Vote for a government that supports skilled trades

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/04/2016 (3460 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Tuesday is election day in Manitoba. There has been considerable rhetoric back and forth concerning which party will deliver what. All that is left to do now is to cast your vote for whichever candidate, leader or party you think is best fit to lead this province for the next four years.

However, there are so many election issues being presented it is difficult to focus on the few that matter most to you. Here are some more to consider.

The Business Council of Manitoba, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Manitoba, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association and the Manitoba Home Builders Association have combined efforts to create seven key pillars for each party to address in support of growing Manitoba’s economy. One of those pillars is a commitment to attracting, educating, training and retaining a skilled, responsive workforce.

It is no secret that despite our increasing population, we are a negative net migration province in relation to other provinces. That essentially means that more people leave Manitoba for other Canadian provinces than come here from elsewhere in the country. When those that depart are young, skilled members of the construction industry, that hurts. We already have a shortage of skilled tradespeople, and we can’t afford to lose what we have to neighbouring provinces.

Not only does that loss hurt us immediately, but these people can represent a long-term loss — one that might extend for 40 years; one that might result in a mentor never working with young Manitoba workers; one that may result in a new business never getting started.

Developing in a skilled trade is one of the fastest ways to eventually become your own boss with your own crew in your own business. However, in order to succeed in the trades, you need an education and discipline. Unfortunately, Manitoba students suffer from some of the worst math scores in Canada (would you hire a carpenter that can’t measure and add?) and lowest high school graduation rates.

Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter

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This has to change. We need to do better if we hope to grow our economy. If our goal is simply to increase numbers by doing what we’ve been doing for decades, then mediocrity becomes acceptable. We need to aim to be the best. We need to do things differently, to change and evolve.

Building is both an art and a science. There is considerable work to do in order to get and stay on top. Maintaining the traditional approach to educating and training in construction skilled trades will not serve us well in the future.

When you vote on Tuesday, vote for a government that will create a climate that will allow existing businesses to grow and thrive. Vote for a government that will attract new business. Vote for the future of Manitoba.

Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association