b'FROM OUR DIRECTOROF STAKEHOLDERENGAGEMENTAND ADVOCACYPossible Political ChangesFall of 2021 is shaping up to be a significant time for politicalRegardless of who wins, the new party leader will have an futures in Canada and Manitoba. At time of writing, a federaluphill battle. Based on a Probe Research poll conducted in election has been called and Brian Pallister has just steppedJune, 47 per cent of Manitobans would vote for NDP and 29 down as premier and been replaced on an interim basis byper cent would vote for the PC party. The gap in support is Kelvin Goertzen. This will mean contests for both a new federaleven wider in Winnipeg.government and a new premier in our province.Manitobas new premier will have less than two years before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided to call an early electionthe next election to try and claw back some of that support.based on the perception that he had a good chance of winningTo support the construction industry, Manitobas government a majority government. Prior to the election call, Mr. Trudeausshould make the following three items a priority:Liberals were far ahead of the Conservative party in the polls,1.Prompt Payment LegislationThe Manitoba Law but the latest polls (as of Sept. 1) suggest the ConservativesReform Commission completed a comprehensive review of have moved slightly ahead of the Liberals. the Builders Liens Act in 2018, including prompt payment By the time you read this article, the result of the federalinclusions.This review needs to be dusted offelection will be known and WCAs federal counterpart, theand implemented.Canadian Construction Association (CCA), will have made it2.Continue Permitting and Inspection ReformIt is clear what the construction industry is looking for in a federalvital that the work that has been completed to improve government. CCA is calling for a sustained and predictablepermitting inspections is continued. The zoning, permitting model for funding infrastructure investment. They would like toand inspection process cause significant barriers tosee an independent Canadian Strategic Infrastructure Councileconomic development.that guides a long-term vision. Through this council 3.Continued Investment in InfrastructureIn the past we can move away from the current model of highlytwo months there have been significant projects announced scrutinized one-off projects and towards the approval ofthrough the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. infrastructure management plans. This approach will hopefullyInvestments in quality of life infrastructure need to continue.lead to more predictable investments and better management of public assets. There is an amazing opportunity for the next leader to place Now for Manitoba. The Premier announced he would steptheir own stamp on Manitoba in the next two years. We will down, and a week later Heather Stefanson, Minister of Healthcontinue to advocate and promote the important role the and Seniors Care, announced she would run for leader of theconstruction industry plays in Manitobas future.Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba. It was looking like Ms. Stefanson was going to be elected unopposed, but former MP Shelly Glover and current MLA Shannon Martin have both thrown their hats in the ring.The deadline to submit paperwork for the intention to runis September 15, so we will soon know how big the field is for the leadership race. The ballots for the leadership will beDarryl Harrison counted on October 30. Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy10 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'