b'FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTAND ADVOCACYProgress Through Partnership: UM RevisesContract Conditions in Response to Industry FeedbackThe University of Manitoba (UM) has revised its CCDCproject falls behindreinforcing accountability while 22020 supplementary conditions in direct response toavoiding financial penalties tied to timelines.feedback from the construction industry, marking a positive Deficiencies and Defects: A new deficiency holdback shift towards greater clarity and collaboration inpublic contracting. has been introduced, allowing UM to withhold funds to ensure correction of incomplete or defective work, while Over the past year, WCA members raised concerns aboutproviding clear expectations for resolution.UMs supplementary conditions (SCs), which had introduced Change Orders: The previously complex change order confusion and administrative burden. While these SCs were modelled after similar documents used successfully inprocess has been streamlined and now aligns more other jurisdictions, their application in Manitoba presentedclosely with established industry practices.challengesparticularly around risk allocation, contract Default and Readiness: Language around project default,complexity and alignment with industry norms. ready-for-takeover and early occupancy has been The WCA led an advocacy effort rooted in memberclarified, aiming for greater fairness andconsultation. A dedicated meeting was held to reviewmutual understanding.the SCs, identify specific issues and gather practicalThese changes reflect what was shared by the university in recommendations. We also engaged Eric Lee from theits presentation to stakeholders. At the time of publication, Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC),we have not yet seen these revised supplementary whose technical analysis helped refine proposals forconditions applied in a live tender or contract.contract improvements. The universitys willingness to present and consult on these Following discussions with contractors, consultants andrevisions signals a constructive step forward. It underscores internal stakeholders, UM undertook a comprehensive review.the value of collaboration in addressing systemic The result, as presented to industry representatives, is aprocurement challenges.significantly revised set of supplementary conditions thatWe thank the University of Manitoba for its openness and address core concerns and improve usability. responsiveness and extend our appreciation to Eric Lee and Whats new?the CCDC for their expert support. WCA will continue to As presented by UM in its recent industry briefing: advocate for improvements across all public sector clientsReduced Length: The SCs have been shortened fromin Manitoba, ensuring our members can deliver high-quality projects in a fair and workable framework.over 30 pages to around 20, with clearer formatting and reduced redundancy. Removed Provisions: Audit clauses for stipulated sumcontracts and broad indemnity language havebeen eliminated. Schedule Management: The monetization ofconstruction schedules has been removed. Instead,contractors must now submit a recovery schedule if aDarryl Harrison8 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'