b"FROM OUR PRESIDENTRefocusing PrioritiesGreetings and welcome to the fall 2023 issue of Build Manitoba. On behalf of the WCA Board and staff, I sincerely hope this past summer has been a good one for you and your family. As we transition back into work mode, this is a good time to reflect on the year so far and focus on the priorities for the year ahead. From a construction perspective, the year to date has been good, with project values close to last year and some of the material shortages abating. Multi-family residential construction continues to be very busy, while commercial and single-family residential have somewhat slowed. The massive investments in Manitoba health-care infrastructure are now unfolding, with hospital projects underway in at least eight communities. Several schools have recently been tendered, and a nine-school P3 project is on the horizon. Finally, there have been some very positive developments relative to projects like the Hudson Bay building redevelopment, Portage Place and the former Kapyong site.Fall is generally the time when we review our advocacy plans and determine how to prioritize our activities going forward. The provincial election will obviously have an impact on these activities, and we will endeavour to keep our members informed as the various parties take positions on issues important to us. At the same time, we will be working to advance prompt payment legislation; specifically, developing the regulations and assisting with the creation of an adjudication authority. WCA, along with several other industry associations, have been asked to join the Manitoba Builders Liens Modernization Advisory Council. The group is charged with reviewing prompt payment regulations and ultimately reviewing the BLA (Builders Liens Act), which is long overdue. We will keep members informed as this process unfolds.In this issue, we profile the Young Construction Leaders of Manitoba (YCLM). I would like to offer a huge shout out to this amazing group of people and their Board of Directors, and offer congratulations on their 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, YCLM has hosted dozens of seminars, organized networking events and delivered amazing project tours. They have given WCA some motivated Board members who bring energy and a fresh perspective on todays issues. I would also like to acknowledge the very supportive construction employers who have enabled the members of this group to meet, grow and learn from one another.I recently wrote a message for our WCA Education Program for 2023/24. I am so impressed with how our education offerings have grown and improved, and with the excellent feedback we get from members on this activity. Make sure you check out the program when it hits your desk. Interestingly, we have also had a growing number of companies meet with Peggy Zurkan, WCAs Manager of Learning and Development, to map out a complete program for their entire staff. This ensures their employees get into the courses they want, when they want, and they can often qualify for the Canada Job Grant. Give Peggy a call if this is of interest to your company.This fall, we are anticipating significant interest in training around the new National Building Code (2020 NBC) and the 2020 National Energy Code, which will come into force in January 2024. Manitoba has not adopted a new building code for a over a decade, and there will be a learning curve. The new energy performance requirements in the Energy Code deserve consideration, among other changes. The industry is also being asked to consider net-zero energy targets, and this will have an impact on building design and construction. We will endeavour to keep members informed as this rolls out.Finally, we have just finished a full refresh of our Construction Education Centre, including new paint, carpet and lighting, so the space is ready to support our busy meeting and training schedule. Frankly, I am still having trouble believing we have been in this building for 12 years! Time flies when you're having fun!Stay safe,Ron Hambley8 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca"