Respecting the safety of workers building and maintaining Saskatchewan roads means following the posted speed limits in construction zones.
Shantel Lipp, president of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association, partnered with SGI’s Tyler McMurchy and Staff Sgt. Patrick Barbar of the Saskatoon Police Service to remind drivers of that in a recent video.
They explain what happens in a construction zone, why that requires slower driving as well as how their organizations collaborate to encourage and enforce safe driving on roads built by members of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association.
SHCA members, please share the video across your social networks to get the word out!
Brandt announces plan to create 1,000-plus new jobs
The Brandt Group of Companies recently announced plans to make a major investment in staffing and will hire more than 1,000 new employees by the end of 2021. The new positions will span the Regina-based company’s 100+ location international network, focusing on roles in Canada and the USA.
“There’s no question that our people are the foundation of our success. In spite of some challenging times for the global economy, an incredible team effort has enabled us to sustain our business and weather the storm successfully,” said Shaun Semple, Brandt Group of Companies CEO. “Looking ahead, the growth trend for Brandt is strong, so the timing is ideal to make a major investment in our team.”
In the past 10 years, Brandt has expanded their employee base by 140 per cent to more than 3,400, with the pace of growth continuing to accelerate steadily. The newly announced hiring initiative will see the company’s workforce grow by 30 per cent overall with the largest individual gains occurring in the company’s Regina, Saskatoon and Hudson, Ill. locations. Half of these hires will occur in the company›s Saskatchewan locations with 40 per cent more spread out across Canada and the balance in the USA.
The new hires will bolster Brandt’s existing operations in industries from construction, forestry and agriculture to rail, mining and steel. The positions will include skilled trades, sales, finance, marketing, customer support, IT and more as the company expands its support team to meet the needs of a rapidly growing customer base.
“As life begins to return to normal and we look ahead to economic recovery, this is very exciting news for workers and their families,” said Scott Moe, Saskatchewan Premier. “Saskatchewan has what the world needs, and Brandt’s success is a testament to the resiliency of our province’s industries in some of the most challenging global economic times.”
Interested applicants can view a current listing of the company’s career opportunities and apply online at www.brandtjobs.com.
“Saskatchewan has what the world needs, and Brandt’s success is a testament to the resiliency of our province’s industries in some of the most challenging global economic times.”
Scott Moe, Saskatchewan Premier
Focus on passing lanes saving lives in Saskatchewan
Work is progressing on a number of new passing lane projects as part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s plan to construct 30 sets of passing lanes over the next two years. This builds on the 27 sets constructed in the last four years.
Construction is currently underway on two sets of passing lanes on Highway 2 north of Prince Albert and the last of 13 sets of passing lanes on Highway 39 between Milestone and the U.S. border. All are expected to be complete by late fall of 2021.
“Safety is the primary concern of the Ministry of Highways,” said Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw. “Passing lanes have proven a reliable way to improve safety on a number of highways, with plenty more to come.”
The 2020 Fall Tender Plan and the 2021 Spring Tender Plan include passing lane projects on:
Highway 3 west of Prince Albert;
Highway 5 east of Saskatoon;
Highway 7 west of Kindersley;
Highway 12 north of Martensville;
Highway 14 west of Saskatoon to Asquith;
Highway 16 west of Yorkton to Springside; and
Highway 16 east of Clavet to Highway 6 junction.
Passing lanes are typically a minimum two kilometres in length and are strategically designed to allow vehicles to safely pass slow moving vehicles and heavy trucks such as semi-trailer units. Studies have shown passing lanes can reduce collisions by as much as 25 per cent. Highway 10, the province’s first major passing lanes pilot project, has seen 75 per cent fewer fatal accidents from before the project to five years after its completion.
“The passing lanes have ensured there are far fewer vehicle accidents, fatal crashes and injuries, allowing for safer travel and reduced emotional impacts on first responders who arrive at crash scenes,” said Balgonie Volunteer Fire Department chief Dave Campbell. “Combined with the reduced travel time, the passing lanes have been a significant benefit to local residents and visitors alike.”
The Government of Saskatchewan will be improving more than 1,350 km of provincial highways this year, the second of its 10-year Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 km of highways. With this year’s projects, the province is ahead of the pace needed to meet this target. There will be $300 million in additional highways stimulus funds that will be invested over several years in thin-membrane surface upgrades, passing lanes and improvements to municipal roads and airports.
The Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $10.6 billion in highways infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 17,100 km of Saskatchewan highways.
Saskatchewan opens up access to rapid antigen tests
According to the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the best way to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated. Photo: milkos/123RF
Rapid antigen tests may now be used by Saskatchewan businesses and individuals to help screen people who do not show COVID-19 symptoms. The province has amended The Medical Laboratory Licensing Regulations, 1995 so that a formal agreement is no longer required between those who use rapid antigen tests and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
“Our government is committed to improving access to health care services for people across the province, and providing the necessary tools to address the pandemic,” said Health Minister Paul Merriman. “This step means that businesses and individuals can easily procure and use these tests, helping asymptomatic people who have COVID-19 receive testing and treatment more quickly. Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself and those around you is to get vaccinated.”
Rapid antigen tests are not a diagnostic test, but are used to screen asymptomatic people for COVID-19. Health officials strongly recommend that people who receive a positive test result immediately self-isolate and call 811 for further instructions, such as scheduling a confirmatory test through a SHA testing centre.
“The SHA’s Test to Protect program is an important element of a multi-layered approach that we have added to our pandemic response along with vaccination,” said SHA testing chief Carrie Dornstauder. “The Test to Protect community rapid antigen testing program provides workplaces with early detection of COVID-19, ensuring a strong and healthy workplace and workforce through outbreak prevention.”
Large national businesses that operate in Saskatchewan and wish to use the tests can request them through the federal government’s online business portal at .
Small and medium-sized enterprises within Saskatchewan can apply for rapid tests from the SHA by submitting an Intake Form available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19 (search for Rapid Testing). Tests will be provided for workplace screening as supplies allow, however Saskatchewan’s federal allocation of rapid antigen tests will be prioritized for health care professionals and priority settings such as long-term care facilities, personal care homes, schools, group homes and shelters.
The general public will be able to purchase the tests from retailers who wish to offer them. Check first to ensure the tests are Health Canada-approved by viewing the list at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/medical-devices/authorized/list.html.
General information on rapid antigen testing is available at 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.
New Construction Codes Act coming to Saskatchewan
blaze986/123RF
The Government of Saskatchewan recently passed The Construction Codes Act (Bill 4) in the Legislative Assembly. The new Act will allow better alignment between construction codes and accessibility standards, including how they are applied to buildings, ensuring people with disabilities can better access and use buildings in Saskatchewan.
The new Construction Codes Act (CCA) repeals and replaces The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act and will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, and will continue to oversee how construction standards are developed, adopted and implemented in the province. The CCA also modernizes the powers and responsibilities for building owners, local authorities, building officials and the construction industry.
“I thank those municipalities and industry stakeholders who provided input into this process resulting in this new legislation,” said Don McMorris, Government Relations Minister. “By improving the roles and responsibilities of each group, the new act will allow the Government of Saskatchewan and these groups to protect citizens from unsafe renovations and construction practices, promote building accessibility and ensure consistent application of construction codes across our province.”
Key changes in the CCA that will impact stakeholders include:
Local authorities can register an interest on a building title for unresolved building official orders. This will allow potential purchasers to make an informed decision about a building before buying it.
Local authorities have the choice to develop their own building bylaws or use a default building bylaw to be prescribed in regulation.
Allows for regional co-operation between local authorities to administer and enforce construction standards across multiple jurisdictions.
Local authorities can request the Ministry of Government Relations to assist them during a province-wide or local emergency by appointing officials, issuing building permits and authorizing building renovations as necessary to support the emergency response.
The Minister of Government Relations can make binding interpretations on construction codes to address Saskatchewan-specific concerns.
This new legislation also supports the reduction of government red tape, as identified in Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan.
“The CCA allows Saskatchewan’s Construction Standards Appeal Board to make binding pre-rulings to individual buildings when the code is being interpreted differently between the building owner, local authority, designer and contractor,” said McMorris. “This will help designers and builders obtain design decisions in a timely manner and ensure they are in compliance with Saskatchewan’s legislative requirements.”
Saskatchewan Polytechnic continues to demonstrate leadership in providing culturally inclusive learning environments and opportunities. The Indigenous Leadership Skills Applied Certificate will share valuable Indigenous leadership approaches towards maintaining resiliency and building leadership capacity.
Situated on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories, and homeland of the Métis people, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is acting on its strategic plan for 2020–2025, Leading the Rise, by holistically integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, being, teaching and learning throughout all institutional practices, procedures and services. The launch of the Indigenous Leadership Skills applied certificate is part of this work.
“Customized programs, like the Indigenous Leadership Skills program, allow for increased participation through workplaces as professional development opportunities.”
– Paul Carter, dean for the School of Continuing Education
“To prepare learners for success in the communities and economies of today and in the future, the new Indigenous Leadership Skills program builds business leadership skills based on Indigenous ways of knowing. This specialized, unique program examines historical and contemporary models of Indigenous business, entrepreneurship and economic development,” said Dr. Larry Rosia, Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO.
“At the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario, we see the Indigenous Leadership Skills program as a vital piece in the efforts to engage Indigenous people into careers in the skilled trades. A sense of understanding of our own Indigenous history, culture, stories and resilience is crucial to empowering the individual in their career journey,” said Danny Deleary, Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario, community engagement coordinator. Indigenous Leadership Skills is an applied certificate designed to be leveraged by industry to broaden specialized, culturally relevant leadership skills within their workforce or by individuals preparing for their next career move or entrepreneurial venture.
Using real life case studies focused on exceptional Indigenous leaders, in an interactive format with fellow learners and instructors, the applied certificate is entirely online to maximize accessibility and flexibility for industry and learners. The program includes eight courses that will take about 240 hours to complete. Six of the courses explore standard leadership skills, while two delve deeper into traditional Indigenous leadership and approaches to business-building. Course materials and teaching methods align with Indigenous values, providing a safe, culturally relevant environment for learning.
“Customized programs, like the Indigenous Leadership Skills program, allow for increased participation through workplaces as professional development opportunities. They also provide opportunity for lifelong learning through relevant curriculum which can be successfully completed in a shorter period of time,” said Paul Carter, dean for the School of Continuing Education.
Slow down to keep Saskatchewan highways safe
modfos/123RF
With construction season in full swing, the Government of Saskatchewan is reminding motorists to keep an eye out for construction zones on provincial highways.
“We view everything through the lens of safety at the Ministry of Highways, making sure that our work crews and contractors have a plan in place to keep every job site as safe as possible,” said Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw. “We need drivers to remember they have a role to play as well: plan your route ahead of time, pay close attention and slow down for everyone’s safety.”
Drivers must obey all signs and flag persons in work zones and slow to 60 km/hr. In some cases, work zones have temporary speed reductions left in place when workers are not present. This is often due to potential hazards present, such as lane closures, loose gravel, fresh oil and sharp pavement drop-offs.
“When the pandemic hit, our members continued to work safely building the province’s vital transportation corridors and also stimulating the local economy of many small towns that lost their tourism revenues,” said Shantel Lipp, president of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association. “Now that the province is reopening, we ask drivers to respect those mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters and brothers while they resume their summer.
Our members work to keep you safe while you travel to your next destination, so please obey the signs, don’t speed and pay attention to your surroundings while inside our workplace.”
Speed fines are tripled in Saskatchewan when workers are present. Fines start at $210 and increase by $3 for every km/hr over the speed limit, up to a speed of 90 km/hr, and $6 for every km/hr over 90. A driver who speeds through a work zone at 100 km/hr will be issued a fine of $450, plus a victim surcharge of $80, for a total of $530.
Following a vote of the membership, Municipalities of Saskatchewan will be transitioning back to the name Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA).
“As a member-focused association, our members will always have the final say on important decisions,” said Mayor Rodger Hayward, president of Municipalities of Saskatchewan. “We respect the decision that has been reached through an open and transparent membership vote.”
The membership vote was held electronically from June 1 to June 3. As per the association’s bylaws, each municipality was afforded a number of voting delegates based on population, to vote on their municipality’s behalf.
In total, 364 votes were cast. Ninety municipal representatives voted in favour of the organization changing its name to Municipalities of Saskatchewan, and 274 were opposed. Of the association’s 12 regions, two of the regions were in favour of proceeding with the name change. Given the importance of the vote, the Board of Directors set the threshold for success of the rebranding as a supermajority, with 60 per cent of participating voting delegates needing to vote in favour, as well as a simple majority in at least seven of the association’s 12 regions.
To ensure impartiality, voting was conducted electronically by Data On The Spot.
“No matter our name, our values and principles remain the same,” said Hayward. “We continue to represent the interests of Saskatchewan’s hometowns – the cities, towns, villages, resort villages and northern municipalities that more than 80 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population call home.”
The transition back to SUMA will begin taking place over the coming weeks.
Rapid antigen tests may now be used by Saskatchewan businesses and individuals to help screen people who do not show COVID-19 symptoms.
The province has amended The Medical Laboratory Licensing Regulations, 1995 so that a formal agreement is no longer required between those who use rapid antigen tests and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
“Our government is committed to improving access to health care services for people across the province, and providing the necessary tools to address the pandemic,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said. “This step means that businesses and individuals can easily procure and use these tests, helping asymptomatic people who have COVID-19 receive testing and treatment more quickly. Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself and those around you is to get vaccinated.”
Rapid antigen tests are not a diagnostic test, but are used to screen asymptomatic people for COVID-19. Health officials strongly recommend that people who receive a positive test result immediately self-isolate and call 811 for further instructions, such as scheduling a confirmatory test through a SHA testing centre.
“The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Test to Protect program is an important element of a multi-layered approach that we have added to our pandemic response along with vaccination,” SHA Testing Chief Carrie Dornstauder, said. “The Test to Protect community rapid antigen testing program provides workplaces with early detection of COVID-19 ensuring a strong and healthy workplace and workforce through outbreak prevention.”
Large national businesses that operate in Saskatchewan and wish to use the tests can request them through the federal government’s online business portal at https://health.canada.ca/en/rapid-tests.
Small and medium-sized enterprises within Saskatchewan can apply for rapid tests from the SHA by submitting an Intake Form available at www.Saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 (search for Rapid Testing). Tests will be provided for workplace screening as supplies allow, however Saskatchewan’s federal allocation of rapid antigen tests will be prioritized for health care professionals and priority settings such as long-term care facilities, personal care homes, schools, group homes and shelters.
General information on rapid antigen testing is available at 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.
Industry consultation with SHCA members helped Southeast College develop a program that will benefit all heavy construction stakeholders in the province.
Featuring Chris O’Grady, construction manager at Aecon Transportation West
1. Where are you from?
Fort McMurray, Alberta
2. How did you get your start in the heavy construction industry and/or who do you credit to getting you where you are today?
My first job in the heavy construction industry was with AEC Pipelines as a labourer at the pump houses. I would have to credit my dad on exposing me to construction and all the heavy equipment in the oilsands, such as draglines and 797 haul trucks.
3. What is your career history?
Following high school, I enrolled into the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), where I received my civil engineering technologist diploma. I then worked for Thurber Engineering in Calgary as a lab technician and then Fort McMurray as a project technologist. In 2005, I enrolled into the University of Saskatchewan College of Engineering. During the summer while attending university, I worked for Terracon in Fort McMurray constructing heavy haul roads and pipeline corridors in Syncrude’s north and aurora mines. Since graduating from university, I have worked for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways, Tetra Tech Canada Inc. and Aecon Transportation West Ltd.
4. What’s the best piece of business or career advice you have or have been given?
During my final stint as a summer student in the oilsands, the construction foreman wished me well in my final year of engineering and told me that once I graduate, don’t let the ring on my finger cut off the circulation to my head.
5. What’s your favourite thing about Saskatchewan and working in the industry?
Since moving to Saskatchewan 15 years ago, it’s always been the people. The down-to-earth nature and hospitality of the people in the province has always made me feel like this is where I want to call home. I’ve always enjoyed that our industry in the province is like a community, where for the most part everyone knows one another.
6. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Fishing on a quiet lake.
7. Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to play a musical instrument.
8. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Recent funding change by Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board puts those benefits at risk
Safe and healthy workplaces matter to industry. Saskatchewan is fortunate to have seven safety associations dedicated to preventing workplace injuries in this province by developing and delivering industry-focused training.
A recent change implemented by the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) undermines industries’ opportunity to shape and ensure the training and support their dedicated safety associations develop and deliver.
“We are encouraging our members and stakeholders to engage with the decision-makers to let them know how these changes will negatively impact our industry,” said Shantel Lipp, president of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA). “There is too much at risk to not speak out and defend the safety associations that deliver the training that keeps Saskatchewan workers safe.”
At the beginning of 2021, a new funding agreement was introduced by the WCB. The new agreement makes safety associations accountable to WCB rather than the industries funding them. That is a radical change to the nature and purpose of safety associations in Saskatchewan as well as the role of the WCB.
“The best people to train our industry on safety are those who come from the front lines because they know what is best for the worker,” said Lipp. “If the changes go forward, we risk losing this and the industry as a whole loses.”
Industry has not been provided any evidence that WCB appropriately analyzed the new funding agreement before it was implemented. However, there is data from the WCB showing that these safety associations have made a difference and that their work is reducing injury rates in their industries.
Background
How industry-focused safety training is funded in Saskatchewan
All seven provincial safety associations in the province are funded by industry. They are:
Energy Safety Canada, Saskatchewan Petroleum Industry Safety Association
Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan
Motor Safety Association
Safety Association of Saskatchewan Manufacturers
Saskatchewan Association for Safe Workplaces in Health
Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association
Service Hospitality
Safety associations focus on the needs of the industries that organized, sponsored and fund them. Funds for the safety associations are collected from employers by WCB. Those funds are then distributed to safety associations through grants from WCB, which acts as a fund administrator.
Industry funds these safety associations because those in industry are most qualified to identify current hazards in their workplaces that could lead to injuries. They are also able to distinguish what is best practice for employers in their industry to implement to prevent injuries.
Safety associations develop and deliver that practical and relevant training, advice and support by engaging industry members. This ensures that emerging issues that could cause injuries are quickly pinpointed and addressed to keep more workers and workplaces safe and healthy.
Safety associations also engage one another to improve the training being developed and delivered in the province. They collaborate to develop standards for training and trainers as well as course material that elevates their effectiveness. One example of this is associations’ work to develop fall protection training in Saskatchewan, which is needed in numerous industries.
According to the WCB, the total injury rates for industries with safety associations have decreased from 5.46 per cent in 2016 to 4.74 per cent in 2020.
How industry holds safety associations accountable for funds intended for safety training
For the last 25 years, safety associations have operated successfully as independent cooperatives. These safety associations are not-for-profit organizations and are governed by boards made up of workers and employers.
Board members approve strategic plans and budget, as well as associated grant requests. They oversee operational activities, evaluate the effectiveness of the association’s programs and initiatives and are 100 per cent accountable to their association’s membership.
How WCB is separating industry from Saskatchewan’s safety associations
Under the new funding agreement:
WCB requires safety associations, when requesting funding, to provide details about initiatives and staff positions that go far beyond what is provided to a board or CEO.
WCB assumes the power to approve and deny portions of a safety association’s funding request. This means WCB, rather than industry, will determine the safety associations’ individual strategies, initiatives, activities and more.
WCB is proposing it has the power to audit safety associations. These audits would be done at the expense of the safety association if WCB felt the association was not complying with the funding agreement. WCB has not yet established criteria for reasonable cause to audit.
WCB will monitor and evaluate safety associations’ reporting requirements, meaning WCB wants the power to manage the activities of the safety associations throughout the year.
This new funding agreement means WCB – rather than industry boards – would now:
Approve and manage the budgets of safety associations
Approve the strategic plans of safety associations
Approve and manage the operational plans of safety associations
Evaluate the effectiveness of all programs and the association
The risks of this new funding agreement to Saskatchewan workplaces
Administrative costs will increase – for safety associations and WCB – due to the new reporting requirements.
Industry could no longer have a direct impact on the training and support developed and delivered through safety associations.
Most important is workplace safety and injury prevention. The likelihood that the risk to workers will be reduced and workplace safety will improve under this new funding agreement is unknown.
It is uncertain how quickly or adequately safety risks due to emerging issues can be addressed by safety associations in the future. This is because funding is uncertain. WCB assuming authority to approve or deny funding a safety association’s individual strategies, initiatives or activities means safety association staff can only work at the speed of WCB, which impacts their productivity and responsiveness.
This raises the possibility that injury rates –which have gone down through the work of safety associations – could rise in Saskatchewan.
What industry expects of WCB
The WCB needs to be reminded that its authority, as it relates to safety associations, comes from legislation (The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013).
Funding requests need to be approved in their entirety. WCB oversight should focus on ensuring industry funds are used for injury prevention and that boards of safety associations are representative of industry.
The WCB Board of Directors needs to direct the administration of WCB through motion and/or policy to withdraw this funding agreement implemented in 2021 in its entirety.
A cost/benefit analysis should be undertaken as well as a comprehensive impact analysis before any new funding agreement is implemented. A negotiator should be appointed to facilitate a new funding agreement. The agreement should balance the interests of all stakeholders and industry should be appropriately consulted.
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce released the results of its survey on the province’s July target to remove all remaining COVID-19 restrictions. Members of the Saskatchewan business community shared their input on topics such as the timeliness of restrictions being lifted, how their business will respond, whether or not their business will recover to pre-pandemic levels and plans for returning employees to the workplace. The survey was conducted through InputSask, a Saskatchewan business-focused input community that provides timely and accurate insight into the key issues affecting Saskatchewan businesses.
Key highlights: (bulleted list, for some reason Word is not letting me add bullets here)
49% of respondents believe July 11 is an appropriate date to lift all restrictions, 24% think it is too early, 16% think it is too late, and 12% are unsure.
70% of respondents plan to continue enforcing either all or some COVID-19 protocols (i.e., physical distancing, mask wearing, sanitizing, etc.) after restrictions are lifted.
68% of respondents feel their business is fully prepared for all restrictions to be lifted.
47% of respondents expect their business to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels in 2021, 25% do not expect to recover, and 21% are “unsure.”
“As the provincial chamber of commerce, it’s important we continually engage with and listen to the voices of the Saskatchewan business community, especially now that we are welcoming more employees back to the workplace and restrictions are soon being lifted,” said Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve McLellan. “It’s no secret that many businesses have been impacted significantly by the pandemic and it’s going to take some time until things return to normal.”
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce strongly encourages all Saskatchewan businesses and residents to continue using all tools available like getting fully vaccinated, social distancing and rapid testing to ensure that we can finish the race to recovery and enjoy a safe summer together.
Read this op-ed by Warren Steinley, MP for Regina-Lewvan, in the Post Millennial
Western Canadians deserve respect and a secure future – Canada’s Conservatives recently announced that they are committed to implementing the proposed changes to the Fiscal Stabilization Program and ensuring the provinces that have given more than their fair share during some of the most difficult times are compensated.
