Quarterly, the MHBA will be providing members with an update on our advocacy initiatives. Our “Advocacy at a Glance” update will provide members with a snapshot on the MHBA’s top advocacy files and initiatives. 

MHBA CEO Lanny McInnes, TRC Chair Peri Maric and Dale Verville met with Hon. Jon Reyes, Minister of Labour & Immigration, on April 4^th to discuss the MHBA’s recommendations on the adoption and implementation of the 2020 code changes. Other topics of discussion included the process for future code adoption and implementation, industry labour shortages, and the critical role immigration plays in the success of Manitoba’s residential construction industry.

Thank you to Minister Reyes for meeting with us to discuss issues important to residential construction in Manitoba.

MHBA CEO Lanny McInnes and Vice-Chair Spencer Curtis met with Hon. Cliff Cullen, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier, on February 22^nd to discuss key industry priorities and provide recommendations for the 2023 Provincial Budget. Topics included recent municipal funding announcements, municipal infrastructure planning, Manitoba Hydro servicing timeframes, and outlining industry priorities and market conditions in advance of the 2023 provincial budget.

Thank you to Minister Cullen for meeting with us to discuss issues important to residential construction and land development in Manitoba.

UDI Manitoba Chair Michael Carruthers and MHBA CEO Lanny McInnes met with Hon. Andrew Smith, Minister of Municipal Relations on February 27^th to discuss key industry priorities and provide updates on initiatives we are working closely with the Department of Municipal Relations on. Topics included recent municipal funding announcements, municipal infrastructure planning, establishing the Capital Planning Region Board of Directors, Municipal Board appeals, and budget priorities and market conditions in advance of the 2023 provincial budget.

Thank you to Minister Smith for meeting with us to discuss issues important to residential construction and land development in Manitoba.

UDI Manitoba Chair Michael Carruthers, MHBA Board Chair Jason Jaquet, and MHBA CEO Lanny McInnes met with Mayor Scott Gillingham on January 23^rd to discuss key industry priorities and provide updates on initiatives we are working closely with the City of Winnipeg on. Topics included an update on the review of Winnipeg’s Development Agreement Parameters, discussions on ways to improve investment certainty for builders and developers, residential infill development, the need for a strategic regional infrastructure plan, and budget priorities for 2023.

Thank you to Mayor Gillingham for meeting with us to discuss issues important to residential construction and land development in Winnipeg.

Click here to read the MHBA’s detailed updates on our top advocacy issues from Q1 2023, including Manitoba Hydro servicing, 2020 Code adoption & implementation, City of Winnipeg Permits an Inspections, and much, much more.

This month's feature member is Federated Insurance!

Federated Insurance is 100% Canadian owned and operated and has been in business for 103 years.

They have been an associate member of the MHBA for almost 25 years. Federated Insurance joined the MHBA as they know our members are more experienced and professional than non-members, they recognize and value these businesses.

Read the full interview with Curtis Chubey to learn more about the company, click HERE.

This profile was posted on MHBA's website and social media feeds! If you are interested in your company being featured on our Monthly Member Profile, please contact Amanda at aserediuk@homebuilders.mb.ca.

When: Tuesday, April 18th 1:00pm - 6:30pm

Where: Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre

Join us for the Construction Industry Job Fair, hosted by WCA, MCSC, MHCA and MHBA.

Booth registration is now open for employers seeking to fill roles from administration to trades, at any career level. 

Registration for this event is being administered by WCA on behalf of the partnering associations. 

Register for a booth at winnipegconstruction.ca/jobfair

Please click on the “Register” button and select “Skip and proceed as guest” option when registering.

Common Siding Defects & Proper Installation

Presentation by: Scott Sellors of Red River Siding

When: Thursday, April 19th, 7:30am

Where: Canad Inns Fort Garry (1824 Pembina Hwy)

This presentation has been developed to help builders and renovators avoid and address defects and issues common when installing siding. Scott Sellors of Red River Siding will be providing his expert advice on how to properly install siding so you can avoid common defects that can cause costly delays and warranty claims.  

Registration Deadline: April 10th, 2023

Register HERE

When: Friday, April 21st, 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Where: Club Regent Event Centre

We are pleased to invite you to our Spring Reception!

Join us for a fabulous evening as we celebrate all members of the MHBA, the 25th Anniversary of the Spring Parade and recognize our association's top sales agents.

Our reception will feature:

• Passed hors d'oeuvres and action stations
• Sales Agent Awards presentation (starting at 7:00 pm)
• Live entertainment by Kyle McKiernan



Registration is $80.00 (plus GST) per person.



The deadline to register is Wednesday, April 12, 2022.

Register HERE.

MHBA Annual Golf Tournament - Save the Date!

The 2023 Manitoba Home Builders' Association annual golf tournament will return May 24th to Elmhurst Golf and Country Club & Pineridge Golf Club. Stay tuned for more details!

When: April 13th - 16th, 2023

Where: RBC Convention Centre

The Winnipeg Home + Garden Show is the perfect place to make immediate sales, qualify leads and fill your sales pipeline to set yourself up for success all year long.

Nowhere else can you meet face-to-face with 25,000+ qualified shoppers in only 4 days! Our exhibitors know the value of our shows and use it as an instrumental marketing tool to increase sales and drive business all year long, and you can too!

The show is already over 92% sold out! 

Secure your space TODAY.

Click Here to request more information!

Educational Breakfast Seminar

April 19th - Canad Inns Fort Garry

2023 Spring Parade of Homes Reception

April 21st - Club Regent Event Centre

Annual Golf Tournament

May 24th - Elmhurst Golf & Country Club / Pineridge Golf Club

Renovation Awards Reception

May 18th - Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre

Topic: "Any Equipment can be Hazardous"

Even the simplest tools and machines can have the potential to cause severe injuries when used or maintained improperly. Staying safe around equipment requires knowledge of what could go wrong and how to protect yourself from it.

Learn more in CSAM's toolbox talk HERE

An excavation may flood if the work is below the water table, near a watercourse bank, or exposed to adverse weather conditions. When there is risk of flooding, an emergency evacuation plan must be developed. 

View the safety alert HERE

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) has been steadily working with federal government officials in the offices of the Minister of Finance and Minister of Revenue, as well as the Canada Revenue Agency, to find a solution to the unnecessary red tape caused by the new Underused Housing Tax (UHT) that is impacting the home building industry. CHBA is actively advocating for industry to be completely excluded from UHT tax filing, but in the meantime, has secured two very important interpretations, one providing clarity and one greatly reducing the level of effort to complete the UHT tax return.

CHBA has secured clarification on what constitutes “substantially completed” as it pertains to the construction of a residential property, which was a key concern for members. Very importantly, CHBA has also successfully secured an interpretation to avoid requiring filing a taxable value (assessed or sale price, Lines 280 and 285 of UT-2900) of a property if the owner is exempt from paying any tax, which greatly minimizes the reporting burden.

For the CHBA’s full update, click here.

When: April 11th, 2023, 7:30am - 9:30am

Where: Madison Ballroom, Holiday INN Express Winnipeg Airport (1740 Ellice Ave)

Cost: $40 (+GST)

Premier Stefanson will speak about her government’s plans to grow Manitoba’s economy, including through a long-term trade infrastructure investment strategy and related priorities. Manitoba has historically and continues to rely upon trade to generate a significant portion of its GDP (currently approx. 53%). Repeat economic analyses have shown trade infrastructure investment generates significant immediate and long-term returns to the economy.

Register HERE.

Deadline to purchase tickets is April 6th at noon.

Is your company looking for talent? MCSC can help!

Beginning April 2023 MCSC will help match Residential, Commercial and Industrial needs from entry level labourers to level 4 skilled trade apprentices.

The potential hires will be pre-screened for you:

• Youth
• Indigenous
• Women
• Newcomers

MCSC will assess and categorize each individual.

For more information, contact James Murphy at jmurphy@mbcsc.com.

The Manitoba government has initiated a study to develop a functional design for PTH 101 (the North Perimeter Highway).

The goal of the study is to develop a preferred functional design for reconstructing PTH 101 to a freeway standard, and conceptual and preliminary designs of its associated structures. These may include proposed interchanges, rail grade separations and waterways crossings.

To follow-up to the stakeholder meeting that was held on February 9, please find a copy of the Phase 1 newsletter for your information HERE. This contains a link to the project website where a copy of the presentation materials from the meeting are available. 

When: May 25th & 26th

Where: RBC Convention Centre

Tickets for the Skills Symposium are now on sale! Join Skills Canada to bring together government, industry, and education to discuss important topics relating to this year’s theme, Embracing Adaptability: Navigating Change in the Skilled Trades and Technologies. Hear from experts on recruiting & retention, accessibility in the trades, sustainable building practices, and more. Check out the full agenda HERE!

What’s Included:

• Two full days of sessions
• Breakfast (each day)
• Lunch (each day)
• Networking Reception
• Access to Canada’s only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices!

Space is limited, get your tickets today HERE!

You probably use various systems for billing, scheduling and inventory. You likely handle information electronically or store them in a filing cabinet, and that means this data could be at risk – even if printed on paper. If any of your devices or documents are lost or stolen, or if your computer network is breached leading to stolen or ransomed data, business interruption or systems corruption, the consequences can be more severe than you may think.

• Small and medium sized businesses account for almost half of all Canadian cyber security incidents.
• 47% of small businesses are more concerned now about cyber attacks than before the pandemic.

While big company breaches tend to make headlines, the fact is that cyber criminals target businesses of all sizes. As you might not be familiar with invisible threats such as Cyber risks or how to be prepared, Federated Insurance cybersecurity experts have created a short video. With increased awareness and Cyber insurance, you can better protect your bottom line and reputation should a cyber attack or data breach occur.

The Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba have announced the launch of a new grant program using federal funding to help Manitoba municipalities with local and regional long-term infrastructure planning. The Municipal Capacity Building Fund is a new, application-based grant program that will help Manitoba municipalities undertake local and regional long-term infrastructure planning, such as the development of asset management plans. Funding is provided through Manitoba’s portion of the Canada Community-Building Fund, formerly called the federal Gas Tax Fund. Any grants provided under the Municipal Capacity Building Fund would be in addition to municipalities’ allocations under the Canada Community-Building Fund.

Eligible recipients for the Municipal Capacity Building Fund can be a single municipality undertaking its own project, municipalities collaborating on a joint project or a municipality sponsoring a non-municipal entity to launch a capacity-building initiative for the benefit of one or more municipalities. Municipalities can access more information about the program and the application form through Manitoba Municipalities Online at https://www.gov.mb.ca/mao/subscriber/login.aspx.

The government media release can be found here.

Manitoba Housing has released a Negotiated Request for Proposals (NRFP) for the Development of Affordable Rental or Cooperative Housing in The Pas, Manitoba is now open. Manitoba Housing has issued this NRFP seeking proposals from community partners who want to develop new, affordable rental and cooperative housing for low-to-moderate income households in The Pas. The purpose of this NRFP is to solicit proposals from qualified proponents for the development of new affordable housing. Financial Assistance from Manitoba Housing is available to help offset the capital costs of the development of new affordable housing.

Information about the NRFP, the proposal submission requirements and the application form is available on the Manitoba Housing website.

The submission deadline for the NRFP is:

Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, in Winnipeg, MB

Please note that submitting a proposal does not guarantee financial assistance. All proposals will be reviewed for funding eligibility.

Contact the NRFP Administrator for more information on this NRFP:

Housing Delivery Branch

Manitoba Housing

200-352 Donald Street

Winnipeg MB R3B 2H8

E-mail: housingprograms@gov.mb.ca

ATTN: Sandra Oberdorfer, NRFP Administrator

Mentorship Builds Careers in Construction

Having attended most of the job fairs in Winnipeg this year and years past, MCSC’s outreach team observes the industries that have had the most success at job fairs are strongly supported by key stakeholders

Winnipeg Jets owner True North considering purchase of Portage Place mall

The real estate division of True North Sports and Entertainment is considering a purchase of downtown Winnipeg's beleaguered Portage Place mall to redevelop it into a mixed-use building.

25th annual Parade of Homes highlights creativity and innovation in new home construction

The Parade of Homes that provides prospective buyers with an opportunity to see new trends in home building design, as well as in home décor.

Economic challenges in forecast

Higher interest rates mean steeper payments on mortgages and other loans

City to consider appeal on Wellington Crescent development

A city committee's decision to reject a controversial development on Wellington Crescent is being appealed.

It's not a good picture'

Manitoba performing poorly in economic indicators

Development promises vibrancy, renewal

The five-storey multi-use development at 198 Sherbrook St. expects to be completed this fall

'No cheap and cheerful allowed'

UM Properties has high hopes, standards for its housing development near university

Public largely opposes city's $30-million loan

Residents overwhelmingly opposed the City of Brandon’s proposed $30-million loan to facilitate construction of two new lift stations during a public hearing Monday evening.

Many councilors undecided ahead of public hearing

Days ahead of a second and final public hearing Monday about whether the City of Brandon should borrow $30 million to build two new lift stations in its southwest areas

Protect yourself when doing home improvements

There are some key points to remember when you are getting a “really great deal” on home renovations, especially on “cash deals” where the person doing the work is being paid “under the table”. 

Loans and grants available for home renovations

Making our homes more energy efficient has been a major focus for homeowners and for all levels of government over the past year.

Still time to check out Spring Parade of Homes

Most show homes that have been part of the Parade will remain open for viewing well after the Parade of Homes ends.

Tips to enjoy the Spring Parade of Homes

Over the past week, hundreds of people have been visiting the spectacular show homes on display in the 2023 Spring Parade of Homes

Spring Parade of Homes on Now

The 25th anniversary edition of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s Spring Parade of Homes has arrived! 

Spring Parade of Homes only a week away

Next Saturday, Manitoba's best home builders will begin a three week showcase of over 120 new show homes

Quality training never goes out of style

On February 14 and 15, the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba (CSAM) will again be hosting its annual Safety Conference at the RBC Convention Centre

Spring Parade of Homes only a month away

The Manitoba Home Builders’ Association’s Parade of Homes is the signature showcase event for Manitoba’s residential construction industry, 

Ask a Renovator at the Winnipeg Home and Renovation Show

The MHBA’s “Ask A Renovator” booth is a signature feature of this weekend’s 2023 Winnipeg Renovation Show 

Federal, provincial programs aim to help with home energy efficiency - MHBA

Increasing the energy efficiency of our homes has been a major focus for all levels of government as well as for Manitoba homeowners.

The MHBA has been asked by the City of Winnipeg’s Water Services to provide the following reminder to our members:

Before a water meter installation appointment can be scheduled, a contact phone number is required. Please provide Water Services with a phone number where you can be reached during the day, evening or weekend.

To ensure customer’s and employee’s safety during the pandemic, you will receive a phone call, approximately 1 day prior to the appointment date, to ask you questions related to COVID-19. If the City is unable to reach you at the phone number you provide, your appointment will be cancelled.

When you respond to this email with a phone number, your appointment will be scheduled.

See the latest newsletter and sign up for timely updates from the Manitoba Construction Sector Council here.

In a tight Canadian labour market, employee retention is more important now than ever. The largest barrier preventing most organizations from having better employee retention rates is an over-reliance on outdated methods and mindsets.

Learn more on how to build a successful employee retention strategy here.