Mark your calendars! SHCA has planned several events for 2023. Visit the events page on SHCA’s website for the full list of 2023 events.
Coming up next:
March 29–31
SHCA Spring Kick-Off and Industry Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the Asphalt Institute
Delta Hotel and Convention Centre, Regina
April 4
MLA Reception
Where: Saskatchewan Legislative Building, Regina
The opportunity to get together with others in the industry is always time well spent and I can say that some very good time was spent together at the #WCRStrongerTogether2023 conference earlier this month.
Hundreds of delegates from across Western Canada gathered in Waikiki between Feb. 5–9, where they listened to industry speakers, attended networking events and learned – a lot.
It was enlightening to hear about the future of equipment in the industry and how green technology can best be incorporated. Knowing how this equipment must perform in our industry, it was clear we will need to continue to rely on diesel together with alternative energy sources, including batteries, to fuel machines that must run for long hours doing energy-intensive work. It was also interesting to hear how equipment is becoming more autonomous, reducing the need for human labour and improving efficiency on worksites.
Many speakers shared their perspectives on the role of the industry in supporting Canada’s economy. A highlight for me was the keynote address by former Alberta cabinet minister and now Canada West Foundation President Gary Mar.
You will recall the report that was developed by Canada West Foundation last year, From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy. Mar shared the ideas that report delivers – that Canada has been spending on one-off projects rather than investing in strategic trade routes that will deliver a return on that investment, and that other nations have implemented long-term investment strategies that prioritize infrastructure projects based on their ability to meet criteria. That difference is causing Canada to become less competitive in the global trade markets.
Mar also reminded those listening about the difference between national and federal. He pointed out that there can be a national initiative led by provinces working with industry, which has expertise to know how to accomplish what is needed, while also partnering with municipalities and First Nations to move towards strategic investment in infrastructure rather than simply spending on it. That was a powerful message to hear and consider.
Panel discussions covered how our industry supports trade, which helps to grow Canada’s economy with speakers such as Brad Wall, the former premier of Saskatchewan, Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Mary Van Buren, president and CEO of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA).
For those interested, click here to watch Trade Infrastructure panellists Beaty, Wall and Mar summarize their session at the WCR&HCA conference.
It was heartening to hear our industry recognized for what we contribute to the strength of this country’s economy, not just in terms of what is built, but also the knowledge and experience members, such as yourself, possess that can help inform decisions about investment. Speakers reminded us that our industry generates far more than the projects we build. As Wall told those listening to the panel, “There’s a lot of long-term job creators in this room and I don’t think you’re thanked enough by government.”
We were also reminded how important it is for government to hear from those working in the industry to better understand and benefit from it. Politicians need to know the skill and experience of those working in the industry when we are explaining our labour needs. Details in the procurement process impact and even burden industry, and they need to have that explained. They need to be reminded of how efficient and effective relationships with industry generate results more quickly.
Those in attendance were reminded that they don’t have to wait for formal invitations to meetings with politicians to share their perspective. As Rod Gilbert, the VP of procurement for the CCA pointed out, you can have these discussions when out in the community where you might encounter someone in the government.
The same is true for those of us in the industry talking to one another. Anyone who was unable to attend the conference who would like to know more can get in touch and I’d be happy to discuss with you what was shared by the speakers and learn how these issues relate to your business. I’m sure the new chair of the Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association, Carmen Duncan, would also not mind hearing from you. These are weighty issues that have tremendous importance when looking at the future of our country, so we need to keep them moving ahead by talking about them and how we make progress on them.
These types of events are important to help nurture these conversations. If this sounds like an event you’d benefit from attending in the in future, I’d encourage you to watch for information about the next conference, which is scheduled for 2025.
SHCA is working hard on the 2023 SHCA Rental Rates Guide & Membership Roster – make sure that your membership is in good standing and that your listing information is up to date.
Review the 2022 edition (password required) and contact Ellie Weare at the SHCA office as soon as possible if you have changes to make.
There’s a shortage of skilled workers in Canada. A shrinking talent pool, lack of quality skills training programs and youth reluctant to enter the skilled trades are some of the factors creating a shortfall with no end in sight.
Canada West Foundation (CWF) proposes an innovative solution to help employers build the workforce they need now and in the future. Our latest What Now? brief, Rapid Employee Upskilling and Reskilling, provides principles upon which to build on-the-job skills training programs that meet the needs and interests of employers and job seekers.
Click here to read more from CWF.
SHCA members, learn from Tracy Arno, the CEO of Essence Recruitment, as she outlines a detailed, step-by-step process to use in your recruiting efforts. Arno will provide information about different recruitment methods to help you hire great employees.
Exclusive course dates for SHCA members in Regina:
The course will be held at SHCA office, located at 1939 Elphinstone Street in Regina. Click here to review the course flyer.
Mark your calendars! SHCA has planned several events for 2023. Visit the events page on SHCA’s website for the full list of 2023 events.
| SASKATOON: Saturday, Jan. 28 Member Engagement Social Saskatchewan RUSH Lacrosse Game with Pre-Game Social Where: SaskTel Centre, Saskatoon |
| REGINA: March 29–31 SHCA Spring Kick-Off and Industry Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the Asphalt Institute Delta Hotel and Convention Centre, Regina |
niroworld/123rf
The WCR&HCA Stronger Together Conference is taking place in beautiful Waikiki at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort from Feb. 5–9, 2023. This must-attend event is coming up quickly! If you’re on the fence about joining us in Waikiki, this is an opportunity not to miss.
Take a well-deserved time-out from Canadian winter and join hundreds of delegates in paradise in February. Network with peers, hear presentations and insights from industry leaders and take in the beautiful Hawaiian surroundings.
#WCRHCA2023 #STRONGERTOGETHER2023
Whenever a new year begins, it is common to think about what is ahead in the months to come.
Looking at where we are at is a good place to start when considering what is possible in the future. We know right now that Saskatchewan is strong. The provincial economy is performing better than many other parts of Canada.
That strength is indicated by measures such as merchandise exports, which is the dollar value of goods being sold to other countries from Saskatchewan. In the first week of this month, the Saskatchewan government promoted that merchandise exports in November 2022 were 44.5 per cent higher than they were a year earlier and came in at a total value of more than $5 billion.
November was not a fluke. That increase was part of a pattern seen through most of 2022. Merchandise exports increased 43.5 per cent in the first 11 months of the year, compared to the same period in 2021. The provincial government tied that accomplishment to Saskatchewan’s strong and stable supply chain. Saskatchewan’s highways played a role in that accomplishment.
If you can’t move it, you can’t sell it. That reality was reaffirmed in a report produced by the Canada West Foundation that you might recall from 2022. The report, From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy: The Path to a National Trade Infrastructure Plan for the Next Generation of Economic Growth, was initiated by the Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA), to which the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association belongs.
Nations of the world pay attention to the trade infrastructure in other countries. The world needs what Canada produces and Saskatchewan, in particular, has a lot to offer the world, but producing it is not enough. We must move it through our country and beyond its borders.
Saskatchewan needs the rest of the world to have confidence that what we are producing for export will be moved through Canada efficiently and reliably so we, as a trading partner, are competitive in the world. The report recommends a national plan for trade infrastructure. It reminds governments that they decide on investments in trade infrastructure, but it is other nations who notice when governments don’t consistently invest in projects that will ensure trade infrastructure remains reliable and competitive. The plan should select projects for investment that make Canada more competitive. Those are shovel worthy projects that support the movement of goods and people in an efficient and effective manner.
It is more than heavy construction associations bringing forward the recommendations from this report to provincial and federal governments in Canada. These recommendations have been endorsed by several associations and organizations concerned with the current investment, the lack of coordination and planning on a long-term strategy and the state of the federal trade corridors fund.
As we move into 2023, Saskatchewan will continue to depend on exports to ensure the provincial economy remains strong. In our province, the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association will continue to work with the provincial government to encourage consistent investment in our highways. Consistent investment in Saskatchewan’s highways is a signal to the world that this province is prepared to continue being a strong exporter of the goods and resources that countries around the world require.
Saskatchewan’s government has a goal of building and upgrading 10,000 kilometres of highways in the province by 2030. The members of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association are prepared to work with the government to meet that goal. As the voice of the industry, the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association will make sure government knows what the heavy construction industry needs to get the job done.
The Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association will also continue to work with regional and national partners to promote consistent and strategic investment in trade infrastructure beyond this province. Saskatchewan’s economic strength is a benefit to the entire country and the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association is proud of its role in developing that strength.