July 2023

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is raising the alarm regarding the ongoing strike at the West Coast ports and highlighting the severe consequences it poses for the province of Saskatchewan. As a landlocked region, businesses in Saskatchewan already face significant disadvantages, and any disruption in trade through the West Coast ports could have immediate and long-term negative impacts on the provincial economy. In response, the Chamber has communicated its concerns to Minister O’Regan and Minister Alghabra, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to prevent further harm to the Canadian economy, competitiveness and our reputation as a stable trading nation.
 
Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, “The strike at the West Coast ports poses a significant threat to Saskatchewan’s economy. Our province heavily relies on trade through the Vancouver-Fraser Port, with billions of dollars’ worth of commodities passing through annually. The inability to access these ports will force us to resort to high-cost alternatives in the United States, causing losses for Canadian businesses and workers.”
 
Saskatchewan’s landlocked status puts it at a distinct disadvantage in international trade. The province’s economy thrives on exporting various commodities, including agricultural products, minerals and manufactured goods. The West Coast ports, particularly the Vancouver-Fraser Port, serve as vital gateways for these exports, facilitating billions of dollars in trade each year. The Vancouver-Fraser Port alone handles $17 billion worth of Saskatchewan commodities each year, and a total of $65 billion in western Canada’s trade goes through the port of Vancouver.
 
The strike has far-reaching implications beyond Saskatchewan’s borders. With more than 7,000 workers currently on strike, the West Coast ports handle an astonishing $800 million worth of goods per day. This disruption poses a significant threat to Canada’s overall economy, impacting businesses and consumers across the nation. Moreover, the strike jeopardizes Canada’s reputation as a reliable and stable trading nation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for international partnerships and investment.
 
The situation is further compounded by the lack of alternative Canadian ports with the capacity to absorb diverted products. The existing trade infrastructure is operating at maximum capacity, leaving Canadian businesses with no choice but to turn to high-cost port options in the United States. This alternative not only imposes significant financial burdens on businesses but also undermines the benefits that come from handling and shipping products domestically.
 
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce urgently urges Minister O’Regan and Minister Alghabra to take swift and decisive action to resolve the collective bargaining agreement between the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada. Their intervention is critical in ensuring the prompt resumption of operations at the West Coast ports, safeguarding Saskatchewan’s economic stability and preserving Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.

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A $22.7 million highway construction project is underway near Kenaston. The two-year major highway improvement project will include construction of a subgrade, widening and resurfacing on Highway 15.

“The Ministry of Highways is dedicated to enhancing safety and improving key transportation corridors through continued investments,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Highway 15, a high clearance corridor, offers shippers and commercial carriers an ideal opportunity to transport over-dimension loads.”

The Highway 15 corridor allows goods to be trucked without the need to raise or temporarily cut utility lines and other structures.

The Highway 15 construction project is 22 kilometres, which runs from 15 kilometres east of the junction with Highway 11 to about 20 kilometres west of the junction with Highway 2. The project will include culvert replacements and road widening work this year, which is expected to be complete this fall. Paving work will begin during the 2024 construction season. 

“This is a major project that will take time to complete,” Cockrill said. “We appreciate the patience of drivers who slow down for safety as we work to enhance our transportation system.”

Langenburg Redi-Mix of Regina is the general contractor.

A weekly highway construction update is published on Saskatchewan.ca to provide drivers with the latest details on projects underway to help plan safe and efficient travel. If you’re planning to travel, check the Highway Hotline at saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline, which provides up-to-date information on construction, emergency road closures, the status of ferries, barges and other road activities. Information is also available by calling 511.

The Government of Saskatchewan is improving 1,000 kilometres of provincial highways this year. This keeps the province on track to meet the Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 kilometres of highways over 10 years.

Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $12 billion in highways improving more than 19,400 kilometres of Saskatchewan roads.

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The Ministry of Highways announced that pavement sealing work is underway for the 2023 construction season.

“Approximately $776 million is being invested this year into Saskatchewan highways to improve safety, enhance key transportation corridors and support the various industries,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “We are dedicating a significant investment of $25 million toward seal coating to strengthen and enhance the resilience of our transportation network.”

In addition, the ministry’s operations and maintenance division plans to complete about $17 million of spot, partial and full seal work this year.

One of the most effective ways to extend the life of Saskatchewan’s provincial highways is to apply a seal coat. Hot liquid asphalt is poured onto the surface before crushed gravel is spread over the asphalt and packed down. It creates a waterproof layer that seals cracks and protects the surface. 

Seal coating provides a waterproof, non-skid surface, reduces deterioration and cracking and prolongs pavement life. It is a cost-effective treatment that can extend the life of a highway by up to 10 years.

Seal coats require approximately 24 hours to fully cure, which is why speeds are reduced. The speed reductions help the seal coat cure effectively and saves windshields from damage. There are several reasons work zones require temporary speed reductions when workers are not present. This includes loose gravel, a sharp pavement drop-off or lane closure. 

Drivers are reminded to obey all road signs and slow down to avoid the risk of damage to their vehicles. Plan ahead by checking the Highway Hotline for construction zones. So, you can get to what you love. 

The ministry will improve more than 1,000 kilometres of provincial highways, putting us on track to meet the Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 kilometres of highways over 10 years.

The Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $12 billion in highways since 2008, improving more than 19,400 kilometres of Saskatchewan roads.

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