Waving Canadian flag against the blue sky.
by SHCA SHCA

Premier Moe Travels to Washington and Mexico to Support Canada U.S. Trade

Waving Canadian flag against the blue sky.

Premier Scott Moe is travelling to Washington D.C. this week for meetings with U.S. elected representatives, industry organizations and to participate in the premier’s Council of the Federation (COF) joint-mission to Washington. 

Prior to the COF mission, Premier Moe will meet with U.S. elected representatives and businesses to emphasize the strong trade relationship between Canada and the U.S, and the role Saskatchewan plays in supplying the continent with energy and food security. 

“It’s important in the current economic environment that we engage with our counterparts in the United States to emphasize the shared benefit of trade between our two countries and turn the conversation toward building on those strengths rather than jeopardizing them with tariffs,” said Moe. 

The U.S. is Saskatchewan’s largest and most important trading partner. About $40 billion worth of imports and exports cross the border every year. The current tariff-free border allows businesses to add value to products and economies, whether flowing from north to south or vice versa. Premier Moe’s meetings will focus on maintaining strong Canada-U.S. relations by addressing shared issues such as the economy, energy, supply chains and the impacts of the Trump Administration’s proposed tariffs. Premier Moe will also express Saskatchewan’s support for strong measures to secure the Canada-U.S. border. 

“Strengthening border security and preventing the flow of illicit drugs like Fentanyl is a concern that has been identified by the U.S. and one that I share,” Moe added. “We are already taking action as a province through our Border Security Plan to ensure we have more officers and law enforcement presence at the Saskatchewan-U.S. border.”

The COF’s joint-mission to Washington will allow all 13 premiers to present a united voice on the important benefits that free-trade brings to Canada and the U.S. and the concern over the negative impact of tariffs to consumers and businesses on both sides of the border. The COF program will take place on Feb. 12 and will include meetings with U.S. elected representatives, business leaders and the Canada American Business Council. 

Following the COF mission, Premier Moe will travel to Mexico to engage with business and elected officials to advance relationships with this key trading partner. Over the course of the next few weeks, Premier Moe and multiple cabinet ministers will be travelling within Canada and beyond to advocate for Saskatchewan’s interests. These engagement efforts will focus on promoting the province as a global supplier of food and energy security, while strengthening Saskatchewan’s relationships with key international trading partners. 

Hands put together to show unity and cooperation
by SHCA SHCA

Canada’s Construction Industry Stands Strong Against U.S. Tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods exported to the U.S. (including aluminum and steel), along with a 10 per cent tariff on energy products, next month.   In kind, the Government of Canada has responded with targeted tariffs, with some products having a direct impact on construction.  

“Canada’s construction industry is disappointed to see the imposition of tariffs,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, president of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA). “We appreciate that the federal government has issued a strong response to President Trump’s senseless tariffs and will hold consultations with industry on further measures.”   

The impacts of this trade conflict will be felt throughout the Canadian economy. These measures are likely to impact not only the ability of construction operators to meet their project requirements, but also the supply chains that the Canadian industries rely on all together. This limits the industry’s ability to combat the housing crisis, slows down its ability to build critical infrastructure, and so much more.   

“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. 

As all levels of government consider non-tariff measures to support Canadian businesses and stimulate our economy, the CCA urges all governments to consult with industry so that any and all measures can be targeted, effective and reflect the real needs of the industry.   

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

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

U.S. Tariffs: What It Means for Saskatchewan

Shantel Lipp

As we enter 2025, we need to look at the state of infrastructure in our province and our country. In Saskatchewan, we have a record number of residents using our roads. With over 1.2 million people in the province, Saskatchewan roads, highways and bridges are seeing more tires hit the surface than ever before. 

As we know, Saskatchewan is an export province that relies on its infrastructure to get its goods to market. As our exports grow year over year, the demand of having functional infrastructure to move those products to customers across the globe is imperative to our quality of life.  A thriving economy is how we get to build our hospitals and schools. But to do this we must have the resources to fund infrastructure before a single shovel is put into the ground. How we fund and maintain our infrastructure has a direct relationship to how successful our economy will be. 

This year will be a challenging time for many sectors in Canada and the province as the country faces potential punitive action from our largest trading partner, the United States, in the form of tariffs. Governments will have to come to terms on how to best mitigate the impact tariffs will have on our provincial and national economies. 

Building our schools, hospitals and infrastructure will become costlier if the tariffs come to pass. It is time for governments at all levels to think smart when it comes to the priorities of where taxpayers’ money is spent. One of the government’s basic principles is to maintain functioning infrastructure to support its citizens and its economy. When government takes its eye off the ball to focus on pet projects of their liking, the results tend to be catastrophic, as witnessed by the recent Los Angeles fires. 

As we work our way through 2025, our message to governments of all levels is to focus on the core services that maintain a healthy economy, and that starts with proper funding of infrastructure in our cities, province and country. 

Professional Mechanical Engineer team Working on Personal Computer at Metal lathe industrial manufacturing factory. Engineer Operating lathe Machinery. Product quality Inspection
by SHCA SHCA

Procurement Begins for Saskatchewan Polytechnic Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus

Professional Mechanical Engineer team Working on Personal Computer at Metal lathe industrial manufacturing factory. Engineer Operating lathe Machinery. Product quality Inspection

The Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement and Saskatchewan Polytechnic have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to procure a new Skilled Trades and Technology (trades) building. The new trades building is using a Design-Build procurement model for its delivery as the first building planned as part of the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon campus.

“This is an important next step in building the new Saskatoon campus,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said. “We are pleased to work with our partners to make this happen. The Request for Qualifications shows our focus is on creating a top facility for students and industry. Starting this process will help us find the right team to build the new Skilled Trades and Technology building for Saskatchewan Polytechnic.”

The new trades building is the first building planned as part of a new and consolidated campus in Saskatoon. It will be built on a green field site, located at Innovation Place Saskatoon, adjacent to the University of Saskatchewan.

“Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions are crucial in positioning the province as a global research leader, further solidifying our reputation as a hub for innovation,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Warren Kaeding said. “This new campus will open more opportunities for Saskatchewan students and aims to attract top talent to cultivate our future innovation leaders.”

The RFQ is the first step in a two-step process to evaluate and pre-qualify professional service providers for the building. Qualified teams from the RFQ process will compete in the second stage for the design and construction of the trades building.

“I am pleased to see the Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus project moving forward,” Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “The campus will play a critical role in preparing students who will help meet Saskatchewan’s labour market needs. The Skilled Trades and Technology building will provide a high-quality learning environment for Saskatchewan students, helping keep our province competitive with other jurisdictions and attracting more students and instructors.”

Site preparation work began in September of 2024 and includes the removal or upgrading of underground infrastructure, tree relocation and grading. Site preparation is nearing completion, with substantial completion anticipated in the spring. The new campus will transform an existing network of several decentralized, outdated buildings into a revitalized, modern, technology-rich learning environment for students and greater opportunities for applied research and investment. 

“We are excited to reach another momentous milestone for the Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus with the launch of the procurement process for the Skilled Trades and Technology building,” Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO Larry Rosia said. “We have undertaken extensive consultation with faculty, students, the City of Saskatoon and other key stakeholders, and we greatly appreciate everyone’s feedback. This campus will lead the way in applied learning across Saskatchewan, enhancing the student experience and expanding our capacity for applied research and collaboration.”

Since 2022-23, the province has provided $16 million for the project. The 2024-25 Provincial Budget included $6 million for design and pre-procurement work of the new campus. The Government of Saskatchewan announced in September 2023 that it would commit up to $200 million toward the new campus. The Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement and Saskatchewan Polytechnic are leading this procurement in partnership from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan. 

Stock and bond market graph and world map with trading desk bank office interior on background. Multi exposure. Concept of international finance
by SHCA SHCA

SRC Delivers $887 Million in Value Impacts to the Provincial Economy in 2023-2024

Stock and bond market graph and world map with trading desk bank office interior on background. Multi exposure. Concept of international finance

The Saskatchewan Research Council‘s (SRC) latest economic impact assessment shows it has contributed more than $15.5 billion in combined economic and employment impacts in Saskatchewan since it began assessing such in 2003 – including a combined impact of $887 million in this latest fiscal year.

SRC’s 2023-2024 economic impact assessment shows SRC’s impact on the provincial economy in the fiscal year was $785 million. SRC also assisted in creating or maintaining more than 1,682 jobs in Saskatchewan in 2023-2024, a contribution valued at an additional $102 million. These impact numbers were also accompanied by annual revenue of $83 million generated by SRC in 2023-2024. In 2023-2024, SRC had a mandate effectiveness of 38, which means that for every dollar the province invested in SRC, SRC’s work contributed at least a 38-times return to the growth of the Saskatchewan economy. 

“The Saskatchewan Research Council is dedicated to growing and strengthening Saskatchewan’s economy through research, development and demonstration through the transfer of innovative technical solutions, applications and services,” Minister Responsible for SRC Warren Kaeding said. “SRC’s work is making an incredible impact on the province’s economic growth and is creating thousands of jobs for people across Saskatchewan.” 

“At SRC, we are dedicated to strengthening Saskatchewan’s economy with quality private sector jobs and a secure environment,” SRC president and CEO Mike Crabtree said. “This is why our economic impact assessment is so important, as it truly demonstrates the value we can generate from the province’s investment in us.”

With 77 years of research, development and demonstration experience, SRC is Canada’s second largest research and technology organization with 1,400 clients in 22 countries around the world.

A construction engineers discussion with architects at road construction site. Civil Engineer.
by SHCA SHCA

Six Contractors Selected to Bid on Saskatoon City Centre School Project

Another milestone has been reached as the Government of Saskatchewan, in partnership with Saskatoon Public Schools, announced that six construction contractors have been shortlisted to submit bids for the construction of the new Saskatoon City Centre School. This development shows that the project is progressing steadily toward construction.

The shortlisted contractors are:

  • Graham Construction 
  • PCL Construction 
  • Quorex Construction 
  • VCM Construction
  • Westridge Construction 
  • Wright Construction 

Saskatoon Public Schools issued the Request for Qualifications and the shortlisted companies were selected through a competitive process, with the aim of ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of the project. These firms will now proceed to the tender stage, where they are invited to provide detailed submissions to bid on the construction contract.

The new Saskatoon City Centre School, funded by the Government of Saskatchewan, will bring together students from the Princess Alexandra, King George and Pleasant Hill neighbourhoods into a single, modern facility. Designed to accommodate up to 400 students from prekindergarten to Grade 8, the school will also include 74 childcare spaces and additional community services.

“This milestone brings us one step closer to delivering a modern learning environment for students in Saskatoon’s city centre area,” Education Minister Everett Hindley said. “This new school will not only provide high-quality education spaces, but will also serve as a hub for community engagement and collaboration, supporting the needs of students and families for years to come.”

Construction is expected to begin following the completion of the procurement process. 

“We are excited to have a shortlist of teams for the Saskatoon City Centre School Project,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said. “This is an important step towards construction that shows our province’s focus on building modern schools for future generations and supporting strong and growing communities.”

Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed approximately $2.6 billion toward school infrastructure projects, including 69 new schools and 32 major renovation projects with seven projects approved through the Minor Capital Renewal Program.

PHOTO: pramotephotostock/123RF

Barricades and Signs branded truck
by SHCA SHCA

Universal Group Expands Across the Prairies Through Strategic Acquisition of Barricades and Signs

Barricades and Signs branded truck
PHOTO: Barricades and Signs

CAI Capital Partners (CAI) is pleased to announce that its portfolio company, the Universal Group, and its related companies (together, Universal or the Company) has successfully closed the acquisition of Barricades and Signs Ltd. (Barricades).  

Barricades, headquartered near Edmonton, Alta., was founded in 2004 by Robert and Fran van Bruggen and has grown into a leading traffic control company with operations across Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Over the past eight years, the company has been successfully led by CEO Jan van Bruggen who, in partnership with Barrier Ridge Capital, has contributed to Barricades’ development and growth up to this point. As part of this exciting transition to the Universal Group, Bruggen will continue to lead Barricades and will also become a shareholder in the Universal Group. 

“I am honored to be leading Barricades into this exciting next phase of growth and evolution,” said Bruggen. “Joining the Universal Group family aligns perfectly with our commitment to building healthy communities and supporting our employees and stakeholders as we strive to be our best. The alignment in vision and values between Barricades and the Universal Group is remarkable, and I look forward to seeing us thrive with their support and expanded network across Canada and the Pacific Northwest.” 

The acquisition of Barricades marks a significant milestone in Universal’s strategy to expand its operations and presence in new markets across Canada. The acquisition of Barricades reinforces Universal as one of Canada’s preeminent providers of traffic control services, enhancing its ability to deliver unparalleled service and support for its clients nationwide, with coverage in nearly all provinces. 

Barricades and Signs Ltd. is headquartered near Edmonton, Alta. Photo: Alicia Paydli/Unsplash

“We are thrilled that Barricades and Signs is joining the Universal Group of traffic management companies.” said Mike Menzies, CEO of the Universal Group. “This transaction is a major milestone for Universal as we continue to build on our national footprint of being the largest supplier of traffic management services and products across Canada. Barricades expands our footprint into new markets, enabling us to establish operations in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Barricades also brings to our group additional product lines, further expanding our one-stop-shop capabilities for all our customers’ needs. We are excited to welcome [Bruggen] and the Barricades team as we combine our expertise and drive forward our overall strategic plan.” 

CAI’s equity co-investment partners in the combined organization include BDC Capital, Roynat Equity Partners and Frind Enterprises. Debt financing for the transaction was provided by Bank of Montreal, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, The Bank of Nova Scotia and National Bank Financial. Universal was advised on the transaction by Lawson Lundell LLP (legal), MNP LLP (tax), Marsh Canada Limited (insurance) and HUB International Limited (benefits).

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

From Local Leadership to Global Impact: SHCA’s 2025 Vision for Innovation and Growth

Shantel Lipp

As we enter the new year, it will be our opportunity as an association to build on our successes from the previous year. Our second annual Infrastructure Summit and Trade Show was bigger and better than the inaugural event that we had hosted in 2023.  

The Summit included two full days of presentations on subjects that spoke to the future of our industry and how we, in Saskatchewan, can position ourselves to lead by adopting cutting edge technologies that will put us at forefront of our industry. The Summit was also a time for the industry to showcase some of that technology firsthand through our expanded trade show. Building on the success of the 2024 Summit, we plan on having an even bigger event this year by viewing it through a global lens. 

As we know, Saskatchewan had a provincial election in the fall of last year. While there were many changes to the names and faces that sit around the provincial cabinet table, the SHCA was pleased to welcome back the Honourable Minister David Marit to the portfolios of Highways and SaskBuilds and Procurement.  

I am happy to say that we have already had productive discussions with Marit on the issues that impact our industry and look forward to keeping the dialogue going. Our message remains the same: When our industry benefits, the province benefits. Looking ahead, we will continue to engage with the provincial and municipal governments on finding ways to deliver infrastructure projects to meet with the demand of growth in the province. 

Last month, Saskatchewan hit yet another milestone for population growth having surpassed 1,246,000 residents for the first time ever. An expanding population means there is a demand for more infrastructure and maintaining our current assets. New schools and hospitals cannot be built without new roads. New employees heading to their place of work can only arrive safely if the roads and bridges they travel on are safe. Good roads ensure that our economic well-being, as a centre of export to the world remains intact when we ship our goods across the globe. 

Our industry is often ignored when government faces economic pressures. It is our duty to raise our voice to make sure that does not happen. This year will have its challenges, but I am optimistic that our strong and united voice will bring positive changes to how we do business here in Saskatchewan.

Woman with safety goggles holding hammer at work bench
by SHCA SHCA

Outstanding Achievement in the Skilled Trades Honoured at the 2024 Apprenticeship Celebration Dinner

On Dec. 6, 2024, the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) celebrated outstanding achievement in the skilled trades at the 24th annual Apprenticeship Celebration Dinner.

Nearly 350 people attended this year’s event, sponsored by more than 30 organizations. Held at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, the Apprenticeship Celebration Dinner brought together industry partners and stakeholders, training providers and employers who help build a successful apprenticeship system in Saskatchewan to recognize award winners and celebrate their achievements.

“Skilled tradespeople in Saskatchewan play an important role in building a growing province, and our government is committed to creating more skills training and education opportunities, as guided by the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy,” Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter said. “Congratulations to those being recognized tonight for their contributions to Saskatchewan’s apprenticeship and trade certification system.”

Thirty-one journeypersons who achieved the highest mark on their trade’s certification exams between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, received Outstanding New Journeyperson awards. Eleven additional awards issued by the SATCC included the First Nations and Métis Scholarship, the Scholarship for Journeypersons with Disabilities, the Outstanding Instructor and Employer awards and the Apprenticeship Lifetime Achievement Award. 

In addition to the awards from the SATCC, industry partners including training providers, industry associations, employers and unions also issued scholarships and awards recognizing the achievements of apprentices and journeypersons.

“We are proud to honour and recognize the people who demonstrate excellence in the skilled trades,” SATCC Commission Board Chair Bryan Leier said. “On behalf of the SATCC and the Commission Board of Directors, congratulations to all the award winners for your outstanding achievements that contribute to a strong and successful apprenticeship system in Saskatchewan.”

The SATCC will share event photos on its social media channels. Follow along on Facebook (@SaskApprenticeship), X (@SKApprentice) and Instagram (@skapprentice) or visit saskapprenticeship.ca/apprenticeship-celebration-dinner to learn more.