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.  

by SHCA SHCA

Funding Road Infrastructure Projects in Canada

Industry groups across Saskatchewan wrote a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding recent statements made by the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the funding of road infrastructure projects in Canada. As we know, our province’s economy heavily relies on a robust network of roads. The statements made by the minister and the federal government have left many in Saskatchewan feeling uncertain about the future of road construction funding.

Read the letter
silhouette engineer in a building site over Blurred construction site
by SHCA SHCA

Government of Saskatchewan Signs Contract with PCL Construction Management Inc. to Construct the New Prince Albert Victoria Hospital

The Prince Albert Victoria Hospital project continues to progress with the award of the design-build agreement to PCL Construction Management Inc. (PCL). The value of the construction contract is $898 million and is inclusive of the Design and Early Works agreement awarded through a public procurement to PCL in December 2022.

The Victoria Hospital agreement includes design and construction of a new acute care tower connected to, and directly north of the existing facility. The new tower features a heliport on the roof, an expanded emergency department, larger operating rooms, pediatrics, maternity, NICU, new medical imaging, and a First Nations and Métis Cultural space, among other key services. Overall capacity at Victoria Hospital, between the new tower and existing facility, will increase 40 per cent, from 173 to 242 beds.

“The Victoria Hospital project is a significant investment in Prince Albert and surrounding area and will go a long way to accommodate the growing needs of the northern communities it serves,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “I want to personally express my sincere gratitude to Boreal Healthcare Foundation for their continued efforts and support to help make this project a reality.”

Boreal Healthcare Foundation’s valuable philanthropic partnership on this project will have a lasting impact on the wellbeing of the community. Their significant contribution toward the furniture, fixtures and equipment needs for the hospital will elevate the care provided by staff and physicians, resulting in better patient outcomes. The addition of MRI and a second CT scanner will improve access and allow for highly complex diagnostics to occur closer to home for residents in northern communities. 

“I am proud that our government is getting this project done and that it is the largest single investment, private or government, in the history of Prince Albert,” SaskBuild and Procurement Minister and MLA for Prince Albert Carleton Joe Hargrave said. “This hospital will bring expanded and state of the art service to Prince Albert and the North and will benefit all of Saskatchewan upon completion.”

“It is so exciting to see this much needed project for Prince Albert and all of Saskatchewan moving forward, I want to specifically thank the Prince Albert Grand Council for their partnership in getting us to where we are today,” MLA for Prince Albert Northcote Alana Ross said. “This new hospital will be in the heart of the community I represent, and it brings me pride to know that our government is making the investments needed for Prince Albert and the North to grow.”

Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) is working with the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) on designing the cultural space that will be central to the new main entrance. PCL will engage with local and Indigenous vendors to deliver services for the construction.

“Residents in Prince Albert and throughout the North will benefit from enhanced care that is available closer to home, made possible by the expansion of the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital,” Saskatchewan Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Andrew Will said. “This important project provides the opportunity for the SHA to deliver expanded services for Northern residents in key areas, including intensive care, medical imaging, adult mental health treatment, and children’s and maternal services.”

PCL and the SHA will work to ensure minimal disruption to staff and visitors to the hospital during construction and renovation phases. Patient care is not expected to be impacted. 

The design build agreement includes an option to retain services for phased future renovations to the existing facility.

“On behalf of PCL Construction and the extended Design Build team, we would like to express how proud and excited we are to deliver the Victoria Hospital project for the Prince Albert, Northern Saskatchewan and Indigenous communities that this hospital serves,” PCL District Manager Mike Staines said.

Site preparation/early works included construction of a new parking lot, which will be paved this spring. Construction on the new tower is expected to begin in spring 2024 with anticipated completion in 2028.

rrange red outstanding small house or home on stacks of coins, Property investment real estate / Home loan / asset refinancing concept : depicts a homeowner or a borrower turns properties into cash.
by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan’s Housing Starts Up 62 Per Cent Over Last Year While Ranking Third in the Nation in Building Investment Growth

According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan continues to see remarkable growth with housing starts increasing by 62.1 per cent over the last year. Saskatchewan also saw impressive figures in building construction investment as the province is third in the nation from December 2023, compared to December 2022.

“This growth does not just happen on its own,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “It is a reflection of an economic climate where individuals and businesses are confident making long-term investments based on a stable and reliable regulatory regime coupled with confidence in our provinces steady growth trajectory. This continued surge in building construction highlights Saskatchewan’s strong economy, fostering opportunities for individuals, investors and communities.”

In December 2023, compared to December 2022, investment in building construction increased by 13.9 per cent (seasonally adjusted) which ranked third best among the provinces.

These numbers show the continuous growth of Saskatchewan’s economy. Recently, the total value of building permits in the province reached $249 million in November 2023 (seasonally adjusted). This is an 83.9 per cent increase from November 2022, and the highest increase in all of Canada. Saskatchewan also experienced notable month to month growth, showing an increase of 19.3 per cent compared to October 2023.

A colorful chart showing a steady upward trend of scalability in company and businesses, representing the idea of growth and financial success in business.
by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Starting 2024 Strong: 12,900 Jobs Added Year-Over-Year, Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.7 Per Cent

Newly released numbers from Statistics Canada show Saskatchewan’s labour market is off to a strong start in 2024, with 12,900 new jobs added last month when compared to January 2023, an increase of 2.2 per cent. The provincial labour force also reached 623,300 in January, a record high for the month. 

“Saskatchewan continues to excel in 2024, with strong job growth, a low unemployment rate and a growing labour force,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Building our labour force to support our economy is a top priority to our government. This is why the province is consistently making strategic investments to promote economic growth and is actively supporting employers to help them train, recruit and retain the talent needed to fill job vacancies and build a skilled workforce.”

The provincial seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7 per cent, ranked third amongst the provinces, remaining consistently below the national average of 5.7 per cent.

Saskatchewan saw both an all-time historical population (aged 15 and over) high of 938,900, and an all-time historical off-reserve Indigenous population (aged 15 and over) high of 112,300. 

The province also saw record highs for the month of January (aged 15 and over), including:

  • Total Saskatchewan employment: 591,500
  • Saskatchewan male employment: 313,900
  • Saskatchewan female employment: 277,600 
  • Off-reserve Indigenous employment: 62,400

Off-reserve Indigenous employment was up 2,600, an increase of 4.3 per cent, and Indigenous youth employment was up 3,300, an increase of 33.3 per cent, marking the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year increases for both.

Both of Saskatchewan’s major cities saw job growth compared to last January as well, with Regina’s employment up 10,100, an increase of 7.3 per cent, and Saskatoon’s employment up 10,800, an increase of 5.8 per cent.

Major year-over-year gains were reported for professional, scientific and technical services, up 9,500, an increase of 32.8 per cent; educational services, up 4,300, an increase of 8.2 per cent; and wholesale and retail trade, up 2,900, an increase of 3.0 per cent.

Saskatchewan has continued to see growth across several other key indicators. Urban housing starts in Saskatchewan were up 86.4 per cent in December 2023, when compared to December 2022, ranking second in growth among provinces. The value of building permits reached $249 million in November 2023 (seasonally adjusted), an increase of 83.9 per cent from November 2022, the highest increase in all of Canada.