Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

First-of-Its-Kind Industry Summit Coming Soon

Shantel Lipp

Summer has so many of us spending time outdoors. As we do, we can see other people all around us, which is a big change after years of living through a pandemic, isolating ourselves from one another. 

Everywhere we look, there are simply more people living – and enjoying life – in this province. And that is not just a perception. Statistics Canada recently stated that Saskatchewan’s population increased by 33,101 over the past year, which is a growth of almost three per cent. We now have 1,221,439 people living in our province. We know the provincial government’s Growth Plan from 2020 to 2030 is aiming for our population to grow to 1.4 million people, so we are on our way.

But growing the population of our province is not the only goal of the Saskatchewan government. The Growth Plan has numerous economic goals, and our industry has a role in ensuring a number of them are achieved. 

Saskatchewan is embracing its role of providing the world with the food, fertilizer and fuel it needs. We know that roads and highways connect our landlocked province to the world. The construction our industry undertakes helps other industries achieve the goals set by the province. For example, there was the earthwork necessary ahead of the development of canola crush facilities that will increase Saskatchewan-based processing of canola grown in this province. There is also our industry’s work 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 broadly 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 those in 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 great industry education sessions, an innovative trade show and awesome networking opportunities spread over two days on Nov. 29 and 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 these education sessions. You will have opportunities to learn more about the production and processing of materials as well as troubleshooting asphalt plants and more sustainable ways of paving. You can expect to see virtual reality being used to attract young people to our sector and conduct safety training. 

The summit will offer personal and 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 nonverbals 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 in the months to come, including how to register. Right now, if you are interested in participating, I would be happy to hear from you. One of the ways you might participate is by showcasing new technology that can benefit the heavy construction industry, but I am open to hearing about other types of contributions that can be made to this event. You can email me, and I’ll respond to you.

For now, soak in this summer and all this season has to offer because before you know it, November will be here. Until then, I look forward to developing a fantastic event to bring us together once again!

Shantel Lipp - SHCA President
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Construction Zones Bolster Province’s Economy

Shantel Lipp

This is the time of year when the public sees our members’ commitment to working with the government in action. 

There are construction zones across the province right now in support of the Saskatchewan government’s goal of building and upgrading 10,000 kilometres of highways in the province by 2030. More than 300 kilometres of highway are being seal coated to extend their life, including Highway 1 east of Moose Jaw. Other highways are being resurfaced and repaved, including Highway 55 east of Prince Albert.

Passing lanes are being completed, such as those on Highway 5 from Saskatoon to Highway 2. Bridges are being repaired or rebuilt, including the Highway 6 bridge over Regina’s Ring Road for traffic heading into southern Regina. Airports are seeing improvements, such as the runway being extended at Sandy Bay. More than 100 culverts are being replaced. 

You are hard at work during these summer months to complete projects that make it possible for families to get from home to work and school. Farmers can move their machinery to get to fields so they can later move their crops to terminals. Businesses can move their products to buyers and receive supplies to manufacture more products. Industries are growing because of this ability to move around the province and beyond it, connecting Saskatchewan and all it has to offer to the world. Traffic can flow – safely and more efficiently – because of your work. 

We want to see a more consistent flow of investment from our provincial government. As you know, I have been working with the government, so its representatives understand the needs of our industry. But my work with the government goes further than that. Our province needs the government to recognize the value of consistent investment that reflects a long-term view of the infrastructure needed by industries in this province to keep our economy strong. 

Consistent investment in Saskatchewan’s trade infrastructure is a message to the world. It says that this province is prepared to continue being a strong exporter of the goods and resources that countries around the world require. It tells people interested in living and working in this province that the government is dedicated to ensuring opportunities continue here so making the move is in their best interest, now and into the future. It says to voters that this government invests purposefully and strategically so that investment delivers a return.

Adopting longer-term investment commitments to grow the economy is about more than having a goal for how many kilometres of highway the province will address. The Ministry of Highways needs to start with looking at how it tenders projects, such as those our members are working on right now in the province. 

Consistent investment is also about looking to the east and west of our province at what those governments are doing. It means allowing for carryovers, which is something the Manitoba government does. Allowing contractors to carry over a portion of the Ministry of Highway’s budget would mean some certainty of work in the next construction season. 

Even better than that are the investment commitments of five years. That is what will allow our industry to become even more efficient and productive because our members will be able to see what opportunities are available, and the level of investment being projected so decisions can be made about priorities and plans. Businesses in our industry can decide on their own investments in equipment and labour. 

Our members contribute to this province by being able to support goals set out in a memorandum of understanding Saskatchewan signed with Manitoba and Alberta to strengthen the economic corridors between our provinces.

This MOU focuses on four areas of cooperation:

  • Improving efficiency of inter-provincial highway and rail networks
  • Encouraging the federal government for infrastructure funding and national supply chain solutions
  • Keeping their economies competitive and growing capital investment
  • Harmonizing regulations to support businesses, industries and shippers

So, while the public sees work zones busy with the activity of employees and equipment, we want those drivers and passengers to also recognize what projects – undertaken by our members – mean for the future prosperity of our province. It is in their interest that this work is done. We want them to identify the role of government in those projects – as the primary customer of our industry – and hold those politicians accountable for wisely investing tax dollars in trade infrastructure.

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

How Purposeful Infrastructure Grows Our Economy

Shantel Lipp

Summer is here and construction is underway with crews working across the province on projects that are making transportation in this province better. 

Many Saskatchewan drivers travelling this summer are going to encounter you on the job. While we want them to think about your safety and drive responsibly through your work zones, we also want them to consider what projects governments choose to invest in and what those projects mean to our province’s economy and our quality of life.  

Across Western Canada, heavy construction associations continue to encourage governments to recognize the value of investing in trade infrastructure. We know it is not just our industry that values infrastructure and the role it plays in our economy. Those buying Saskatchewan commodities want to know that this province has the infrastructure to move what they are purchasing. Those who produce and move those commodities see how having quality, purposeful infrastructure that supports trade helps grow our economy, which generates revenues that support health care, education and social programming. That all contributes to the quality of life we enjoy in Saskatchewan and Canada.

To bring wider awareness to the importance of building and maintaining good infrastructure, which is key to our trade corridors, the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association is running a campaign. The voices of several industry and community leaders can be heard discussing the importance of investing in infrastructure as part of this campaign. You may have heard them during ads that ran on Rawlco Radio’s Newstalk radio stations.

We will also bring attention to their perspectives online, starting with this message, but in the weeks to come, you will find them on our website and social media platforms. I encourage you to share these social media posts with your network online to spread their words even further. The more people who see these posts, the more influence they develop, making this message about the value of investing in trade infrastructure part of important public conversations.

We have Susan Ewart, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association, who said, “Our province has a lot of what the world wants. Global demand for made-in-Saskatchewan products continues to grow every year. The trucking industry is responsible for delivering those products to the world and good roads make that happen. A long-term commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure is what will keep the growth going.” 

She is joined by Tony Playter, the CEO of the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce, who said, “Regina drivers may be a little frustrated now that road construction season is upon us. But having good infrastructure helps our business community operate, prosper and grow. By supporting local road builders to build and repair Regina roads, we keep those dollars in our community where everyone benefits. When our local businesses prosper, we all prosper.” 

Also from Regina is James Bogusz, the president and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, who stated, “Demand for air travel is growing on a daily basis and Regina is no exception. Our airport is meeting the demand by investing in our infrastructure. This year, we are improving the major runway at Regina Airport that will allow us to grow and continue to connect to the world. A long-term commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure is what will keep the growth going in our city and our province.” 

Adding his perspective is Warren Steinley, Member of Parliament for Regina Lewvan, who explained, “In Saskatchewan, we manufacture and produce what the world needs. Last year, Saskatchewan agriculture exports were the largest on record with total international sales of $18.4 billion. What we produce here has to get to market.” 

To meet this goal, it is vital to maintain and grow our infrastructure needs. A long-term commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure is what will keep the province growing. If you have leaders in your region of the province who would like to contribute to this campaign, I would love to have a conversation with them about adding their voice. Please pass along their name and contact information and I will reach out to them about our efforts. 

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Growing Our Economy

Shantel Lipp

I am seeing evidence that a conversation very important to our industry is being taken seriously by others in this province. I discussed in my President’s Message the report titled From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy: The Path to a National Trade Infrastructure Plan for the Next Generation of Economic Growth that was completed by the Canada West Foundation (CWF). 

We know this is a report that matters not just to our industry, but to our province, our entire country and the future. Saskatchewan people continue to hear announcements about private businesses increasing their production to meet the world’s needs. As the report explains, we need the world to have confidence that what Canada produces for export will be moved through the country efficiently and reliably so we, as a trading partner, are competitive globally. For more than a decade, those in the know have watched Canada spend money on projects that are ready for construction. Instead, a better use of that money would be to invest in projects that will provide a return on that spending by improving Canada’s supply chain competitiveness. 

The Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA) helped initiate the Shovel Worthy report, but it has been endorsed by several associations and organizations concerned with the current investment, the lack of coordination and planning on a long-term strategy as well as the state of the federal trade corridors fund. 

Many stakeholders were involved in the preparation and release of the report, and since then, they have been sharing why this report matters. A coalition of five national organizations – Business Council of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Construction Association, the CWF and the WCR&HCA – are approaching the three orders of government to advocate for a national building strategy to invest in Canada’s trade corridors, which will amplify trade-based economic growth. We hope their advocacy will persuade the federal government to commit to a national plan for trade corridor infrastructure in the budget year 2024. This would help Canada reinvest in the assets that have shaped our country – and can make our country even better going forward.

Restoring Canada’s global reliability reputation ranking is critical and will require leveraging a coordinated investment commitment of the municipal, provincial and federal government partnering with the private sector. That collaboration will be part of what Goldy Hyder of the Business Council of Canada will be delivering during his speech at the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Business Conference at the end of May. 

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce represents the Saskatchewan business community and is known as the “Voice of Saskatchewan Business.” The theme of their2023 Conference is “Transportation and Infrastructure: Connecting Saskatchewan to the World.” The chamber says that those speaking at this event will address how we can unlock Saskatchewan’s transportation and infrastructure potential to position our province as a global supplier.

Hyder is going to speak about how Canada’s economy depends on reliable physical infrastructure to connect supply chains, enable people and goods to move freely, support millions of jobs, facilitate the energy transition and ensure that the economy continues to grow. 

Building new infrastructure in Canada has been made difficult – even though it does not need to be such a challenge. He will explain that governments must work with the private sector to expedite approvals for major, game changing, nation-building projects. The Shovel Worthy report makes the point that the private sector should be brought to the table as an ongoing contributor of sophisticated supply chain expertise and front-line operational experience to complement the best features of public-sector policy.

Also speaking at this conferenceis Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill. He is expected to describe how being a landlocked province presents challenges – making a safe, reliable and sustainable transportation system essential if this province is to compete in the global marketplace. Knowing that the “Voice of Saskatchewan Business” values this province’s infrastructure enough to dedicate an event to discussing its importance is highly encouraging. Watch for a report on his speech, as well as Hyder’s, in the next issue of Think BIG magazine. 

Just last month, I applauded Cockrill for signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Manitoba and Alberta to strengthen the economic corridors between our provinces. That MOU focuses on four areas of cooperation between the three governments. First, improve efficiency of inter-provincial highway and rail networks. Second, encourage the federal government to fund infrastructure and national supply chain solutions. Third, keep their economies competitive and grow capital investment, and fourth, harmonize regulations to support businesses, industries and shippers. That relationship between Saskatchewan’s government and Alberta and Manitoba’s should encourage the province to look at what we have been promoting for our industry here. 

Those neighbouring governments are making three-year commitments, but we know provinces would see more value from five-year investments. That will provide the industry, as well as those supplying it, some certainty so you can develop even better business plans and make sound investment decisions. That way, you are even more efficient and productive. Those supplying the industry – including those in design and engineering, materials, fuels, aggregates, oils and equipment supply – would also be able to organize themselves better so they are prepared for the level of investment made by the government. 

But it’s about more than the industry. It’s about the economic growth in this province and the benefits that has for us living here.  When you invest in the infrastructure that will get what Saskatchewan produces to market more efficiently, our province becomes more competitive in the world – which means even more trade. That grows our economy so even more revenues can be generated to support areas such as healthcare, education and social programming to make Saskatchewan an even better place to live.

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Stronger Together

Shantel Lipp

The opportunity to get together with others in the industry is always time well spent and I can say that some very good time was spent together at the #WCRStrongerTogether2023 conference.

Hundreds of delegates from across Western Canada gathered in Waikiki, between Feb. 5 and 9, where they listened to industry speakers, attended networking events and learned – a lot.

It was enlightening to hear about the future of equipment in the industry and how green technology can best be incorporated. Knowing how this equipment must perform in our industry, it was clear we will need to continue to rely on diesel together with alternative energy sources, including batteries, to fuel machines that must run for long hours doing energy-intensive work. It was also interesting to hear how equipment is becoming more autonomous, reducing the need for human labour and improving efficiency on worksites.

Many speakers shared their perspectives on the role of the industry in supporting Canada’s economy. A highlight for me was the keynote address by former Alberta cabinet minister and now Canada West Foundation president, Gary Mar.

You will recall the report that was developed by the Canada West Foundation last year, From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy. He shared the ideas that report delivers – that Canada has been spending on one-off projects rather than investing in strategic trade routes that will deliver a return on that investment. Other nations have implemented long-term investment strategies prioritizing infrastructure projects based on their ability to meet criteria. That difference is causing Canada to become less competitive in global trade markets.

But Mar also reminded those listening about the difference between national and federal. He pointed out that there can be a national initiative led by provinces working with industry, which has expertise to know how to accomplish what is needed, while also partnering with municipalities and First Nations to move towards strategic investment in infrastructure rather than simply spending on it. That was a powerful message to hear and consider.

Panels discussions covered how our industry supports trade, which helps to grow Canada’s economy with speakers such as Brad Wall, the former premier of Saskatchewan, Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Mary Van Buren, president and CEO of the Canadian Construction Association.

It was heartening to hear our industry recognized for what we contribute to the strength of this country’s economy, not just in terms of what is built, but also the knowledge and experience members such as yourself possess that can help inform decisions about investment.

It was heartening to hear our industry recognized for what we contribute to the strength of this country’s economy, not just in terms of what is built, but also the knowledge and experience members such as yourself possess that can help inform decisions about investment. Speakers reminded us that our industry generates far more than the projects we build. As Wall told those listening to the panel, “There’s a lot of long-term job creators in this room and I don’t think you’re thanked enough by government.”

We were also reminded how important it is for government to hear from those working in the industry to better understand and benefit from it. Politicians need to know the skill and experience of those working in the industry when we are explaining our labour needs. They need to have it explained how details in the procurement process impact and even burden industry. They need to be reminded of how efficient and effective relationships with industry generate results more quickly.

Those in attendance were reminded that they don’t have to wait for formal invitations to meetings with politicians to share their perspective. As Rod Gilbert, the VP of procurement for the Canadian Construction Association, pointed out, you can have these discussions out in the community, where you might encounter someone in the government.

The same is true for those of us in the industry talking to one another. Anyone who was unable to attend the conference who would like to know more can get in touch and I’d be happy to discuss with you what was shared by the speakers and learn how these issues relate to your business. I’m sure the new chair of the WCR&HCA, Carmen Duncan, would also not mind hearing from you as well. These are weighty issues that have tremendous importance when looking at the future of our country, so we need to keep them moving ahead by talking about them and how we make progress on them.

These events are important to help nurture these conversations. If this sounds like an event you’d benefit from attending in the in future, I’d encourage you to watch for information about the next conference, which is scheduled for 2025.

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

SHCA supports the memorandum of understanding between Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta

SHCA | Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association

REGINA – The Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) commends the provincial government on signing the memorandum of understanding with Manitoba and Alberta to strengthen the economic corridors between our provinces.

“The Saskatchewan economy is dependent on trade and the demand for what we produce here
increases every year,” said SHCA president Shantel Lipp. “Heavy construction plays a vital role in creating the infrastructure that moves our products to the world.”

The memorandum focuses on four areas of cooperation between the three governments:

  • Improve efficiency of inter-provincial highway and rail networks
  • Encourage the federal government for infrastructure funding and national supply chain solutions
  • Keep their economies competitive and grow capital investment and harmonize regulations to support businesses, industries and shippers

“While this memorandum is a step in the right direction, SHCA continues to encourage the
government of Saskatchewan to look at long-term funding commitments similar to Manitoba and
Alberta,” said Lipp. “Long-term commitments will help the industry plan for future growth, which will
contribute to meeting the goals set out in the memorandum.”

This fall, SHCA will be hosting the first-ever industry summit for Saskatchewan, bringing together contractors, suppliers, engineers and other professionals to discuss infrastructure and transportation.

“This memorandum complements our industry summit as we will be looking at ways to improve our infrastructure to create better supply chain flow through our trade corridors,” said Lipp. “As well, we are hoping to have a tri-provincial panel at the summit to discuss how inter-provincial cooperation helps our industry meet the challenges of growth.”

The Industry Summit and Trade Show will take place from Nov. 29 to 30, 2023 in Regina. SHCA represents over 200 member businesses in the heavy construction industry in Saskatchewan.

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

SHCA Appreciates Budget Increase

REGINA – The Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) congratulates the Saskatchewan Party government today on delivering the 2023–24 budget with hopes for a broader discussion on planning and investments over a longer term going forward.

“We were glad to see that this year’s budget increased from the previous one and our members are looking forward to the Ministry of Highways capital program breakdown and how it will impact our industry,” said SHCA president Shantel Lipp. “Going forward, our hope is to work with the government to create long-term funding commitments that puts our industry on more stable footing as we see in Alberta and Manitoba”.

But long-term planning does more than that. Highways enable trade – just as hospitals enable health care and schools enable education.

“Saskatchewan’s growth depends on trade. Countries around the world want to know that when they buy from Saskatchewan, this province has the infrastructure to move what they are purchasing. When you invest in the infrastructure that will get those goods to market more efficiently, you become more competitive in the world,” said Lipp. “Being more competitive means even more trade and that is what grows our economy. That economic growth can then generate revenues that support areas such as health care, education and social programming, making Saskatchewan an even better place to live.”

The provinces on both sides of Saskatchewan are moving in a direction that sends a strong message to potential and current trading partners that they understand their interests. They are also showing to the heavy construction industry and its suppliers that they are prepared to embrace this investment opportunity to achieve a return that will better their provinces’ futures.

Those governments are making three-year commitments, but the SHCA would encourage the Saskatchewan government to recognize the value of making five-year commitments. It helps build our reputation in the world for being a reliable and competitive trading partner while telling voters the government of this province invests purposefully and strategically so a return on that investment is delivered.

The SHCA represents over 200 member businesses in the heavy construction industry in Saskatchewan.

Contact
Shantel Lipp
President
Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Industry
(306) 586-1805
slipp@saskheavy.ca

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

President’s Message

Shantel Lipp

I know you’re hopeful the Saskatchewan government will put out a budget that truly allows for growth. Before the end of March, our industry will have a look at whether the government will put its money where its mouth is. When the throne speech was delivered in October 2022, Scott Moe said, “Our government’s goal is to ensure that strong growth continues and that it’s growth that works for everyone. That means reinvesting in health, education and affordability measures, paying down debt and defending our economic autonomy so Saskatchewan continues to grow and create jobs.”

But it is on budget day, which this year is March 22, that we will see just how dedicated this government is to growth. Saskatchewan’s growth depends on trade and strengthening our ability to move what this province produces so that it reaches world markets, and that starts at home.

I see what is happening in our neighbouring provinces. To the west of us, Alberta’s Ministry of Transportation has allocated $8 billion for its economic corridors as part of its three-year capital plan. This year, the industry in that province will see the Alberta government increase its investment by $718 million compared to last year’s budget.

To the east of us, in Manitoba’s last provincial budget, that government announced a $2.4 billion three-year capital plan. The plan commits to investing a minimum of $500 million per year into highways. In addition, Manitoba allows for carry-over, which is necessary for the industry. Here at home, right now there are still approximately eight projects from the fall 2022 tender schedule that have yet to be tendered. The province won’t allow contractors to carry over work from year to year, but they also haven’t been able to actually get the work out that was advertised in the fall. 

I know you need government to understand that our industry can’t wait three months or longer for work to come out on the market. All the work that hasn’t gone out now can’t get done. Road bans will be starting soon and there’s no longer time to prep the material. There is that window over the winter months that allows you to crush and haul material, and it is closing. 

At a minimum, this situation around carry-overs needs to improve. If contractors were at least allowed to carry over a portion of the Ministry of Highway’s budget, that would allow for some certainty of work come spring. But what would be even better would be for Saskatchewan’s government to look at what Alberta and Manitoba are doing and take it one step further.

Those governments are making three-year commitments, but provinces would see more value from five-year investments. That will provide the industry and those supplying industry some certainty, but it’s about more than the industry. It’s about the economic growth it would encourage in this province and its benefits for living here.

The highways you build and maintain support trade. We know the world depends on what Saskatchewan produces – food, fuel and fertilizer. When you invest in the infrastructure that will get those goods to market more efficiently, you become more competitive in the world. Being more competitive means even more trade and that is what grows our economy. That economic growth can then generate revenues that support areas such as healthcare, education and social programming, making Saskatchewan an even better place to live.

It is inconsistent for a government to say it wants to grow the economy and then not invest in what will support that growth. Making five-year commitments is an opportunity for the Saskatchewan government. It helps build our reputation in the world for being reliable and competitive trading partners while telling voters the government of this province invests purposefully and strategically so a return on that investment is delivered.

Adopting a strategy of making longer-term investment commitments to grow the economy should start with looking at how the Ministry of Highways tenders projects. But it needs to go further than that. I will let you know following March 22 whether that is the direction this government is headed.

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

President’s Message

Shantel Lipp

The opportunity to get together with others in the industry is always time well spent and I can say that some very good time was spent together at the #WCRStrongerTogether2023 conference earlier this month.

Hundreds of delegates from across Western Canada gathered in Waikiki between Feb. 5–9, where they listened to industry speakers, attended networking events and learned – a lot.

It was enlightening to hear about the future of equipment in the industry and how green technology can best be incorporated. Knowing how this equipment must perform in our industry, it was clear we will need to continue to rely on diesel together with alternative energy sources, including batteries, to fuel machines that must run for long hours doing energy-intensive work. It was also interesting to hear how equipment is becoming more autonomous, reducing the need for human labour and improving efficiency on worksites.

Many speakers shared their perspectives on the role of the industry in supporting Canada’s economy. A highlight for me was the keynote address by former Alberta cabinet minister and now Canada West Foundation President Gary Mar.

You will recall the report that was developed by Canada West Foundation last year, From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy. Mar shared the ideas that report delivers – that Canada has been spending on one-off projects rather than investing in strategic trade routes that will deliver a return on that investment, and that other nations have implemented long-term investment strategies that prioritize infrastructure projects based on their ability to meet criteria. That difference is causing Canada to become less competitive in the global trade markets.

Mar also reminded those listening about the difference between national and federal. He pointed out that there can be a national initiative led by provinces working with industry, which has expertise to know how to accomplish what is needed, while also partnering with municipalities and First Nations to move towards strategic investment in infrastructure rather than simply spending on it. That was a powerful message to hear and consider.

Panel discussions covered how our industry supports trade, which helps to grow Canada’s economy with speakers such as Brad Wall, the former premier of Saskatchewan, Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Mary Van Buren, president and CEO of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA).

For those interested, click here to watch Trade Infrastructure panellists Beaty, Wall and Mar summarize their session at the WCR&HCA conference.

“Politicians need to know the skill and experience of those working in the industry when we are explaining our labour needs.”

It was heartening to hear our industry recognized for what we contribute to the strength of this country’s economy, not just in terms of what is built, but also the knowledge and experience members, such as yourself, possess that can help inform decisions about investment. Speakers reminded us that our industry generates far more than the projects we build. As Wall told those listening to the panel, “There’s a lot of long-term job creators in this room and I don’t think you’re thanked enough by government.”

We were also reminded how important it is for government to hear from those working in the industry to better understand and benefit from it. Politicians need to know the skill and experience of those working in the industry when we are explaining our labour needs. Details in the procurement process impact and even burden industry, and they need to have that explained. They need to be reminded of how efficient and effective relationships with industry generate results more quickly.

Those in attendance were reminded that they don’t have to wait for formal invitations to meetings with politicians to share their perspective. As Rod Gilbert, the VP of procurement for the CCA pointed out, you can have these discussions when out in the community where you might encounter someone in the government.

The same is true for those of us in the industry talking to one another. Anyone who was unable to attend the conference who would like to know more can get in touch and I’d be happy to discuss with you what was shared by the speakers and learn how these issues relate to your business. I’m sure the new chair of the Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association, Carmen Duncan, would also not mind hearing from you. These are weighty issues that have tremendous importance when looking at the future of our country, so we need to keep them moving ahead by talking about them and how we make progress on them.

These types of events are important to help nurture these conversations. If this sounds like an event you’d benefit from attending in the in future, I’d encourage you to watch for information about the next conference, which is scheduled for 2025.