Mark your calendars! Here are the full list of 2024 events.
SASKATOON: May 30, 2024
Golf Tournament
Where: Dakota Dunes Resort
LUMSDEN: September 12, 2024
Golf Tournament
Where: Deer Valley
niroworld | 123rf
Mary Van Buren Announces Her Spring Departure from the Canadian Construction Association
After six successful years as the president of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA), Mary Van Buren has announced that she will be leaving the association in the spring of 2024.
As the first female president in the association’s long history, she has guided CCA into a new era that is digital first and inclusive. Her focus on modernization was critical in CCA’s ability to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, while advocating on behalf of the industry and continuing to deliver member value in the face of a global crisis.
Under her leadership, CCA has developed an expanded focus on innovation and best practices, and is currently piloting a digital contract service which will roll out in early 2024.
One of the most significant achievements of her tenure has been the review of CCA’s governance model, and the restructuring that allowed the association to be more nimble in addressing member issues. Working closely with the board of directors as well as the governance and nominating committee, Van Buren’s commitment to governance effectiveness has seen the consistent evolution of the model and led to CCA receiving aGovernance Award from the Governance Professionals of Canada in 2023.
While her impact on the association is evident, her unwavering commitment to engagement stands as the bedrock of her success at CCA. Through her steadfast dedication to collaboration, she has strengthened the relationship with CCA’s 62 partner associations and developed new strategic partnerships that have not only delivered more value to CCA’s 18,000 member firms but also elevated the profile for the national construction industry.
“The construction industry is essential to Canada’s economic success and quality of life, yet it doesn’t always get the credit it deserves,” said Van Buren. “I am so proud to have brought more attention to an industry that has such a profound impact on our country and affects positive change in our communities every day.
“To see the growth in member engagement in advocacy and the resulting effects that a strong, unified voice for the industry has, is especially rewarding. I am so fortunate to have an excellent team who are committed to advancing the industry’s interests across the services we provide.”
Brendan Nobes, chair of CCA, said, “The board of directors sincerely thanks Mary for her stewardship of the association over the last few years. Through her commitment to advancing member issues, she has raised the industry’s profile, and her legacy of leadership will be long lasting. While we are sad to see her move on, we understand she is interested in taking on new challenges and wish her all the best in this next stage of her career.”
A search process is underway with a goal of a smooth transition and continuing the positive momentum gained under Van Buren’s leadership.
Economy Moving into Next Phase
Entering upswing after seven-year slide
By Paul Martin, Martin Charlton Communications
For those who follow commodity cycles (and that is probably most of us living in Saskatchewan) we are entering the second phase of the current upswing. For example, veterans of the potash industry will tell you that we live 15-year cycles: seven up and then seven down with a short transition in between.
Sometimes called SaskaBoom 2.0, this cycle began in 2021, almost seven years to the day that the previous upturn reversed itself, pushing us into the typical seven-year slide. For those with good memories, you’ll recall that the price of both potash and oil fell off the cliff in November 2014, triggering the valley on the graph charting our progress.
However, Saskatchewan’s up cycles also tend to have two segments. The first is what I like to call the Income Statement boom – where strong commodity prices generate above-average cash flows for industry and government. It can be measured by the price of our commodities – grain, potash, oil or uranium – multiplied by the volume to derive an income or revenue figure. The price and output of primary products, such as oil and potash, are levelling out as, in the case of potash, Saskatchewan’s competitors are learning how to circumvent international sanctions spawned by the war in Eastern Europe.
The second half of the journey – and arguably the most important – is the Balance Sheet boom which we are now enjoying.
In short, this is all about investment. Capital inflows attract people, which is reflected in our recent population growth, higher levels of expertise and new commercial players. It also adds to the province’s net worth. For example, while the price of potash may go up or down and affect output, you don’t unbuild a mine once its completed, so it is a permanent addition to the overall economy regardless of how prices move. That’s the difference between an income-led boom and one sparked by investment capital.
That’s the curve we’re riding right now. Investment intentions are currently running between $10 billion and $15 billion, depending on who’s numbers you use. Either way, these are significant sums and are the catalyst for attracting further investment. A new mine or canola crush plant leads to increased demand for services and infrastructure, benefiting the entire economy.
Saskatchewan Research Council Helps Move Helium Forward
Helium liquefaction facility could help ensure the security of Canada’s health sector
By Erin Matthews, Saskatchewan Research Council
Critical minerals provide the materials needed for nearly every aspect of our day-to-day lives and are becoming increasingly important for growing a prosperous future. Canada’s recently announced Critical Minerals List highlights 31 minerals and metals that are crucial for green energy, technology, transportation and health care. Saskatchewan’s own Critical Minerals Strategy focuses on the critical minerals found in the province including potash, uranium and rare earth elements. The strategy also has a strong focus on helium, a unique addition to this list.
A colourless gas that’s lighter than air, helium is the only critical mineral that isn’t truly a mineral. It is a commodity with rising demand in a global shortage.
While gaseous helium is mostly known for its use in party balloons, it is a critical substance that rarely has a substitute in both industry and health care. When mixed with oxygen, helium can be used to help people with asthma and other respiratory ailments breathe easier. In the manufacturing industry, helium is often used as a shielding gas in arc welding and in the production of semiconductors.
When cooled down to -269 degrees Celsius, helium transforms into a liquid with superior cooling properties. Liquid helium is essential for MRI machines to function in running scans, allowing for crisp, clear images needed for diagnostics. Synchrotrons and particle colliders – like the Large Haldon Collider – require helium to maintain stable temperatures needed for experiments.
Helium is even used as a coolant in certain types of nuclear reactors.
While helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, it is one of the rarest on Earth. With Canada’s most significant helium reserves found in southwestern Saskatchewan, the province has the potential to be a leader in helium production.
Producing helium on the Canadian prairies
While helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, it is one of the rarest on Earth. With Canada’s most significant helium reserves found in southwestern Saskatchewan, the province has the potential to be a leader in helium production.
Naturally found in deposits of natural gas, helium was first discovered in Saskatchewan during hydrocarbon exploration in the 1940s. The province’s first facility for helium production was later commissioned in the early 1960s.
In 2021, the Government of Saskatchewan released their plans to grow the province’s helium industry with the goal of producing 10 per cent of the world’s helium by 2030. On behalf of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources, the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) investigated the potential of building a helium liquification hub in the province. This hub would be the first industrial-sized helium liquefaction facility in Canada and allow Saskatchewan to contribute towards ensuring the security of Canada’s health sector.
Led by SRC’s process development team – a group of client-focused chemical and electrical engineers, geologists and chemists – the study consulted stakeholders, examined the market, assessed environmental considerations and identified key infrastructure. The full report is available online.
Three scenarios for Saskatchewan’s helium liquefaction hub
The report concluded that building a helium liquefaction facility or a hub of several facilities would allow Saskatchewan to maximize the full value of this critical resource.
“A helium liquefaction plant could be instrumental in adding value to the province’s helium industry,” said Erica Emery, a senior research engineer on SRC’s process development team.
The report identified several options for expansion.
A liquefaction hub wouldn’t need to be located directly at production sites, but building a facility near to current or future sites would be ideal as transporting helium carries significant challenges. Weight restrictions limit the use of secondary highways, so designing liquefaction facilities with direct access to primary roads is key to establishing a successful helium hub.
Saskatchewan will need to ramp up production of helium to reach the goal of providing 10 per cent of global demand. SRC found that a single large-scale facility capable of liquefying 700 million cubic feet per year or 370 kilograms per hour of helium is one way to achieve this – providing the province with a liquefaction process model and an overview of challenges, potential solutions and the cost of a large-scale facility.
A mid-sized facility, capable of liquefying enough helium to reach half of the 2030 production goal was also proposed in the report. This facility would be able to liquefy 350 mmcf/y or 190kg/h of helium with a suggested location near Swift Current – the home of several historic helium wells. The nearby village of Mankota (150 km south of Swift Current) is currently home to a helium production facility.
Alternatively, SRC’s process development team offered a third option – the creation of a liquefaction hub consisting of two liquefiers that could be paired in a single location or split into two locations across Saskatchewan.
“If the province were to support two liquefiers there’s no reason they would need to be built at the same time,” said Emery. “In fact, there are many advantages to building them in a stage-gated fashion.”
The economic return of a large-scale facility was more attractive, but building two liquefiers in separate stages had several advantages for the province, including the ability to grow as the market develops and the ability to spread out capital expenditures over longer periods of time.
Providing unique support for industry and government clients
SRC’s process development team stands out from other business units across SRC with their unique ability to offer a wide range of services that tackle challenges faced by Saskatchewan’s key economic sectors.
“SRC has a long history of supporting innovation through research and technological advancement and the process development group helps our clients achieve economic and environmental solutions,” said Emery.
The group’s initial focus was on increasing the value of heavy oil by developing new processing techniques, which later expanded to biofuel, kaolin clay resources and alternative energy storage.
With over 40 years of expertise in the energy industry and decades of providing simulation and technoeconomic analyses, SRC’s process development team has the expertise needed to assist Saskatchewan’s growing helium industry.
Construction Matchmaking
New program from BuildForce Canada creates opportunities for entry-level workers and employers
By Pat Rediger
BuildForce Canada has announced a new program called Construction Career Pathways (CCP) to create more opportunities for both individuals wishing to enter the construction industry and for employers looking for entry-level workers.
“We put together a program to encourage employers to take a chance on people who have never worked in the industry. Once they get in the door, we hope that most employees will stay with their employers. This would help supplement the overall labour force,” said Bill Ferreira, executive director of BuildForce Canada.
CCP launched in April of this year and has a one-year funding commitment from the federal government. Both employers and employees can access the program on the CCP website (ccp-pcc.ca).
Ferreira says the program consists of 16-week, entry-level, paid work placements on construction sites across the country. No prior industry experience is necessary for workers, and employers can access funding to offset the onboarding these employees require.
The program targets small and medium-sized businesses (fewer than 500 employees) with a total wage subsidy of up to $2,400 per employee at the end of their work placement. There are placements available for up to 1,000 workers with half of the program intake allocated to individuals from populations that are underrepresented in the construction industry such as women; members of Black, Indigenous and racialized communities; people with disabilities; newcomers; those who identify as LGBTQ2+ and young people wanting to get work experience.
“There are benefits for both the employers and the employees,” said Ferreira. “The benefits to the company are that they get access to individuals who are keen to work in the construction industry and for workers, they get their first opportunity to work in the industry. The funding itself is designed to help offset some of the costs that the employer would face. The benefits for the individual are not only the immediate employment, but also hopefully a career that they wish to pursue in the construction industry.”
He says the program addresses two key areas that typically concern both sides: the cost of training a new employee and the lack of first-job opportunities. The program is intended to bridge that gap so the employer has a financial incentive to take a risk on a new employee.
BuildForce Canada is a national, industry-led organization that represents all sectors of Canada’s construction industry. Its mandate is to support the labour market development needs of the construction and maintenance industry. It works with key industry stakeholders, including contractors, proponents of construction, labour providers, governments and training providers to identify both demand and supply trends that will impact labour force capacity in the sector, and supports the career searches of job seekers wanting to work in the industry.
How to register
Both the employer and employee must register on the CCP site to participate in the program and answer a few basic questions. Companies provide a description of the position that they are looking to fill and individuals looking for work complete an online profile. BuildForce has partnered with Magnet, a company started by Toronto Metropolitan University, to assist with the matches.
The employer is still responsible for interviewing the employee and completing the hiring process. Once a job seeker reaches an agreement with the employer, the individual is then encouraged to take BuildForce’s online construction safety awareness course to assist with the onboarding process. At the end of the work term, BuildForce will provide the funding to the company.
Ferreira says that the program is really for entry-level positions in the construction industry and is not for Red Seal positions. Employers in heavy civil construction, residential construction and other construction sectors that don’t hire Red Seal trades now have access to a new program that addresses their specific needs. The program does not overlap with the Canadian Apprenticeship Service, although a new employee may consider entering the apprenticeship program after completing their 16-week program.
The program is a key ingredient of addressing the labour shortage the construction industry is currently experiencing, which is only expected to increase in the coming years, Ferreira said. There are estimates that one in every five construction workers are expected to retire within the next seven years, leaving a huge gap in the labour market. This issue, combined with increasing demand for new housing and infrastructure projects, will continue to put pressure on the industry to complete projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Wildfires fill Saskatchwan air, concern construction workforce
Smoke inhalation can cause short and long-term damage to workers
By Jon Waldman
One of the biggest stories of summer 2023 in Canada, if not the biggest, was the increase in wildfires that burned throughout the country.
Record numbers of fires and hectares of land burned have resulted in evacuations of cities and towns, while smoke warnings arose in areas far away from the directly affected regions. As reported by Environment Canada, Saskatchewan smoke hours (which is when visibility is reduced to 9.7 km) shattered previous records. From May 1 to Sept. 5, Saskatoon had 282 hours of smoke, with the previous high being 185 in 1981. La Ronge, meanwhile, had 802 hours, with a previous record of 165 from 2015.
Not only can this be a great concern for citizens who might otherwise enjoy a warm summer outdoors, it also increased caution for some in the heavy construction industry. Working outside in summer, where heat be overwhelming in normal conditions, is already a concern during lengthy stretches. Now, smoke and other particle inhalation is a greater risk.
“It’s more important than people realize. Wildfire smoke, especially, has several chemicals associated with it. There’s a significant respiratory risk. Even people who are otherwise healthy, on days where it’s really bad and you’re working outdoors in particularly strenuous activity, there’s potential to notice some of the effects,” said Dr. Niels Koehncke, a professor in the Department of Medicine and specialist in occupational medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.
“People who are otherwise at risk, who have pre-existing lung conditions like bronchitis and emphysema, pregnant workers, are at higher risk for exacerbation. It’s a concern in those circumstances, but on particularly bad days, people who otherwise would generally consider themselves healthy will definitely notice some effect.”
CBS News reported an example of how bad the effects can be in late June. At the time, writer Li Cohen shared information from the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States.
“The particulate matter within the smoke irritates the respiratory system, impacting the body’s ability to function even among those who are healthy, and even short-term exposure of just a few days can have serious impacts,” Cohen wrote. “‘Sensitive groups,’ including children, the elderly, pregnant people and those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular issues, are most vulnerable to these impacts.”
In Cohen’s comments, she focuses on those who come outside for recreation. For those whose livelihoods and income depend on being outdoors, there is no option to move indoors. As such, repeated exposure can be dire, especially for those with already weakened systems.
“For people with pre-existing medical conditions, they might find that wildfire smoke worsens them and that worsening can turn into a medium to long-term effect, particularly if this (the fire situation) is not going away,” Dr. Koehncke said.
Part of what makes wildfire so concerning is that its composition is not pure smoke. Instead, as Health Canada explains, it’s a complex mixture of gases, vapour and particles. Contents include ozone, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and fine particle matter (also known as PM2.5). The latter is particularly concerning.
Working outside in summer, where heat can overwhelm the human body, is already a concern during lengthy stretches. Now, smoke and other particle inhalation is a greater risk.
“There is no evidence of a safe level of exposure for most of these pollutants. This means that smoke can impact your health even at very low levels,” the government agency stated on its website. “As smoke levels increase, your health risks increase. Air quality may be decreased even if you can’t see or smell smoke.”
Another wrinkle that comes into play for the construction industry is that exposure to hazardous materials in the air is already occurring, making the environment that much more troublesome to manage for construction jobs. “They (construction workers) are often exposed to a range of respiratory hazards. Sometimes it’s a crystalline silica layer,” said Jeannette Campbell, senior occupational hygienist with WorkSafeBC. “Layered on top, you have the exposure to substances that have long-term respiratory effects,” she said. “This is the stuff we’re still trying to wrap our brains around because it’s pretty unique.”
Campbell also points out that there is a gap in staff age, and those who have worked in these conditions for longer are more susceptible to illness and other effects from long-term exposure to contaminants and smoke.
“We have an aging workforce that, in some cases, has many years of exposure to respiratory hazards that are going to potentially make them more susceptible to the smoke,” she said.
“We have an aging workforce that, in some cases, has many years of exposure to respiratory hazards that are going to potentially make them more susceptible to the smoke.”
– Jeannette Campbell, WorkSafeBC
Preparation
Arming oneself and one’s staff against wildfire smoke inhalation can be tricky. In many situations, the best defence is personal protective equipment (PPE).
PPE for breathing was a lesson learned during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, where recommendations were made to wear masks when venturing outdoors. In particular, N95-graded masks can be a defence against the elements when worn properly.
“One of the things you can do is get the N95 masks that are well fitted,” Yellowknife’s Dr. Courtney Howard, an emergency room physician, said in a CBC article. “You can tell that it fits well (because) when you breathe in, the mask kind of sucks into your face. If you can feel the air coming around the sides, then it’s not a good fit or you may need to mould it more to your face.”
However, this is the last step in the safety process. “If there are other ways to avoid that exposure, such as administrative and procedural controls, they should be considered,” Dr. Koehncke said, adding that owners and project managers should ask questions such as, “are there changes to procedures and plans for a day or two days that can minimize workers or groups of workers that are exposed to smoke?”
“People who are otherwise at risk, who have pre-existing lung conditions like bronchitis and emphysema, pregnant workers, are at higher risk for exacerbation. It’s a concern in those circumstances, but on particularly bad days, people who otherwise would generally consider themselves healthy will definitely notice some effect.”
– Dr. Niels Koehncke, University of Saskatchewan
Combating the effects of wildfire can also be accomplished through pre-emptive moves, such as developing an Exposure Control Plan (ECP). The Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC drafted a guide for its members on how to properly build an ECP, which includes:
- A statement of purpose and responsibilities
- Risk identification, assessment and control
- Education and training
- Written work procedures (when required)
- Hygiene facilities and decontamination procedures (when required)
- Health monitoring (when required)
- Documentation and annual review (when required)
“Companies have a duty to protect their workers from exposure to wildfire smoke during construction activities that take place during wildfire smoke events,” The Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC stated in the guide. “Effective controls are available to protect workers from exposure. A combination of control measures is required to achieve this objective.”
Forecasting can also help. Government organizations, in concert with meteorological groups, can aid in project planning by looking at weather patterns and results, as was the case in B.C.
“It was anticipated because last October was so dry and unseasonably warm that we were in a scenario where the soil didn’t have the moisture. So they were anticipating and we didn’t get the rains expected in June, and we have widespread drought conditions,” Campbell said. “It is anticipated that this is going to continue. The two fire weather forecasts I’ve listened to from committees I sit on were not looking at the seasonal shifts we get that bring in the rains in the fall. So, we’re in a wait-and-see scenario.”
While those conditions are still unfavourable, work has to start because of the damage incurred.
“As we move in these areas, as we move into the recovery phase, there’s still a lot burning and there will likely be additional fires,” Campbell said. “Those will now be in areas where we have construction workers going in and working.”
Another step in preparing for work in these new conditions is adapting heavy construction practices. Campbell sees preparation as being similar to dealing with higher temperatures.
“The piece is thinking of outdoor work in terms of how we manage it with heat – can we reduce the intensity with which that work is happening, can we take our breaks in cool places with clean air, using our vehicles as places of refuge,” she said. “Then we need to think of when we’re out there and in the environment of it, what those exposures are.”
In many situations, the best defence is personal protective equipment.
Recovery
The unfortunate reality is no matter how many preventative measures are taken, wildfire smoke inhalation is nearly impossible to avoid.
Thankfully, treatment for smoke-related irritation has several options. In a blog for Hearthside Medicine Family Care’s website, Havilah Brodhead, FNP, listed several techniques, including using a saline-based nasal spray and eating ginger and other anti-inflammatories.
However, the simplest solution is to drink plenty of water.
News from the Field
Premier makes cabinet changes
At the end of August, Premier Scott Moe announced a number of changes to the provincial cabinet. “The mandate of our new cabinet is to build and protect Saskatchewan – to continue building a strong economy, strong communities and strong families, and to protect all that we have built together from threats like federal intrusion and economic challenges like inflation,” said Moe.
Moose Jaw North MLA Tim McLeod enters cabinet for the first time as Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health. Prince Albert Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave re-enters cabinet as Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement.
Six ministers remain in cabinet but take on new responsibilities:
- Lori Carr becomes Minister of Highways;
- Jeremy Cockrill becomes Minister of Education;
- Dustin Duncan becomes Minister of Crown Investments Corporation and Minister responsible for all the major Crowns, including SaskPower, SaskEnergy, SaskTel, SGI and SaskWater, as well as Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission;
- Christine Tell becomes Minister of Environment;
- Paul Merriman becomes Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety and Minister responsible for the Firearms Secretariat; and
- Everett Hindley becomes Minister of Health.
- Nine ministers retain their current responsibilities:
- Donna Harpauer remains Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance;
- Jim Reiter remains Minister of Energy and Resources;
- Gordon Wyant remains Minister of Advanced Education;
- Jeremy Harrison remains Minister of Trade and Export Development, Minister of Immigration and Career Training, and Minister responsible for Innovation and Tourism Saskatchewan;
- David Marit remains Minister of Agriculture and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation, and also becomes Minister responsible for the Water Security Agency;
- Don McMorris remains Minister of Government Relations, Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission, and also becomes Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, and the Minister responsible for Workers’ Compensation Board;
- Bronwyn Eyre remains Minister of Justice and Attorney General;
- Gene Makowsky remains Minister of Social Services; and
- Laura Ross remains Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport and Minister responsible for the Status of Women and the Lotteries and Gaming Corporation.
The overall size of cabinet remains unchanged at 18, including the premier. Two members who recently announced they will not be seeking re-election in 2024 – Don Morgan and Dana Skoropad – are leaving cabinet. Morgan becomes Provincial Secretary.
“I want to thank those two members and particularly recognize Don Morgan, who along with Donna Harpauer has been in every cabinet since our government was first elected in 2007, making them the two longest-serving current ministers anywhere in Canada,” said Moe.
Major improvements on Highway 15 near Kenaston underway
A $22.7 million highway construction project is underway near Kenaston. The two-year major highway improvement project will include construction of a subgrade, widening and resurfacing on Highway 15. “The Ministry of Highways is dedicated to enhancing safety and improving key transportation corridors through continued investments,” Minister Cockrill said. “Highway 15, a high clearance corridor, offers shippers and commercial carriers an ideal opportunity to transport over-dimension loads.”
The ministry will improve more than 1,000 km of provincial highways, putting the province on track to meet the Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 km of highways over 10 years.
The Highway 15 corridor allows goods to be trucked without the need to raise or temporarily cut utility lines and other structures. The Highway 15 construction project is 22 km, which runs from 15 km east of the junction with Highway 11 to about 20 km west of the junction with Highway 2. The project will include culvert replacements and road widening work this year, which is expected to be complete this fall. Paving work will begin during the 2024 construction season. “This is a major project that will take time to complete,” Minister Cockrill said. “We appreciate the patience of drivers who slow down for safety as we work to enhance our transportation system.”
Langenburg Redi-Mix of Regina is the general contractor.
Link Developments Ltd. selected to construct Regina General Hospital parkade project
Link Developments Ltd. has been selected as the team that will construct and maintain the new Regina General Hospital (RGH) parkade with construction set to begin this fall. “This milestone is significant in addressing the challenges encountered by residents, staff and other users of the RGH parkade facility,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Joe Hargrave stated. “Our commitment remains unwavering as we strive to deliver accessible and convenient infrastructure for the benefit of all Saskatchewan residents.”
“Our government is very pleased to have a construction team in place for the new parkade at RGH,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “We have heard the concerns of staff and visitors to the hospital. This parkade will provide a safe, convenient option for parking for years to come.”
The new parkade at RGH will be built in the northwest section of the existing visitor parking lot. Link Developments’ proposed design includes a parking facility with a total of 1,005 stalls, consisting of 873 stalls in the parkade and 132 surface stalls, for a net increase of 686 parking stalls. “Ensuring a better quality of life for all Saskatchewan people remains a priority for this government and the key objectives for this project drive us closer toward this goal,” Regina Pasqua MLA Muhammad Fiaz said. “These include improving safety, accessibility and convenience for staff, patients, families and visitors at RGH.”
“The Saskatchewan Health Authority is pleased that the construction of the parkade at the RGH is moving forward,” interim vice-president, quality, safety and chief information officer of Saskatchewan Health Authority Michelle Mula said. “With safety at the forefront of our decision-making, the parkade aims to provide additional safe and accessible parking at RGH for staff, patients and visitors.”
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
$50 million passing lanes project complete on Highway 16
Major safety improvements on Highway 16 have been completed. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to commemorate completion of the final set of passing lanes which have opened near Saltcoats.
“The Yellowhead Highway is a major transportation corridor that is used to move people and goods across the province,” said Jeremy Cockrill, former Saskatchewan Minister of Highways and Infrastructure and current Minister of Education. “With the expanding canola crushing facilities in the area, there are a lot of large trucks travelling through the area and we’re taking steps to move that traffic safely and efficiently. These passing lanes allow drivers to pass slower moving vehicles safely.”
This highway safety project was a key investment in Saskatchewan’s $2 billion stimulus program during the global pandemic to help drive economic recovery. In all, 26 passing lanes and multiple intersection upgrades were constructed.
The multi-year passing lanes project extends from Clavet, east of Saskatoon, to the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border, east of Yorkton. This highway safety project was a key investment in Saskatchewan’s $2 billion stimulus program during the pandemic to help drive economic recovery. In all, 26 passing lanes and multiple intersection upgrades were constructed.
“As representatives of Saskatchewan truck transport, we are pleased to see investments in the highway network that assist the movement of trucks and most importantly ones designed to improve the safety for our professional drivers,” said Susan Ewart, president of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association. “The passing lanes and intersection enhancements will be welcome by our members.” Passing lanes are typically a minimum of two kilometres and allow drivers to pass slower moving vehicles safely.
WSA announces $500K infrastructure crossing replacement program
The Water Security Agency (WSA) is launching a new $500,000 cost-sharing pilot program that will assist rural municipalities and irrigation districts with the cost of replacing aging infrastructure. RMs and irrigation districts replacing infrastructure like bridges or culverts that cross WSA channels are eligible for 50/50 cost sharing.
“This is another great example of WSA creating partnership programs to support rural infrastructure in Saskatchewan,” the former Minister Responsible for the WSA Jeremy Cockrill, whose duties were replaced by David Marit in August, said. “As replacement costs for infrastructure continue to rise, WSA is partnering with RMs and irrigators to alleviate the financial impact of replacement, all while safeguarding provincial infrastructure and protecting our communities.”
To be eligible, bridges or culvert-style crossings must cross WSA canals or other conveyance while maintaining current flow rates. “Thanks to a grant from the WSA Infrastructure Crossing Replacement Program, an RM can not only complete a bridge or culvert project, but the money saved can be used for other critical infrastructure,” said Ray Orb, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities. There is no deadline to apply to the program, and grants will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Costs incurred through March 31, 2024, will be considered.
$26 million paving project underway in southeast Saskatchewan
The Government of Saskatchewan is ramping up repaving work this year with 230 km of improvements at key corridors around the province, including a segment of Highway 33. It is part of a plan to improve another 1,000 km of highway this season.
“Our government is in year four of the Growth Plan and we made some commitments to Saskatchewan people, including a pledge to improve 10,000 km in a decade,” former Minister of Highways and Infrastructure Jeremy Cockrill said. “Our construction crews are working all over the province making improvements to our transportation network which will improve safety and enhance key transportation corridors.”
“Our construction crews are working all over the province making improvements to our transportation network which will improve safety and enhance key transportation corridors.”
– Jeremy Cockrill
The 38-km repaving project between Fillmore and Stoughton will also include four intersection improvements on Highway 33. Construction began in July and is expected to complete in October. “Maintaining and improving rural highway infrastructure is important for the people who work, live and visit our communities,” Fillmore Reeve Russell Leguee said. “The upgrades to Highway 33 will positively contribute to the safe and reliable movement of agricultural commodities to markets domestically and globally. Ensuring connectivity between communities and providing safe and reliable roads ensures a better quality of life for people living in rural areas.”
The general contractor is Langenburg Redi-Mix of Regina.
A weekly highway construction update is published on Saskatchewan.ca to provide drivers with the latest details on projects underway to help plan safe and efficient travel.
First-Ever Industry Summit and Trade Show
Bringing together contractors, suppliers, engineers and other professionals
Saskatchewan is embracing its role of providing the world with the food, fertilizer and fuel it needs. The provincial government’s Growth Plan has numerous economic goals, and our industry has a role in ensuring a number of them are achieved.
We know that roads and highways connect our landlocked province to the world. The construction our industry undertakes helps other industries achieve their goals set by the province. For example, earthwork was necessary ahead of the development of canola crush facilities, which will increase Saskatchewan-based processing of canola grown in the province. Our industry is also working to improve roads in northern Saskatchewan, which supports doubling the size of Saskatchewan’s forestry sector.
In my role, I am advocating for deeper and more widespread recognition of how our industry contributes to the growth of the province’s economy. That recognition is coming from leaders in other sectors, and I am working with them to deliver their important perspectives on the value of investing in trade and transportation infrastructure to the people and politicians of this province.
While those other industries (such as agriculture and forestry) grow stronger, our industry is also advancing. SHCA is pleased to play a role in that advancement. While I work with leaders in those other sectors, I never lose sight of the relationships I have with members. SHCA is dedicated to representing, advocating and supporting its members and, in that spirit, I am very much looking forward to a first-of-its-kind event SHCA is developing for our industry.
You might have seen posts on social media recently about the first-ever industry summit for Saskatchewan. SHCA is excited to spearhead this event, which will bring together contractors, suppliers, engineers and other professionals to focus on infrastructure and transportation. There will be industry education sessions, an innovative trade show and networking opportunities spread over two days on Nov. 29–30, 2023, at the Delta Hotel & Convention Centre in Regina.
The complete agenda for this key event is still coming together, but I am looking forward to highlighting technological advancements within the industry through technical sessions across a broad sector of industry applications. You will have opportunities to learn more about the production and processing of materials as well as troubleshooting asphalt plants and greener ways of paving. You can expect to see virtual reality being used to both attract young people to our sector and conduct safety training.
The summit will offer personal as well as professional development opportunities. I’m excited to learn from Pamela Barnum, who will be one of our keynote speakers. She is a trust strategist and body language expert who developed her skills and insights during her years as an undercover police officer and federal prosecuting attorney. In her presentations, she teaches others how to detect deception and interpret non-verbal cues in their personal and professional lives.
As with all our events, please visit saskheavy.ca and check under the Events section of the website where we will add details about this event, including how to register. Right now, if you are interested in participating, I would be happy to hear from you about your interest. You can email me, and I’ll respond to you.
This event is just one of many activities that have me busy lately. We are also planning to make a presentation to the official opposition about our industry and its impact. Other plans are to host breakfast meetings with Deputy Ministers and senior government officials to talk about SHCA. Finally, there will soon be a launch of a series of podcasts about the work SHCA is doing on behalf of members and the people of Saskatchewan.
Before you know it, the summit will be here. Until then, I look forward to working to develop this fantastic event to bring us all together once again!
Investment Attraction and Addressing Labour Shortage Key Initiatives in Saskatchewan Throne Speech
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (SCC) welcomed many of the directions outlined in the Government of Saskatchewan’s 2023 Speech from the Throne.
“The continued expansion of Saskatchewan’s economy, and the growth in our agricultural exports is positive news for Saskatchewan businesses and residents across the province. We are very pleased to hear about progress that has been made in achieving the government’s Growth Plan goals, including population growth, private capital investment, and agri-food exports,” said Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
Ramaswamy said she is looking forward to learning more about the new Investment Attraction Strategy. Investment attraction and economic development was ranked as the fourth highest priority for government expenditures among Chamber members. More than 54 per cent of SCC members have indicated investment tax incentives would lead their businesses to invest more capital and create more jobs in Saskatchewan.
“Labour shortage is a key issue facing businesses across the province. Eighty-two per cent of SCC members have indicated moderate to significant impact on their business due to labour shortage. Saskatchewan businesses will be interested in acquiring more details about the recruitment initiatives the province will be implementing as part of Saskatchewan Jobs Plan,” she said.