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by SHCA SHCA

Province Unveils Saskatchewan Investment Attraction Strategy

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On March 11, 2024, the Government of Saskatchewan released Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. The strategy is Saskatchewan’s roadmap to increasing investment in the province and further advancing Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan goal of $16 billion in private capital investment annually. 

“The new strategy builds on Saskatchewan’s many advantages as the best place to invest in the nation,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “This will lead to more opportunities for local, national and international investors, while solidifying our province as a nation leader in private capital investment. We have seen significant investments in this province over the past several years and this strategy will help build on that momentum. This will create jobs and grow our economy for a brighter future that benefits all Saskatchewan residents.”

Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased by nearly 25 per cent in 2023 and is expected to lead the nation with an increase of 14.4 per cent in 2024. The strategy is built on the Saskatchewan Advantage, which includes a competitive business environment, low tax and utility rates, a transparent and predictable regulatory environment, a strong suite of incentives and a network of nine international offices that connect Saskatchewan to the world. 

“Saskatchewan’s world class resource base, highly skilled talent pipeline and stable and supportive regulatory and investment environment, all gave BHP the confidence to make the largest single investment in the company’s history right here in Saskatchewan,” BHP Potash Asset President Karina Gistelinck said. “Our Jansen potash mine will deliver responsibly produced Canadian potash to the world. We are proud to support the ongoing economic growth of Saskatchewan and applaud the province for their commitment to advancing growth and prosperity in a responsible manner.”

The strategy focuses on three key pillars:

  • Build – creating opportunities in new and emerging sectors to drive investment and diversify the economy;
  • Grow – leveraging previous successes and capitalizing on existing strengths in Saskatchewan’s key sectors; and
  • Connect – connecting the world to Saskatchewan to ensure the province remains a secure, reliable supplier of goods and services.

As part of the strategy, the provincial government launched a new website, investSK.ca, which will serve as a gateway to the province for international business and investors. It provides an overview of the major economic sectors and the world-class investment opportunities in Saskatchewan. 

“Saskatchewan’s newly announced Investment Attraction Strategy strikes the right balance between supporting our established industries and encouraging innovation,” Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Prabha Ramaswamy said. “We look forward to showing the world what our province has to offer and welcoming new partners both in Canada and abroad.”

To continue to be the best place in the world to invest, the Government of Saskatchewan is announcing the following new, expanded or improved incentives. The new Saskatchewan Critical Minerals Innovation Incentive will support innovation commercialization projects that target emerging critical minerals including helium, lithium, rare earth elements, copper, zinc, magnesium, nickel, gallium, and aluminum through a 25 per cent transferable royalty/freehold production tax credit.

The new Critical Minerals Processing Investment Incentive will support the development of critical mineral processing in the province, establishing Saskatchewan as a rare earth elements hub. The program will provide a 15 per cent transferable royalty/freehold production tax credit to support the development of processing facilities for 10 emerging critical minerals in Saskatchewan. The new Multi-lateral Well Program will provide an incentive to help jumpstart use of this new more sustainable drilling technology. 

The expanded Saskatchewan Technology Start-up Incentive is a non-refundable 45 per cent tax credit to individuals, corporations and venture capital firms that invest in eligible technology startups. This program will see a doubling of its annual tax credit cap from $3.5 million to $7 million and expanded eligibility to include clean technology. Two successful existing incentives are being extended for five more years to 2029, the Oil and Gas Processing Investment Incentive and the Saskatchewan Petroleum Innovation Incentive. 

These new and expanded programs will complement existing successful programs such as the Saskatchewan Value-Added Agriculture Incentive, the Manufacturing and Processing Investment Tax Credit and others. For the full strategy, to see the new website and to learn more about the Saskatchewan Advantage, visit investSK.ca.

by SHCA SHCA

The Canadian Construction Association Welcomes Francis Roy as Chair for Upcoming 2024-26 Term

Story #4: The Canadian Construction Association Welcomes Francis Roy as Chair for Upcoming 2024-26 Term

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) announced that Francis Roy has been appointed Chair of the 2024-26 Board of Directors. Roy succeeds outgoing Board Chair, Brendan Nobes, who led the association for two years, advancing strategic partnerships and national advocacy. 

A 30-year veteran of the industry, Roy is president and CEO of Groupe Humaco companies, considered a vital employer in the Quebec construction industry.

Roy began his career in 1994 as an estimator and project manager at Les Gypses Promark Québec Inc. Having gained experience and a passion for the construction industry, he soon took on the position of vice president and general manager at ITR Drywall Inc.

Today, Roy oversees the activities of his companies at Groupe Humaco Inc., including several branches such as drywall, general contracting, real estate development and construction technologies. With more than 200 projects annually, Groupe Humaco deploys expertise and high-quality standards to build complex large-scale projects, from hospital centres and high-rise office buildings to public service complexes and multi-residential buildings.

The architectural technology graduate is active in several industry associations. He has been a dedicated member of CCA’s Board of Directors and served as past-Chair of the Association de la Construction du Quebec (ACQ).

In his address to members at CCA’s Annual General Meeting, Roy articulated his focus for the association over the next year. 

“My primary goal will be to support a healthy environment where communication is encouraged and valued so that everyone can contribute meaningfully to the achievement of our association’s strategic objectives,” he said. “I firmly believe in the power of collaboration, engagement, and innovation.”

Joining Roy on CCA’s 2024-25 Board of Directors are:

  • Trevor Doucette (Vice-Chair), senior director, operations, Synergy Group of Companies (Alta.)
  • David Bowcott, managing director and co-leader, NFP Construction & Infrastructure (Ont.)
  • Derek Brown, project manager, Cahill Group (N.L.)
  • Charles Caza, executive vice president and chief legal officer, Bird Construction (Ont.)
  • Nicole Chabot, vice president, L. Chabot Enterprises Ltd (Man.)
  • Steve Drummond, president, Capilano Highway Services Company (B.C.)
  • Frank Faieta, national vice president, Surety Risk Management, Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company (Ont.)
  • Wayne Ferguson, senior vice president and area manager, EllisDon Corporation (Ont.)
  • Eric Gaulin, vice president, Operations Building – Ontario, EBC (Que.)
  • Peter Grose, president and CEO, Westland Construction (Man.)
  • Quentin Huillery, chief operating officer, Ledcor (Alta.)
  • John Mollenhauer, president and CEO, Toronto Construction Association (Ont.)
  • Christina O’Donnell, vice president and general counsel, Black & McDonald (Ont.)
  • Cory Richter, president and CEO, Quorex Construction (Sask.)
  • Sam Sanderson, general manager, Construction Association of P.E.I. (P.E.I.)
  • Amber Sandhu, regional underwriting officer, national accounts surety, Travelers Canada (Ont.)
  • Brad Scott, vice president, finance, Basin Contracting Limited (N.S.)
  • Ajay Sharma, project development engineer, GeoStabilization International (Alta.)
  • Rick Wagner, president, Maxwell Floors Ltd. (B.C.)
Story #3: Premier Unveils the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy
by SHCA SHCA

Premier Unveils the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy

On March 4, 2024, Premier Scott Moe launched Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, which outlines how the province will ensure Saskatchewan people benefit from the jobs our economy is creating, and that Saskatchewan employers have access to the workforce needed to succeed.

“A strong labour force drives healthy economies and successful communities,” Moe said. “The Labour Market Strategy is our roadmap to secure a labour force that keeps pace with growing demands and opportunities of our economy. Through strategic investments that align Saskatchewan’s work force with the needs of industry, we are ensuring that investment into our province is supported, and that growth translates into a better quality of life for Saskatchewan people.”

The Labour Market Strategy Focuses on three main pillars: 

  • Preparing Saskatchewan People for Jobs
  • Recognizing Skills in Saskatchewan
  • International Recruitment

Through these pillars, the Strategy outlines how the province is preparing people for both current and emerging jobs in Saskatchewan and aligning training opportunities in post-secondary institutions to the needs of industry. This ensures employers have the steady supply of the skilled labour employees they need, while also providing job seekers the opportunity to train for in-demand and available jobs. The Strategy also includes targeted programing designed to increase Indigenous engagement in the workforce and increase opportunities for persons with disabilities to find employment. 

Additionally, the Strategy ensures newcomers to Saskatchewan can work in the field in which they trained. Saskatchewan is taking steps to remove red tape to more efficiently recognize credentials obtained outside of the province and will provide one-on-one support to individuals who need help navigating the credential recognition process for their occupation. 

When employers experience vacancies in the local workforce they need, the Strategy provides a framework for employers to expand their workforce through international recruitment by using the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program. Newcomers enrich our province and play an important role by filling in-demand jobs across the province. 

The Labour Market Strategy highlights how government is addressing emerging labour needs in various growing sectors such as energy, mining and minerals, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology to build Saskatchewan’s future. 

“The Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC) are proud to support the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, sharing a common mission to cultivate, advocate, and collaborate for the growth of the agricultural manufacturing industry in Canada,” AMC President Donna Boyd said. “Recognizing the pivotal role of a robust labour force in fostering healthy economies and communities, our strategic investments and Careers in Ag initiative mirror the province’s commitment to aligning the workforce with industry needs. AMC echoes the strategy’s inclusive approach, supporting initiatives to increase Indigenous engagement and enhance opportunities for persons with disabilities. We stand united in reducing barriers and fostering an environment where newcomers to the agricultural manufacturing sector can contribute their skills, enriching our industry.”

Read Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy here.

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Story #2: Construction Industry Condemns Environment Minister’s Lack of Support for Canada’s Road Infrastructure
by SHCA SHCA

Construction Industry Condemns Environment Minister’s Lack of Support for Canada’s Road Infrastructure

Canada’s construction industry is demanding clarity from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on future investment in new road infrastructure after comments made in February by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.

While Guilbeault explained that support to provinces for maintenance will continue, he also said existing road infrastructure “is perfectly adequate to respond to the needs we have.”

Canada is dealing with an acute housing crisis. The government is asking our industry to build 5.8 million new homes but is overlooking the investment needed to support these homes and communities.

A report by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities estimates that it will require $107,000 in public investments per new housing unit. This amounts to a total of $620 billion in public funding needed – an additional $375 billion beyond the current planned budget.

“These new communities need new roads. People need to be connected to their jobs, their schools, and their hospitals,” said Mary Van Buren, president of the Canadian Construction Association. “A growing population has growing demands. We not only need the road networks to support their movement; we also need to shore up our trade infrastructure, which includes roads, bridges and highways.”

Canada has been under-investing in trade-enabling infrastructure for 15 years, as evidenced by the drop from 10th to 32nd in terms of the World Economic Forum’s global trade infrastructure ranking. Without continued investment in critical infrastructure, as recommended by the National Supply Chain Task Force, including trade-enabling infrastructure, Canada will fail to harness trade with its international partners for its economic success.

Canada needs the federal government to partner with industry and work with municipal and provincial governments to build a strong foundation for a stronger country.

For more information, read CCA’s recommendations to government in advance of its 2024 Federal Budget.

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Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

SHCA Criticizes Federal Minister’s Comments on Road Infrastructure

Shantel Lipp

When you know what you have to say matters – and you are clear on how it matters to others – it’s easier to speak up. I want to thank all of you who attended the MLA reception on March 4. We appreciate the opportunity to gather at the Legislative Building to catch up with one another, but to also share with MLAs what they need to know about our industry and our relationship with the provincial government.

We know we play an important role in the province achieving goals that matter to our economy and quality of life. While I am in contact, sharing and receiving information with ministry officials and Minister Carr, it is important for them to hear from you as well so they can learn how those of you on the frontlines are impacted by their decisions. MLAs will often listen to hear what is happening in their constituency, which is why it’s important that those working on projects across the province speak to elected officials. You work in their constituencies on projects that matter to the voters living and working there. Those voters will decide this fall who will be getting the seat for that area. What affects us affects those projects.

The spring session is when the provincial budget is released, so expect to hear from our association once we look closely at what it contains. As we wait for that release, I would like to update SHCA members on other matters related to the federal government. There have been a few concerns we’ve spoken about to let the public know how our province and communities will be affected by politicians’ statements and decisions.

There was the statement about the funding of road infrastructure projects in Canada made by the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault. We were among many industry groups across Saskatchewan who wrote a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to ask him to clarify the federal government’s position on funding future road construction in Canada. We reminded him and his government that Saskatchewan’s economy heavily relies on a robust network of roads because all industries and sectors depend on that road system. We pointed out that in 2022, Saskatchewan reached $52.6 billion in exports, which was the highest figure recorded in our province’s history. 

We made it clear that if we were unable to upgrade and improve our network of roads in Saskatchewan, our economy would falter, leading to a decline in jobs. That letter was signed by leaders of the Construction Associations of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Auto Dealers Association, Saskatchewan Trucking Association, Regina and District Chamber of Commerce, Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, North Saskatchewan Business Association, Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), the Association of Consulting Engineer Companies of Saskatchewan and the Prairies & Northern Canada representative of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. At the top of the list of signatories was our association.

We have also been vocal about changes to the Canada Community Building Fund, which is used for infrastructure projects such as roads, transportation, wastewater and sewer, fire services and tourism and culture.

The federal government is looking at adding affordable housing to the mix. That would be a clear case of putting the cart before the horse. Building infrastructure, such as servicing lots for housing projects, comes before building units. SUMA recently voiced concerns regarding this proposed change to the fund, which would impact decisions made by municipalities. Our association shares that concern. If new rules are implemented by including affordable housing over investment in infrastructure, municipalities will not be able to build critical projects.

The federal government will be dictating to municipalities what they can and cannot build. The approach to addressing our infrastructure needs should be collaborative, not arbitrary. Every community has different priorities for infrastructure and those decisions are best made through a process that includes communities. 

It is important that we keep speaking up about how decisions made by those who are elected affect our industry and the people who depend on the work we do. We will continue to speak up this year to draw attention to the value our industry delivers to this province and its communities as well as how SHCA members’ work is relevant to the economy and quality of life of citizens.