Manitoba launches program to priortize local trades workers

Key Takeaways:

• The Manitoba Jobs Agreement ensures contractors give priority to Manitoba workers on major public infrastructure projects, starting with four new schools.
• The deal sets standards for wages, benefits, and working conditions, and includes apprenticeship targets to support workforce development.
• The agreement establishes a model for all provincial projects over $50 million, aiming to keep work on time, on budget, and built to high standards.

The Whole Story:

The Manitoba government has signed its first jobs agreement with Manitoba Building Trades, a deal aimed at ensuring local workers are front and centre on major public projects, starting with the construction of four new schools.

Premier Wab Kinew announced Tuesday that the Manitoba Jobs Agreement will apply to all contractors and workers involved in the projects, setting standards for wages, benefits and working conditions. It also includes targets for apprenticeship hours to support training and workforce development.

“Manitoba workers are the driving force of our economy,” Kinew said. “We’re creating Manitoba jobs for Manitobans, by making sure our province is built with good, family-supporting jobs in the trades.”

The agreement, which applies to projects worth $50 million or more, is intended to become a template for future provincial infrastructure work. Kinew said the policy is designed to keep projects on time and on budget while giving Manitoba workers priority access to jobs.

Tanya Palson, executive director of Manitoba Building Trades, called the deal “a win for Manitoba workers and for our entire industry.”

The four new kindergarten-to-Grade 8 schools will be built in Winnipeg’s Devonshire Park and Prairie Pointe neighbourhoods, in West St. Paul’s Meadowlands area and in southwest Brandon.