The Ministry of Highways 2025-26 Budget of $777.0 million is a road map to enhance driver safety and invest in strategic infrastructure to sustain Saskatchewan’s export-based economy.
“Our government will continue to deliver on improving our transportation network to build an even better Saskatchewan for all who call it home,” Highways Minister David Marit said. “Our ongoing work will help families, businesses and industries better reach their destinations.”
A $421.0 million investment for capital projects will improve transportation corridors with multi-year initiatives such as:
Passing lanes for Highway 10 between Fort Qu’Appelle and Melville, and Highway 17 north of Lloydminster;
Highway 39 twinning at Weyburn; and
Ongoing corridor improvements on Highway 5 east of Saskatoon.
More than 1,000 kilometres (km) of provincial highways will be improved for a total of more than 7,000 km over six years. Improvements include:
200 km of repaving;
245 km of medium treatments, like micro surfacing;
480 km of pavement sealing;
95 km of Thin Membrane Surface and rural highway upgrades; and
30 km of gravel rehabilitation.
The Safety Improvement Program will invest $25.4 million toward intersections, guardrails, lighting and other assets. Northern Saskatchewan will see $122.3 million to build, operate and maintain highways and airports. Across the province, an $81.6 million investment will repair or rebuild 18 bridges and more than 100 culverts.
This work includes:
Starting construction of overpass replacements on Highway 2 over Highway 1 at Moose Jaw; and
Replacing the bridge on Highway 2 over Montreal River near La Ronge.
Key municipal road, short line railway infrastructure and related investments include:
$18.4 million to support economic growth and safety on rural municipal roads ($1.0 million increase);
$8.6 million for construction and maintenance partnerships with urban municipalities;
$2.2 million for the Strategic Partnership Program to enhance safe movement of large trucks;
$850,000 toward community airport improvements; and
$1.0 million for the Short Line Railway Improvement Program ($470,000 increase).
With this year’s budget, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $13.8 billion in transportation infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 21,800 km of highways across the province.
An Indigenous Action Plan being set in motion by the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) aims to engage and advance the participation of Indigenous Peoples within the organization and communities across Saskatchewan.
SRC is proud to launch a new Indigenous Action Plan that centers on Indigenous Peoples, communities and businesses to help achieve shared goals. Continuing to build trust and strong relationships with Indigenous communities is a hallmark of this plan.
“SRC has a long history of collaboration with First Nations and Métis communities, spanning more than 40 years in areas such as ecological studies, student enrichment and job training opportunities, and longer-term initiatives including remediation of former mine and mill sites in northern Saskatchewan,” Minister Responsible for SRC Warren Kaeding said. “The new Indigenous Action Plan further builds upon these relationships to ensure continued Indigenous participation in Saskatchewan’s key economic sectors and growing workforce.”
“Continuing to build trust and strong relationships with Indigenous communities is a hallmark of this plan,” president and CEO of SRC Mike Crabtree said. “Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is not only the right thing to do, it’s simply good business. We encourage all our staff, collaborators and clients to embrace reconciliation each and every day.”
Of particular importance within the plan will be two new programs supported by the Employment pillar: an Indigenous Workforce Program and an Indigenous Summer Student Program, Kiskiyihta (Kiskee ih-taah), which is a Cree word meaning to learn or to know.
Together, these programs will help SRC increase recruitment and hiring of Indigenous Peoples by collaborating with Indigenous educational institutions and training entities to develop strategies for the retention and advancement of Indigenous employees. The collaborating organizations will also support SRC in finding potential candidates for SRC job openings and for the Indigenous Summer Student Program.
Other important initiatives within the plan include the formation of an Indigenous Advisory Committee, increasing Indigenous procurement via SRC’s Indigenous Procurement Policy, growing the number of Indigenous learning opportunities for SRC employees, and strengthening meaningful engagement and collaboration with Indigenous communities and Tribal Councils.
SRC would like to recognize and thank Saskatchewan-based Indigenous artist Arnold Isbister for his valuable contributions to the plan. Isbister provided much of the document’s original artwork, helping bring the Plan’s holistic approach to life with his colourful interpretations of its four Pillars and its symbolic cover pages.
Canada’s construction industry welcomes long overdue federal leadership on the National Infrastructure Assessment
After four years on the shelf, the federal government announced the council appointed to deliver the National Infrastructure Assessment. This initiative has long been a cornerstone of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA)’s advocacy, with representatives recently raising awareness of the issue on Parliament Hill in November, 2024.
The newly-appointed Canadian Infrastructure Council will prioritize housing-enabling infrastructure like water, wastewater, public transit, active transportation and waste management. While this is a promising first step, more action is needed. Infrastructure demands across the country also include transportation and trade-enabling projects, which are vital to strengthening Saskatchewan’s economy and connecting communities.
“We are thrilled to see the federal government finally take leadership in addressing the need for a long-term plan for Canada’s infrastructure,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “While the scope of the council is incomplete, we do appreciate the government finally listening to the industry responsible for building Canada’s infrastructure.”
While the industry is overall pleased with the announcement, the newly-formed Canadian Infrastructure Council lacks clear industry and financial representation. CCA has long urged the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities to appoint an independent representative from the construction industry to the council. Failing to consult with those that build the infrastructure Canadians rely on, and those that finance it, will create significant challenges. Without this input, there will be a lack of understanding on key issues, limitations, and opportunities that exist in building a strong and resilient Canada.
CCA will continue to monitor the development and progress of the Canadian Infrastructure Council, and welcomes further consultation with industry and the federal government.
WCB announces 2025 preliminary average premium rate
The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) announced the 2025 preliminary average employer premium rate will remain unchanged from the 2024 rate at $1.28 per hundred dollars of payroll. The announcement was made at the WCB’s annual preliminary rate information meeting with Saskatchewan employers, workers and stakeholders on Oct. 31, 2024.
“Year over year, the WCB aims to uphold a balance between stable rates and a fully funded compensation system,” said the WCB’s chair, Gord Dobrowolsky. “The two key drivers of the 2025 preliminary average premium rate are claim costs and payroll. While we are forecasting claim costs to increase, we expect these to be offset by rising employer payroll. This is why we are proposing the 2025 preliminary average premium rate remain at $1.28.”
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system based on collective liability, where all employers share responsibility for workplace injury insurance. Employers are grouped together to form an industry rate code. Premium rates are set for each rate code based on the collective claims experience of employers within each industry rate code. All employers within an industry rate code start with the same industry premium rate.
With the 2025 preliminary rate proposal:
The overall 2025 proposed average preliminary premium rate will remain at $1.28 per hundred dollars of payroll.
Industry premium rates for approximately 76 per cent of Saskatchewan’s employers covered by the WCB will see a decrease or no change for 2025.
Industry premium rates for approximately 24 per cent of Saskatchewan’s employers covered by the WCB will increase this year.
The WCB works to uphold a balance between stable rates that ensure fairness, transparency, collective liability and predictability, and a fully funded compensation system.
“While we are proposing the 2025 preliminary average premium rate remain consistent with last year’s rate, we are seeing claims getting more costly, which coupled with inflation, is expected to put long-term upward pressure on premium rates,” said the WCB’s CEO, Phillip Germain. “By working together to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities in our province, we can help to minimize the impact of factors that are pushing premium rates upward.”
In 2024, the WCB completed an optimization of its investment strategy to improve the long-term expected return on its investments. Increased investment income benefits employers by reducing the premiums needed to operate the compensation system.
Additionally, employers can influence their individual premium rate through effective injury prevention and return-to-work programs. The degree to which employers in an industry work to eliminate workplace injuries also affects industry premium rates. Employers who have a fully functioning safety program and a solid return-to-work program can help prevent and manage work-related injuries.
In 2023, for the fourth year in a row, 90 per cent of employers in the province achieved zero injuries and zero fatalities in their workplaces. On an annual basis, serious injuries account for approximately 11 to 14 per cent of total claims and more than 80 per cent of claim costs in the system.
“The WCB will continue to work to prevent work disability through active worker and employer contact, and collaborative return-to-work plans with workers, employers and health-care providers,” said Germain. “Through all of these efforts, we can work together to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities that significantly impact individuals, families and communities.”
Outstanding achievement in the skilled trades honoured at the 2024 Apprenticeship Celebration Dinner
Nearly 350 people attended this year’s event, sponsored by more than 30 organizations. Held at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, the Apprenticeship Celebration Dinner brought together industry partners and stakeholders, training providers and employers who help build a successful apprenticeship system in Saskatchewan to recognize award winners and celebrate their achievements.
“Skilled tradespeople in Saskatchewan play an important role in building a growing province, and our government is committed to creating more skills training and education opportunities, as guided by the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy,” Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter said. “Congratulations to those being recognized tonight for their contributions to Saskatchewan’s apprenticeship and trade certification system.”
Thirty-one journeypersons who achieved the highest mark on their trade’s certification exams between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, received the Outstanding New Journeyperson awards. Eleven additional awards issued by the SATCC included the First Nations and Métis Scholarship, the Scholarship for Journeypersons with Disabilities, the Outstanding Instructor and Employer awards, and the Apprenticeship Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to the awards from the SATCC, industry partners including training providers, industry associations, employers and unions also issued scholarships and awards recognizing the achievements of apprentices and journeypersons.
“We are proud to honour and recognize the people who demonstrate excellence in the skilled trades,” SATCC Commission Board Chair Bryan Leier said. “On behalf of the SATCC and the Commission Board of Directors, congratulations to all the award winners for your outstanding achievements that contribute to a strong and successful apprenticeship system in Saskatchewan.”
Canada’s construction leaders call on the federal government to address labour shortages, outdated policies and investment gaps
A strong and healthy construction sector is the key to a solid Canadian economy, but outdated procurement strategies, labour shortages and a lack of adequate investment are preventing the industry from realizing its full potential. On Nov. 19, 2024, construction leaders from across the country headed to Parliament Hill to advocate for urgent intervention from the federal government.
Invest in long-term infrastructure, with a focus on housing, transportation and trade-enabling projects.
Grow the construction workforce to address critical labour shortages.
Modernize procurement processes and cut unnecessary red tape.
Construction contributes $162 billion annually to Canada’s GDP and employs over 1.6 million Canadians. Supporting construction means supporting job creation, trade, critical infrastructure, productivity and growth.
“It’s not promises that build the economy – it’s construction. It drives growth, creates jobs and builds and maintains the essential infrastructure we all depend on,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “To secure Canada’s future, we need to invest in infrastructure, expand our workforce and modernize procurement. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Canada.”
Canada’s builders are asking for substantial changes in how the federal government approaches infrastructure investment, workforce development and procurement. By cutting red tape, collaborating on a long-term vision for infrastructure and addressing labour challenges, we can deliver the projects Canadians need for a stronger future.
Skilled Trade and Technology Week proclaimed in Saskatchewan
To celebrate the week, Skills Canada Saskatchewan hosted a networking breakfast, followed by a skills fair on Thursday, Nov. 7 at Campus Regina Public. Middle years and high school students were invited to learn about available post-secondary and career opportunities in these fields.
Careers in trades and technology provide many opportunities for Saskatchewan youth. Educators were invited to explore a number of activities with their students to learn more, including connecting with Skills Canada Saskatchewan to host Trade and Tech Days at their school, inviting apprentices, journeypersons and other industry representatives into their classrooms to deliver presentations or administer the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) program.
Developed and overseen by the SATCC, SYA enhances students’ understanding of apprenticeship and careers in the skilled trades through 12 activities, including researching and writing a report on a designated trade, interviewing a journeyperson and attending a career fair. Students who register as apprentices in Saskatchewan within five years of program completion receive 300 trade time hours and the waiver of their apprenticeship registration fee and Level 1 technical training tuition.
Two companies fined in workplace incident causing serious injury to a worker
Strathcona Resources Ltd. was fined for contravening clause 3-12 (a) (ii) of the Act. As a result, the court imposed a fine of $60,714.29 with a surcharge of $24,285.71 for a total amount of $85,000. One other charge was withdrawn.
Steel View Energy & Industrial Services Ltd. was fined for contravening clause 3-1 (a) of the regulations (being an employer failed to comply with the duties of an employer at a place of employment, including the provision and maintenance of a plant, systems of work and working environments that ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of the employer’s workers, resulting in the serious injury of a worker).
The court imposed a fine of $39,285.71 with a surcharge of $15,714.29, for a total amount of $55,000. The charges for both companies stemmed from a single incident that occurred on Dec. 5, 2022, near Major, Sask., when a worker was seriously injured when they were struck by an ejection clamp.
Through the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program, the Ministry of Highways will invest more than $12.6 million toward the projects and rural municipalities (RMs) will fund the remaining more than $21.7 million. The work will occur in the 2025 construction season.
“These projects will enhance the integration of rural roads and the provincial highway network so that farmers, ranchers, businesses and industries can ship their goods more efficiently,” Highways Minister David Marit said. “This program recognizes rural municipal roads play a valuable role in Saskatchewan’s export-based economy.”
“Perhaps now more than ever, improving our transportation infrastructure in rural areas is needed to bring stability and strength to our economy – not only as a province, but also as a nation,” SARM president Bill Huber said. “Without reliable roads, bridges and culverts, we can’t get goods to market. For this reason, SARM is very pleased to see these RMs receive funding assistance through the RIRG program.”
The provincially funded RIRG program administered by SARM invests in constructing and upgrading RM road infrastructure. RIRG funding is up to 50 per cent per project to a maximum of $500,000 for a road and to a maximum $1 million for a large culvert or bridge. RMs fund the remaining project costs and are responsible for managing their approved projects.
The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) announced changes to its board of directors following its 2025 Annual General Meeting on March 10, 2025. Francis Roy will continue to serve as Chair for the forthcoming term. Looking forward to the next year, Roy shared his vision for the association over the next term.
“My commitment to fostering collaboration, engagement and innovation remains top of mind in this next mandate,” he said. “As our industry continues to face notable challenges, now is the time when we need our industry’s leaders to stand up, work together and advocate for our interests.”
Joining Roy on CCA’s 2025-2026 Board of Directors includes:
Trevor Doucette (Vice-Chair), senior director, operations, Synergy Group of Companies (Alta.)
Sara Becker, process manager, Ideal Construction Services Ltd. (Alta.)
Derek Brown, project manager, The Cahill Group of Companies (N.L.)
Nicole Chabot, vice-president, L. Chabot Enterprises Ltd. (Man.)
Steve Drummond, president, Capilano Highway Services Company (B.C.)
Frank Faieta, vice-president, national surety risk management, Trisurance Guarantee (Ont.)
Wayne Ferguson, chief operating officer, EllisDon Corporation (Ont.)
Peter Grose, president, Westland Construction Ltd. (Man.)
Quentin Huillery, executive vice-president of civil, mining and infrastructure, Ledcor (Alta.)
Cathy Kent, bid manager, alternative project delivery, Black & McDonald Limited (Ont.)
Daniel Lessard, chief operating officer, civil and infrastructure, Pomerleau (Que.)
Allan MacIntosh, president, Marco Group Limited (N.S.)
Anthony Minetti, president, CGI Constructors (B.C.)
John Mollenhauer, president and chief executive officer, Toronto Construction Association (Ont.)
Cory Richter, president and chief executive officer, Quorex Construction Services (Sask.)
The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is disappointed to see that President Donald Trump has made the short-sighted decision to plunge Canada and the United States into an unnecessary, irresponsible trade war that will see notable consequences on both sides of the border.
“The Canadian and American construction industries rely heavily on free-flowing supplies of essential construction materials. These needless tariffs will decrease productivity, harm economic growth and put critical projects and countless construction jobs at risk – on both sides of the border,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “Once again, the new U.S. administration clearly demonstrates that they have a limited understanding of how damaging these measures will be on the integrated economy between our two countries.”
In response to Trump’s tariffs on Canadian products, the Government of Canada has announced tariffs on an initial $30 billion worth of American goods and promised $125 billion more in 21 days. CCA commends the federal government for its continued prioritization of industry consultation and looks forward to continuing to be an active participant in those discussions.
These tariffs present a significant risk for the construction industry. This likely means increased costs for homebuilding and trade-enabling infrastructure, impacts to supply chains and trading relationships, and a weakening of economic development and productivity. While the federal government is right to respond in kind, CCA reiterates its call for all governments to consider economic measures to support Canadian businesses and stimulate the economy, in consultation with industry.
“Once again, this is a time where we need all Canadians to stand up for Canada. This is not the time to sit on our hands – we all have to work together to increase productivity and support Canadian businesses, so that we can all build a stronger Canada and surmount this trade conflict,” said Gilbert.
CCA will continue to monitor the impact of these economic measures on the construction industry and will continue working with all levels of government to build a strong foundation for Canada’s future.
New Statistics Canada data shows a 5.7 per cent increase in Saskatchewan’s building construction investment in November 2024 compared to October 2024 (seasonally adjusted). This positions the province as second among all provinces for month-over-month growth in this category. The province also saw an 11.8 per cent increase in year-over-year construction investment from November 2023 to November 2024.
“These figures reflect the ongoing confidence people and businesses have in making long term investments in Saskatchewan as a place to grow and succeed,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “Increased investment in building construction strengthens our communities, supports job creation, and further positions our province as the best place to live, work, and raise a family in the nation.”
Investment in building construction is calculated based on the total spending value on building construction within the province. The province continues to see economic success across several key indicators. Saskatchewan exports totaled over $102 billion for 2022 and 2023 combined. This is an increase of more than 52 per cent from the previous two-year period, and the highest export numbers in the province’s history.
Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan’s 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.77 billion, or 2.3 per cent from 2022. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.2 per cent. Private capital investment is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 14.4 per cent over 2023. This is the highest anticipated percentage increase in Canada.
Premier Scott Moe is travelling to Washington D.C. this week for meetings with U.S. elected representatives, industry organizations and to participate in the premier’s Council of the Federation (COF) joint-mission to Washington.
Prior to the COF mission, Premier Moe will meet with U.S. elected representatives and businesses to emphasize the strong trade relationship between Canada and the U.S, and the role Saskatchewan plays in supplying the continent with energy and food security.
“It’s important in the current economic environment that we engage with our counterparts in the United States to emphasize the shared benefit of trade between our two countries and turn the conversation toward building on those strengths rather than jeopardizing them with tariffs,” said Moe.
The U.S. is Saskatchewan’s largest and most important trading partner. About $40 billion worth of imports and exports cross the border every year. The current tariff-free border allows businesses to add value to products and economies, whether flowing from north to south or vice versa. Premier Moe’s meetings will focus on maintaining strong Canada-U.S. relations by addressing shared issues such as the economy, energy, supply chains and the impacts of the Trump Administration’s proposed tariffs. Premier Moe will also express Saskatchewan’s support for strong measures to secure the Canada-U.S. border.
“Strengthening border security and preventing the flow of illicit drugs like Fentanyl is a concern that has been identified by the U.S. and one that I share,” Moe added. “We are already taking action as a province through our Border Security Plan to ensure we have more officers and law enforcement presence at the Saskatchewan-U.S. border.”
The COF’s joint-mission to Washington will allow all 13 premiers to present a united voice on the important benefits that free-trade brings to Canada and the U.S. and the concern over the negative impact of tariffs to consumers and businesses on both sides of the border. The COF program will take place on Feb. 12 and will include meetings with U.S. elected representatives, business leaders and the Canada American Business Council.
Following the COF mission, Premier Moe will travel to Mexico to engage with business and elected officials to advance relationships with this key trading partner. Over the course of the next few weeks, Premier Moe and multiple cabinet ministers will be travelling within Canada and beyond to advocate for Saskatchewan’s interests. These engagement efforts will focus on promoting the province as a global supplier of food and energy security, while strengthening Saskatchewan’s relationships with key international trading partners.
