November_9

Red Carpet Treatment at Builders’ Night Gala '07

Revellers received the royal treatment at Winnipeg Construction Association’s annual Builders’ Night Gala on Friday November 2, 2007. The red carpet was rolled out to welcome a whopping 933 guests, an attendance that exceeded even last year’s record.

Held at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, guests indulged in four complimentary full host bars and a trendy – and extremely popular – martini bar before dining on a fabulous four course meal. Attendees enjoyed a Local Mixed Grill featuring Grilled Filet Mignon “Marchand de Vin” napped with Café de Paris Buerre and Grilled Breast of Chicken “au Poivre Madagascar” served with a Potato William, Ratatouille filled Tomato and Butter Glazed Green Beans.

Mike Macdonald, a veteran of the North American funny man circuit kept the crowd in stitches, while The Ron Paley Band ensured guests kept moving on the dance floor. A variety of large ticket items, courtesy of Builders’ Night Gala '07 sponsors, were up for bid in the Silent Auction section.

The proceeds from Builders’ Night go toward WCA’s Trade Up! Careers in Manitoba Construction, a campaign designed to promote skilled trade careers in construction to youth and young adults. In his opening remarks, WCA President John Bockstael noted that WCA and its members believe strongly in investing in the industry’s development, and in supporting training, recruitment and access to apprenticeship. Support of the Construction Industry Wages Act is another way to recruit and retain skilled tradespeople, Bockstael added. Properly trained people receiving competitive and fair wages will stay in this city and province to deliver on the needs of the community.

WCA would like to thank the Builders’ Night Gala 2007 Presents sponsor, AQ Group Solutions and Assante Wealth Management; Wine sponsor, Derksen Plumbing & Heating (1984) Ltd.; Martini Bar sponsor, Master Roofing Ltd.; Cappuccino Bar sponsor, Concord Projects Ltd.; Door and Raffle Prize sponsor, Western Industrial Services Ltd.; Parking sponsor, Parkwest Projects Ltd., The Ron Paley Band sponsor, Comstock Canada Ltd., as well as the many other member companies who contributed to the silent auction.

The Builders’ Night Committee continues to contribute to this remarkable evening, helping to make it a huge success. Many thanks also goes to the Winnipeg Construction Association staff who helped coordinate this exciting event.

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WCA Welcomes Eric Sigurdson

Winnipeg Construction Association welcomes Eric Sigurdson to the position of Online Planroom Technician. As the newest member of the Planroom Team, Eric will work with the Online Planroom and handle Technical Support and Information Technology services at WCA.

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Breakfast with Paul Charette

WCA is pleased to sponsor Manitoba Chambers of Commerce's Breakfast with Paul Charette, President & CEO of Bird Construction and upcoming Chair of the Canadian Construction Association.

Date: Thursday, November 15, 2007 (7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.)

Location: Fairmont Winnipeg

Cost: Member $35 plus GST, Non-member $40 plus GST

For further information call (204) 948-0100 or email gfindlay@mbchamber.mb.ca.

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Teraspan Contact Information

For more information regarding TeraSpan Networks Inc., in regards to the City's fibre optic network, please contact:

TeraSpan Networks Inc.

1348 Clifton Street

Winnipeg, MB R3E 2V2

Tel: 204-783-2050

Fax: 204-783-2520

Contact: Daryl Stotsky

Email: dstotsky@teraspan.com

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Average WCB Assessment Rates Drop

Effective January 1, 2008, the average assessment rate that Manitoba employers pay for their workers' compensation coverage will drop nearly 5% from $1.68 to $1.60.

On average, Manitoba employers will pay $1.60 per $100.00 of their assessable payroll to the WCB for injury insurance coverage, which includes wage loss payments, medical benefits and rehabilitation services. That rate may be higher or lower, depending on the employer's injury experience and the safety and health risk of their industry.

WCB President and CEO Doug Sexsmith credits healthy investment returns and safer workplaces for WCB providing among the lowest rates in the country. The workplace injury rate in Manitoba has fallen 22% from 2000 to 2006.

Sexsmith said employers can pay lower premiums by formalizing health and safety procedures and implementing effective disability management and return to work programs.

Overall, about 85% of employers will experience lower WCB premium rates in 2008. The average assessment rate is falling at the same time injured workers are receiving improved benefits as a result of recent amendments to the Workers Compensation Act.

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Federal Fiscal Update and Tax Reductions

On October 30, 2007, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, presented the Government’s 2007 Economic Statement, which contained approximately $60 billion in combined corporate, personal, and sales tax reductions over the next five years.

The tax announcement included the following:

The GST will be lowered from 6% to 5% effective January 1, 2008.
The personal income tax exemption will increase to $9,600 retroactive to January 1, 2007, and will increase again to $10,100 as of January 1, 2009.
The lowest personal income tax rate will be lowered from 15.5% to 15%, retroactive to January 1, 2007.
The small business tax rate is being lowered to 11% from 13.12% a year ahead of schedule - it will now hit 11% as of January 1, 2008.
The general corporate tax rate will be lowered from 22.1% today to 15% by 2012. In addition, the federal government will work with the provinces and territories to try and bring in a harmonized corporate tax rate of 25%.

The Canada Employment Insurance Commission also announced a decrease in EI rates for 2008. Employees will see a decline of 7 cents to $1.73, employers will receive a 10 cent reduction to $2.42. However, the maximum insurable earnings will also rise from $40,000 to $41,000, meaning employees will save approximately $9, and employers will save $12.56 per employee.

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Manitoba Hydro Electrical Inspections Permit Fees to Increase

Effective December 1, 2007, there will be a general increase to the Maniotba Hydro Schedule of Electrical Permit Fees. Please find the New Fee Schedule attached below.

New Fee Schedule pdf

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Education News

Cost Estimating

November 26-27, 2007 (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Instructor: Jason Coreau

Location: Red River College

This two-day course offered in a workshop format will cover the BASICS of construction estimating. Initial topics will include processes and procedures for measuring quantities and standard industry formats for organizing data. Pricing, unit pricing assembly pricing? What should be included in the project in directs or general expense? Be prepared to participate in group discussions.

REGISTRATION Cost Estimating

WCA Member Fee: $330.00 + GST

WCA/Assante Management 2007 Fall Schedule

Group Critical Illness Insurance

Tuesday, November 20, 2007 (11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

Instructor: Laura Lomow, AQ Group Solutions

Location: WCA Offices

Learn about the benefits of Group Critical Illness Insurance -- tax deductible expense to the business owner, no medical required and no mandatory enrollment.

REGISTRATION Critical Illness

Tax and Income Planning for the Business Owner

December 4, 2007 (11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

Instructor: Scott Cale, CFP, RFP, CLU, Senior Financial Advisor and Sean Rheubottom, LLB United Financial

Location: WCA Offices

Registration to follow.

Dale Carnegie Courses

Effective Communications and Human Relations

Starts Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Leadership Training for Managers

Starts Wednesday, November 7, 2007

High Impact Presentations