by SHCA SHCA

Heavy Construction Associations Have a Message for Ottawa

As Canada plans massive investments in infrastructure, key industry associations are calling for a focus on trade-enabling projects.

In a letter to Catherine McKenna, the federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA) praised Ottawa for its focus on building.

“The importance of this initiative, Building the Canada We Want in 2050, cannot be overstated,” it said.

Creating an inventory and assessing the condition of infrastructure assets is the “necessary first step” to determining where to direct infrastructure dollars.

Read the article from Rock to Road.

by SHCA SHCA

The SHCA Hot Seat

  1. Where are you from?

Ponoka, Alberta

2. How did you get your start in the heavy construction industry?

I was able to get work coming out of high school with the company my father worked for.

3. What is your career history?

I spent 10 years in pre-cast concrete, and 46 years in road construction.

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

Never be afraid of a challenge.

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

Wide spaces under open skies

6. How long have you been a member of the SHCA?

25 years

7. On what occasion do you lie?

There is NO occasion where you need to lie

8. What do you dislike most about your appearance?

The wrinkles!

9. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“60-40”

10. Who is the greatest love of your life?

My wife – my companion for the last 46 years

11. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Carrying the Olympic torch in the 2010 Olympic games

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

President’s Message

Together, we are better. Now that we can host and attend events, we have a few coming up that offer our members a great opportunity to move forward their interests. Mark your calendars with these events in November. 

The first is the MLA reception that the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association is hosting on Nov. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. This event is your opportunity to meet with provincial MLAs from both sides of the legislature to talk to them, face to face, about your business as well as the industry.

Whatever insights, issues or topics you think these MLAs need to recognize is up for discussion when we get together in Room 218 at the Legislative Building in Regina. Encourage other members to attend to speak to amplify the message you feel needs to get across. 

We ask that everyone planning to attend pre-register as the SHCA needs to provide the legislative staff with the list of names of those attending. To pre-register, please contact traceyk@saskheavy.ca or slipp@saskheavy.ca. The earlier you register, the better!

The second event is the SHCA Fall Convention, which is scheduled Nov. 25–26 in Saskatoon. For two days, we will gather at the Delta Bessborough Hotel and Convention Center to listen to speakers and participate in conversations about our industry. 

On Friday evening (Nov. 26) is the Chairman’s Banquet. New this year is that the capacity for this event is set at a maximum of 300 delegates. That makes registering and booking your room early extra important! 

Registration links are now open and available for the SHCA Room Block. More details about the convention will be coming out as we move towards November. 

Events such as these are important to our members because they help develop and strengthen the voice of the association. Gathering to share about our experiences, ideas and suggestions helps our members recognize and realize improvements and opportunities. It is how our members can find and form the connections that make their businesses and this industry even better. 

I look forward to seeing each and every one of you who takes part in these events and learning more about your current interests and ideas so I can best represent you and our industry.