by SHCA SHCA

Build Your Future: Career Connect

Build Your Future Career Connect | Meet and Greet Reception

Are you looking to recruit the next generation of talent for Saskatchewan’s heavy civil construction sector? Do you want to connect directly with graduating students, early-career professionals and emerging industry talent who are eager to launch their careers?

The SHCA and Women of Asphalt Canada invite your organization to participate in the inaugural Build Your Future: Career Connect, a signature industry event designed to bring motivated job-seekers together with contractors, engineering firms and government employers shaping Saskatchewan’s infrastructure future.

📅 Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025
🕔 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
📍 Milan Room, Delta Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, Regina

Who Should Participate?

This event is ideal for employers looking to recruit or engage with candidates pursuing careers in:

  • Civil, geotechnical or municipal engineering
  • Engineering technology
  • Quality control, materials testing and lab roles
  • Heavy equipment operation and mechanics
  • Trucking and hauling
  • Project coordination and project management
  • Asphalt, aggregate, crushing and other plant operations
  • Paving, underground, concrete, bridge and structural crews
  • Surveying and survey support
  • Traffic control and site safety
  • And all roles connected to Saskatchewan’s roadbuilding, bridge construction, underground utilities and major infrastructure projects

Why Your Organization Should Attend

Build Your Future: Career Connect gives you the opportunity to:

  • Meet job-ready talent preparing to enter the workforce in 2026 and beyond
  • Promote your company, career paths and upcoming hiring opportunities
  • Identify candidates who align with your workforce needs
  • Build early relationships with students and emerging professionals
  • Support and strengthen the future talent pipeline for Saskatchewan’s heavy construction sector
  • Network with industry peers, leaders and partners
  • Enjoy complimentary food and beverages throughout the evening

Built on Grit: Powered by Future Talent

Saskatchewan’s heavy construction industry thrives because of organizations like yours: employers committed to building the roads, bridges and infrastructure that drive our province forward. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in welcoming and developing the next generation of skilled workers who will continue that legacy.

RSVP is required – limited employer spots available. To confirm your organization’s attendance, please email traceyk@saskheavy.ca. Early registration is strongly encouraged, as space is limited. This is a premier, one-of-a-kind recruitment and networking event designed to strengthen our industry’s workforce and create meaningful connections that move Saskatchewan forward.

Merit SK and Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association Government Industry Event - November 7,2025
by SHCA SHCA

Networking Event

Thank you to all the MLAs, industry leaders and association members who joined us for an exceptional government-industry networking event hosted by the SHCA and Merit Contractors of Saskatchewan. Your time, insights and engagement helped make the evening a tremendous success. Together, we strengthened connections, shared opportunities and continued building the strong partnerships that move Saskatchewan’s heavy construction industry forward.

  Watch video here.
A photo of a girl in a construction uniform and wearing an orange hard hat.
by SHCA SHCA

Skilled Trade and Technology Week in Saskatchewan

A photo of a girl in a construction uniform and wearing an orange hard hat.

The Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed the first week of November (Nov. 2 to 8) as Skilled Trade and Technology Week in Saskatchewan. This week promotes and raises awareness of the opportunities in the skilled trade and technology sectors.

“Apprentices and skilled tradespeople are in high demand in Saskatchewan,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter said. “This week recognizes the value that skilled tradespeople bring to our economy and quality of life. These are rewarding, hands-on careers that give people the opportunity to solve complex problems and make an impact on communities across our province.”

Skills Canada Saskatchewan is recognizing the week through an online campaign, “Building Saskatchewan’s Future through Skills” and aims to provide educators with information and resources about the history of the skilled trades in Saskatchewan, in-demand trades in the province and the future of trades training. The campaign will be shared from Skills Canada Saskatchewan’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Skills Canada Saskatchewan hosts an annual Olympic style skills competition for dozens of competition categories in the trade and tech sectors. They also offer summer camps that introduce participants to construction, cooking, welding and game design; and host Trade and Tech Days at schools across the province where Skills Canada Saskatchewan competition alumni share their success stories.

“Skilled Trade and Technology Week is a pivotal week for us,” said Krystal Nieckar, Skills Canada Saskatchewan executive director. “We have an opportunity to shine the light on trades and technologies as incredible opportunities for young people. We work with our partners throughout the year to showcase how careers in these sectors enable young people to thrive, grow and stay in Saskatchewan.”

The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) promotes skilled trades careers to youth through the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship program. Participants complete 12 activities, including interviewing a journeyperson and completing the Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course. Those who register as apprentices within five years receive 300 trade time hours and have their fees waived for apprenticeship registration and Level 1 technical training. Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) representatives travel across the province to promote the program and highlight the benefits of apprenticeship and skilled trades careers.

“Over the last couple of years, we have observed growth in total apprentice numbers and new apprentice registrations,” SATCC CEO Jeff Ritter said. “We encourage young people to consider registering for the SYA program to find out if a skilled trades career might be right for them.”

As of June 30, 2025, there were 7,166 total apprentices in Saskatchewan, a six per cent increase over the previous year. Educators interested in promoting careers in the skilled trade and technology sectors are encouraged to connect with Skills Canada Saskatchewan to host a Trade and Tech Day at their school; invite apprentices, journeypersons or other industry representatives to deliver classroom presentations; or administer the SYA program.

by SHCA SHCA

Canadian Construction Association Applauds Federal Budget’s Significant Infrastructure Investments, Calls for Co-ordinated Workforce Strategy

Canadian Construction Association

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) welcomes the federal budget, which puts construction at the heart of Canada’s economic strategy through investments in infrastructure, defence and housing. These measures are critical to supporting the businesses and people who build the homes, transportation networks and other projects Canadians rely on every day.

CCA commends the government’s significant $115 billion investment in infrastructure, including $51 billion for local infrastructure such as housing and transportation, which will support communities across Canada and enable the ambitious homebuilding agenda.

“Canada has underinvested in critical infrastructure for decades,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, president of CCA. “These investments reflect the essential role of housing-enabling infrastructure in addressing the national housing shortage and committing substantial resources to these projects.” CCA also welcomes investment for the Major Projects Office, and the recognition within the budget that “for too long, the construction of major infrastructure in Canada has been stalled by arduous, inefficient approval processes.”

While the budget marks an important step toward recognizing construction’s role in Canada’s economy, CCA continues to call for a co-ordinated national workforce strategy, one that connects immigration, apprenticeships, upskilling and the destigmatization of careers in the skilled trades. “The construction sector employs 1.6 million Canadians and contributes $165 billion to Canada’s GDP, yet we continue to face significant labour shortages,” said Gilbert. “Without a long-term, co-ordinated workforce strategy, any ambitious construction agenda will stall.”

The government’s investment in foreign credential recognition is also important. However, CCA cautions that it is too narrowly focused on unionized programs. “Union training programs play an important role in building Canada’s workforce, but we must ensure equitable access to training and credential recognition for all workers, including the 70 per cent of Canada’s construction workforce that is non-unionized,” said Gilbert. “If we want to build more homes and infrastructure faster, we need investments that don’t leave the majority of workers behind.”

Finally, CCA supports the government’s ambition to strengthen domestic industry, but procurement policies must not unintentionally restrict the construction supply chain. Canada’s builders depend on a reliable flow of materials and components. Continued dialogue with the construction sector is critical to ensuring that domestic sourcing policies strengthen rather than constrain Canada’s ability to build.

“We look forward to working with the federal government to ensure domestic sourcing policies strengthen – not constrain – Canada’s construction capacity,” said Gilbert. “When [the] government and industry work together, we can deliver more skilled workers, modern infrastructure and stronger communities. Together, we build Canada.”

SHCA facebook video screenshot
by SHCA SHCA

MLA Reception a Success

The SHCA had a fantastic turnout to its annual MLA reception at the Legislative Building on Oct. 28. Thanks to the sponsors of the event, Morsky Construction and C. Duncan Construction, the provincial MLAs from both the current government and the opposition that joined us, the members from Regina’s city council and all the SHCA members that came out!

It was a great event, with great conversations!

  Watch video here.
Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Fall Focus: Engaging Government on Infrastructure Priorities

Shantel Lipp

Fall is the time for our industry to wind down its seasonal work and start to plan for the next year. It is also the time when the SHCA shifts into high engagement gear with several opportunities for our industry to speak with and inform the decision-makers on the issues impacting our industry. For those in government, fall is a busy time as well. On Nov. 4, the federal government released Budget 2025. This is the first budget to be delivered by the Carney government. Fall is also when the provincial government begins its budget deliberations for 2026–27.

On Wednesday, Nov. 26, the federal government will be releasing its budget. This will be the first budget to be delivered by the Carney government, and many in the industry are watching closely to see what commitments to infrastructure will be made.

Fall is also the time when the provincial government begins the process of its budget deliberations for 2026-27. The provincial government laid out its legislative priorities this month when it opened the legislative session with its speech from the throne. Government priorities focused on health care, education and public safety. Although infrastructure funding was mentioned in the speech, it was only in reference to what has been committed to in the past. As an association, it is our duty to ensure elected officials understand how commitments to infrastructure funding tie directly back to their government’s priorities.

While fall is a time to wind down some operations, the SHCA is winding up its work on reaching the ear of government. Our outreach is to ensure that our priorities become government priorities.

Engagement update

The SHCA continues to be active with our outreach to the government on several fronts. On Oct. 22, I was at the Legislative Building for the government’s speech from the throne. The next day, I was able to attend the annual Premier’s Dinner in Regina and had the opportunity to talk to a few government MLAs and cabinet members on the issues impacting our industry.

The following week, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, the SHCA hosted its annual MLA Reception at the Legislative Buildings in Regina. The event was once again well attended by MLAs from the government and the opposition, and this year also included members from Regina’s city council. After our brief presentation, our SHCA board and staff were able to speak one-on-one with elected officials and reaffirm how our industry is key to keeping the Saskatchewan economy growing.

The SHCA also co-hosted an industry-government mixer with Merit Contractors in Saskatoon on Friday, Nov. 7. On Dec. 3 to 4, the SHCA will be hosting its third annual Infrastructure Summit and Trade Show at the Delta Convention Centre in Regina.

Straight prairie road in Alberta, Canada. Yellow line. Blue sky.
by SHCA SHCA

Highway 201 Now Designated Chief Kahkewistahaw Way 

Straight prairie road in Alberta, Canada. Yellow line. Blue sky.

A provincial highway north of Broadview is being named to honour one of the original signers of Treaty 4. Highway 201 will now have the dual designation of Highway 201 Chief Kahkewistahaw Way. The 20-kilometre highway runs through Kahkewistahaw First Nation. Chief Kahkewistahaw signed Treaty 4 on Sept. 15, 1874. 

“Chief Kahkewistahaw Way recognizes a visionary chief who led his people with great distinction,” Highways Minister David Marit said. “We are grateful to Chief Evan Taypotat for recommending this dual designation, which will remind us of one of the people who shaped the history of this region.” 

“Chief Kahkewistahaw was known for his unwavering commitment to his people and his ability to adapt to changing times while protecting our traditional lands,” Kahkewistahaw Chief Evan Taypotat said. “This renaming honours not just a great chief, but represents our ongoing journey of reconciliation and the important recognition of Indigenous leadership in the history of these lands.” 

When a highway receives dual designation, the original highway number remains. This ensures consistency for emergency responders, shippers, travellers and online mapping services. Commemorative signs will be added to Highway 201 markers recognizing that the road is now known as Chief Kahkewistahaw Way. The distinctive sign design was developed in consultation with community members. The name was approved by a committee that included representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Town of Broadview and Rural Municipality of Elcapo. 

Highway 201 is the third provincial highway to receive a dual designation honouring an Indigenous leader, following Highway 11 Louis Riel Trail and Highway 219 Chief Whitecap Trail. 

by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Construction Week: Industry Leads in Growth 

The Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed Sept. 22 to 27 as Saskatchewan Construction Week. The proclamation aims to raise awareness of the vital role the construction sector plays in growing the provincial economy. In 2024, the industry contributed 7.1 per cent to Saskatchewan’s real GDP.

“Our construction sector is, quite literally, helping build a better future here in this great province,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said.

Saskatchewan Canada

“Thanks to the industry’s hard work and our focus on improving the lives of citizens, more people than ever before are choosing to call Saskatchewan home. This influx of people has led to a construction boom, which shows just how crucial this sector is to job creation.”

In 2024, 42,700 people were employed in Saskatchewan’s construction sector, rising to 51,300 as of June 2025. More than 8,000 jobs were added in the industry in the first half of the year alone. The value of Saskatchewan’s construction sector increased by 13.2 per cent between 2023 and 2024. This growth has largely been driven by new residents moving to the province, which has caused housing starts to increase by 84 per cent in the first six months of 2025. Building permits were also up 58.8 per cent in the first five months of the year. Both increases rank first among the provinces for year-to-date growth.  

These significant contributions help Saskatchewan achieve record-breaking GDP results year after year. In 2024, the province’s real GDP at basic prices reached an all-time high of $80.5 billion, increasing by $2.6 billion, or 3.4 per cent. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth and above the national average of 1.6 per cent. 

Last year, the Government of Saskatchewan unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth – Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy, combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for investors and outlines why Saskatchewan continues to be the best place to do business in Canada.