Manitoba Premier Commits to Building New School with Local Workers

The government of Manitoba has announced plans to construct a new K-8 school in the southwest corner of Brandon, with Premier Wab Kinew emphasizing that the project will be completed by local workers. During a press conference held in Winnipeg on Tuesday, Kinew highlighted the importance of supporting the local economy, particularly in light of tariffs imposed by the United States.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to prioritize local labor in public infrastructure projects. Kinew stated that the new school is one of four educational facilities slated for construction under a recently signed Manitoba Jobs Agreement with the Manitoba Building Trades. The total cost for these four new schools is projected to exceed $200 million.

Job Creation and Local Priorities

Education Minister Tracy Schmidt announced that the agreement would generate approximately 600 well-paying, unionized jobs for Manitobans, with around 150 jobs dedicated to the Brandon project alone. The provincial government aims to ensure that local union members have the first opportunity to work on these construction projects, followed by other Manitobans and then Canadian union members.

Kinew expressed his commitment to not only creating jobs but also ensuring that workers receive adequate compensation, benefits, and a safe working environment. “This framework ensures decent pay and health and safety rules on the work site,” he said, reaffirming the focus on local talent. “The first priority is going to go to Manitoba union members.”

Future Infrastructure Projects and Community Impact

The Manitoba Jobs Agreement is the first step towards a policy that mandates all major public infrastructure projects, valued at least $50 million, to be constructed using local labor. Tanya Palson, the executive director of Manitoba Building Trades, noted that at least 10 percent of work will involve local apprentices, while 20 percent will be designated for equity-seeking groups, including Indigenous workers, women, and newcomers.

Palson described the initiative as a significant opportunity for young Manitobans, stating, “That’s thousands of hours of hands-on learning for young Manitobans creating pathways into good, paying, stable careers in the trades.” She emphasized that this agreement lays the groundwork for future projects, including those in hydro, healthcare, and transportation sectors.

Each new project will have tailored agreements that may adapt the commitments regarding specific worker percentages based on regional needs. Palson highlighted the importance of maximizing apprenticeship opportunities, particularly in areas like Westman, to better support local training programs.

Currently, two new schools are on track to be built in Brandon, including the K-8 school set to open in September 2027. A French language K-12 school will follow, scheduled to commence operations in the 2028-2029 academic year. While the latter school is not yet included in the agreement, a government spokesperson indicated that it could be added as construction approaches.

The announcement marks a pivotal moment for Manitoba’s construction landscape, aiming not only to bolster the local economy but also to provide stable employment opportunities for its residents. As Kinew and his administration focus on local initiatives, the commitment to building schools with Manitoban labor sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects across the province.