For organizations to translate their vision into reality, they need good leadership. The Manitoba Construction Sector Council has been blessed with good leaders throughout its history to drive its mission of strengthening Manitoba’s construction sector workforce. They recently added another one in Jackie Puchailo, who joined the organization as Board Chair in 2024. 

Puchailo (pictured), who hails from Gilbert Plains, MB and now lives in Winnipeg is the Human Resources Manager at E.F. Moon Construction Ltd. With a background in workplace safety and her current role in HR, Puchailo has become well-versed in the construction industry and is keenly aware of the most pressing needs for the sector. 

Why do you want to serve as MCSC chair?

I worked with the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) for almost 10 years. I initially focussed on safety, but started developing curriculum and began seeing what the industry was lacking, such as having labour shortages and needing a more inclusive and diverse work environment. I wanted to help be a solution, and I see joining the MCSC as another step in that journey of helping the Manitoba construction sector be the best that it can be. Now working in the private sector, I get an even bigger picture of what’s needed. The MCSC sees that too, and I’m excited to work collaboratively to strengthen the sector. 

What are your priorities as MCSC chair?

Our industry faces a lot of challenges, and one of those is labour shortages. That’s key for me, especially since I’m a Human Resources manager. We’re at the beginning stages of being a more diverse workplace too. I also think we lack a lot of technology. MCSC Executive Director Carol Paul already has some unique initiatives in place to change that, such as drone training. But those are all areas that I would like to see us continue to grow into.

According to Manitoba’s March 2024 BuildForce Canada Construction and Maintenance Industry Report, Manitoba’s construction industry will need to recruit about 13,100 additional workers by 2033 to keep pace with labour force growth and replace approximately 9,100 retiring workers, or 20% of the current labour force.

Within the scope of MCSC, what are some of the challenges that are most important for the industry to be mindful of?

I’m sounding like a broken record, but again I’ll point to labour shortages. I’m on a lot of committees to address workforce development, and we can’t find the people for the jobs we want to fill. The construction industry provides viable careers. Parents might be telling their kids to go into other professional careers without realizing what careers there are in construction that allow you to make a good living.  

A 2023 CBC report showed tens of thousands of unfilled construction jobs across Canada. Between June and July 2024, Statistics Canada reported that 45,000 construction jobs were lost – a 2.8 percent drop – simply due to more workers leaving than entering the industry.

Within the scope of MCSC, what are some of the opportunities that are most important for the industry to be mindful of?

That continued need for workers and professionals in our industry can be an opportunity for us to grow, and it gives workers in the sector the chance to grow too. There are so many career pathways allowing people to experiment and move where they want to go. You can start as a labourer and become a skilled labourer, an equipment operator, or move into a project manager role. 

As a female leader of a construction organization like MCSC, you’ll be seen as an advocate for women in construction. Tell us why that is a role you will embrace?

I’ve been able to look up to other women in construction, and that’s what makes me want to be a mentor to the next generation of women in the industry. I also want to help make it easier for women to come into our industry. I feel that our industry in general is very welcoming, but people may not always realize that. We have a few women who work at E.F. Moon, and we’re continuing to grow that number. The different views that we all bring to the table make us a great team. 

From your perspective, what does success for MCSC look like to you as board chair?

I’m already seeing successes in numerous areas, and one of those areas is training. Getting more training out there, working with more people, and collaborating and forming more partnerships to enhance that training are all big successes. We’re doing those things right now by bringing in programs that have worked in other provinces and piloting them here. Another marker of success is creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces in the construction industry. The upcoming Women in Trades Conference is one success in that area, and we need to keep pushing forward with those initiatives. 

Can you tell us something about yourself that may come as a surprise to most people?

I didn’t start my career in construction and wouldn’t have imagined myself here. I come from a farming background, but started my career with Workplace Safety and Health. It was only from there that I went to work with the MHCA on the safety side of things and became more involved in construction.