June 2021

The Brandt Group of Companies has announced plans to make a major investment in staffing and will hire more than 1,000 new employees by the end of 2021. The new positions will span the Regina-based company’s 100+ location international network, focusing on roles in Canada and the USA.

“There’s no question that our people are the foundation of our success. In spite of some challenging times for the global economy, an incredible team effort has enabled us to sustain our business and weather the storm successfully,” said Shaun Semple, Brandt Group of Companies CEO. “Looking ahead, the growth trend for Brandt is strong, so the timing is ideal to make a major investment in our team.”

In the past 10 years, Brandt has expanded their employee base by 140 per cent to more than 3,400, with the pace of growth continuing to accelerate steadily. The newly announced hiring initiative will see the company’s workforce grow by 30 per cent overall with the largest individual gains occurring in the company’s Regina, Saskatoon and Hudson, Ill. locations. Half of these hires will occur in the company’s Saskatchewan locations with 40 per cent more spread out across Canada and the balance in the USA.

The new hires will bolster Brandt’s existing operations in industries from construction, forestry and agriculture to rail, mining and steel. The positions will include skilled trades, sales, finance, marketing, customer support, IT and more as the company expands its support team to meet the needs of a rapidly growing customer base.

“As life begins to return to normal and we look ahead to economic recovery, this is very exciting news for workers and their families,” said Scott Moe, Saskatchewan Premier. “Saskatchewan has what the world needs, and Brandt’s success is a testament to the resiliency of our province’s industries in some of the most challenging global economic times.”

Interested applicants can view a current listing of the company’s career opportunities and apply online at www.brandtjobs.com.

Following the release of a record-setting fall tender schedule this past September, the Ministry of Highways marked May 27 as the unofficial start to the 2021 road construction season.  With one additional project set to close by the end of May, most of the planned contracts from the fall tender have now been awarded and are underway or will be soon.

“Construction season is here,” said Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw. “Spring and summer 2021 will be one of the largest construction seasons the province has seen in a while.  With nearly $440 million in work resulting from this tender, motorists will see over 820 km of roadway improvements across the province.  Drivers may experience some delays with roadworks, and I ask that they slow down, plan ahead and be patient.”

Highlights from the fall tender schedule include:  

• Completion of a multi-year, multi-passing lane project on Highway 7 from Saskatoon to the Saskatchewan/Alberta border;  
• Highway 2 passing lanes north of Prince Albert;
• Highway 3 passing lanes west of Prince Albert;
• Highway 5 passing lanes east of Saskatoon;
• Highway 7 passing lanes west of Kindersley;
• Highway 8 resurfacing north of Moosomin;
• Highway 11 bridge work near Lumsden;
• Highway 12 passing lanes north of Martensville;
• Highway 14 passing lanes west of Saskatoon to Asquith;
• Highway 15 resurfacing west of Highway 2 junction;
• Highway 16 passing lanes west of Yorkton to Springside;
• Highway 16 passing lanes east of Clavet to Highway 6 junction;
• Highway 18 paving partnership with Lake Alma;
• Highway 55 grade and paving near Carrot River;
• Highway 322 resurfacing near Rowan’s Ravine;
• Highway 905 gravel upgrade from Cigar Lake to Mclean Lake; and
• Various culverts and bridge rehabilitations and replacements.

There have been seven projects delayed, most of which will be tendered this summer or fall.  These delays can be attributed to improved coordination by contractors or potential complications stemming from weather, scheduling or other external factors.

Start dates for construction projects are dependent on contractor availability and weather.  All tenders can be viewed at www.sasktenders.ca.

As part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan, the Ministry of Highways will be improving 10,000 km of provincial highways and roadways by the end of 2030.  This year will see 1,350 km of improvement on top of 1,000 km in 2020, putting the province ahead of schedule in its decade-long target.  

Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $10.6 billion in provincial highway and roadway infrastructure with improvements to more than 17,100 km of Saskatchewan highways.

1. Where are you from?

Regina

2. How did you get your start in the heavy construction industry and/or who do you credit to getting you where you are today?

I got my start in the heavy construction industry working as a yard/shop labourer during the summer break before high school started. I would have to credit both my wife and kids in supporting me to get where I am today.

3. What is your career history?

I began my work career as a yard/shop labourer and after high school, went to university to obtain my engineering degree. During university, I worked as a concrete labourer and materials testing technologist. Once I graduated from university, I worked in consulting for about four years in Saskatoon and then moved back to Regina for an opportunity on the contracting side. I have never looked back since.

4. What’s the best piece of business or career advice you have or have been given?

Do not chase success. Work hard, dedicate yourself to your craft and success will chase you.

5. What’s your favourite thing about Saskatchewan and working in the industry?

My favourite thing about Saskatchewan and working in the industry is the people. This province and industry have a great love for what they do, but also a love to give back to our local communities.

6. What is the trait you most deplore in others?

The way some people disregard the feelings and needs of others. With the world going through such tough times in the pandemic, being kind, giving and helping others is more important now than ever.

7. What is your greatest extravagance?

Overall, I am pretty frugal with money. However, I always seem to come out with a new hockey stick whenever going shopping at sport stores.

8. What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My wife and kids are definitely the greatest loves of my life.

9. Who are your favorite writers?

J.R.R. Tolkein and Steven King

10. Who is your hero of fiction?

Aragorn from Lord of the Rings. His growth from humble ranger to a well-respected king is definitely an inspiration.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic continues to demonstrate leadership in providing culturally inclusive learning environments and opportunities. The Indigenous Leadership Skills Applied Certificate will share valuable Indigenous leadership approaches towards maintaining resiliency and building leadership capacity.

Situated on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories, and homeland of the Métis people, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is acting on its strategic plan for 2020–2025, Leading the Rise, by holistically integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, being, teaching and learning throughout all institutional practices, procedures and services. The launch of the Indigenous Leadership Skills applied certificate is part of this work.

“To prepare learners for success in the communities and economies of today and in the future, the new Indigenous Leadership Skills program builds business leadership skills based on Indigenous ways of knowing. This specialized, unique program examines historical and contemporary models of Indigenous business, entrepreneurship and economic development,” said Dr. Larry Rosia, Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO.

“At the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario, we see the Indigenous Leadership Skills program as a vital piece in the efforts to engage Indigenous people into careers in the skilled trades. A sense of understanding of our own Indigenous history, culture, stories and resilience is crucial to empowering the individual in their career journey,” said Danny Deleary, Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario, community engagement coordinator.

Indigenous Leadership Skills is an applied certificate designed to be leveraged by industry to broaden specialized, culturally relevant leadership skills within their workforce or by individuals preparing for their next career move or entrepreneurial venture.  

Using real life case studies focused on exceptional Indigenous leaders, in an interactive format with fellow learners and instructors, the applied certificate is entirely online to maximize accessibility and flexibility for industry and learners. The program includes eight courses that will take about 240 hours to complete. Six of the courses explore standard leadership skills, while two delve deeper into traditional Indigenous leadership and approaches to business-building. Course materials and teaching methods align with Indigenous values, providing a safe, culturally relevant environment for learning.

“Customized programs, like the Indigenous Leadership Skills program, allow for increased participation through workplaces as professional development opportunities. They also provide opportunity for lifelong learning through relevant curriculum which can be successfully completed in a shorter period of time,” said Paul Carter, dean for the School of Continuing Education.

Learn more about the Indigenous Leadership Skills applied certificate.

Andrew Voroney has been appointed as the new executive vice president (EVP) and chief operating officer (COO) of SGI CANADA, effective June 1, 2021.

With 17 years of experience in the insurance industry, including the past five years serving as SGI CANADA’s vice president of commercial lines and regional vice president (RVP), Saskatchewan Operations, Voroney brings a wealth of industry knowledge, strong corporate background and innovative leadership to the position.

Building on an industry background in underwriting, product development and risk analysis, Voroney joined SGI CANADA in 2016. Since that time, he’s led the Commercial Underwriting and Product Management teams nationally as VP, and broadened his areas of responsibility into Personal lines, claims and broker partnership as RVP, bridging corporate and operational responsibilities. He has successfully managed profitable growth, streamlined processes and expanded the company’s use of technology and innovation.

“While these priorities are important, the relationships we have with our staff, partners and customers are at the heart of our business, and these are all areas where Andrew excels,” said president and CEO Andrew Cartmell. “He’s developed strong teams and leaders who can confidently face the challenges of our ever-evolving industry, and support productive, successful partnerships with brokers. This all leads to providing an exceptional experience for customers.”

“I’m excited to take on the role of COO of such a fantastic organization, at a critical point in our industry,” said Voroney. “Technology, the reinvention of our processes and services and the changes in our broker network present new opportunities for the future. It’s a privilege to be tasked with overseeing the exciting innovations SGI CANADA has planned, while staying true to our company’s roots of strong customer and broker service.”

Voroney will be replacing outgoing EVP and COO, Randy MacFarlane, as he transitions to retirement at the end of this year. Until that time, MacFarlane will lead the Corporate Insurance Division of SGI CANADA as EVP and chief insurance officer (CIO).

“It’s crucial that we have the right people leading SGI CANADA into the future, to ensure we remain a stable, consistent and sophisticated insurer our partners and customers can count on,” said Cartmell. “Andrew will hit the ground running in his new role given both the corporate knowledge he’s gained and his hands-on experience running day-to-day operations. He truly understands our business and how to make it work.”

Think BIG Q2 2021 is all about Inspiring the Next Generation of Builders. One of the features on this topic focuses on how more than 30,000 kids each year experience STEM opportunities through the University of Regina.

Click here to read more.