Province launches first Manitoba Jobs Agreement and looks to build four new schools

The Manitoba government is launching its first Manitoba Jobs Agreement, starting with the construction of four new schools.

The deal looks to set standards for wages and training, while making sure Manitoba workers are first in line.

Premier Wab Kinew says the deal with Manitoba Building Trades will ensure Manitoba workers are prioritized on major projects, starting with new kindergarten to Grade 8 schools in Winnipeg’s Devonshire Park and Prairie Pointe neighbourhoods, West St. Paul’s Meadowlands, and southwest Brandon.

“When you, as a taxpayer, spend money and invest in a new school or new hospital, do you want that money going to Trump’s America, out of province, or out of country, or do you prefer what we do, and that’s to invest in people who are here in Manitoba?” said Premier Kinew.

The policy will apply to large public projects over $50 million, setting standards for wages, benefits, and working conditions, while also including apprenticeship targets to grow the workforce.

“It’s an investment in the highest standard of construction and safety, and truly an investment in the future well-being of our province with the opportunities it will provide young people,” said Kevin Rebeck, the president of the Manitoba Federation of Labour.

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Manitoba Building Trades says the agreement is a win for workers and the industry, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to a high standard, while supporting local jobs.

“We have hundreds of union members who are on our out-of-work list that we would love to send to these major projects. We have even more out of province, so we are going to bring them home, and the 10 per cent apprenticeship hours will make sure that we are not building projects without training the next group,” said Tanya Palson, the executive director of the Manitoba Building Trades.

The government says this is just the first step in applying the new policy across future infrastructure projects.