The world needs what Saskatchewan produces, but producing these commodities is not enough. We must get our goods to these other countries and doing so depends on having an effective system of infrastructure.

We need the world to have confidence in our country’s trade infrastructure, but that confidence has been slipping, according to international surveys.

The Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association is bringing awareness to the importance of building and maintaining good infrastructure, which is key to our trade corridors.

A report by the Canada West Foundation titled From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy: The Path to a National Trade Infrastructure Plan for the Next Generation of Economic Growth is central to those efforts.

The report calls for moving from spending to investing in Canada’s trade infrastructure. This means moving away from putting money into “shovel ready” projects or those that are simply ready to be built.

Read the Report: Download PDF

It is moving towards planning investment in projects that are “shovel worthy” — those that will produce a maximum return on the investment made in them and can increase supply chain competitiveness. For every $1 invested in trade transportation infrastructure, the GDP boost is $1.30, often in the same year.

A coalition of five national organizations led by the Business Council of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Construction Association, the Canada West Foundation and the WCR&HCA are approaching municipal, provincial and federal governments with this report to advocate for a nation building strategy to invest in Canada’s trade corridors to enable and harness trade-based economic growth.

Here in our province, the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association has been speaking to leaders in industry, the community and government about the importance of investing in infrastructure. 

Here are some testimonials from them about why investing in infrastructure matters to them, our province, and our country.

Kelly Panteluk Construction Ltd.

Kelly Panteluk

Owner, Kelly Panteluk Construction Ltd.

SHCA unites our industry to represent common issues we, as contractors, face in the changing business environment. One of the most valuable aspects of our membership has been the opportunity to be a part of a strong lobby voice within the province. Additionally, we’ve had better access to safety and other training programs for our employees as a result of our participation in the association over the years.
David Paslawski

David Paslawski

President, ASL Paving Ltd.

The most valuable aspect of membership is the connectivity it gives our managers on keeping track of what is happening in our industry. Knowing what jobs are out for tender and the bid results are a key reason why we have kept our membership. In addition to the daily tender information, we have an opportunities to keep connected with our suppliers at SHCA functions such as golf tournaments and the annual convention.
James Bogusz

James Bogusz

President and CEO, Regina Airport Authority

“Demand for air travel is growing on a daily basis and Regina is no exception. Our airport is meeting the demand by investing in our infrastructure. This year, we are improving the major runway at Regina Airport that will allow us to grow and continue to connect to the world. A long-term commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure is what will keep the growth going in our city and our province.”
Susan Ewart

Susan Ewart

Executive Director, Saskatchewan Trucking Association

“Our province has a lot of what the world wants. Global demand for made-in-Saskatchewan products continues to grow every year. The trucking industry is responsible for delivering those products to the world and good roads make that happen. A long-term commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure is what will keep the growth going.”
Tony Playter

Tony Playter

CEO, Regina and District Chamber of Commerce

“Regina drivers may be a little frustrated now that road construction season is upon us. But having good infrastructure helps our business community operate, prosper and grow. By supporting local road builders to build and repair Regina roads, we keep those dollars in our community where everyone benefits. When our local businesses prosper, we all prosper.”
Warren Steinley

Warren Steinley

Member of Parliament, Regina Lewvan

“In Saskatchewan, we manufacture and produce what the world needs. Last year, Saskatchewan agriculture exports were the largest on record with total international sales of $18.4 billion. What we produce here has to get to market. To meet this goal, it is vital to maintain and grow our infrastructure needs. A long-term commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure is what will keep the province growing.”

What can the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association do for me?

This is a question we take very seriously. We know that as a business person you make decisions every day on where to invest your money, time and energy in order to make your business successful. This same rule applies to the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA).

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