A fragment of a large bridge overpass with communications
by SHCA SHCA

$33.7 Million Highway 2 Over Trans-Canada Highway 1 Project Underway at Moose Jaw

A fragment of a large bridge overpass with communications

Highways Minister David Marit and the Moose Jaw community celebrated the recent start of an estimated $33.7 million project to raise the height of Highway 2 over Trans-Canada Highway 1. 

“Once completed, the project will improve safety and trucking efficiency over the long-term on Trans-Canada Highway 1 in Saskatchewan, which connects the province’s export-based economy to the rest of the country –  and the world,” Marit said.

The overpass project involves demolishing the existing pair of nearly 60-year-old Highway 2 over Highway 1 bridges, which have a clearance height of 4.5 metres and have been hit multiple times over the years by oversized traffic. The new structures will have a clearance height of 5.3 metres.

“On behalf of City Council, we thank the Ministry of Highways for undertaking this critical overpass project,” said Moose Jaw Mayor, James Murdock. “This improvement not only benefits the trucking industry, which is a cornerstone of our local economy, but also enhances the overall safety and well-being of our community, and the thousands of tourists that use Highways 1 and 2 to visit us.”

The existing classic cloverleaf shaped on- and off-ramps will also be replaced with modern diamond-shaped on- and off-ramps.

“The Saskatchewan Trucking Association welcomes the investment in the Highway 2 overpasses at Moose Jaw,” said Susan Ewart, executive director of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association. “This project is a critical improvement that will enhance safety and efficiency for trucking operations on this key transportation corridor, while demonstrating the provincial government’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure.” 

A Ministry of Highways contractor began staging in the area in mid-March and is expected to begin demolishing the northbound bridge the week of April 1.

During construction this year, Highway 2 will have two-way traffic on the southbound bridge while the new northbound bridge is being built. Next year, Highway 2 will have two-way traffic on the new northbound bridge while the new southbound bridge is being built. 

Highway 1 underneath the bridges will be reduced to two-way traffic throughout the project. Traffic from the exit ramps will be detoured as needed.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, pending weather.

Championship award golden trophy cup with shiny stars
by SHCA SHCA

Leaders in Construction: Meet the Recipients of CCA’s 2024 National Awards

Championship award golden trophy cup with shiny stars

Presented by Northbridge Insurance, the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) National Awards ceremony was held on March 14, 2025, during the Annual Conference in Québec City. This year’s recipients represent the industry’s best and brightest. Congratulations to this year’s recipients for their exceptional contributions to the Canadian construction industry.  

Geza Banfai, CCA 2024 Pinnacle Leader Award – sponsored by PCL Construction 

An advocate for the Canadian construction industry for over 40 years, Geza’s commitment to legal reform, mentorship and the advancement of industry best practices promotes collaboration and efficiency in project execution, and helps the industry navigate challenges in an evolving legal landscape.

PCL Construction, CCA 2024 Environmental Achievement Award – sponsored by CHUBB Insurance Company of Canada

Recognizing PCL Construction for their Fairmont Royal York Decarbonization Project, which is a landmark achievement in sustainable construction, proving that even heritage buildings can evolve to meet modern environmental goals.  

Construction Association of Nova Scotia, CCA 2024 Workforce Excellence Award – sponsored by RAISE Underwriting

Through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, the Construction Association of Nova Scotia is shaping a workforce that truly represents the communities it serves.  

Calgary Construction Association, CCA 2024 Partner Association Award – sponsored by Bockstael Construction 

The Calgary Construction Association is more than an industry leader – it’s a driving force for change. Affectionately known as “Little CCA,” the association is reshaping the industry by prioritizing services and focus areas that members need, such as dedicated public and media relations, advocacy and workforce strategies, and membership engagement events and activities.   

Westcor Construction Ltd., CCA 2024 Gold Seal Award – sponsored by Travelers Canada 

Westcor is a general contracting and construction management services company that aims to build a better world for clients, community and employees. Reflected by its people-first culture, Westcor empowers its people to reach their full potential and promotes Gold Seal certification as a recognized standard of excellence. 

Anthony DeVito, CCA 2024 Young Leader Award – sponsored by McMillan LLP 

Anthony DeVito, GSC, is a passionate advocate for the construction industry and has spearheaded multiple initiatives to address skilled labour shortages. His community spirit is equally inspiring, and in his just-over-a-decade long career, he has earned the respect of colleagues and industry peers alike. 

Groupe AGF, CCA 2024 Community Leader Award – sponsored by Marsh Canada Limited

For AGF and the Gendron family, community involvement and a culture of philanthropy are an integral part of corporate life. With over $4.5 million donated to causes across Canada and more than 750 employee-led fundraising events since its foundation’s inception, AGF unites its workforce, strengthens communities and demonstrates that collective action can create lasting impact.   

Enviro-Ex Contracting Ltd., CCA 2024 Excellence in Innovation Award – sponsored by Intact Surety 

Enviro-Ex Contracting’s Highway 97 Cottonwood Hill Phase Two Slide project overcame extraordinary geotechnical challenges, setting new standards for efficiency, safety and environmental responsibility, and stands as a testament to the potential of advanced technological integration in heavy civil construction. 

PCL Construction, CCA 2024 National Safety Award – sponsored by Vipond Inc.

At PCL Construction, safety isn’t just a priority – it’s a core value of every worker, every shift and every site. This unwavering commitment has led to zero fatalities in the past three years and an extraordinary 16.7 million hours worked without a lost-time incident. “This year’s award recipients demonstrate the best of the best of our industry. Congratulations to everyone for the recognition of their great achievements,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, president of CCA.  

The call for nominations for next year’s awards opens this fall.

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Budget 2025-26

Shantel Lipp - Portrait

Spring is finally here, according to the calendar. Meanwhile, most of us are waiting for the weather to catch up. Spring is the season that brings us renewal. When the snow finally melts, we see what has been hidden from us for the past four to five months and start to plan our outdoor work for the summer. 

For our industry, it is no different. We look for signs of renewed growth every spring when our provincial government releases its budget. On March 19, the Saskatchewan government delivered the 2025-26 budget. From our perspective, there were some encouraging signs. The 2025-26 highways budget was set at $777 million, with $421 million dedicated to capital projects.  

While this budget is going in the right direction by increasing slightly over last year’s budget, we still have a ways to go to get where we need to be. Our industry will continue to advocate for long-term planning for budget commitments that provides stability and growth for our members’ businesses. 

The current political climate surrounding the trade issue, while challenging for our industry, is also an opportunity for us to rethink how we build our industry to meet the challenge posed to our province. Due to the tariff issues created by the United States and China that are impacting our economy, Saskatchewan is busy exploring other trade partners. The status quo on getting our goods to market is no longer a viable option and we must be creative with how we get our products to our new trade partners. 

While we need to maintain our existing infrastructure, we should also look at resurrecting dormant routes along with the possibility of planning and building new ones. Diversifying our trade portfolio must include the best logistics to successfully deliver our products to our new trading partners. Our infrastructure is the backbone of our provincial trade. 

The SHCA is also encouraged by the announcement from the provincial government to hold construction roundtable discussions with partner groups. This will be an opportunity for our industry to advocate with other industries on the importance of government committing to issues such as long-term planning, removing interprovincial barriers and building a resilient workforce. 

Every year, we look forward to the renewal and growth that spring brings us. This year will be no exception for the heavy construction industry. Even though the province faces uncertainty with the looming tariffs, our industry remains optimistic facing the challenges ahead.

by SHCA SHCA

SRC Indigenous Action Plan Builds on Decades-Long Reputation of Collaboration

An Indigenous Action Plan being set in motion by the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) aims to engage and advance the participation of Indigenous Peoples within the organization and communities across Saskatchewan. 

SRC is proud to launch a new Indigenous Action Plan that centers on Indigenous Peoples, communities and businesses to help achieve shared goals. Continuing to build trust and strong relationships with Indigenous communities is a hallmark of this plan.

SRC - Saskatchewan Research Council logo

“SRC has a long history of collaboration with First Nations and Métis communities, spanning more than 40 years in areas such as ecological studies, student enrichment and job training opportunities, and longer-term initiatives including remediation of former mine and mill sites in northern Saskatchewan,” Minister Responsible for SRC Warren Kaeding said. “The new Indigenous Action Plan further builds upon these relationships to ensure continued Indigenous participation in Saskatchewan’s key economic sectors and growing workforce.” 

SRC’s Indigenous Action Plan has been built to align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Call to Action 92 and will be lifted by four integral pillars: Employment, Leadership, Indigenous Community Relationships and Business Development. 

“Continuing to build trust and strong relationships with Indigenous communities is a hallmark of this plan,” president and CEO of SRC Mike Crabtree said. “Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is not only the right thing to do, it’s simply good business. We encourage all our staff, collaborators and clients to embrace reconciliation each and every day.” 

Of particular importance within the plan will be two new programs supported by the Employment pillar: an Indigenous Workforce Program and an Indigenous Summer Student Program, Kiskiyihta (Kiskee ih-taah), which is a Cree word meaning to learn or to know.

Together, these programs will help SRC increase recruitment and hiring of Indigenous Peoples by collaborating with Indigenous educational institutions and training entities to develop strategies for the retention and advancement of Indigenous employees. The collaborating organizations will also support SRC in finding potential candidates for SRC job openings and for the Indigenous Summer Student Program.  

Other important initiatives within the plan include the formation of an Indigenous Advisory Committee, increasing Indigenous procurement via SRC’s Indigenous Procurement Policy, growing the number of Indigenous learning opportunities for SRC employees, and strengthening meaningful engagement and collaboration with Indigenous communities and Tribal Councils.  

SRC would like to recognize and thank Saskatchewan-based Indigenous artist Arnold Isbister for his valuable contributions to the plan. Isbister provided much of the document’s original artwork, helping bring the Plan’s holistic approach to life with his colourful interpretations of its four Pillars and its symbolic cover pages.

by SHCA SHCA

Rural Roads to Have More Than $34.4 Million of Improvements

RIRG | Rural Integrated Roads for Growth

The Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) announced more than $34.4 million for 32 road, bridge and culvert projects, which supports the export of goods and resources originating in rural municipalities.

Through the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program, the Ministry of Highways will invest more than $12.6 million toward the projects and rural municipalities (RMs) will fund the remaining more than $21.7 million. The work will occur in the 2025 construction season.

“These projects will enhance the integration of rural roads and the provincial highway network so that farmers, ranchers, businesses and industries can ship their goods more efficiently,” Highways Minister David Marit said. “This program recognizes rural municipal roads play a valuable role in Saskatchewan’s export-based economy.”

“Perhaps now more than ever, improving our transportation infrastructure in rural areas is needed to bring stability and strength to our economy – not only as a province, but also as a nation,” SARM president Bill Huber said. “Without reliable roads, bridges and culverts, we can’t get goods to market. For this reason, SARM is very pleased to see these RMs receive funding assistance through the RIRG program.” 

The provincially funded RIRG program administered by SARM invests in constructing and upgrading RM road infrastructure. RIRG funding is up to 50 per cent per project to a maximum of $500,000 for a road and to a maximum $1 million for a large culvert or bridge. RMs fund the remaining project costs and are responsible for managing their approved projects.

by SHCA SHCA

The Canadian Construction Association Welcomes New Board of Directors

Canadian Construction Association

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) announced changes to its board of directors following its 2025 Annual General Meeting on March 10, 2025. Francis Roy will continue to serve as Chair for the forthcoming term. Looking forward to the next year, Roy shared his vision for the association over the next term. 

“My commitment to fostering collaboration, engagement and innovation remains top of mind in this next mandate,” he said. “As our industry continues to face notable challenges, now is the time when we need our industry’s leaders to stand up, work together and advocate for our interests.” 

Joining Roy on CCA’s 2025-2026 Board of Directors includes: 

  • Trevor Doucette (Vice-Chair), senior director, operations, Synergy Group of Companies (Alta.)  
  • Sara Becker, process manager, Ideal Construction Services Ltd. (Alta.)  
  • Derek Brown, project manager, The Cahill Group of Companies (N.L.)  
  • Nicole Chabot, vice-president, L. Chabot Enterprises Ltd. (Man.)  
  • Steve Drummond, president, Capilano Highway Services Company (B.C.)  
  • Frank Faieta, vice-president, national surety risk management, Trisurance Guarantee (Ont.)  
  • Wayne Ferguson, chief operating officer, EllisDon Corporation (Ont.) 
  • Peter Grose, president, Westland Construction Ltd. (Man.)  
  • Quentin Huillery, executive vice-president of civil, mining and infrastructure, Ledcor (Alta.)  
  • Cathy Kent, bid manager, alternative project delivery, Black & McDonald Limited (Ont.)
  • Daniel Lessard, chief operating officer, civil and infrastructure, Pomerleau (Que.)
  • Allan MacIntosh, president, Marco Group Limited (N.S.)  
  • Anthony Minetti, president, CGI Constructors (B.C.)  
  • John Mollenhauer, president and chief executive officer, Toronto Construction Association (Ont.)  
  • Cory Richter, president and chief executive officer, Quorex Construction Services (Sask.)
  • Amber Sandhu, regional underwriting officer, national accounts surety, Travelers Canada (Ont.)  
  • Sam Sanderson, general manager, Construction Association of Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) 
  • Brad Scott, vice-president, finance, Basin Contracting Limited (N.S.) 
  • Rick Wagner, president, Maxwell Floors (B.C.) 

CCA thanks these leaders for their commitment to our industry and to advancing our united vision to Build a Better Canada.

American and Canadian Flags Against Bright Skies
by SHCA SHCA

Canada’s Construction Industry Responds to Trump’s Damaging Tariffs

American and Canadian Flags Against Bright Skies
dbvirago/123RF

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is disappointed to see that President Donald Trump has made the short-sighted decision to plunge Canada and the United States into an unnecessary, irresponsible trade war that will see notable consequences on both sides of the border.

“The Canadian and American construction industries rely heavily on free-flowing supplies of essential construction materials. These needless tariffs will decrease productivity, harm economic growth and put critical projects and countless construction jobs at risk – on both sides of the border,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “Once again, the new U.S. administration clearly demonstrates that they have a limited understanding of how damaging these measures will be on the integrated economy between our two countries.”

In response to Trump’s tariffs on Canadian products, the Government of Canada has announced tariffs on an initial $30 billion worth of American goods and promised $125 billion more in 21 days. CCA commends the federal government for its continued prioritization of industry consultation and looks forward to continuing to be an active participant in those discussions.

These tariffs present a significant risk for the construction industry. This likely means increased costs for homebuilding and trade-enabling infrastructure, impacts to supply chains and trading relationships, and a weakening of economic development and productivity. While the federal government is right to respond in kind, CCA reiterates its call for all governments to consider economic measures to support Canadian businesses and stimulate the economy, in consultation with industry. 

“Once again, this is a time where we need all Canadians to stand up for Canada. This is not the time to sit on our hands – we all have to work together to increase productivity and support Canadian businesses, so that we can all build a stronger Canada and surmount this trade conflict,” said Gilbert.  

CCA will continue to monitor the impact of these economic measures on the construction industry and will continue working with all levels of government to build a strong foundation for Canada’s future. 

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

If We Build It, They Will Come

Shantel Lipp

Many Canadians will remember author W.P. Kinsella, known for one of his novels Shoeless Joe that was later adapted into the movie Field of Dreams about a farmer from Iowa who builds a baseball field at his farm. The famous line from the film was, “If you build it, They will come.” It is one of those lines that lives forever in movie folklore. 

Saskatchewan can take a page out of Kinsella’s novel and adapt it to say, “If we build it, they will come.”

The Saskatchewan economy is reliant on our products being exported to customers around the globe. To get what we currently produce to the market depends on reliable infrastructure. Our existing infrastructure is maintained to deliver what is needed now, but does not address the building necessary for the future. We grow our economy by increasing our production, which in turn leads to more product for us to sell around the world. If Saskatchewan looks at its economic targets through a long-term approach, then it must also include that with infrastructure projects. 

As an export-heavy province, we cannot afford to plan year to year what is required of our infrastructure network. This approach will only leave us playing catch-up. Currently, 70 per cent of our provincial gross domestic product is shipped out of our borders to customers in Canada and the rest of the world. As the province expands economically, we must plan for the expansion by instituting long-term planning for infrastructure projects. infrastructure growth and economic growth should go hand-in-hand when it comes to forecasting where we will be economically as a province five to 10 years from today.

This becomes even more necessary when we are faced with the threat of tariffs from our largest trading partner. Our goal is to expand our markets beyond the United States, and we need to prove to new markets that we are up to the task. Planning ahead is always the best approach to meeting challenges. We need that for our infrastructure. 

If we build it, they will come.

A Virtual Growth bar charts Financial Graph On Digital Technology Strategy Background With Finance Data Marketing Chart Analysis Report Or Success Investment
by SHCA SHCA

Investment in Building Construction Investment Soars in Saskatchewan

A Virtual Growth bar charts Financial Graph On Digital Technology Strategy Background With Finance Data Marketing Chart Analysis Report Or Success Investment

New Statistics Canada data shows a 5.7 per cent increase in Saskatchewan’s building construction investment in November 2024 compared to October 2024 (seasonally adjusted). This positions the province as second among all provinces for month-over-month growth in this category. The province also saw an 11.8 per cent increase in year-over-year construction investment from November 2023 to November 2024.

“These figures reflect the ongoing confidence people and businesses have in making long term investments in Saskatchewan as a place to grow and succeed,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “Increased investment in building construction strengthens our communities, supports job creation, and further positions our province as the best place to live, work, and raise a family in the nation.” 

Investment in building construction is calculated based on the total spending value on building construction within the province. The province continues to see economic success across several key indicators. Saskatchewan exports totaled over $102 billion for 2022 and 2023 combined. This is an increase of more than 52 per cent from the previous two-year period, and the highest export numbers in the province’s history. 

Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan’s 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.77 billion, or 2.3 per cent from 2022. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.2 per cent. Private capital investment is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 14.4 per cent over 2023. This is the highest anticipated percentage increase in Canada.