by SHCA SHCA

Top of the Heap

There is a significant contrast among the banks on how Saskatchewan’s economy will perform in the coming year. A few days ago, for example, CIBC said 3.9 per cent growth was what we would see next year. Then RBC Royal Bank issued their update and they pegged our 2022 growth at 5.6 per cent.

Not only was considerably higher than the competitor’s forecast, RBC said Saskatchewan would top the list of provinces in growth next year. Then we should anticipate an expansion of a further 2.6 per cent the following year. Interestingly, this time it is RBC that was slightly lower than CIBC’s 2023 expectation.

RBC has generally been more bullish on Saskatchewan than other forecasters and, while they are predicating next year’s outlook on a return to normal crop conditions, the other indicators they focused on include capital investment.

This one was lagging over the past five or six years but recently we have seen a flurry of announcements of new construction – things like canola crushing plants, potash development and forestry plants – sparked by resurgent commodity prices.

Source: Martin Charlton Communications

by SHCA SHCA

Winter Weights Postponed

Milder weather this fall will result in the postponement of winter weight season in Saskatchewan. Typically, winter weights begin on all relevant secondary highways Nov. 16 each year and continue through mid-March. 

“In an effort to protect the province’s roads, the winter weight program has been postponed until there is adequate freezing,” said Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw. “Winter weight season allows shippers to haul heavier loads on secondary highways and cost savings for the industry.”

Freezing temperatures during winter strengthens the road and allows for additional weight to be transported on provincial highways without damaging the pavement or roadbed. Typically winter weights allow truckers to carry up to 15 to 20 per cent more payload on secondary highways than what can be carried during the warmer summer months.

Shippers using secondary weight highways benefit because it can result in fewer trips and cost savings for truckers. It allows efficient movement from secondary to primary weight highways.

Municipal roads are the responsibility of each rural municipality, who set out their own weight limits.

Commercial truckers and shippers are encouraged to check the status regularly at www.saskatchewan.ca/truckingweights. 

To find the latest road restriction orders online, visit www.saskatchewan.ca, follow @SkGovHwyHotline on Twitter and look for #skweights or call the Hotline at 511.

by SHCA SHCA

SHCA Annual Convention – Book Your Hotel Rooms

The SHCA Annual Convention is taking place April 7–8, 2022, at the Delta Hotels Bessborough in Saskatoon.

SHCA members are encouraged to book their room at the Delta Hotels Bessborough as soon as possible; SHCA has secured a special room rate of $154 per night.

Members need to book their room before March 7, 2022.

Book your group rate for Annual Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Convention

by SHCA SHCA

Meet in Maui

Save the date!

The Road Builders of the West are heading back to Maui and you’re invited! The Meet in Maui 2022 Conference will be taking place at the Wailea Beach Resort in Maui, Hawaii, Feb. 6–10, 2022. 

Registration will be opening soon. Click here for more information about the Meet in Maui conference!

by SHCA SHCA

Jobs, Jobs Everywhere

You don’t have to look very far in the business community to find organizations and leaders willing to share their frustrations with filling jobs. Identifying talent and hiring are probably the biggest issues businesses are facing these days. And it seems widespread, not restricted to one or two sectors.

And now we have some numbers that support the feeling of frustration and identify which industries are facing the steepest climb in securing personnel.

StatsCan has updated its payroll and vacancy numbers. The latest are for August. It shows employers are paying workers more money and there are nearly 30,000 more people with a job than a year earlier. But even higher wages are not enough to fill the gaps in payroll numbers.

There were 20,000 vacant jobs in Saskatchewan in August – about 4 per cent of the overall workforce.

Source: Martin Charlton Communications

by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Network Sees Huge Positive Response to Rapid Tests

This week, 18 chambers of commerce in Saskatchewan and several businesses began distributing rapid tests for individuals across the province.

“The response has been amazing. In Swift Current, they ran out of kits within 45 minutes and people are thrilled to finally have access to these important tools to aid in the fight against COVID-19. […] People have been expressing how appreciative they are to have access,” said Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

The 18 local chambers of commerce and the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce will be distributing rapid tests over the next few weeks as supply and demand require. Additionally, 10 Canalta Hotels and the Market Mall in Saskatoon have also agreed to distribute kits.

Rapid tests will be given to households to help curb infection. The chambers are providing the distribution service at no cost to the province or residents and have based their current hours on anticipated supplies.

Hours may change in upcoming weeks depending on test availability. Chambers are only one avenue the provincial government and the Saskatchewan Health Authority are using to distribute the tests, with other community agencies stepping in to help across the province.

For more information on distribution hours and locations, visit: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information/rapid-testing