RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:Update from Muskowekwan
MFN signs deal with Winnipeg Construction Firm The Muskowekwan First Nation (MFN) is always trying to broaden its economic opportunities by signing agreements that will lead to self-sufficiency and advantages to move forward. The MFN and a leader in the heavy construction industry, Hugh Munro Construction Ltd of Winnipeg have signed a Joint Venture Agreement in late 2014. Hugh Munro has been in existence for more than 50 years and has worked in Manitoba, northwestern Ontario, and Saskatchewan. The business specializes in aggregate production, earthmoving, fibre optic cable installation, rockworks, and site specific works. The firm has worked with many Aboriginal groups over the years including First Nations, Metis Associations, and Tribal Councils. The philosophy of the construction firm is to provide our Aboriginal partners with true ownership in the construction opportunities that we participate with in their regions. The commitment of Hugh Munro Construction (HMC) is to maximize Aboriginal ownership share in a project through utilization of labour, equipment and local resources on a priority basis. The role of Hugh Munro is to supplement what is needed to successfully complete the work. Hugh Munro Construction offers First Nations mutually beneficial business opportunities on negotiated contracts. The first priority for HMC is to guarantee the First Nation a profit regardless of project outcome on the negotiated work. The second priority for HMC is to work with First Nations on capacity building and knowledge transfer through either classroom and/or hands-on training for positions such as foremen, project managers, safety operators, speciality labour, and superintendents. HMC uses a business model of priority hiring for the workforce of the First Nation, equipment, and local materials where they are available. Owing a wide range of heavy equipment, the HMC fleet has a wide range of heavy equipment such as dozers, end and belly dump trailers, excavators, graders, loaders, mobile crushing equipment with cones and screens, rock drills, rock trucks, scrapers, and tandems. Over the next year, the MFN Chief and Council will be considering how they can use their partnership with Hugh Munro Construction to move ahead and utilize this partnership and create economic and employment opportunities for the First Nation and its members.