature: Fax this form to Christine at the MHCA office @ 204-943-2279 For more information call 204-947-1379 or email christine@mhca.mb.ca 5
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Deadline to Book Direct Flights is Fast-Approaching Reserve your direct flight by Noon CST November 15, 2012 The Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association (WCR & HCA) reminds you to reserve now to ensure you benefit from the convenience and savings of a direct flight to the WCR & HCA Convention March 17-20, 2013 at Disney's Yacht Club Resort Orlando, Florida. Until Noon CST, November 15, 2012, WCR & HCA has reserved direct flight packages for delegates with our partner travel agency Carlson Wagonlit Travel. To enjoy the peace of mind only direct flights can bring for you and your family, we encourage you visit www.wcrhca.org for Carlson Wagonlit reservation contact information, plus flight options... Registration for convention, air and hotel is NOW open! www.wcrhca.org Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, participants will experience four fun filled and informative days with workshops and events exploring heavy construction's key issues and enjoying world-class entertainment. If you require more information or have any special requests, please e-mail info@wcrhca.org Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association Unit 3-1680 Ellice Ave. I Winnipeg, MB I R3H 0Z2 I 204.947.1379 www.wcrhca.org 8
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