I am very pleased to attest to the valued relationship the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA), which represents the heavy construction industry in Manitoba, has enjoyed with the Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC) since its founding.

We have had the benefit of partnering with MCSC since its inception as a founding member on a wide variety of projects which cover a broad spectrum of industry need and interest. Those include but are not limited to: serving as a lead liaison with, to and for the Indigenous communities and offering education, training and employment opportunities; developing curriculum in a variety of heavy civil related education streams; offering education and training to students interested in heavy construction careers in Thompson, and the development of heavy equipment operating training and certification to name but a few.

As the above list, albeit incomplete, demonstrates, that the MCSC mandate which includes identifying gaps in education and training; filling those gaps by developing curriculum, content and standards; partnering in or facilitating delivery, demonstrates why MCSC is regarded as the 'go to' entity for educational and training partnerships for our industry.

I believe that our partnership with MCSC has had a positive impact on both our industry and our emerging workforce. We look forward to continuing and furthering that relationship.

As a founding partner, Manitoba Building Trades (MBT) values the years of excelleng work by the Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC). Unlike most industries, workforce development is a different challenge for the construction sector. While each stakeholder plays a role in recruiting, training and retaining skilled workers in the industry, the apprenticeship system and the cyclical nature of work for individual firms and the industry as a whole calls for a unique collaborative approach to workforce development.

MCSC has played an important role in promoting careers in the construction trades. That exposure and countless sessions with students across Manitoba, has made it possible for many young Manitobans to choose a construction career. The economic contribution of these professional programs would be difficult to quantify but undoubtedly significant. For MBT, MCSC has allowed us to work with other industry stakeholders to address our common interests.

On behalf of our afflicted union partners and over 8,000 skilled trades and construction professionals, we congratulate MCSC on a successful decade and extend our thanks to staff and Board members who have contributed their time and commitment to our industry. MBT looks forward to working with MCSC for many years to come.

On behalf of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association (MHBA) Board of Directors and all our members, congratulations to the Manitoba Construction Sector Council on your 10th anniversary! As a funding member of the MCSC, we support and truly appreciate the tremendous work the staff at the MCSC does on behalf of Manitoba's residential construction industry. The work the MCSC does in promoting career opportunities within our sector and providing educational programming right across Manitoba has a significant benefit to our industry. We are very proud of the dedicated team at MCSC!

Congratulations to everyone at the Manitoba Construction Sector Council on your 10th anniversary and we wish you continued success for many, many years to come!

I've been a member for a very short period of time and can already see the momentum that the council has gained. The initiatives that are being created are establishing a long term plan that affectively trains willing candidates in a vast variety of interesting careers.

The council has clearly understood the message that employment opportunities don't always look the same and not everyone falls in the same categories which has created a buzz that the normal every day jobs has changed. Now careers are being made and candidates have found a new way to learn and work while creating a tremendous amount of self-worth and pride in themselves and the communities they're from.

It's an exciting time to be part of this much needed program that's evolving to meet the needs of workers and companies alike working and thriving throughout the province.

With the continuous and evolving projects and career opportunities, the amount of hard work the board has put in is evident.

Promotion of careers in construction is the primary objective of the Manitoba Construction Sector Council. The MCSC attempts to do this collaboratively with other players in the industry in order to ensure the widest exposure for the industry both demographically and geographically.