Shantel Lipp - SHCA President
by SHCA SHCA

Looking Back at 2020

This year has been one for the history books.

The early stages of 2020 started rather routinely, with our association taking steps to have its voice heard and urge different levels of government to lean on our industry.

January and February saw us contact the federal and provincial governments, respectively. The Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association, in unison with Manitoba and Alberta, shared our collective vision with the federal government for western and national economic growth.

We wrote a policy paper with intentions of spurring discussions with the feds in terms of the economy and the importance of investing in trade-enabling infrastructure. 

The following month, we targeted the provincial government and voiced our frustrations with single-window procurement. Unnecessary delays in awarding tenders became commonplace for many of our members. This needed to be changed.

In March, we learned what we already knew – the 2019–20 provincial budget estimate remained status quo. The overall budget was $648 million, a drop of more than $50 million from last year’s budget. However, the $358 million set aside for capital expenditures slightly increased from 2018–19.

In April, our province and our country found itself firmly in the grasp of the COVID-19 pandemic. It had been present for a couple of months previous, but it wasn’t until this point when governments took the steps to shut down our economy with the temporary closure of non-essential business.

It was in April when we reassured our members that when life does return to normal, Canadians will look to our industry as one that can lead us to a stronger economic future. 

And we were correct in that belief. In May, we heard Premier Scott Moe say, “Over the next two years, our government will invest $7.5 billion dollars in…highways, municipal infrastructure and other important capital projects designed to build a strong Saskatchewan.”

It was great news for our industry, for our members and for the Saskatchewan economy.

The road to economic recovery here and across the country starts with our industry.

Our provincial government shares that sentiment. The money being spent now will create a legacy serving the economy for the next 50 years.

The funding represents a $2 billion increase over the government’s existing capital plan. The resulting projects are expected to support 10,000 jobs. More than $300 million of the funds are intended for highway projects, including surface upgrades and passing lanes, with almost $50 million dedicated to upgrades to municipal roads and airports.

There’s a bevy of infrastructure projects on the horizon that should keep our members humming. Who would have thought at the start of the year, when there was uncertainty among industry members, that we would be tendering major projects for the foreseeable future?

It’s safe to say, 2020 has been anything but predictable.

Here’s to a safe, healthy and prosperous year ahead.

by SHCA SHCA

WCB Holds 2021 Average Premium Rate at 2020 Rate

WorkSafe Saskatchewan / Work to live.

The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) announced earlier this week that it will hold this year’s average employer premium rate at the 2020 rate of $1.17 and will cap industry level rates at 10 per cent. This board level hold is to provide a measure of economic relief to Saskatchewan businesses struggling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the WCB’s rate model, the 2021 average required rate should have been $1.23 per hundred dollars of payroll without the board level hold. The increase was driven by a combination of factors, including the economic slowdown caused by COVID-19 and an increase in compensation and health care costs.

“Given the level of uncertainty surrounding Saskatchewan’s economy as a result of the pandemic, the WCB board proposed a hold for 2021,” said Minister responsible for the WCB Don Morgan. “By holding the rate at $1.17, the WCB will save employers approximately $13.4 million in 2021 premiums. This is in addition to approximately $1 million employers saved on interest and penalties in 2020.”

Premium rates are generally determined by two key factors – claims costs and payroll.

“We recognize the impact of the COVID-19 virus across the province. Payroll is down, as many businesses struggle to stay afloat,” said WCB CEO, Phil Germain. “This assistance from the WCB will benefit those employers. This is just another example of how we all – including workers, employers and government – work together to overcome the many challenges caused by the current pandemic and subsequent economic slowdown.”  

Prior to the premium rate plateauing in 2019, the average premium rate had been steadily declining, in conjunction with an overall reduction in work-related illnesses and injuries. In fact, the current average premium rate is 43 per cent below the 17-year high of $2.05 in 2004. However, WCB officials advise the rate may rise in 2022 if payroll costs remain low while claims costs continue to rise.

“We’ve seen a tremendous collective effort in recent years by workers, employers, safety associations and stakeholders to bring down the number of workplace injuries in our province,” said WCB chair Gord Dobrowolsky. “We’re making significant progress. In 2019, for the fourth year in a row, 88 per cent of Saskatchewan employers reported zero injuries in their workplaces. As well, the workplace total injury rate in our province has dropped by over 50 per cent since 2008.” 

While overall injury rates are down, the number of serious injuries continues to be a concern. In 2019, serious injuries accounted for 12 per cent of total workplace injuries in the province, but more than 80 per cent of compensation costs. The WCB is working with customers and stakeholders to innovate the WCB’s claims and injury prevention strategies. The development of the Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy in 2019 was the first major step toward reducing injuries and improving disability management and return to work in Saskatchewan. Find out more about the strategy at www.worksafesask.ca.

Employers can also play a significant role in keeping their premium rates down. Work-related injuries can be prevented by instituting a comprehensive workplace safety program. A solid disability management and return-to-work program will also help reduce costs and assist injured workers to recover and return to work safely and as soon as possible. 

Employers can log into their secure WCB online account starting on Dec. 7, 2020 to view their 2021 industry premium rate, including their experience rating and certificate, if eligible. Employers who don’t have a secure WCB online account can sign up for one today at www.wcbsask.com.

by SHCA SHCA

Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy

The Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) program has been launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is an employer-driven, short-term training program that provides eligible employers with financial support to train employees.

Funding to support training can help employers adjust to the impacts of the pandemic and safely align business activities with the re-opening phases of Saskatchewan’s economy.

The program is operated by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Immigration and Career Training.

Benefits of the subsidy:

  • Training support through the RSTS program will ensure employers have access to training to maintain business activities while continuing to promote workplace safety and stimulate competitiveness without a financial burden;
  • Employers select the trainee(s) and the training program;
  • 100 per cent reimbursement to eligible employers for approved training;
  • Approved employers will receive 33 per cent of the cost of training upon entering into a training agreement with the government. The remaining 67 per cent will be paid upon completion of final reporting and verification of actual expenditures; and
  • The maximum payment is $10,000 to eligible employers for the RSTS program.

For information about the subsidy or to apply, click here.

SHCA members will fall under the Transportation and Logistics section to qualify.

by SHCA SHCA

Canadian Construction Association and KPMG in Canada Launch Digital Maturity Assessment Tool to Gauge Innovation

In a new initiative to assist Canadian construction companies gauge their level of construction innovation, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has joined forces with KPMG in Canada to launch the complimentary Digital maturityassessment tool for the construction industry. 

Construction is rapidly evolving into a tech-savvy industry with the use of drones, automated vehicles and virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR). Advancing innovation is a top priority of CCA’s five-year strategic plan and vision to “Build a better Canada.”

New digital technologies, innovations and disruptive business models mean many construction organizations need to keep pace with the transformative changes required to drive growth, meet customer demands, increase productivity and attract the right digital talent to truly reap the benefits of the digital age.  

With access to KPMG Canada’s proprietary online Digital maturity assessment tool, construction companies of all sizes can now confidentially assess their digital readiness in a few minutes.

“The need for digital transformation to stay competitive in construction has been heightened by the pandemic,” said Mary Van Buren, CCA president. “This online tool will especially aid small and medium-sized construction companies by providing a benchmark of their efforts and insight on areas of future focus.”

“We believe it’s vital for companies to assess where they are on their digital journey to ensure technology and business strategies are aligned and delivering return on investment,” said Lorne Burns, KPMG Canada’s national industry leader, Building, Construction and Real Estate. “COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of embracing digital technologies to inform strategic decision-making, build resilience, enhance competitiveness and protect asset value amid disruption and uncertainty. We’re thrilled to be joining forces with CCA on making our tool available to the construction industry.”

Teaming up with KPMG Canada, a report on the findings will also be published at CCA’s 2021 annual conference.

The KPMG Canada Digital maturity for Construction tool can be accessed by clicking here.

by SHCA SHCA

Changes in the Saskatchewan Workforce

The monthly job numbers are turning into a proxy for tracking how government rules around the pandemic are affecting business decisions.

We got the November numbers earlier in December and they showed a decline in part-time work. That likely is a reflection of the new restrictions on operating hours for bars and restaurants as business owners respond to government decrees.

But we also saw increases in a couple areas. First, the tally of full-time positions grew while part-time was falling. And the number of people looking for work – the size of the employment pool – also grew. Both of those are positive signals …signs that employers are feeling some level confidence when adding new full-time positions and those who had given up finding a job returned to the workforce. That suggests they have discovered new confidence in the market’s ability to deliver opportunities.

But a larger workforce also means a higher unemployment rate – it rose almost half a point to 6.9 percent pushing into second place among the provinces on this count, as Nova Scotia has now moved ahead of us.

Source: Martin Charlton Communications

by SHCA SHCA

Municipalities of Saskatchewan Convention going Virtual for 2021

The Municipalities of Saskatchewan recently announced that the 116th Annual Convention will be held online, Feb. 7–10, 2021.

With the uncertainty of COVID-19, Municipalities of Saskatchewan’s Convention Planning Committee made the decision to transition to a virtual event for 2021 to ensure that representatives from Saskatchewan’s hometowns can still come together in February to network, learn and advocate for the betterment of Saskatchewan’s communities.

The theme of Convention 2021 is Stronger Together. COVID-19 has shown that while municipal leaders can’t physically be together, they can still work together to build stronger communities by sharing information and acting with one voice to ensure Saskatchewan’s hometowns have the resources they need.

While many have probably attended webinars, online workshops and other virtual meetings, Convention 2021 will be much more.

The virtual platform used by Municipalities of Saskatchewan will give attendees the chance to:

  • Attend keynote and education sessions in a virtual environment designed to make participants feel like they’re sitting among peers
  • Interact with provincial officials
  • Connect with other attendees
  • Browse the Municipal Marketplace and speak with exhibitors face-to-face

Access additional educational content – like Netflix, but with content designed for municipal government

Visit www.suma.org for updates and information regarding the virtual convention.

Shantel Lipp - SHCA President
by SHCA SHCA

President’s Message

The heavy construction/road building industry is home to some of the hardest working people who have brilliant stories and experiences to share with their colleagues. Networking with like-minded individuals often results in the sharing of business best practices.

As we all know, the majority of the people employed in this industry are men. But there’s growing number of female business owners and executives who deserve a seat at the table as well.

That’s why we’re looking to launch a TEC group comprised of women in the construction industry that are at executive level or are entrepreneurs of their own.

Being a part of a TEC group can be transformational. Learning from peers can leave a lasting impact on your business and on your life.

You don’t have to be a Harvard Business School grad to be a fit for this group. Instead, we’re looking for women with a business sense and a good work ethic.

This group would serve as a forum for women in the industry to talk about common issues and share stories and experiences and challenges they face. Meeting with colleagues will provide them an opportunity to better their business. 

A lot of women are intimately involved in the businesses they own or the ones they work for. We could be pioneers in creating a TEC group that is comprised of women in a non-traditional sector.

We have great leaders in this sector. I think of Mandy Rennehan, the Blue-Collar CEO and incredible guest speaker we had at our annual convention in 2019. Mandy would be an ideal presenter for our TEC group.

Women in this industry tend to sit in the background a lot. It’s not that our voices are being ignored. Rather, it’s because we’re not the face of the company and often not the ones in public, attending meetings and making deals. We assume more of a behind-the-scenes role. This TEC group could change that.

There’s a lot of big projects planned for Saskatchewan over the next several years. That is why this is an ideal time to start this group.

by SHCA SHCA

Take Note of Saskatchewan’s Balance Sheet

It’s the old forest and the trees thing. When you’re in the middle of something, it can be hard to tell whether you are going forward, backward or just sitting still.

So, when we get a report from an outsider with a broader perspective, it can be helpful. The latest of one of those reports comes from the economics branch at Scotiabank, looking at how Saskatchewan stacks up against the other provinces in terms of growth, contraction and recovery.

There were some things that were not surprises. We will experience a deep recession this year, for example. And our patience in the mining world is finally yielding results as uranium production will resume while potash output has been slowly rising.

Agriculture has been our bright light with China buying more of our goods, despite the restrictions on some products.

And the provincial government’s fiscal prudence earned a special note. We will come out of this with the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the country, freeing up capacity for capital spending that is expected to add $1.2 billion to our GDP next year.

Source: Martin Charlton Communications

by SHCA SHCA

CCA Launches Construction R&D Portal to Accelerate Innovation

In a new endeavour to advance innovation within the industry, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) and Cognit.ca recently announced the launch of the Construction R&D Portal and the Construction R&D Showcase speaker series. 

The goal of this initiative is to help Canada’s $141 billion construction industry capitalize on the $14 billion of research performed by universities annually.

The Construction R&D Portal will give construction leaders unprecedented visibility into world-class expertise, research, facilities and intellectual property that exist at post-secondary institutions across Canada. The Construction R&D Showcase will link industry executives and researchers with cutting-edge discoveries that can help the industry explore and adopt new innovations.

“One of the key challenges for the industry has been to learn about cutting-edge innovation that is undertaken by academia and the talent behind it. It can be equally difficult for researchers to showcase their research to industry executives or even gain funding for new research,” said Mary Van Buren, president of CCA. “This new single access portal will overcome that challenge by helping our members accelerate innovation by exposing them to the most up to date research available on construction.”

The Construction R&D Portal leverages Cognit.ca’s extensive database of research activities undertaken by Canada’s post-secondary education institutions. The portal will give industry leaders a window into the latest research and discoveries as well as the ability to search Cognit.ca’s database of more than 225,000 research grants, more than 100,000 experts, thousands of pieces of intellectual property, thousands of pieces of research infrastructure and hundreds of research facilities from the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s Research Facilities Navigator. 

The Construction R&D Portal can be accessed at cca-acc.com/construction-rd-portal/.