March 2021

No one is itching to return to 2020. 

But if there was a positive to pull from last year, it was a record $437.4 million in fall tenders from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways. That’s the largest dollar amount allocated to highway work in Saskatchewan history.

So, this message should serve as a reminder to our members that come budget day in Saskatchewan (April 6) to remember the bulk of money allocated to our industry happened in the fall. 

We should not expect to see a similar spend in our industry this spring. Yes, we’re likely to see more projects come our way on or shortly after budget day, but at a much lower dollar amount than what we’re accustomed to seeing.

Our industry is still seen as one that drives the economy. We have a good track record with the provincial government, and it has been fairly consistent with its budgets. I don’t see them reversing this trend despite deficit budgets in the short-term future.

What we should also anticipate this spring is word from several rural municipalities who received COVID-19 stimulus money. This money was granted specifically for road builds and repairs and short-span bridge work.

In addition to provincial stimulus money, the RMs also received money through the Infrastructure Canada program. 

We should expect to see more projects announced this spring related to this, as well as additional projects from other municipalities across the province. 

It’s no secret that both the federal and provincial governments believe our industry is critical to spurring the economy and pulling us out from this funk caused by the pandemic. 

Obviously, this is great news for our industry as it assures there’s work to be done for the foreseeable future. Both the federal and the provincial governments deserve praise.

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is hosting their annual conference virtually for 2021.

From March 23 to 25, CCA will bring industry members together to share best practices, network, stay current on industry trends and celebrate member accomplishments through its National Awards program. The virtual event will feature flexible scheduling with a mix of live stream and pre-recorded/on demand programming.

Click here to learn more and to register.

A new partner to the SHCA affinity program is Shamii, a pickup–drop off full service for your vehicles. By using Shamii, SHCA members can avoid lineups, wait times, arranging pickups, drop offs or awkward courtesy car rides with strangers. Shamii chauffeurs pick up your vehicle from wherever you are, detail your car with the package you choose and then deliver it back to you.

SHCA members, use the promo code “SHCA21” and receive a 10 per cent discount on all packages.

Click here for more information about Shamii.

To continuously improve its customer service, the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) has made changes to the online E1 form.

The new features of the online E1 form include:

• A document upload feature: Employers will be able to attach documentation with the E1 form submission. This could include pictures related to the worker’s injury, incident reports or medical notes.
• Fewer required fields – This will allow users to get the E1 form submitted to the WCB faster so injured workers can get the support they need sooner.
• Fewer questions – Based on the feedback from users, the E1 form was redesigned so the WCB is not asking questions that did not provide value for an injured worker to receive support.
• An enhanced dashboard that gives the users a better view of what E1s are submitted and saved.

When you submit your E1 form online, the form is automatically entered into the WCB system, which eliminates delays that can occur if mailed.

1. Where are you from?

I moved to Saskatchewan when I was two and have lived here ever since. So, I’m from Saskatchewan.

2. Who do you credit to getting you where you are today in the heavy construction industry?

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with some great, hardworking people and memorable projects from highway realignments, dyke repairs, undergrounds and new bridge construction. I thank everyone who I’ve worked with over the years because I’ve learned from some amazing people.

3. What is your career history?

I spent 10 years working with a consulting engineer, a short career with a piling firm and then 16 years working for general contractors, from a successful regional GC to now working for PCL Construction, Canada’s largest general contractor.

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

Treat people the way you want to be treated and protect your reputation.

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

I love driving past a project that I had a part in completing. And I cherish the working relationships I’ve had that have lasted more than two decades.

6. How long have you been an SHCA member?

Three years.

7. What’s your greatest fear?

When I die and meet the person I could have become, not recognizing him (i.e., not fulfilling my full potential).

8. Which living person do you admire most?

My father – he’s been a great role model for my entire life.

9. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Working as a general contractor – you get to assemble a multidisciplined team to build a project together from start to finish. It’s extremely rewarding.

10. What’s your greatest regret?

Not working for a contractor right out of school.

Redhead Equipment is pleased to announce that it was named the Mission Lead Pilot Donor of the Melfort Heliport Fundraising Campaign with a contribution of $100,000.

“Since acquiring the dealership in Melfort, we have strived to support our customer’s needs and to give back to Melfort and its surrounding communities. The health and safety of our customers, staff and community is of great importance to Redhead Equipment, and we hope this $100,000 donation reflects our commitment to the people of northeastern Saskatchewan,” said Gary Redhead.

The Melfort Hospital serves approximately 12,200 people and previously did not have a heliport. All patient transfers occurred by ground EMS directly or through the Melfort Airport via fixed wing air ambulance or STARS service. The City of Melfort proposed developing a heliport beside the Melfort Hospital. The landing area would be a certified area used by STARS for the transport of patients from the emergency department at the hospital.

The heliport is an important service for the growing community of Melfort and area. The greatest risk for patients being transported is during handover. With STARS service, the care team can come right to the patient, get a report from the team providing care and transfer directly to tertiary care in Saskatoon.

A heliport will save STARS critical time, in some cases up to 50 minutes from Melfort to Saskatoon’s hospitals.

“When I reached out to Gary Redhead about supporting the Heliport Project in Melfort, there was no hesitation,” said Heliport Fundraising Committee member, Rod Gantefoer. “Redhead Equipment is a proud, active member of all the communities they serve throughout Saskatchewan and is committed to supporting charities and community organizations across the province, through sponsorship, donations and participation.”

Thanks to the support of businesses and families in the Melfort area, the campaign has raised more than $750,000.

Peggy George, chairman of the North Central Health Care Foundation stated, “Raising funds during a pandemic had its own special challenge, but with the support of all our donors, we have been able to exceed our fundraising goal by over $100,000. Excess funds from this campaign will further the work of the foundation. The foundation plays an important role in supporting our local healthcare professionals by providing funding for equipment in the facilities throughout the district.”

As of Dec. 1, 2020, the helipad was completed and certified by Transport Canada, now making it operational. Redhead Equipment is happy to know that every time STARS lands in Melfort, their team helped make it happen.