Greetings to the membership,
As I prepare this article, we’re seeing a light dusting of snow with a few centimetres predicted. Likely not enough to get much equipment moving, but I know many of our members are well prepared and ready to roll once the snow truly starts falling and we see some meaningful accumulations.
Last week, 2nd Vice President Jordan Brown and I had the opportunity to attend the Deputy Ministers’ Event hosted annually by the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce. This gathering provides a valuable chance to meet, greet, and discuss important issues with the various departmental representatives in attendance.
Our time was well spent. We met with Jeremy Ackerstream, Deputy Minister of Justice. Mr. Ackerstream has served in this role under both the previous and current governments, which is extremely beneficial as he is already familiar with our ongoing need to see changes to the Occupiers’ Liability Act. I spent a good hour in meaningful discussion with him, detailing the specific amendments required and outlining how the current legislation creates hardships and unnecessary delays for property owners, contractors, and insurers alike. As it stands, this legislation primarily benefits the legal community—and that needs to change.
After reviewing several key components of both existing and proposed legislation, we reached a clear mutual understanding of the need to bring these amendments forward in an upcoming legislative session.
On behalf of the association and your Executive, we are working diligently to finalize the required letters of support, prepare accurate legislative text, and establish the critical timelines needed so that when we meet with the Minister soon, we are fully prepared to move this forward.
I want to thank all of you for your support, participation, and kind words over the past year. It has been both challenging and rewarding working with the membership, the Executive, and our administration. I wish you all the very best in 2026. Enjoy the season, and please take a moment to reach out to a senior or someone shut in during the holidays—let’s share the best of the season and wish good health and happiness to all in the new year. Please remember have fun and take a cab or have a designated driver if you plan to indulge!
Best Regards
Bruce Henley, Stakeholder relations Manager
