FEATURE
GENERAL CONTRACTOR &
RESTORATION SERVICES
525 Stephens Ave.
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 4A3
OFFICE (204) 857-5871
FAX (204) 239-1205
ellwoodm@ellwoodmcrorie.ca
www.ellwoodmcrorie.ca
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770 Highland Ave. Brandon, MB 204-729-8989 www.aats.ca
Carla Milne, CARM president
Q: How long have you been working for MNP LLP?
A: I’m going on to my 20th year with MNP LLP, starting as a
chartered accountant student in 2002, and being nominated as
partner in 2016. I work closely with our clients as a business advisor,
helping them achieve their business goals through insights
and strategies to strengthen their financial position.
Q: How long have you been working with
businesses in the construction industry?
A: MNP has made it a priority to specialize in a variety of industry
sectors. I welcomed the opportunity to work in the real estate
and construction client group in 2012, when a fellow partner
relocated to another province. I soon became fascinated by the
industry and enjoyed applying my skill set to work with the talented
entrepreneurs who were experiencing challenges as well as
opportunities in our growing community.
Q: What have been some of the highlights during your
time working with firms in the construction industry?
A: For me, the main highlight is the people I get to work with.
There are some very dynamic leaders in this industry, from the
CEO’s of large companies to project managers and business
owner/operators of a variety of small businesses. These leaders
get the importance of relationships at a level not many understand.
People who work in this industry support each other, offer
mentorship and take great pride in their work. They are good
people and I have learned a lot from so many of them.
When I walked into my first CARM board meeting, I only
knew a few of the directors. Now, I can honestly say there are not
many in the industry I have not had the privilege to meet and I am
thankful for that.
Q: What has your experience as a woman working
with the construction industry been like? What
changes have you seen over the years?
A: As I have mentioned, a main highlight for me is the people in
this industry. They have always been very supportive of welcoming
diversity. The leaders in this industry understand that different
viewpoints add depth to any situation. It makes me proud knowing
they recognize having women in leadership positions is good
for business.
Has it always been like that? No. But certainly during my
involvement with the construction industry, this has not been too
large a hurdle to climb.
Q: What do you think the construction
industry could do to encourage more women
to pursue careers in construction?
A: There can always be more done in evolving an industry. That
is what makes things exciting and innovating – never accept the
status quo!
The numbers of women in construction continue to grow, particularly
in the past decade, which is great. Some major trends in
the construction industry include the increased use of construction
management software, robotics and green technology. All
of these trends require innovative, forward-thinking individuals
looking for a fast-moving pace.
The trades and technology programs offered by colleges in
Manitoba have been doing an amazing job of seeking out talent.
I think by having female instructors, this is a great example to
women in the industry. I have a fairly intimate knowledge of this,
as I am also an executive director of the board of governors for
Assiniboine Community College (ACC). I know that most preemployment
trades programs at ACC are almost always full.
There’s also been journeywomen added to ACC faculty in heavyduty
construction and carpentry.
Q: What are your thoughts on yourself and
Natasha being elected to the positions of
president and vice-president of CARM?
A: Great to see females in these positions. Better late than never!
All kidding aside, I am thrilled and honoured to have been
given this opportunity. The association and its members can be
assured I will not take this position lightly. I have always been very
passionate about my work and that drive will continue with this
journey. I’m looking forward to working so closely with Natasha;
we are going to work well together.
The great part of where CARM is right now is that we have
a very strong executive and general board. My role is to work
with our team, to provide focus and help prioritize our association’s
efforts to achieve the greatest results for our members. This
involves having our talented team contributing in the areas that
showcase their strengths.
18 | Issue 1 2020 www.carm.ca
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