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by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Invests $248,000 Toward Women in Trades

Asian young teen happy worker checking stock in shipping port work manage import export cargo containers.

At the end of March, the Government of Saskatchewan announced a partnership with Women Building Futures to support the Journey to Trades pre-employment program that will provide women with the skills they need to start their careers in the construction trades and embark on apprenticeship.

“This investment in skills training will further support Saskatchewan’s Labour Market Strategy by ensuring residents have every opportunity to benefit from the jobs our rapidly growing economy is creating,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “This partnership with Women Building Futures will provide the opportunity for women to gain first-hand experience in the skilled trades and take advantage of the in-demand jobs being created in the construction and maintenance industries.”  

The Ministry of Immigration and Career Training is investing $248,000 into the Journey to Trades program, which will support 18 participants over the next year. The program takes place in Regina and will run for 12 weeks. Students will take part in classroom learning and receive hands-on skills development that will enable them to gain employment in entry level positions. 

“At Women Building Futures, we recognize the need to eliminate barriers for women and under-represented groups, so they can get into resilient careers that pay higher than a living wage,” Women Building Futures President and CEO Carol Moen said. “We help them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed and then connect our graduates with industry partners who nurture safe, equitable workplaces for women. With this investment, we are excited to grow our impact in Saskatchewan, supporting more unemployed and underemployed women on their paths to economic security.”

The Journey to Trades program will be delivered through Women Building Futures, an organization that empowers women to explore careers by providing training and supports. This collaboration provides women in the skilled trades with skills training and work experience.

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by SHCA SHCA

WCB Releases 2023 Provincial Workplace Injury Statistics

The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) released the 2023 provincial workplace injury statistics in mid-March. The total injury rate for 2023 was 3.95 per 100 workers, an almost nine per cent decrease from 2022. From 2009 to 2023, the WCB’s Total injury rate has decreased by 57.62 per cent. The 2023 Total injury rate is the lowest in the province’s recorded history. 

“Through the WorkSafe Saskatchewan partnership with the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, as a province, we are on the right track as we see our total and Time Loss injury rates continue to come down,” said Gord Dobrowolsky, chair of the WCB. “This is thanks to the combined efforts of workers, employers, our safety associations, safety leaders across the province and labour, including the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour and the Saskatchewan Building Trades. But even one injury is too many, so there is still much to do to ensure that every worker in Saskatchewan is able to come home safely at the end of the day.” 

For the fourth year in a row, 90 per cent of Saskatchewan workplaces had zero fatalities and zero injuries last year. In addition to the total injury rate decrease in 2023, the Time Loss injury rate also dropped to 1.78 per 100 workers. This represents a decrease of 12.75 per cent from the 2022 rate of 2.04 per 100 workers. 

“An almost 13 per cent decrease in the Time Loss injury rate is certainly significant for 2023,” said WCB CEO Phillip Germain. “While we are moving in a positive direction, we all need to continue prioritizing workplace safety to drive our rates even lower.” 

Saskatchewan’s Time Loss injury rate is fourth among Canadian provinces. 

“We believe every workplace incident is preventable, and serious injuries represent approximately 11 to 14 per cent of our total claims,” said Germain. “Serious injuries account for more than 80 per cent of our claim costs in the province’s compensation system each year. We will not rest until Saskatchewan records no workplace fatalities and the lowest serious injury rate in Canada. We believe we are on the right track to get there.” 

Last year, WorkSafe Saskatchewan, a partnership between the WCB and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, launched the 2023-2028 Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy. Building on the success of the first strategy, this document lays out a new approach to fatalities and serious injuries in Saskatchewan’s workplaces. The strategy is a multi-year plan that uses customer feedback and engagement, as well as claim and injury data. It outlines two key streams of work from the WCB and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety to reduce serious injuries and fatalities – a regulatory and enforcement stream, and a prevention and learning stream. 

“The WorkSafe Saskatchewan partnership is committed to continuing to bring our injury and fatalities rates down and keeping all workers safe on the job,” said Germain. 

In 2023: 

  • Total claims accepted decreased by 6.80 per cent to 16,143 from 17,321 in 2022. The total number of workers covered increased to 409,158 in 2023 from 400,392 the previous year. 
  • Accepted No Time Loss claims decreased to 8,870 in 2023 from 9,156 in 2022. 
  • Accepted Time Loss claims (excluding current-year fatalities) decreased to 7,256 from 8,148 in 2022. 

There were 29 workplace fatalities in 2023 compared to 39 in 2022. This is a decrease of 25.64 per cent. These deaths occurred in a variety of Saskatchewan industries. Of the 29 fatalities in 2023, 10 fatalities were due to occupational disease (five of which resulted from exposure to asbestos)), and nine fatalities were due to motor vehicle collisions. The remaining 10 fatalities resulted from medical complications due to workplace injuries, and from heart attacks and traumatic events. 

“Each of these fatalities represent spouses, children, families, workplaces and communities who have been tragically impacted by these losses,” said Dobrowolsky. “We need to remember the 29 workers in our province who lost their lives because of a work-related injury last year. To honour their memories, we all must intensify our efforts to make every workplace safe from injuries and fatalities.” 

Learn more about the strategy at worksafesask.ca/fatalities-and-serious-injuries.

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by SHCA SHCA

Province Unveils Saskatchewan Investment Attraction Strategy

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On March 11, 2024, the Government of Saskatchewan released Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. The strategy is Saskatchewan’s roadmap to increasing investment in the province and further advancing Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan goal of $16 billion in private capital investment annually. 

“The new strategy builds on Saskatchewan’s many advantages as the best place to invest in the nation,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “This will lead to more opportunities for local, national and international investors, while solidifying our province as a nation leader in private capital investment. We have seen significant investments in this province over the past several years and this strategy will help build on that momentum. This will create jobs and grow our economy for a brighter future that benefits all Saskatchewan residents.”

Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased by nearly 25 per cent in 2023 and is expected to lead the nation with an increase of 14.4 per cent in 2024. The strategy is built on the Saskatchewan Advantage, which includes a competitive business environment, low tax and utility rates, a transparent and predictable regulatory environment, a strong suite of incentives and a network of nine international offices that connect Saskatchewan to the world. 

“Saskatchewan’s world class resource base, highly skilled talent pipeline and stable and supportive regulatory and investment environment, all gave BHP the confidence to make the largest single investment in the company’s history right here in Saskatchewan,” BHP Potash Asset President Karina Gistelinck said. “Our Jansen potash mine will deliver responsibly produced Canadian potash to the world. We are proud to support the ongoing economic growth of Saskatchewan and applaud the province for their commitment to advancing growth and prosperity in a responsible manner.”

The strategy focuses on three key pillars:

  • Build – creating opportunities in new and emerging sectors to drive investment and diversify the economy;
  • Grow – leveraging previous successes and capitalizing on existing strengths in Saskatchewan’s key sectors; and
  • Connect – connecting the world to Saskatchewan to ensure the province remains a secure, reliable supplier of goods and services.

As part of the strategy, the provincial government launched a new website, investSK.ca, which will serve as a gateway to the province for international business and investors. It provides an overview of the major economic sectors and the world-class investment opportunities in Saskatchewan. 

“Saskatchewan’s newly announced Investment Attraction Strategy strikes the right balance between supporting our established industries and encouraging innovation,” Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Prabha Ramaswamy said. “We look forward to showing the world what our province has to offer and welcoming new partners both in Canada and abroad.”

To continue to be the best place in the world to invest, the Government of Saskatchewan is announcing the following new, expanded or improved incentives. The new Saskatchewan Critical Minerals Innovation Incentive will support innovation commercialization projects that target emerging critical minerals including helium, lithium, rare earth elements, copper, zinc, magnesium, nickel, gallium, and aluminum through a 25 per cent transferable royalty/freehold production tax credit.

The new Critical Minerals Processing Investment Incentive will support the development of critical mineral processing in the province, establishing Saskatchewan as a rare earth elements hub. The program will provide a 15 per cent transferable royalty/freehold production tax credit to support the development of processing facilities for 10 emerging critical minerals in Saskatchewan. The new Multi-lateral Well Program will provide an incentive to help jumpstart use of this new more sustainable drilling technology. 

The expanded Saskatchewan Technology Start-up Incentive is a non-refundable 45 per cent tax credit to individuals, corporations and venture capital firms that invest in eligible technology startups. This program will see a doubling of its annual tax credit cap from $3.5 million to $7 million and expanded eligibility to include clean technology. Two successful existing incentives are being extended for five more years to 2029, the Oil and Gas Processing Investment Incentive and the Saskatchewan Petroleum Innovation Incentive. 

These new and expanded programs will complement existing successful programs such as the Saskatchewan Value-Added Agriculture Incentive, the Manufacturing and Processing Investment Tax Credit and others. For the full strategy, to see the new website and to learn more about the Saskatchewan Advantage, visit investSK.ca.

by SHCA SHCA

The Canadian Construction Association Welcomes Francis Roy as Chair for Upcoming 2024-26 Term

Story #4: The Canadian Construction Association Welcomes Francis Roy as Chair for Upcoming 2024-26 Term

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) announced that Francis Roy has been appointed Chair of the 2024-26 Board of Directors. Roy succeeds outgoing Board Chair, Brendan Nobes, who led the association for two years, advancing strategic partnerships and national advocacy. 

A 30-year veteran of the industry, Roy is president and CEO of Groupe Humaco companies, considered a vital employer in the Quebec construction industry.

Roy began his career in 1994 as an estimator and project manager at Les Gypses Promark Québec Inc. Having gained experience and a passion for the construction industry, he soon took on the position of vice president and general manager at ITR Drywall Inc.

Today, Roy oversees the activities of his companies at Groupe Humaco Inc., including several branches such as drywall, general contracting, real estate development and construction technologies. With more than 200 projects annually, Groupe Humaco deploys expertise and high-quality standards to build complex large-scale projects, from hospital centres and high-rise office buildings to public service complexes and multi-residential buildings.

The architectural technology graduate is active in several industry associations. He has been a dedicated member of CCA’s Board of Directors and served as past-Chair of the Association de la Construction du Quebec (ACQ).

In his address to members at CCA’s Annual General Meeting, Roy articulated his focus for the association over the next year. 

“My primary goal will be to support a healthy environment where communication is encouraged and valued so that everyone can contribute meaningfully to the achievement of our association’s strategic objectives,” he said. “I firmly believe in the power of collaboration, engagement, and innovation.”

Joining Roy on CCA’s 2024-25 Board of Directors are:

  • Trevor Doucette (Vice-Chair), senior director, operations, Synergy Group of Companies (Alta.)
  • David Bowcott, managing director and co-leader, NFP Construction & Infrastructure (Ont.)
  • Derek Brown, project manager, Cahill Group (N.L.)
  • Charles Caza, executive vice president and chief legal officer, Bird Construction (Ont.)
  • Nicole Chabot, vice president, L. Chabot Enterprises Ltd (Man.)
  • Steve Drummond, president, Capilano Highway Services Company (B.C.)
  • Frank Faieta, national vice president, Surety Risk Management, Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company (Ont.)
  • Wayne Ferguson, senior vice president and area manager, EllisDon Corporation (Ont.)
  • Eric Gaulin, vice president, Operations Building – Ontario, EBC (Que.)
  • Peter Grose, president and CEO, Westland Construction (Man.)
  • Quentin Huillery, chief operating officer, Ledcor (Alta.)
  • John Mollenhauer, president and CEO, Toronto Construction Association (Ont.)
  • Christina O’Donnell, vice president and general counsel, Black & McDonald (Ont.)
  • Cory Richter, president and CEO, Quorex Construction (Sask.)
  • Sam Sanderson, general manager, Construction Association of P.E.I. (P.E.I.)
  • Amber Sandhu, regional underwriting officer, national accounts surety, Travelers Canada (Ont.)
  • Brad Scott, vice president, finance, Basin Contracting Limited (N.S.)
  • Ajay Sharma, project development engineer, GeoStabilization International (Alta.)
  • Rick Wagner, president, Maxwell Floors Ltd. (B.C.)
Story #3: Premier Unveils the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy
by SHCA SHCA

Premier Unveils the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy

On March 4, 2024, Premier Scott Moe launched Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, which outlines how the province will ensure Saskatchewan people benefit from the jobs our economy is creating, and that Saskatchewan employers have access to the workforce needed to succeed.

“A strong labour force drives healthy economies and successful communities,” Moe said. “The Labour Market Strategy is our roadmap to secure a labour force that keeps pace with growing demands and opportunities of our economy. Through strategic investments that align Saskatchewan’s work force with the needs of industry, we are ensuring that investment into our province is supported, and that growth translates into a better quality of life for Saskatchewan people.”

The Labour Market Strategy Focuses on three main pillars: 

  • Preparing Saskatchewan People for Jobs
  • Recognizing Skills in Saskatchewan
  • International Recruitment

Through these pillars, the Strategy outlines how the province is preparing people for both current and emerging jobs in Saskatchewan and aligning training opportunities in post-secondary institutions to the needs of industry. This ensures employers have the steady supply of the skilled labour employees they need, while also providing job seekers the opportunity to train for in-demand and available jobs. The Strategy also includes targeted programing designed to increase Indigenous engagement in the workforce and increase opportunities for persons with disabilities to find employment. 

Additionally, the Strategy ensures newcomers to Saskatchewan can work in the field in which they trained. Saskatchewan is taking steps to remove red tape to more efficiently recognize credentials obtained outside of the province and will provide one-on-one support to individuals who need help navigating the credential recognition process for their occupation. 

When employers experience vacancies in the local workforce they need, the Strategy provides a framework for employers to expand their workforce through international recruitment by using the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program. Newcomers enrich our province and play an important role by filling in-demand jobs across the province. 

The Labour Market Strategy highlights how government is addressing emerging labour needs in various growing sectors such as energy, mining and minerals, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology to build Saskatchewan’s future. 

“The Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC) are proud to support the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, sharing a common mission to cultivate, advocate, and collaborate for the growth of the agricultural manufacturing industry in Canada,” AMC President Donna Boyd said. “Recognizing the pivotal role of a robust labour force in fostering healthy economies and communities, our strategic investments and Careers in Ag initiative mirror the province’s commitment to aligning the workforce with industry needs. AMC echoes the strategy’s inclusive approach, supporting initiatives to increase Indigenous engagement and enhance opportunities for persons with disabilities. We stand united in reducing barriers and fostering an environment where newcomers to the agricultural manufacturing sector can contribute their skills, enriching our industry.”

Read Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy here.

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Story #2: Construction Industry Condemns Environment Minister’s Lack of Support for Canada’s Road Infrastructure
by SHCA SHCA

Construction Industry Condemns Environment Minister’s Lack of Support for Canada’s Road Infrastructure

Canada’s construction industry is demanding clarity from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on future investment in new road infrastructure after comments made in February by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.

While Guilbeault explained that support to provinces for maintenance will continue, he also said existing road infrastructure “is perfectly adequate to respond to the needs we have.”

Canada is dealing with an acute housing crisis. The government is asking our industry to build 5.8 million new homes but is overlooking the investment needed to support these homes and communities.

A report by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities estimates that it will require $107,000 in public investments per new housing unit. This amounts to a total of $620 billion in public funding needed – an additional $375 billion beyond the current planned budget.

“These new communities need new roads. People need to be connected to their jobs, their schools, and their hospitals,” said Mary Van Buren, president of the Canadian Construction Association. “A growing population has growing demands. We not only need the road networks to support their movement; we also need to shore up our trade infrastructure, which includes roads, bridges and highways.”

Canada has been under-investing in trade-enabling infrastructure for 15 years, as evidenced by the drop from 10th to 32nd in terms of the World Economic Forum’s global trade infrastructure ranking. Without continued investment in critical infrastructure, as recommended by the National Supply Chain Task Force, including trade-enabling infrastructure, Canada will fail to harness trade with its international partners for its economic success.

Canada needs the federal government to partner with industry and work with municipal and provincial governments to build a strong foundation for a stronger country.

For more information, read CCA’s recommendations to government in advance of its 2024 Federal Budget.

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by SHCA SHCA

Funding Road Infrastructure Projects in Canada

Industry groups across Saskatchewan wrote a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding recent statements made by the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the funding of road infrastructure projects in Canada. As we know, our province’s economy heavily relies on a robust network of roads. The statements made by the minister and the federal government have left many in Saskatchewan feeling uncertain about the future of road construction funding.

Read the letter
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by SHCA SHCA

Government of Saskatchewan Signs Contract with PCL Construction Management Inc. to Construct the New Prince Albert Victoria Hospital

The Prince Albert Victoria Hospital project continues to progress with the award of the design-build agreement to PCL Construction Management Inc. (PCL). The value of the construction contract is $898 million and is inclusive of the Design and Early Works agreement awarded through a public procurement to PCL in December 2022.

The Victoria Hospital agreement includes design and construction of a new acute care tower connected to, and directly north of the existing facility. The new tower features a heliport on the roof, an expanded emergency department, larger operating rooms, pediatrics, maternity, NICU, new medical imaging, and a First Nations and Métis Cultural space, among other key services. Overall capacity at Victoria Hospital, between the new tower and existing facility, will increase 40 per cent, from 173 to 242 beds.

“The Victoria Hospital project is a significant investment in Prince Albert and surrounding area and will go a long way to accommodate the growing needs of the northern communities it serves,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “I want to personally express my sincere gratitude to Boreal Healthcare Foundation for their continued efforts and support to help make this project a reality.”

Boreal Healthcare Foundation’s valuable philanthropic partnership on this project will have a lasting impact on the wellbeing of the community. Their significant contribution toward the furniture, fixtures and equipment needs for the hospital will elevate the care provided by staff and physicians, resulting in better patient outcomes. The addition of MRI and a second CT scanner will improve access and allow for highly complex diagnostics to occur closer to home for residents in northern communities. 

“I am proud that our government is getting this project done and that it is the largest single investment, private or government, in the history of Prince Albert,” SaskBuild and Procurement Minister and MLA for Prince Albert Carleton Joe Hargrave said. “This hospital will bring expanded and state of the art service to Prince Albert and the North and will benefit all of Saskatchewan upon completion.”

“It is so exciting to see this much needed project for Prince Albert and all of Saskatchewan moving forward, I want to specifically thank the Prince Albert Grand Council for their partnership in getting us to where we are today,” MLA for Prince Albert Northcote Alana Ross said. “This new hospital will be in the heart of the community I represent, and it brings me pride to know that our government is making the investments needed for Prince Albert and the North to grow.”

Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) is working with the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) on designing the cultural space that will be central to the new main entrance. PCL will engage with local and Indigenous vendors to deliver services for the construction.

“Residents in Prince Albert and throughout the North will benefit from enhanced care that is available closer to home, made possible by the expansion of the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital,” Saskatchewan Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Andrew Will said. “This important project provides the opportunity for the SHA to deliver expanded services for Northern residents in key areas, including intensive care, medical imaging, adult mental health treatment, and children’s and maternal services.”

PCL and the SHA will work to ensure minimal disruption to staff and visitors to the hospital during construction and renovation phases. Patient care is not expected to be impacted. 

The design build agreement includes an option to retain services for phased future renovations to the existing facility.

“On behalf of PCL Construction and the extended Design Build team, we would like to express how proud and excited we are to deliver the Victoria Hospital project for the Prince Albert, Northern Saskatchewan and Indigenous communities that this hospital serves,” PCL District Manager Mike Staines said.

Site preparation/early works included construction of a new parking lot, which will be paved this spring. Construction on the new tower is expected to begin in spring 2024 with anticipated completion in 2028.

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by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan’s Housing Starts Up 62 Per Cent Over Last Year While Ranking Third in the Nation in Building Investment Growth

According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan continues to see remarkable growth with housing starts increasing by 62.1 per cent over the last year. Saskatchewan also saw impressive figures in building construction investment as the province is third in the nation from December 2023, compared to December 2022.

“This growth does not just happen on its own,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “It is a reflection of an economic climate where individuals and businesses are confident making long-term investments based on a stable and reliable regulatory regime coupled with confidence in our provinces steady growth trajectory. This continued surge in building construction highlights Saskatchewan’s strong economy, fostering opportunities for individuals, investors and communities.”

In December 2023, compared to December 2022, investment in building construction increased by 13.9 per cent (seasonally adjusted) which ranked third best among the provinces.

These numbers show the continuous growth of Saskatchewan’s economy. Recently, the total value of building permits in the province reached $249 million in November 2023 (seasonally adjusted). This is an 83.9 per cent increase from November 2022, and the highest increase in all of Canada. Saskatchewan also experienced notable month to month growth, showing an increase of 19.3 per cent compared to October 2023.