b'FROM OUR CHAIRUnique Challenges and High Engagement in 2023I want to take this opportunity to thank all WCA staff, WCA Board members, MWC Board members and YCLM Board members for all their efforts in 2022. You have done a fabulous job and it has been a pleasure serving with you all. Thankfully, this year we did not experience as many challenges as the past two years, but we have experienced some unique and different ones.From a positive perspective, we have made some headway with items like prompt payment. On March 23, Minister of Consumer Protection and Government Services James Teitsma introduced Bill 38 to the legislature. This Bill will amend the Builders Liens Act to include prompt payment provisions and outlines an adjudication process. Our work with the City of Winnipeg continues with high engagement in various aspects, and we have hope that, with Mayor Gillingham leading the charge, we can see some positive change.However, the post-COVID hangover seems to be lingering! We have continuing supply chain issues, inflation is ever present (although somewhat stabilized), and the labour shortage will not be a quick fix.The labour shortage is one of the biggest challenges our industry will face for the next several years. As an instructor at RRC Polytech, I see our student numbers lower than wed like. With job opportunities outnumbering students, the need for education in a chosen field does not appear to be a high priority for the next generation. We will need to be innovative as we look at short- and long-term solutions for skilled, trained resources.As all business owners know, if you dont have a plan, you plan to fail. Come June, the WCA will be renewing our strategic plan, with labour shortages and membership value high on our priority list. We have done this exercise several times sinceI have joined the Board; it is a fabulous way to adjust our priorities given the current market conditions, and it also provides the Board with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. If members have any suggestions, please reach out to me, any Board member, or Ron or Darryl at WCA to share your ideas. Collectively and collaboratively, we can work towards short- andlong-term solutions.Over the past year, I have been encouraged by the continued interest of our membership to participate at the Board level. We had a great response to our call for nominations this year for a Director-at-Large position. The MWC and YCLM boards have also grown and diversified with large numbers of applicants for their available positions. This renews my optimism that our members are engaged and looking to improve and work for what is best for the overall industry.I truly believe that part of the reason we have seen such interest in the WCA Board is due, in part, to the development and success of MWC and YCLM. Hard to believe that 2024 will mark 10 years since they were formed! These initiatives have been a huge success, with so much support from members. The dedication and commitment while working full time is a credit to the younger generation! Their drive is to be encouraged and applauded.I look forward to working with these young leaders, the WCA Board of Directors and the WCA staff to continue to build a relevant and effective association.Ellowyn NadeauIssue 1 | Spring Edition | 2023 BUILD MANITOBA 9'