by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Ready for 2022

A new year brings some new reasons to be enthusiastic about what’s ahead for Saskatchewan as well as opportunities to address challenges for our members and industry.

Last year, there were a number of announcements of high-profile projects for Saskatchewan, which I see as a signal there will be a boost in the amount of earthwork available for members in 2022.

Those projects include construction of three canola crushing facilities, which is expected to begin this year – Cargill and Viterra’s two plants at Regina and Ceres Global Ag’s one in the southeast part of the province.

This year is also when BHP expects construction of the world’s largest potash producing mine will be complete. Its Jansen Stage 1 project was already 93 per cent complete when BHP announced in August 2021 it was investing $7.5 billion into the project.

When the highway construction season wrapped up in November, the provincial government highlighted the passing lanes put in on Highways 2, 3, 7, 14, 16 and 39. It told the people of Saskatchewan that there had been 175 kilometers of repaving, 635 kilometres of pavement sealing and medium preservation treatments and 240 kilometres of thin membrane surface and rural highway upgrades done in 2021.

The fall tender included $157.3 million in new highways projects for Saskatchewan. The projects the province highlighted from that include repaving Highway 1 west of Moose Jaw and resurfacing 15 kilometers of Highway 16 near Saskatoon. It explained to the public that tender releases are published in the spring and fall so “industry can thoroughly prepare and bid on upcoming projects, mitigating the risk of price increases and delivering the best possible value for taxpayers.”

This year, I will continue to bring the message to governments that funding for infrastructure should ideally be planned years ahead of construction being scheduled. A policy paper highlighting the importance of a national infrastructure program with a specific focus on Western Canada is imminent. It will be presented to the federal government by the Canadian Construction Association along with our partner organizations. I look forward to sharing more about that paper and governments’ response to it with you this year.

Until then, I know you will be busy lining up employees for the coming construction season and making sure they are adequately trained for their responsibilities. We are all hearing from other industries how their workforces are being impacted by COVID-19 and the rate at which this most recent variant is spreading. Finding enough people to work was a challenge in 2021 for members and we expect that challenge will be present this year, but I am working with others to address it.

The Saskatchewan Workforce Alliance is a group of industry leaders who are discussing solutions that will allow them to fill positions to keep businesses strong. One idea from the group is the Saskatchewan Workforce Retention Program, which is described in detail in the Q1 2022 issue of SHCA’s magazine, Think Big. I’ll let you know what movement there is from government on this idea.

As the year unfolds, I look forward to working with you and on your behalf on this and many other initiatives that SHCA is involved in. I hope your year has started off on a positive note and that the months ahead are filled with work that is prosperous and personal time that is satisfying.

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

SHCA – You and I

It is hard to believe December is here already, but with everything that has taken place over the last 12 months, I have been fully focussed on the work that our members expect of me and the association. A look at the calendar shows me I’ve got just a couple weeks to get my Christmas preparations complete!

But before I handle that, I appreciate the opportunity to explain what I have been doing on your behalf to ensure the heavy construction industry remains at the forefront of policy decisions.

Keeping close to government

Maintaining close contact with governments of all levels means a lot of discussion and organization. Sometimes I work to ensure SHCA is fostering a direct, one-on-one connection with governments. Other times, SHCA partners with those who share common interests to form new groups or support existing ones.

SHCA’s approach to working with government has always been strategic. Work is underway on a new policy paper highlighting the importance of a National Infrastructure program with a specific focus on Western Canada. It will be presented to the federal government by the Canadian Construction Association along with our partner organizations to highlight the importance of our supply chain and the transportation logistics that underlie them.

This paper will also help Saskatchewan’s government with its own infrastructure planning by pointing out the pinch points in its transportation system and explaining what can be done to keep the economy strong. Saskatchewan suffers from what is known as “first mile access issues.” If we want to attract investment into our province, the gaps that exist within our local supply chain must be identified and I am working to accomplish that.  This paper has created a renewed opportunity for political leadership and public discussion of the role that trade infrastructure plays in Canadians’ quality of life.

It is not just the federal and provincial government that needs to know about our industry. I also maintain a connection at the municipal level as well. I, along with members of the SHCA Board of Directors, meet regularly with members of Regina City Council as well as the executive director of Citizen Services. Most recently, I participated in the City of Regina’s operational efficiency review. The review focused on several areas of interest to our members, including fleet services, procurement, parks, facilities, roadways and information technology.

I keep up to date with what is happening in Saskatoon through members of the SHCA Board and our Saskatoon members who meet quarterly with the City of Saskatoon’s Transportation, Utilities, Procurement department heads.  They are discussing procurement, contract specifications and current supply chain issues.

There are issues beyond infrastructure planning and funding that I bring forward to government. I work with other groups, partnering SHCA with those that share a common concern.

Advocating shared common interests

The Western Canadian Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association Another is one of those groups. While economic growth continues to be its advocacy priority, a pressing need by our industry to address climate change is accelerating its advocacy.

SaskBuilds is another group I am active in. SHCA is a part of an industry task force tackling the challenges related to Saskatchewan’s post-pandemic recovery and our province’s continued economic growth.  There are quarterly interactions with government to identify possible pinch points in the supply chain or industry capacity changes. The province has committed to sharing with industry its entire capital program and work has begun with us helping with planning. It’s a work in progress, but an important start.

Having a competitive, equitable and predictable municipal tax system in Saskatchewan and the policy changes required to achieve that is the focus of another Saskatchewan group I am in. The Saskatchewan Growth Coalition is made up of 20 industries critical to Saskatchewan’s economic recovery and continued prosperity – rail, agriculture and agri-food, mining, oil and gas, pipelines and the business chamber organizations.

The coalition met with Minister of Government Relations Don McMorris, Minister of Finance Donna Harpauer, Minister of Energy and Resources Bronwyn Eyre and Colleen Young, Chair of the Standing Committee on the Economy. It was made clear to them the risk to investment and competitive disadvantages of allowing tax policy inequities to continue, which was a message well received by the ministers. To continue to spread that message through Saskatchewan, an email campaign and a series of radio ads asking government to take action will be launched by the coalition.

Then, there is the labour need that is growing in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan is heading into another cycle of growth that will require a strong labour force to meet the demand as many developments and projects come online.

To address the labour shortage, SHCA co-founded the Saskatchewan Workforce Alliance.  Industry leaders will continue to discuss solutions that will allow them to fill positions to keep businesses strong. An idea that is coming together is the Saskatchewan Workforce Retention Program to be presented to the provincial government to encourage more people to choose to live and work in Saskatchewan for years to come. Saskatchewan’s labour situation and this solution are described in detail in the Q1 2022 issue of SHCA’s magazine, Think Big.

You will also read in that issue about the work being done by the Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan (HCSAS). My work involves explaining why changes by other organizations that impact ours are necessary and this year, I have had a focus on Saskatchewan’s Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB.)

For the past number of months, SHCA has been lobbying the provincial government about changes made to the funding application agreements between WCB and the various industry safety associations. The new agreement makes safety associations accountable to WCB – not the industries funding them. WCB has reduced funding to the HCSAS by $100,000. This reduction will impact the safety association’s ability to deliver services and fulfill its workplan.

Letters have been sent to the CEO of WCB, Minister Don Morgan and the premier. A complaint has been filed by SHCA with the Government of Saskatchewan’s Red Tape Reduction Unit. I have also met with the official opposition, who agree with our position. In the coming weeks, an ad campaign targeting WCB and the provincial government will be launched with further action planned.

Keeping SHCA at the forefront

You will also have noticed SHCA began a very calculated radio and social media campaign targeting both the provincial and municipal elections. The campaign was very strong and got great results. There was a lot of interaction and comments during both campaigns.

Social media is a great tool for our members to participate in SHCA’s communication efforts. I encourage you to tag SHCA in your company posts or comment on SHCA’s posts.

I am also committed to continuing to share with you through our strong publications – Think Big and The Interchange – updates about this work and our industry.

As 2021 winds down, I hope each and every one of you has the opportunity to reflect on the good that you experienced during the year. As you look forward to 2022, I hope you have plenty to look forward to in your business and at home. The last few years have been challenging for all of us in Saskatchewan and around the world, but working with great people – like you – makes it worth all the effort. Have a Merry Christmas and fulfilling holiday season!

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

SHCA Convention Postponed

There is a saying that anything worth having is worth the wait.

That’s definitely true of the SHCA Convention. You might have recently noticed receiving postcards with new spring dates for that event.

The new dates for the SHCA Convention are set for April 7–8, 2022. The convention will be held at the same place – the Delta Bessborough Hotel and Convention Center in Saskatoon – and the same speakers will be ready to present. I am also grateful our sponsors have agreed to carry forward their sponsorships into next year.

Since this event is being held in the spring, which is when SHCA’s annual general meeting is typically held, these two events will be combined. The AGM will be added to the agenda that will see us spending two full days discussing our industry, the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association and you, its members.

We will hear from two wonderful speakers – Darci Lang and retired Colonel Mark Gasparotto – during the convention.

Darci has discovered a solution to help each of us do our jobs, connect with the people who matter most and live our lives to the fullest. She is an award-winning entrepreneur, a professional speaker, a bestselling author, a blogger, a wife and a mom. She brings her message of “Focus on the 90%” to help others find the positives at work, rise above adversity and triumph in their lives.

Then there is Mark, who provides leadership solutions inspired by his two decades of military service. Mark is highly decorated, serving in key leadership roles in international hotspots such as Bosnia, Afghanistan and Haiti, doing everything from commanding small tactical units, to overseeing large, multinational peacekeeping operations.

Mark is passionate about self-reflection and personal development. He emphasizes results, teamwork and effective communications, which is how he was able to elevate to the upper ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces.

As always, the convention will wrap up with the Chairman’s Banquet. New at this convention is that the capacity for this event is set at a maximum of 300 delegates. That makes registering and booking your room early extra important.

If you had hotel rooms booked for the November dates, there is information on the postcards about what to do about rescheduling those dates. If you are still thinking about booking rooms and attending, I would encourage you to consider all that this type of event has to offer.

Events such as this convention allow us to gather, which helps each of us to reconnect to learn from one another and to share our experiences so we can recognize our successes and opportunities. It is also how we can determine where improvements are needed and how to address making those improvements. I look forward to all of you gathering in the spring to help develop and strengthen the voice of the association to benefit you, our members and your businesses.

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Construction Safety Associations: Critical to Industry Safety

Safe and healthy workplaces matter to industry.

Industry is most qualified to identify current hazards in their workplaces that could lead to injuries and to determine best practice to prevent injuries. Industries at higher risk of injuries, such as heavy construction, demonstrate safety is a priority by maintaining safety associations to support workplaces. 

Practical and relevant safety training as well as advice and support is developed and delivered by these safety associations. These services are based on direct knowledge that industry provides these associations. Saskatchewan is fortunate to have seven safety associations, including the Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan.

As a Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association member, you should know about recent changes by Saskatchewan’s Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). These changes undermine the work and credibility of the province’s industry safety associations. 

Agreements about the delivery and accountability of funding as well as WCB’s requirements of these associations are being reinterpreted and revised. This has the potential to radically change the nature and purpose of safety associations in Saskatchewan as well as the role of the WCB.

I am working closely with these safety associations so that we can preserve them as well as industry’s role in developing relevant and effective safety training. Through our research, we have mapped out the moves being made by WCB that undermine the safety associations. These moves are primarily around funding, but also include presenting safety data and injury numbers without including necessary context. (That context would reveal WCB’s indirect knowledge of industry. Its decisions and actions based on indirect industry knowledge impact safety outcomes.)

As safety leaders, our group’s advocacy efforts with government are not just defending the safety associations. We are on the offense, proposing our own vision for the organization and administration of safety in Saskatchewan, including enforcement.

Industry organized, sponsors and funds these safety associations so the resources that workplaces need to maintain and improve safety on worksites exists. These safety associations provide valued guidance and support to workplaces, and I ask you to keep this issue in mind as you prepare for 2022’s work season.

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

President’s Message

Together, we are better. Now that we can host and attend events, we have a few coming up that offer our members a great opportunity to move forward their interests. Mark your calendars with these events in November. 

The first is the MLA reception that the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association is hosting on Nov. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. This event is your opportunity to meet with provincial MLAs from both sides of the legislature to talk to them, face to face, about your business as well as the industry.

Whatever insights, issues or topics you think these MLAs need to recognize is up for discussion when we get together in Room 218 at the Legislative Building in Regina. Encourage other members to attend to speak to amplify the message you feel needs to get across. 

We ask that everyone planning to attend pre-register as the SHCA needs to provide the legislative staff with the list of names of those attending. To pre-register, please contact traceyk@saskheavy.ca or slipp@saskheavy.ca. The earlier you register, the better!

The second event is the SHCA Fall Convention, which is scheduled Nov. 25–26 in Saskatoon. For two days, we will gather at the Delta Bessborough Hotel and Convention Center to listen to speakers and participate in conversations about our industry. 

On Friday evening (Nov. 26) is the Chairman’s Banquet. New this year is that the capacity for this event is set at a maximum of 300 delegates. That makes registering and booking your room early extra important! 

Registration links are now open and available for the SHCA Room Block. More details about the convention will be coming out as we move towards November. 

Events such as these are important to our members because they help develop and strengthen the voice of the association. Gathering to share about our experiences, ideas and suggestions helps our members recognize and realize improvements and opportunities. It is how our members can find and form the connections that make their businesses and this industry even better. 

I look forward to seeing each and every one of you who takes part in these events and learning more about your current interests and ideas so I can best represent you and our industry. 

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Martin Charlton Communications Leads Government Relations Session for SHCA Board

Government is a critical stakeholder in heavy construction.

When those in politics have a solid understanding of our industry, the decisions that get made are more likely to take into account the value we offer the province and its economy as well as the issues and concerns of those who make up the industry.

As you know, the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association is a member-driven association relied on to advocate for your interests. It is important to maintain a quality relationship with those who are elected to make decisions that impact our industry. 

SHCA has partnered with Martin Charlton Communications to ensure the most effective approach is used to represent our industry to elected officials and bureaucrats. Martin Charlton Communications has worked with local, regional, national and international organizations for the past two decades to help them connect with government by telling their story.

The right people need to be told that story and it needs to be told in the right way, which is what Martin Charlton Communications – and in particular, Kelly Gallagher – works with clients to develop. The strategies he creates help organizations promote their contributions, anticipate and avoid complications and guide them through the maze of government. Gallagher spent six years in professional political service on both the federal and provincial level – including serving as chief of staff for four provincial cabinet ministers, becoming one of the most well-known and respected figures in the Saskatchewan government relations industry. 

During the third week of August, Gallagher will meet with the SHCA board to discuss the six key factors to keep in mind when conducting a persuasive government relations campaign. This is an opportunity for the board to consider how these factors – patience, simple messaging, integrity, the influence of bureaucrats on politicians, alliances and maintaining contact – can be applied to our industry’s interests. 

The work required to maintain a mutually beneficial connection with government is never-ending and requires consistent attention and decisive action. The individuals elected to represent the citizens of Saskatchewan have so many perspectives and interests to consider. 

Taking the time to reflect on what it takes to effectively c0nsort with elected representatives, so that our industry and its interests receive the appropriate attention and consideration, is time well spent because of the benefits it will deliver to our membership. Infrastructure funding and fair bidding on projects, the regulation of our industry and safety matters are areas to focus on with government and this session with Gallagher should sharpen our focus and strengthen our tactics. 

The story we have to tell about our industry is one I take pride in telling during my interactions with those in government. Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate and advocate on your behalf.

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Inaugural Meeting of the Women in Construction TEC Group

Meeting with a group that is open to advice and generous with their insights is an empowering experience that helps to develop one another.

A group like that came together recently to create that experience for women in construction. We met as the Women in Construction – TEC Group for its inaugural meeting. This introductory meeting was held to gauge the interest in this type of a group holding ongoing meetings to support those involved.

Women from various sectors of construction who are living and working in many different communities in the province met on May 20 to learn about TEC and gain peer support and offer advice. Some of the women had been working in their field for decades while others were new to theirs. Their roles covered a wide array of functions, from ownership to human resources to fleet management.

It was an important opportunity to draw out the perspective of women discussing the challenges, issues and successes in the construction industry. The group discussed navigating work relationships, giving one another suggestions on how to ensure those in the relationship recognize it is strictly professional. Others were looking for input on human resources challenges, including onboarding new employees who primarily speak a language other than English. Through the discussions, we generated great ideas to help find solutions to common concerns.

It was an important opportunity to draw out the perspective of women discussing the challenges, issues and successes in the construction industry.

Coming together to discuss challenges and opportunities related to business and career development is important for anyone building their career. Sitting down on a scheduled basis to have these discussions with people who have similar life experience can be reassuring.

There is interest in another meeting being scheduled to allow for the conversation to continue and to welcome additional women interested in an opportunity like this. Given the busy season that is summer, the plan is to schedule the next meeting sometime in late August.

If you would like to participate, please send me an email to get more information, including the date once one is set. You can email me at slipp@saskheavy.ca 

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

SHCA Events Resume

As Saskatchewan has gradually eased its way toward the end of the pandemic through the steady delivery of vaccinations, I have been eagerly waiting for the time to arrive when our members can gather once again.

That time is nearly here. As of July 11, all public health orders in the province have been removed and that lifts the limits on events and gathering sizes. 

We have been seeing concerts announced and Roughrider games scheduled. Families are meeting and celebrating after their long absences from one another. Friends are spending time together catching up and enjoying on another’s company. Seeing people come together reminds us of the value of connection to make each of us better than we are on our own. We are stronger together. 

That’s what makes the return of the SHCA golf tournament so exciting. This year’s tournament is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 19 at the Wascana Country Club in Regina. 

We hope to see many SHCA members, sponsors and supporting companies come together after having to be apart for so long.

Start the day together with lunch at noon before the shotgun start to the tournament at 1 p.m. Following your round of golf, it’s your chance to spend time reconnecting with your network during the banquet.

As a member-driven organization, I know how important it is for all of you in heavy construction to have opportunities to meet and share with one another. That networking is how I learn how to best represent, advocate and serve all of the members that make up our organization so that the issues that matter most get the attention they deserve. Making those connections over a round of golf and a meal makes the day just that much more memorable. 

Watch for an email from our office with the registration form, which will include the cost of participating in this year’s tournament. Fill out the form and submit it as well as your registration fee to Tracey or Ellie to participate. 

Also, watch the SHCA website for the events page to be updated with details about upcoming events, including our convention. We look forward to offering you more opportunities through the rest of 2021 to build your connections. 

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

President’s Message

Meeting with a group that is open to advice and generous with their insights is an empowering experience that helps to develop one another.

A group like that came together recently to create that experience for women in construction. We met as the Women in Construction – TEC Group for its inaugural meeting. This introductory meeting was held to gauge the interest in this type of a group holding ongoing meetings to support those involved.

Women from various sectors of construction who are living and working in many different communities in the province met on May 20 to learn about TEC and gain peer support and offer advice. Some of the women had been working in their field for decades while others were new to theirs. Their roles covered a wide array of functions, from ownership to human resources to fleet management.

It was an important opportunity to draw out the perspective of women discussing the challenges, issues and successes in the construction industry. The group discussed navigating work relationships, giving one another suggestions on how to ensure those in the relationship recognize it is strictly professional. Others were looking for input on human resources challenges, including onboarding new employees who primarily speak a language other than English. Great ideas were generated through the discussions to help find solutions to common concerns.

Coming together to discuss challenges and opportunities related to business and career development is important for anyone building their career. Sitting down on a scheduled basis to have these discussions with people who have similar life experience can be reassuring.

There is interest in another meeting being scheduled to allow for the conversation to continue and to welcome additional women interested in an opportunity like this. Given the busy season that is summer, the plan is to schedule the next meeting sometime in late August.

If you would like to participate, please send me an email to get more information, including the date once one is set. You can email me at slipp@saskheavy.ca