Electrical Contractors Association of Manitoba

ECAM Advocacy

ECAM is leading the advancement of Manitoba's electrical industry. ECAM collaborates with government officials, community committees and industry partners in shaping our future. ECAM contributes to legislative and regulatory frameworks, policy development and industry resources that create new standards and industry best practice.

ECAM identifies the issues impacting our members and champions change.

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ECAM Advocates for Amendments to the Manitoba Jobs Agreement

The Manitoba Jobs Agreement (MJA) is a provincial policy framework initiative announced in Budget 2025. The agreement was formalized by the Manitoba government and Manitoba Building Trades this past September. The agreement standardizes labor conditions on major public infrastructure projects. Government has signaled that publicly funded projects with a value of $50 million will be considered for application of the MJA. The agreement sets a preferential regime, consistent fully burdened labour rates, and equity-hiring targets. Following the Provincial Governments announcement of the MJA, ECAM requested industry consultation; highlighting, ECAM members construct and maintain essential systems and specialized operations within Manitoba's vertical infrastructure employing 14 (combined with MCAM) critical construction trades. Authentic engagement and consultation with our diverse memberships is essential. ECAM has ongoing dialogue and engagement with Government and department staff, addressing both operational and political concerns. ECAM has made progress for our contractors and will continue to advocate for industry priorities. Watch for the latest ECAM MJA updates and government resources posted here, ECAM social media, newsletter communications, board meeting highlights and general email.

MJA Update 1
MJA Update 2
MJA Update 3
MJA Update 4
MJA Update 5

Prompt Payment

ECAM has advocated for a Manitoba Prompt Payment Regime since 2012. Collaborating with industry partners, ECAM joined the Manitoba Prompt payment collation (MBPP) in 2017. A coalition of 32 trade associations and unions, MBPP worked with government to legislate a Prompt Payment Regime for the Manitoba Construction Community.

ECAM Executive Director, Ramona Coey, and ECAM member Brad Mason (ServcoCanada) led MBPP as committee co-chairs. Through diligence and collaboration with government and industry partners, Bill 38, the Modernization of the Builders' Liens Act (Prompt Payment) received Royal assent, May 2023.

Ramona and Brad were appointed to the Manitoba Builders' Liens Modernization Advisory Council serving as industry advisors in the development of the regulations. Government Officials have indicated they are hopeful the regulations will be in place and the Act proclaimed in the second quarter of 2025.

The Construction Industry Wage Act

The Construction Industry Wage Act (CIWA) provides for a minimum wage schedule for the ICI Construction Industry. All Skilled trades covered under the CIWA Wage Schedule, working on a Manitoba job site must be paid at minimum the wage according to the schedule.

The Wage Schedule, last updated in 2021, had not received an update in 5 years. The Minister in charge created an industry advisory panel to provide recommendations. The advisory panel took into consideration inflationary increases over this 5-year period recommending Increases and implementation dates that when received by Industry, were controversial. ECAM did not have representation on the 2021 advisory panel.

With the last schedule increase taking effect April 2024; Minister of Labour and Immigration; Honourable Malaya Marcelino communicated government's intent to review and update the Minimum Wage Schedule. In a letter to William Gardner, Chair of the Manitoba Employers Council; Minister Marcelino requested the MEC provide employer nominations to sit on an advisory panel reflecting the diversity of the industry.

In a unanimous vote a Joint ECAM & MCAM Committee nominated Shawn Henry of Wescan to represent the interest of both MCAM and ECAM. Wescan operates both electrical and mechanical divisions, employs both union and non-union skilled tradespeople and works across the spectrum of ICI sectors.

Shawn's nomination was successful, and the advisory panel is due to begin their work August - September 2024. Shawn will continue to consult with a joint ECAM & MCAM committee throughout deliberations:

Provincial Election 2023

In consultation with the ECAM membership, ECAM collaborated with MCAM, establishing key priorities of Manitoba's two largest trade contracting groups. Issues of legislative and regulatory advancement, industry best practice, economic development, industry capacity, industry engagement and representation were formalized.