Construction Industry Wages Act Review - Implementation

A long overdue review of the wages and hours of work contained in the Construction Industry Wages Act (regulations) is now complete and is expected to be approved by the Provincial Government within the next few weeks. Copies of this document were emailed to members last week. We expect that this first wage schedule will be in force as of June 1, 2006* with a second adjustment on October 1, 2006. This will affect every single commercial construction worker in Manitoba. Please review the wage schedules and be prepared for these changes.

* Pending Government Approval

Tax Exempt Allowances from CRA

The 2006 limit on the deduction of tax-exempt allowances paid by employers to employees using their personal vehicle for business purposes will increase by 5 cents to 50 cents per kilometre for the first 5,000 kilometres driven and 44 cents for each additional kilometre. The allowance amounts reflect the key cost components of owning and operating an automobile, such as depreciation, financing, insurance, maintenance and fuel costs. For more information visit the CRA website at:

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-e.html

Membership News:

***Member Alert*****

Apparently there is someone/group out there purporting to be representing “Winnipeg Construction”, calling our members using a 1-800 number and suggesting they have won a $4000 trip if they pay a large fee. This is a hoax/scam. We as an association have nothing to do with this and advise you to contact our office if you receive a call.

2006 WCA Membership Renewal Process:

The WCA 2006 membership renewal is coming to an end. To those members who have paid their 2006 dues, we thank you. By now you should have received your renewal cards and our new WCA Member Benefit Partner, MarksWork Wearhouse discount cards. If your company requires either additional cards, please call the office and speak with Kristin or Kelly Pochuk. For those members who have not yet renewed their 2006 membership please be advised that the Online Planroom Service, including the new Online Plan Booking Feature and regular services will be suspended until payment is received. To avoid a service interruption please contact Kelly Pochuk, Member Services at 775-8664 as soon as possible.

Education News:

Productivity Seminar:

Is it just another buzz word OR are there opportunities for increased competitiveness and profit through productivity improvements? The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) General Contractors Division is pleased to bring a new construction seminar/workshop on a “REAL” approach to improving construction productivity. This session will present the results of a massive construction productivity research project conducted in Alberta over the past two years. This session will be held on February 16, 2006.

Link here to Register

Gold Seal Exam - Friday, March 10, 2006 (WCA offices)

Rotary Career Symposium - March 22 & 23, 2006 at the Convention Centre

Mid-Canada Electrical Conference - April 5 & 6, 2006 at the Convention Centre

New Website

Winnipeg Construction Association has launched its new website! Same address www.wpgca.com – more features! Now you can bookmark our site and launch our Online Planroom directly from the Home Page. We have tried to make this website smaller and easier to use, and we have endeavored to include links and information relevant to the construction industry. We welcome your feedback.

2006 Board of Directors

WCA held its Annual General Meeting on January 26, 2006, at the Canad Inn Polo Park . Following the AGM business, incoming President John Bockstael thanked out-going President George Rajotte for his tireless efforts on behalf of the industry over the past two years.

The 2006 WCA Board of Directors are:

John Bockstael, President

John Schubert, Vice-President

Randy Clegg, Treasurer

George Rajotte, Imm. Past President

Ronald Hambley, Executive Vice President

Peter Withoos, Chair- GC Division

Bruce Cochrane, Chair-TC Division

Rolf Langelotz, Chair-Bid Depository

Jamie McNabb, Chair, Mechanical Division

Jeff Leech, Chair-M&S Division

Ryan Einarson, Director-at-Large

Will Slota, Director-at-Large

David Thusberg, Director-at-Large

Steve Johnston, Director-at-Large

Bill Sharpe, Director-at-Large

Andy Dutfield, Director-at-Large

Kevin Skinner, Director-at-Large

Wolfgang Rolke, Director-at-Large

Al Bischoff, Past President without portfolio

Also at the AGM several members were recognized for their achievements:

Mr. Jason Alsip of Alsip 's Industrial Products Inc. was recognized for celebrating a milestone 100 years in business in 2005.

David H. Woelk, of Bockstael Construction, was presented with his Gold Seal Certificate - Project Manager in General Contracting.

Rick Holberg, Battlefield Equipment Rentals, and the Chair of the WCA Entertainment Committee was named the WCA Volunteer of the Year in recognition of his dedication and hard work in organizing golf and curling events for WCA for many years.

2006 Curling

WCA held its annual Curling Bonspiel on Friday, February 10th, at the Heather Curling Club.

Everyone enjoyed the day with 80 curling participants. The day was enjoyed by all and all feasted on a sumptuous buffet. First place winner was Cowin Steel (Alan Dalkie, Murray Campbell, and Joe Bergen), second place winner was Bituminex and third place was All Weather Windows. Thanks to Chair Rick Holberg and the Entertainment Committee for their help in distributing prizes to all.

Comments or questions?

Email: wca@wpgca.com

Visit our full website at www.wpgca.com

Winnipeg Construction Association is located at 290 Burnell Street , Winnipeg , MB R3G 2A7

(204)775-8664

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