Group photo in front of Westridge Construction Carpentry Workshop
by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Westridge Construction partnership lays foundation for success

Group photo in front of Westridge Construction Carpentry Workshop
Photo: Westridge Construction

Westridge Construction donated $840,000 to Saskatchewan Polytechnic to support the Time to Rise campaign and future carpentry students. This donation will create a legacy at the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus. The carpentry shop in the new Skilled Trades and Technology building will be named the Westridge Construction Carpentry Workshop.

Leon Friesen, president of Westridge Construction and a journeyperson carpenter, recognizes the importance of hands-on learning and the value of a polytechnic education. Westridge Construction will invest $750,000 in the Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus to create a modern learning environment that reflects real-world workplaces. An additional $90,000 will go to carpentry student awards. These awards will help carpentry students overcome financial barriers, allowing them to focus on mastering their craft.

“It is an honour to support Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Time to Rise campaign and help shape the future of carpentry in our province,” said Colin Olfert, Westridge Construction CEO and general manager. “This gift reflects our deep respect for the trades and our belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities. With so many of our team members, past and present, being proud Sask Polytech graduates, this partnership is both personal and meaningful. We are proud that the Westridge Construction Carpentry Workshop will leave a lasting legacy at the new Joseph A. Remai Campus and the other campuses across our great province.”

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Westridge Construction for their generosity and belief in education as a force for good,” said Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “Your leadership shows what it means to build not only structures, but communities. We are proud and privileged to call you a partner and to count many Westridge team members among our alumni.”

The Time to Rise campaign aims to empower Sask Polytech graduates and strengthen the provincial economy. The Remai Saskatoon Campus will consolidate an existing network of decentralized, outdated buildings into a modern, technology-rich learning environment, increasing program capacity for more students.

Learn more about the campaign and the Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus at timetorise.ca.

by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan and Ontario breaking down trade barriers

On June 2, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the removal of trade barriers across the two jurisdictions.

“Now is the time to take strong action to strengthen trade across Canada,” Moe said. “Our province remains committed to removing restrictive barriers that limit the flow of trade. Today’s MOU between Saskatchewan and Ontario is just one of the ways we are unlocking the infinite potential that exists within our industries from coast to coast.”

This MOU includes commitments to facilitate mutual recognition of our goods, workers and investment while strengthening public safety and respecting the integrity and role of Crown corporations. It aims to strengthen interprovincial labour mobility and direct-to-consumer (DTC) alcohol sales between the two jurisdictions.

“Now is the time to take strong action to strengthen trade across Canada.”

– Scott Moe, Saskatchewan Premier

“With President Trump taking direct aim at Canada’s economy, we need to do everything we can to protect Ontario and Canadian workers by super-charging our own internal trade opportunities,” Premier Ford said. “With both of us coming together today, we are helping Canada unlock up to $200 billion in gains for our economy, and we are showing everyone how all of us premiers are standing up for Canada like never before. Together, we are building a more competitive, more resilient and more self-reliant economy.”

Additionally, both provinces are co-leading efforts under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement on a framework to advance DTC alcohol sales with other willing jurisdictions across Canada. The total value of interprovincial trade between Saskatchewan and Ontario was $6.4 billion in 2021. Trade is critical to Saskatchewan’s economy, worth about 70 per cent of the province’s Gross Domestic Product. Saskatchewan’s efforts to advance and diversify trade are providing much needed certainty in a very uncertain time.

The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to supporting the expansion of vital infrastructure projects including ports, pipelines and rail, including their construction and seamless operations. The province will also work to provide swift approval of any projects that pass through Saskatchewan.

Throughout this work, Saskatchewan will continue to work alongside its federal, provincial and territorial counterparts to advance these efforts and promote free and fair interprovincial trade.

by SHCA SHCA

Raising the bar: The Canadian Construction Association unveils new Gold Seal Certification portal and directory

Canadian Construction Association

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has launched a new online portal and directory to improve the user experience for current and future Gold Seal Certified industry professionals. The new directory also allows employers and industry partners to easily verify and identify accredited professionals across Canada, supporting the program’s credibility and visibility.

“This portal and directory have been a very important project for our Gold Seal team over the last year as part of our ongoing commitment to digitize first,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, President of the CCA. “The Gold Seal portal joins our various digital resources and directories, which help to maintain and increase integrity and transparency within our services.”

“In our industry, we have to keep raising the bar – and that is exactly what our Gold Seal Certified workers and Gold Seal Employers do each and every day.”

– Rodrigue Gilbert, President of the CCA

CCA’s Gold Seal Certification is a nationally recognized standard of excellence for construction management professionals. Earned through industry experience, education, and examination, Gold Seal Certification enhances professional development, improves job mobility, and demonstrates skills, competence, and experience.

“In our industry, we have to keep raising the bar – and that is exactly what our Gold Seal Certified workers and Gold Seal Employers do each and every day,” said Gilbert. “We will continue to make it easier for construction professionals to become Gold Seal Certified and encourage them to continue leading with the highest standard of excellence so our industry can continue to build a stronger Canada.”

Employees who enroll and complete Gold Seal Certification take pride in their work and expertise. As we seek to develop and enhance our workforce, programs like Gold Seal help to not only ensure confidence in our industry, but to set a standard to which new workers can model during the early stages of their career. Together, we can all take pride in building a better Canada.

Portrait of builder standing at construction site
by SHCA SHCA

Construction continues on Highways 2 and 13 Assiniboia partnership project

Portrait of builder standing at construction site
nomadsoul1/123rf

Highways Minister David Marit and the Town of Assiniboia celebrated the ongoing progress of a more than $10.6 million partnership project that will improve Highways 2 and 13, while strengthening the heart of the community.

“Our provincial government is proud to play a role improving these key transportation arteries through Assiniboia, which is a service hub for the region,” Marit said. “These highways when completed will better support Saskatchewan’s export-based economy, local agriculture, tourism and businesses in the centre of town.”

The 4.96 km project involves:

  • The rehabilitation and repaving of Highway 2 (also known as Empire Road and Centre Street) from Leeville Street to north of Highway 13, along with Highway 13 (also known as First Avenue West and First Avenue East) from Centre Street to Leeville Street.
  • Curb and sidewalk replacements along the route.

“We are incredibly grateful for the investment in this vital infrastructure project,” Assiniboia Mayor Sharon Schauenberg said. “Improved roads mean safer travel, more efficient transportation, and long-term benefits for our residents and local economy.”

The Ministry of Highways is investing more than $10.17 million toward the project. The Town of Assiniboia is investing up to $485,000. On-site project work began this spring and is expected to be completed this fall, pending weather. 

by SHCA SHCA

CCA Unveils New Gold Seal Certification Portal and Directory

Canadian Construction Association

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has launched a new online portal and directory to improve the user experience for current and future Gold Seal Certified industry professionals. The new directory also allows employers and industry partners to easily verify and identify accredited professionals across Canada, supporting the program’s credibility and visibility.

“This portal and directory have been a very important project for our Gold Seal team over the last year as part of our ongoing commitment to digitize first,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, president of the CCA. “The Gold Seal portal joins our various digital resources and directories, which help to maintain and increase integrity and transparency within our services.” 

CCA’s Gold Seal Certification is a nationally recognized standard of excellence for construction management professionals. Earned through industry experience, education and examination, Gold Seal Certification enhances professional development, improves job mobility and demonstrates skills, competence, and experience.  

“In our industry, we have to keep raising the bar – and that is exactly what our Gold Seal Certified workers and Gold Seal Employers do each and every day,” said Gilbert. “We will continue to make it easier for construction professionals to become Gold Seal Certified and encourage them to continue leading with the highest standard of excellence so our industry can continue to build a stronger Canada.” 

Employees who enroll and complete Gold Seal Certification take pride in their work and expertise. As we seek to develop and enhance our workforce, programs like Gold Seal help to not only ensure confidence in the industry, but to set a standard to which new workers can model during the early stages of their career. 

Tractor loader machine uploading dirty snow into dump truck. Cleaning city street, removing snow and ice after heavy snowfalls and blizzard. Snowplow outdoors clean pavement sidewalk road driveway
by SHCA SHCA

Proposed Amendment to Snow Hauling Tarping Regulations Open for Feedback

Tractor loader machine uploading dirty snow into dump truck. Cleaning city street, removing snow and ice after heavy snowfalls and blizzard. Snowplow outdoors clean pavement sidewalk road driveway
gorlovkv/123rf

The Government of Saskatchewan is proposing an amendment to The Security of Loads Regulations, 2013 to clarify tarping rules for equipment hauling snow. The change would remove the 80 km/h speed limit exemption and possibly extend the rule to private snow haulers.

The Ministry of Highways is consulting municipalities, agencies, industry groups and commercial operators before finalizing the amendment. 

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Industrial containers with flags of Canada making a rising graph. Economic growth related 3D rendering
by SHCA SHCA

Procurement Update

Industrial containers with flags of Canada making a rising graph. Economic growth related 3D rendering
moovstock/123rf

The Government of Saskatchewan returned to its standard procurement processes and documentation, effective June 9, 2025.  This means the changes put in place in response to U.S. tariffs are no longer in effect. As of June 9, procurements no longer have additional clauses, declarations or rated criteria and reporting the use of U.S. products for capital projects in progress is not proceeding. 

For procurements that are open as of June 9, 2025, an addendum may be added to remove the U.S. declaration form and rated criteria requirements. Procurements that are closed as of June 9, 2025, will be awarded based on the requirements that existed when the competition closed. 

Government will continue to focus on delivering capital projects while supporting industry efforts to source local products. These changes will reduce administrative burdens while continuing to make efforts to support Saskatchewan and Canadian businesses. 

For information on procurement, visit sasktenders.com.

by SHCA SHCA

60 Million Reasons to Check the Highway Hotline This Past Year

Highways Minister David Marit announced the Highway Hotline’s digital platform was checked by motorists over the last year more than 60 million times – a new record for Saskatchewan’s provincial road information service.

“Thank you to all drivers who take the time to check the Highway Hotline to make an informed decision before heading out on the road,” Marit said. “Understanding what may be on the road ahead can help you plan safer and more efficient trips, which supports our quality of life and export-based economy.”

From April 2024 to March 2025, the Highway Hotline website had over 40 million pageviews, while its mobile app had a total of more than 20 million. A key contributing factor to this record was more storms this winter than previous years. From April 2023 to March 2024, the Highway Hotline website had over 10 million pageviews, while its mobile app had more than 3 million for a total of 13 million views overall. The previous winter was milder.

The Highway Hotline began more than 50 years ago as a telephone service answered by staff. It continues providing that service via modern automated audio reports of road conditions by dialing 1-888-335-7623 (across Canada) or 511 (within Saskatchewan) and using touch tone technology. About 33,000 calls are received a year. The service has evolved to include the latest version of the Highway Hotline mobile app available for free in the Google and Apple online stores.

The service has more than 50 camera locations that can be seen online at hotline.gov.sk.ca/cctv or by using the mobile app, while the Track My Plow is a Highway Hotline winter feature showing motorists where a snowplow has recently been clearing snow or treating ice. Motorists are reminded to continue checking the Highway Hotline throughout the year at hotline.gov.sk.ca/map as it provides information such as construction zones, weather, ferry crossings, parks, along with closures and incidents related to vehicle collisions and forest and grass fires.