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.

by SHCA SHCA

Pavement Sealing Extending Life of Saskatchewan Roads

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This summer, motorists will see significant amounts of road sealing taking place across the province. Road sealing is a cost-effective method that extends the life of roads and highways by sealing cracks formed by temperature changes throughout the year.

“Seal-coating is an effective and useful tool in all areas of the province,” Minister of Highways Fred Bradshaw said. “This method takes just a few days and lasts 10 years – a worthwhile investment in our provincial highway network.”

In 2021, the Ministry plans to improve 510 kilometres of provincial roads and highways with pavement sealing, valued at over $20 million. Ministry crews will also be completing spot sealing throughout the province. This preventative maintenance treatment is completed on various spots to keep the moisture out of the roadbed. Without this treatment, the highways will deteriorate at a faster rate and will require more costly treatments in the future.

Pavement sealing works by covering the roadway with an oil-based substance. A layer of gravel is then placed on top. The mixture sits and cures for 24 hours and is then swept away by equipment, with the gravel collected for further use.

All pavement sealing sites are full construction zones with slower speed limits, additional signage and tripled speed fines. These are in place even when workers are not present to protect drivers and their vehicles. Speeding on the mixture can cause gravel sprays and damage to windshields, body panels and tires.

The Ministry of Highways publishes a weekly construction update to provide Saskatchewan residents with the latest details on projects that are underway. This update can be found at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/transportation/highway-construction-projects/weekly-highway-construction-update.    

The Government of Saskatchewan is improving more than 1,350 km of provincial highways as part of its 10-year Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 km of highways. With this year’s projects, the province is ahead of the pace needed to meet this target.  

The Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $10.6 billion in highways infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 17,100 km of Saskatchewan highways.

by SHCA SHCA

Province Announces $13 Million in Funding for Skills Training Programs at Sask Polytech and Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission

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In July, the Government of Saskatchewan announced approximately $13 million in new funding for Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) to deliver education and skills training programs to help grow a skilled workforce in Saskatchewan. 

This funding allows both institutions to deliver a variety of education and skills training programs in support of the government’s commitment to engage with under-represented groups, create jobs in long-term care and increase the number of apprentices in the province.

“Saskatchewan’s greatest resource has always been its people and this funding supports the provincial Growth Plan priority to develop a skilled workforce in our province through education and training,” said Jeremy Harrison, Immigration and Career Training Minister. “As we emerge from the global pandemic and work to build a strong Saskatchewan, this funding will target training for economic opportunities, promote recruitment and retention of young people, support participation of those currently under-represented in the workforce, and continue growing an engaged and inclusive workforce for the future.”

A total of $11.3 million will be provided to Saskatchewan Polytechnic for the purpose of developing and delivering three training initiatives in 2021-22. A total of $1.68 million will be provided to the SATCC.

“We’re excited about this investment and what it means for our programming,” SATCC chief executive officer Jeff Ritter said.  “We already engage Saskatchewan youth and Indigenous communities through our well-established Indigenous Apprenticeship Initiative (IAI) and Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) programs. This funding will enable us to reach out in new, innovative ways. Ultimately, it will help facilitate a diverse, inclusive apprenticeship and trade certification system, one that is representative of our province’s population.”

by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan WCB Seeking Customer Feedback

In the month of August, the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) will be reaching out to customers across the province to gather feedback to help improve WCB services.

The information provided by customers will be vital in improving the WCB’s services over the short and long term. As customers experience these services from a different perspective, we will be seeking input from injured workers and employers at all touchpoints of their experience with us.

This information will be used in the development of a customer feedback system that will help us in the future to gather feedback at the most critical points of the customer journey. We will be asking customers about their preferred feedback methods. This information will be used to inform changes to how the WCB gathers feedback from our customers. Customer feedback is essential in our ability to be able to improve our services for our customers.

A survey was sent out to customers via email on Aug. 3, 2021. This email will come from the askwcb@wcbsask.com email account.

Please be aware that the WCB will never ask for personal information such as a claim number, bank information, payment status, SIN or any other personal identification or financial information when conducting customer research. 

If you have any questions about whether or not an email or call was legitimate, please do not hesitate to contact the WCB at askwcb@wcbsask.com or 800-667-7590.

by SHCA SHCA

Educating the Public about Construction/Work Zone Safety

Respecting the safety of workers building and maintaining Saskatchewan roads means following the posted speed limits in construction zones.

Shantel Lipp, president of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association, partnered with SGI’s Tyler McMurchy and Staff Sgt. Patrick Barbar of the Saskatoon Police Service to remind drivers of that in a recent video.

They explain what happens in a construction zone, why that requires slower driving as well as how their organizations collaborate to encourage and enforce safe driving on roads built by members of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association.

SHCA members, please share the video across your social networks to get the word out!

by SHCA SHCA

Municipalities of Saskatchewan Transitioning to SUMA

Following a vote of the membership, Municipalities of Saskatchewan will be transitioning back to the name Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA).

“As a member-focused association, our members will always have the final say on important decisions,” said Mayor Rodger Hayward, president of Municipalities of Saskatchewan. “We respect the decision that has been reached through an open and transparent membership vote.”

The membership vote was held electronically from June 1 to June 3. As per the association’s bylaws, each municipality was afforded a number of voting delegates based on population, to vote on their municipality’s behalf.

In total, 364 votes were cast. Ninety municipal representatives voted in favour of the organization changing its name to Municipalities of Saskatchewan, and 274 were opposed. Of the association’s 12 regions, two of the regions were in favour of proceeding with the name change. Given the importance of the vote, the Board of Directors set the threshold for success of the rebranding as a supermajority, with 60 per cent of participating voting delegates needing to vote in favour, as well as a simple majority in at least seven of the association’s 12 regions.

To ensure impartiality, voting was conducted electronically by Data On The Spot.

“No matter our name, our values and principles remain the same,” said Hayward. “We continue to represent the interests of Saskatchewan’s hometowns – the cities, towns, villages, resort villages and northern municipalities that more than 80 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population call home.”

The transition back to SUMA will begin taking place over the coming weeks.

by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Opens Up Access to Rapid Antigen Tests

Rapid antigen tests may now be used by Saskatchewan businesses and individuals to help screen people who do not show COVID-19 symptoms.

The province has amended The Medical Laboratory Licensing Regulations, 1995 so that a formal agreement is no longer required between those who use rapid antigen tests and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).

“Our government is committed to improving access to health care services for people across the province, and providing the necessary tools to address the pandemic,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said.  “This step means that businesses and individuals can easily procure and use these tests, helping asymptomatic people who have COVID-19 receive testing and treatment more quickly.  Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself and those around you is to get vaccinated.” 

Rapid antigen tests are not a diagnostic test, but are used to screen asymptomatic people for COVID-19.  Health officials strongly recommend that people who receive a positive test result immediately self-isolate and call 811 for further instructions, such as scheduling a confirmatory test through a SHA testing centre.

“The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Test to Protect program is an important element of a multi-layered approach that we have added to our pandemic response along with vaccination,” SHA Testing Chief Carrie Dornstauder, said.  “The Test to Protect community rapid antigen testing program provides workplaces with early detection of COVID-19 ensuring a strong and healthy workplace and workforce through outbreak prevention.”

Large national businesses that operate in Saskatchewan and wish to use the tests can request them through the federal government’s online business portal at https://health.canada.ca/en/rapid-tests.

Small and medium-sized enterprises within Saskatchewan can apply for rapid tests from the SHA by submitting an Intake Form available at www.Saskatchewan.ca/COVID19 (search for Rapid Testing).  Tests will be provided for workplace screening as supplies allow, however Saskatchewan’s federal allocation of rapid antigen tests will be prioritized for health care professionals and priority settings such as long-term care facilities, personal care homes, schools, group homes and shelters.

The general public will be able to purchase the tests from retailers who wish to offer them.  Check first to ensure the tests are Health Canada approved by viewing the list at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/medical-devices/authorized/list.html.

General information on rapid antigen testing is available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information/rapid-testing.

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.