Supporting Manitobans in the Transition to a Sustainable, Low-Carbon Economy
2022 Manitoba Budget Submission
Supporting Manitobans in the Transition to a Sustainable, Low-Carbon Economy
On January 31st, 2022, HRAI made a budget submission to the Manitoba Government outlining recommendations that support innovation and educational opportunities that assist in transitioning the workforce to a low-carbon economy. HRAI believes the following recommendations will support the government in its quest to leverage its Made-in-Manitoba Plan, while ensuring small and medium business owners are able to create high-quality jobs across Manitoba.
The key submission points made are as follows:
- HOME AND BUILDING RETROFIT PROGRAM: CREATING JOBS, REDUCING ENERGY COSTS, REDUCING CARBON
HRAI recommends that the Government of Manitoba work with the federal government to invest in an incentive program for home and building owners, managers and businesses to invest in retrofits of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems to create meaningful jobs, improve energy performance (lowering energy costs) and reduce GHG emissions from the homes and buildings.
- IMPROVING INDOOR AIR QUALITY
In the wake of several waves of COVID, and with the prospect of COVID-19 becoming an endemic disease, HRAI requests that the Government of Manitoba:
a) Work with the HVACR industry and relevant building science and health experts to establish a professional workforce in Manitoba capable of identifying and addressing indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in homes and buildings, with a view to minimizing health risks and creating healthy indoor environments. Relying on guidance from existing authorities (e.g. ASHRAE) this initiative would include professional standards, identification of testing equipping and setting standards for training and certification of IAQ professionals.
b) Work with the HVACR industry to develop and implement a communications program that seeks to educate Manitobans about the health benefits of investing in improved indoor air quality (IAQ), relying on proven technologies and practices.
3) HVACR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
HRAI recommends that the Government of Manitoba commit $2 million to support an HVACR workforce development plan that ensures an adequate supply of appropriately qualified industry personnel to meet the emerging needs resulting from the shift to a low carbon economy.
4) ENFORCEMENT OF TRADE CERTIFICATIONS
HRAI recommends that the Government of Manitoba significantly increase expenditures by Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services on effective enforcement of trade licenses in the province.
For the full Budget Submission please go here. HRAI is eager to work closely with Manitoba members and stakeholders. Contact us on how you can get involved with HRAI and help shape the direction of the association.
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