New training offered to SHCA members helps construction crews communicate more effectively with motorists
By Martin Charlton Communications
Motorists who are patient and cautious while driving through a work zone are appreciated and necessary.
So, too, is the training that Wade Hoffman provides to heavy construction employees, who are taught to communicate with drivers as they pass through a work zone while also learning all the other information they need to be effective traffic accommodation supervisors (TAS) in work zones.
Hoffman is the lead instructor at Traffic Training and Consulting (TTAC), his own business that is working with the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) to make members aware of his training. His own course is in work zones, and he will provide the Heavy Construction Safety Association (HCSAS)’s course in flagging.
Clearly communicating with motorists can make them less hazardous as they use the route established for them to transport people and goods through the area. Hoffman says the brightly colored personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as the signs in a work zone are a few ways to communicate necessary information to drivers.
“We’re putting ourselves in harm’s way by being out in traffic,” said Hoffman. “The only way to try and protect ourselves is to let the traffic know that we’re there. So that first sign tells them we’re there.
“The rest of the information is asking the motorists to slow down, change lanes, stop – whatever we need them to do so that we can get the work done safely and that they can travel through the work zone safely and not have any incidents.”
He sees this training as relevant to anyone involved in road construction, whether they work on a provincial highway, a municipal road or for a Crown corporation.
Any heavy construction company working on a provincial highway must have a TAS on the work site and that person must have a current training certificate from a vendor approved by the Ministry of Highways. It is a condition of their contract with the ministry. The ministry has issued a detailed list of course objectives that the training is expected to deliver. Someone working in traffic accommodation supervision must update their training every five years.
Those working on municipal roads don’t have that same requirement, but Hoffman sees a benefit to them being trained with a similar program developed for their needs. That is something he can offer.
“The fundamentals are all the same. You just get into a few different logistics,” said Hoffman.
The person acting as the TAS can vary from company to company, Hoffman explains. In one company, it could be the foreman of the crew. In another company, it may be the person running the water truck because they have the time in their day to check the signage between loads of water.
Larger companies could have a role exclusively handling traffic accommodation supervision with that person responsible for monitoring signage, supervising flag people and handling related documentation. Sending more than one person from a company for the training provides the employer some flexibility because they have someone to fill in if their primary person gets sick or needs to be away from work for some other reason.
During the training, Hoffman teaches participants what they need to know about the law, their responsibilities and their authority under the law.
“We go through the Ministry of Highways manual, so everybody is aware of the information,” said Hoffman.
Some more of what he covers includes occupational health and safety matters as it relates to the TAS as well as traffic control plans that are to be developed to protect workers.
“The last half of the manual is the sign plans and they’re generic – typical situation plans that are supposed to be modified,” said Hoffman.
He then gives participants the opportunity to apply that knowledge to a situation they could encounter on the job.
“I bring in some fairly complicated scenarios, have them walk through [those] and get them to learn how to do a sign plan. [Then, I] give them some guidance as to how to set it up safely,” said Hoffman.
He wants those taking his training to understand what they are trying to accomplish so that they can determine if they have succeeded. He recognized this was missing in most training programs when he began to provide training.
“I try to give them working knowledge and understanding so that they can take the principles and apply them in any situation that they come into,” said Hoffman. “Hopefully this training will equip them better out in the field so they’re not just trying to memorize stuff and apply it, but actually understand it and then apply it.”
Zero incidents are not the only measure of success. From Hoffman’s perspective, motorists should be able to pass through the work zone efficiently, with that being another indicator of success. This is a perspective he developed as he gained experience through various roles with the Ministry of Highways and worked with people with different perspectives – not just in Saskatchewan, but throughout North America and even Australia.
“We’re putting ourselves in harm’s way by being out in traffic. The only way to try and protect ourselves is to let the traffic know that we’re there.”
– Wade Hoffman, Traffic Training and Consulting
“If a motorist feels that they’ve been taken care of, they’re a lot more compliant with what we’re asking them to do. They do slow down more. They do pay attention more going through the work zone,” said Hoffman. “It works best for everybody. It will hopefully keep the motorists happier, but it’s also safer for us in the work zone.”
He also helps those in his training to understand how to verify their due diligence through documentation. Being able to effectively document their thought process when determining their plan will benefit them if they are audited or investigated, he explains.
The day-and-a-half of training concludes with a quiz. Those who complete the training successfully receive a certificate as well as a card for their wallet.
Hoffman is flexible about where and when he provides the training. It is typical for construction companies to want their employees to participate in training after the new year but ahead of the construction season in the summer. He can travel within the province to meet with groups who invite him. He is also set up to provide training to those who travel to Regina for scheduled dates. He can work with larger employers who want him to provide their team’s training at their workplace. He can even provide training on weekdays or weekends, depending on the need of employers.
To find out about registering for Hoffman’s training – either the flagging course or the work zone course – he can be contacted by phone at 306-537-9648 or by email at wadehoffman.ttac@gmail.com.
Growing the economy with trade-enabling infrastructure
By Martin Charlton Communications
There is a saying that goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Going together requires coordination. That coordination can happen when an objective is set and information is shared. Others can decide what they need to do now and along the way to support the group getting there.
A government wanting to grow the economy achieves that objective with others. An economy that depends on trade – like Saskatchewan and Canada’s – needs to move commodities and people through the country and out to other parts of the world. Moving goods to and from other countries makes up two-thirds of this country’s income (as compared to just over a quarter for the U.S. and 45 per cent for Australia, according to World Bank figures).
“I think that there is a growing recognition by premiers right across the country that we need to focus on growing the economy,” said Chris Lorenc, who is part of a coalition encouraging governments to see how investing in trade-enabling infrastructure can contribute to achieving that objective. Lorenc is president and CEO of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA), and president and CEO of the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA).
What he and others are encouraging government to see down the road is a Canada that has a more effective system of trade-enabling infrastructure to move commodities through the country and beyond its borders to make it more competitive in the world trade market.
If a government in this country has an objective of growing the economy, then Lorenc wants that government to know others with a role in fulfilling that objective need a longer look down the road. The heavy construction industry has such a role. A longer look down the road is provided through annual and five-year projections of strategic investing to create and maintain an effective system of trade-enabling infrastructure.
In Manitoba, Lorenc has found the current provincial government receptive to the message. In Manitoba’s last provincial budget, that government announced a $2.4 billion three-year capital plan. The plan commits to investing a minimum of $500 million per year into highways. While he is grateful for the three-year plan, Lorenc says looking five years ahead would be even better.
“We’ve been saying to successive provincial governments that what they need to be doing is moving towards an annual and a five-year program,” said Lorenc. “You (as a government) cannot expect efficiency and productivity, and therefore competitive bidding if you (as a contractor) can’t look down the road to see where your opportunities are and what the level of investment is projected to be, which then shapes your business priorities, your business plans, your choice to make investments and your choice to go after emerging market sectors.
“You can’t do that when you’re blind to the priorities of an important purchaser of your services (which is government).”
That annual and five-year projection would be useful to not just the heavy construction industry, but those who supply the industry. Lorenc points out, for example, that those in design and engineering, materials, fuels, aggregates, oils and equipment supply could also better organize themselves to be prepared for the level of investment to be made.
But the point of projecting investment in infrastructure assets five years into the future is not to support the heavy construction industry and the construction of highways. Lorenc explains it is to support a bigger objective for the country, which is to grow the economy by making Canada more competitive in global trade.
“Highways are the instruments that enable trade. It’s like you can talk about health care, but the instrument that enables it is a hospital,” said Lorenc. “Trade is the objective. The enabling instruments are trade gateways and corridors, whether air, rail, marine or road – and let’s remember that the last mile is always on the road.”
It is also a message to Canadian citizens and current and potential trading partners that Canada has a plan that is critical. Some suggest planning budgeting this far into the future limits a government, but Lorenc says it is an opportunity. It builds the country’s reputation in the global trade market as being reliable and competitive while signalling to voters that government investments are purposeful and strategic and will deliver a return.
That return can support other areas of a government’s budget. The economic growth would provide governments growing revenue to support areas such as health care, education and social programming. The federal and provincial governments are encouraged to look at these investments in terms of the return they will deliver that will allow them to achieve more – at home and in the world.
“The three foundational pillars of budget construction from our perspective are growing the economy, being socially progressive and environmentally responsible,” said Lorenc. “But you can’t do the social and the environmental if you’re not successfully growing the economy.
“And if you’re talking about growing the economy, your highest ROI to GDP is trade enabling infrastructure investment.”
Canada is regarded as a key source and provider of fuel, fertilizer and food to meet essential needs in the world. However, the infrastructure needed to reliably move those “three Fs” to market is where the country’s reputation is weak.
“Canada has what the rest of the world needs,” said Lorenc. “Why would we not position ourselves to be the enabler of global economic growth through trade and, in the process, enhance and strengthen our domestic fiscal power? It’s an investment in nation building. It’s an investment in enhancing our fiscal power. Its an investment that supports our national security.”
Other governments in the world are making the investments to ensure their countries remain competitive. This includes the U.S., where in 2021, the Senate passed the $1.3-trillion infrastructure bill to invest in roads and bridges (as well as fund new climate resilience and broadband initiatives). That commitment was made after the World Economic Forum’s ranking of countries based on the quality of their overall infrastructure showed the U.S. slipped from ninth in 2008–09 to 13th in 2019. Canada’s slip was much further – from 10th to 32nd, just ahead of Azerbaijan.
“Highways are the instruments that enable trade. It’s like you can talk about health care, but the instrument that enables it is a hospital. Trade is the objective. The enabling instruments are trade gateways and corridors, whether air, rail, marine or road – and let’s remember that the last mile is always on the road.”
– Chris Lorenc, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association
Canada can improve its global competitiveness by investing in infrastructure that enables trade. That will take a lot of coordination for the country to go far, but that coordination has begun. Restoring Canada’s global reliability reputation rankings is critical and will require a leveraging coordinated investment commitment of the municipal, provincial and federal government partnering with the private sector. Lorenc is part of a coalition of five national organizations led by the Business Council of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Construction Association, the Canada West Foundation and the WCR&HCA. They are approaching the three orders of government to advocate for a nation building strategy to invest in Canada’s trade corridors to enable and harness trade-based economic growth.
“The coalition is basically saying to the premiers and to the federal government: we are a trade-based economy. Our history is based on trade. We rely on trade to give us our economic wealth, fiscal power and standard of living. Those trading relationships are at risk.”
It is hoped their advocacy will help persuade the federal government to make a commitment in budget year 2024 to a national plan for trade corridor infrastructure so that Canada “can begin the necessary reinvestment in the very assets that have shaped who we are as a country and can continue to improve upon who we are as a country,” Lorenc explained.
City of Regina implements Indigenous procurement policy
Regina City Council has approved the city’s new Indigenous procurement policy.
Regina is committed to reconciliation and this policy, which outlines a minimum goal of 20 per cent Indigenous procurement, is a step along journey to economic reconciliation. Effective immediately, the procurement policy puts tools in place to foster greater success for Indigenous-led business growth and development within Regina and surrounding areas.
The Indigenous procurement policy has been developed in collaboration with the Indigenous Procurement Advisory Committee (IPAC), who graciously provided insight and support to help Regina move forward together in reconciliation. The IPAC will continue to meet and provide guidance to support implementation of the Indigenous procurement policy to its fullest.
“Economic fairness is imperative for our collective future,” said Regina Mayor Sandra Masters. “It requires us to understand where barriers exist and to collaborate with, and learn from, Indigenous partners to find solutions. We are grateful for these partnerships and their guidance through this process.”
“The City of Regina’s Indigenous procurement policy is a step in the right direction to create economic prosperity for Indigenous-owned businesses and our community,” said Thomas Benjoe, president and CEO, FHQ Developments. “The work of the IPAC was critical in helping to shape the policy with Indigenous perspectives to ensure that there are appropriate supports and accountabilities established in the processes. This commitment to a minimum 20 per cent total spend is historic and will benefit not only our Indigenous business community but our community at large through the reinvestment that most Indigenous businesses make in supporting our local economies.”
Currently, Regina spends approximately $200 million on procurement per year, with 0.15 per cent procured through Indigenous business, which equals approximately $300,000. At current procurement levels, a minimum 20 per cent Indigenous procurement value would be at least $41 million worth of goods and services procured through Indigenous businesses.
The city’s Indigenous procurement partner has recently been hired and is settling into their role connecting with stakeholders and providing support to administration to affect the rollout of the Indigenous procurement policy. As part of the rollout and to ensure effective implementation of the policy, training and support will be provided to all areas of administration.
Visit Regina.ca/procurement for more information about the Indigenous procurement policy.
Canada and Saskatchewan invest in infrastructure projects to strengthen communities.
In February, Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and Saskatchewan’s Government Relations Minister Don McMorris announced more than $19.7 million in joint funding for 25 infrastructure projects across the province.
The construction of new facilities at the First Nations University of Canada’s Land-based Learning Centre in Regina is included in this funding. The centre will serve as a place for Indigenous teaching and learning on the land. It will include overnight facilities such as cabins, shower and washroom facilities, a mess hall with a kitchen, water and wastewater infrastructure, along with a permanent sweat lodge structure and an outdoor learning centre.
Funding will also provide improvements to Estevan’s Leisure Centre to enhance the quality of facilities for residents. This project will include the rehabilitation of its rooftop for increased sustainability and the replacement of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
Several rural areas will also see infrastructure improvements including bridge replacements in the rural municipalities of Big Stick No. 141, Biggar No. 347 and Laurier No. 38, which will improve the transportation system. In addition, funding will support the decommissioning of five landfills for the villages of Climax, Ceylon, Harris and the towns of Lumsden and Milestone to help protect the environment.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities and improving the lives of Canadians.“
The investments announced today will create opportunities for Saskatchewanians to build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities,” LeBlanc said. “We will continue working with our partners to support rural and Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan.”
“Our government is investing nearly $9 million in provincial funding toward these 25 vital infrastructure projects,” McMorris said. “These investments will increase Indigenous cultural learning opportunities, provide recreational opportunities, improve our rural transportation system and support our environment. We will continue to build a stronger Saskatchewan that is home to a strong economy, strong communities and strong families.”
Procurement begins for Regina General Hospital Parkade
The Government of Saskatchewan has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to find a proponent to deliver the Regina General Hospital (RGH) Parkade project. The proponent will be hired under a Design-Build-Partial Lease (DBPL) agreement, which means that the selected team will be responsible for designing, constructing, financing, maintaining and operating the new parkade. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will lease 800 stalls from the chosen proponent.“
The parking situation at Regina General Hospital has been a long-time concern and I am very pleased to see this project moving forward,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said. “Staff and visitors deserve the safety and convenience a nearby parkade will provide.”
The new parkade at RGH will be built in the northwest portion of the existing visitor parking lot and will provide a minimum of 800 stalls, a net increase of at least 566 parking stalls.“
The Government of Saskatchewan is taking action to address parking at the Regina General Hospital,” Regina Walsh Acres MLA Derek Meyers said. “Once completed, the new parkade will improve safety, accessibility and productivity for staff, patients and visitors.”
The SHA is actively working alongside SaskBuilds and Procurement to help ensure patient, staff and visitor perspectives are being reflected in the design process of the parkade.“
The new parkade is a vital addition to Regina General Hospital that will help alleviate ongoing parking pressures,” Saskatchewan Health Authority acting vice president of infrastructure information and support Michelle Mula said. “The SHA’s interim parking plan will ensure minimal disruption to parking services during the construction of the parkade.”
The proponents shortlisted through this RFQ will proceed to the second stage of procurement for the project: a Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFP is expected to open this spring, and each of the shortlisted proponents from the RFQ stage will be invited to participate in the RFP and to submit a proposal for the project.
Saskatchewan cities feeling pinch of PST on municipal construction projects
As municipalities finalize their municipal budgets and prepare for the 2023 construction season, Saskatchewan’s hometowns are continuing to feel the pinch of PST on municipal construction projects. Cities are paying millions of dollars in PST on infrastructure projects designed to improve the quality of life for their residents and surrounding areas.“
Local governments are responsible for approximately 60 per cent of public infrastructure,” Mayor Gerald Aalbers, chair of the SUMA City Mayors’ Caucus and vice-president of cities for SUMA, said. “Our hometowns largely build and maintain that infrastructure through government grants like the Municipal Revenue Sharing program. But one-quarter or more of our Municipal Revenue Sharing dollars are being returned to the province in the form of PST on construction projects.”
Based on data gathered by SUMA, medium-sized cities in Saskatchewan returned 24 to 39 per cent of their total Municipal Revenue Sharing grant back to the province in the form of PST on construction projects in 2021. The City of Yorkton paid approximately $1 million in PST on their infrastructure projects, and for the City of Prince Albert, the total was $2.8 million. Through Municipal Revenue Sharing, the cities received $3.2 million and $7.1 million, respectively.
When the exemption of PST on construction projects was removed in 2017, Saskatchewan’s hometowns raised concerns over the additional costs, requesting an exemption. With inflation, costs have increased drastically, further impacting the already limited budgets of Saskatchewan’s municipalities. For those cities undertaking major infrastructure projects, like the City of Prince Albert, the percentage of funding returned to the province through PST on construction projects is anticipated to rise substantially.“
We truly appreciate the funding provided to our communities through programs like Municipal Revenue Sharing,” Mayor Aalbers said. “But we are returning a significant portion of this funding through PST on municipal construction, funding that could instead be used to enhance municipal services and limit property tax increases.”
The impact of PST on infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan’s cities was discussed during the virtual SUMA City Mayors’ Caucus meeting on Feb. 9. SUMA’s City Mayors’ Caucus brings together representatives from Saskatchewan’s 16 cities to discuss issues of common concern and project a strong, unified voice on the most pressing and important local and provincial issues facing Saskatchewan’s cities.
Saskatchewan seeks leave to intervene against new Vancouver port fees
Saskatchewan, along with Manitoba, appeared virtually before the Federal Court earlier this year to seek leave to intervene in a judicial review of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s new gateway infrastructure fees.“
As a province that depends heavily on exports, Saskatchewan wants to ensure that the full impact of new port fees on key sectors of our economy is taken into consideration,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said. “These fees could significantly increase costs for Saskatchewan goods moving through the Port of Vancouver and diminish Canada’s overall global competitiveness.”
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority announced it was implementing new fees in the fall of 2022, which came into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. The fees range from eight to 40 cents per tonne for bulk, non-containerized cargo, including potash and grain, depending on the terminal through which the export is being processed. In response to this increase, a number of companies, including Viterra Canada Inc., are seeking a judicial review of the decision.
Saskatchewan will provide a public interest perspective on the interpretation of what constitutes a fair and reasonable fee, based on a provision under the Canada Marine Act, which requires that the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Board have representation from the prairie provinces, and the large amount of Saskatchewan exports processed through the Port of Vancouver.“
As a landlocked province, Saskatchewan relies on a fair and competitive transportation network to get our goods across Canada and around the world,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Our producers can compete with any in the world, as long as they are treated equitably.”
The Port of Vancouver is critical for Saskatchewan exports. In 2020, approximately 44 per cent of all Saskatchewan exports went through it, which represents a total value of $12.2 billion. This includes over $8 billion in agriculture and agri-food products and $2.9 billion in potash and potassium-based fertilizers. Approximately 22 per cent of the collective metric tonnage of goods that went through the Port of Vancouver in 2020 were made up of Saskatchewan exports.“
Port of Vancouver is trying to impose new gateway infrastructure fees that in our view places an unfair and unnecessary burden on bulk terminal operators like grain,” Parrish & Heimbecker CEO John Heimbecker said. “Given that a significant portion of those costs will inevitably be borne by prairie grain farmers, it’s only right that the Government of Saskatchewan would intervene to protect their interests and we’re thankful to the Premier and his ministers for doing just that.”
Redhead Equipment has been appointed as EvoQuip’s Canadian distributor for the province of Saskatchewan. Along with sales opportunities, Redhead Equipment’s factory-trained technicians will provide parts, service and warranty support for EvoQuip’s crushing, screening and conveying equipment for the region.
Andrew Lawrence, EvoQuip sales director, said “EvoQuip already has a strong presence in Canada and this new appointment will improve the level of customer support we can offer. This is a hugely important region for us, so it was important that we partnered with an experienced company that has the skills to further develop the EvoQuip brand in Canada. We believe we have found the right partner in Redhead Equipment.”
With a long history stretching back to 1948, Redhead Equipment has since established eight locations across Saskatchewan where they supply agricultural, construction and truck and trailer equipment.
Speaking of the new partnership Gary Wilson, corporate sales manager for Redhead Equipment, explained, “This is another big step for us. Over the years, we’ve gained a lot of expertise in dealing with construction equipment, so adding compact crushing and screening to our portfolio was the next logical step. We’re excited to be able to bring these products to our customers.”
Ontario preparing students for jobs of the future.
The Ontario government is implementing a new high school graduation requirement to help better prepare students across the province for the jobs of tomorrow. Starting with students entering Grade 9 in September 2024, all students will now be required to earn a Grade 9 or 10 Technological Education credit as part of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.“
I am proud to announce another step forward to ensure all students learn the critical skills necessary to succeed and get a good paying job,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education in Ontario. “By requiring students to take at least one Technological Education credit in high school, we are opening up doors and creating new pathways to good jobs in STEM and the skilled trades. All students will benefit from a greater emphasis on hands-on learning experiences and technical skills in the classroom so they can graduate with a competitive advantage in this country.”
This new learning graduation requirement will expose Ontario’s students to at least one Technological Education course that could guide them to a future career in the highly skilled workforce, including the skilled trades. With more than 100,000 unfilled skilled trades jobs right now, it is critical Ontario attracts more young people to pursue a fulfilling, good-paying career in the trades.
The Technological Education curriculum covers a broad range of sectors, including construction, transportation, manufacturing, computer technology, hospitality and communication. In Ontario, men make up more than 70 per cent of workers in trades-related occupations. The exposure to these career pathways as a mandatory graduation curriculum requirement will ensure more young women make the choice to pursue a career in the trades.
While almost 39 per cent of Ontario secondary school students were enrolled in a Technological Education course in 2020–21, nearly 63 per cent were male students. With this graduation requirement, more young women will have an opportunity to explore the trades. This new requirement means a student may be introduced to programming learning in Grade 9, explore the apprenticeship pathway further and may ultimately decide to become an aerospace manufacturing technician, for example.“
For Ontario to succeed, we need more women and girls to pursue fulfilling careers in the skilled trades. I am proud our government is taking action to ensure students across our province have the tools and skills they need to build a new generation of prosperity in Ontario,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “
This mandatory graduation requirement means a brighter future – not just for women and girls – but for our entire province.”This new graduation requirement builds upon other actions taken by the government to bolster its Skilled Trades Strategy, including developing an accelerated Grade 11 to apprenticeship pathway for students to get into the skilled trades faster.
“Ontario is facing the largest labour shortage in a generation, which means when you have a career in the skilled trades, you have a career for life,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That’s why our government is taking an all-hands-on deck approach to attract and train our next generation of skilled trades workers for better jobs and bigger paycheques for themselves and their families.”
Brandt named exclusive Canadian dealer for Sleipner products
Brandt is now the exclusive Canadian dealer for the complete line of heavy equipment mobilization products from Sleipner Finland Ltd., which are used in the mining, quarrying and construction industries to improve efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of operations.
Sleipner products are proven to deliver travel-time reductions of up to 85 per cent when transporting tracked or wheeled equipment in tonne-class sizes from 30 to 570, including front shovels, large dozers, excavators, wheel loaders, trucks, drills and more.
“By transporting equipment more quickly and easily, you use the equipment better, and are able to do more work and eliminate waste,” said Jim Thompson, Brandt vice president of sales, Mining.
Producers will see multiple benefits by enhancing the mobility of their production-class equipment. This includes safety, productivity increases of up to 20 per cent, lower overall operating costs due to reduced fuel and maintenance costs and a measurable reduction in carbon emissions.
“Partnering with Brandt was a natural fit for Sleipner as we expand our frontline presence in the Canadian market,” said Sleipner CEO Jukka Koponen. “Our customers deserve the very best, and Brandt’s long-term industry experience, parts and service infrastructure and reputation for customer support are unmatched.”
A full range of Sleipner products, along with replacement parts and service personnel, will be accessible through Brandt’s coast-to-coast dealer network.
SARM aims to attract the next generation of rural government
The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) has been the voice of rural Saskatchewan for over 100 years and has worked with generations of rural elected officials representing their member RMs. As more young families are calling rural Saskatchewan home, recruitment of the next generation is vital to maintaining a healthy rural municipal government. There are countless young people living in rural Saskatchewan who would be a valuable addition to RM councils – they just need to be encouraged to participate.
“We see many advantages to having diverse demographics among rural councils, particularly the younger generation just starting out. The future of Saskatchewan’s rural communities depends on young people stepping up to join municipal politics. SARM is starting the conversation with current members to identify ways we can ensure the next generation knows how to get involved and knows how much we really need them. We want to plant the seed in RMs, encouraging those interested in having a say about their RM to step forward and consider a pathway in municipal politics,” said Ray Orb, president of SARM.
SARM is calling for more young people to join rural municipal government to help shape the future for the next generation living in rural Saskatchewan. The need to attract young RM members is in the forefront of this conversation, and SARM is asking members to give thought to flexible council meeting times, developing a mentorship plan for new councillors, and perhaps even hosting an open house at the RM office to welcome those interested in local politics to come and learn more about it.
There are countless young people living in rural Saskatchewan who would be a valuable addition to RM councils – they just need to be encouraged to participate.
“I chose to be in municipal politics to get an understanding of how grassroots politics worked and try to have a positive impact for our rural community. I also wanted to advocate for positive change in rural Saskatchewan and for our future generations to keep rural communities growing and succeeding,“ said Shawn Kramer, Councillor for the RM of Maple Creek. “Over my past two terms, I have learned a lot about rural municipal procedures and governance, and also how to work with other communities and levels of government to work towards a common goal. There is always more to learn from past community leaders and the future leaders as well. I look forward to continuing learning and working for our rural community in my third term.”
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.
Hundreds of delegates from across Western Canada gathered in Waikiki, between Feb. 5 and 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 the Canada West Foundation last year, From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy. He 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. Other nations have implemented long-term investment strategies prioritizing infrastructure projects based on their ability to meet criteria. That difference is causing Canada to become less competitive in global trade markets.
But 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.
Panels 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.
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.
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. They need to have it explained how details in the procurement process impact and even burden industry. 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 Canadian Construction Association, pointed out, you can have these discussions 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 WCR&HCA, Carmen Duncan, would also not mind hearing from you as well. 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 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.
Normally this space is reserved for conversation or discussions about building or upgrading things or as Shantel Lipp likes to say: when the earth moves, it’s us. But it has been hard these days to ignore another form of construction – nation building.
With legislatures in Regina and Edmonton being asked to consider bills designed to assert the authority of provincial governments, anyone who was around 40 years ago is feeling like we’ve seen this movie already.
Back then it was Pierre Trudeau on one side of the table, facing off against Saskatchewan’s Allan Blakeney, a politician many considered the intellectual equal of the Elder Trudeau, and Peter Lougheed elegantly projecting gravitas and authority from Alberta.
Today, while the cast is different – Trudeau the Younger on the federal side squaring off against Scott Moe and Danielle Smith representing their respective provinces – the script is the same. Saskatchewan and Alberta are seeking respect at the national table.
Reasonable observers would probably think it fair to assume that after 40 years, things should be sorting themselves out but, in fact, it is showing no sign of improvement as the list of grievances dividing the parties seems to be growing and positions hardening.
The good news is that last time round, in the ’70s and early ’80s, Canada survived, although bruised and divided. The West suffered severe economic damage and decades of resentment over the imposition of the National Energy Program while the entire country found itself repatriating a constitution that a key player in the nation refused to endorse.
Four decades later, the same issues still capture us as multiple attempts to find solutions – olive branches from the West (remember The West Wants In?) to hard-line positions such as demands for Parliamentary reform for elected and equal Senate representation – have failed to bring us closer together. In fact, irritants such as anti-pipeline sentiment outside the prairies have stifled resource development, pouring salt on the wounds.
The one difference between the head butting of old and today’s version is television. Back in Pierre’s day, we got to watch federal-provincial First Ministers meetings live from coast-to-coast. Today, with no First Ministers meetings, having the arguments waged in social media 30 words at a time is what passes for progress.
Canada’s economy has slowed down in the last few years, and companies, now more than ever, are worried about staying afloat in these changing times. Has your company considered how it will navigate the future? Is your company ready for when the economy turns around? Will it have a competitive edge from planning?
When the economy improves, you best be ready to hit the ground running. If you want to take advantage of this time and prepare, there are several things your company should do. The following questions will help you get ready.
Do you have a safety management system and/or are you COR certified? If not, your safety association should be able to assist you. If you do not work with a safety association, there are many private companies that can help. Why? A safety management program allows your company to be competitive in the bidding process. With it, you can set a safe example.
Do you have a fully functioning return-to-work program? The WCB Act of 2013 requires that all employers in Saskatchewan have a return-to-work program in place. The program must be documented and formal, not an informal binder or loose “practice” for employees returning to work.
As part of the program, all stakeholders, such as your staff and management, should be knowledgeable of the process and their respective responsibilities. It is also best practice for staff to refresh their knowledge on your company’s program regularly. Your company can accomplish this by going over expectations during orientation, posting it and talking about it in toolbox meetings.
Documentation throughout the process is also crucial. If you do not feel qualified to undertake this responsibility, Injury Solutions Canada can assist. Managing any injury claims, no matter what the source, is vital to your employees and company’s well-being. We do not recommend leaving it to the insurer.
Do you have measures in place to resolve absenteeism issues and off-site injuries should they happen? A good return-to-work program can eliminate the Monday/Friday frequent flyers. It also works well with other types of injuries that may not have occurred at work and can take employees away from the workplace.
However, these types of injuries may still impact your bottom line through sick time and short or long-term disability programs. If you are unsure of what modified work duty tasks these employees can complete, canvass your staff. They will likely have great ideas for accommodation.
When the economy improves, you best be ready to hit the ground running.
Have you looked closely at all of your WCB cost statements? Look closely at the statements; if there are any costs you are unfamiliar with, inform yourself, and if there are any costs related to older claims, do your due diligence. Do you know who to ask for assistance? Unknown costs such as these can lead to you being eliminated from the potential to bid on large projects and increase your premium rates – be conscientious of them.
If you are a member of an association such as the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) or a safety association such as the Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan (HCSAS), are you familiar with their offerings? If not, get to know the benefits and become involved.
For example, the primary focus of SHCA, as stated on its website, is “advocacy and lobbying government on behalf of the organization and [its] members.” Access to networking with peers is also a benefit. Have you been to a SHCA event? Take advantage of the exposure and chance to connect.
When you are hiring new staff, spend time upfront properly screening them using a documented system or policy that is equal and fair to all. This process eliminates potential problems before they become your employee. Ensure new staff go through a clear onboarding process which includes informing them of your return-to-work policy as well as expectations on sickness and injury. If you do not have this process in place, or it is not documented, Injury Solutions Canada can help you develop one catered to your company’s needs.
The steps given above can put your company on a healthy and safe path that will pay dividends when you are in a bidding competition. Other benefits include: your WCB premiums decreasing, your ability to bid more competitively increasing and having a safe and productive workplace.
As electric vehicle (EV) technologies advance and the energy transition continues, the demand for critical metals keeps rising. However, the primary resources for battery metals are not able to meet the growing demand.
“The supply and demand for major metals, such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and copper, shows that demand will outpace supply in the next few years,” said Dr. Jack Zhang, associate vice-president of strategic technologies in Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC)’s mining and minerals division. “We may be facing a shortage of critical metals for batteries.”
Critical metals are essential to telecommunications, computing and clean energy. They are a valuable export commodity and vital to Canada’s technology sector and our supply chain.
Critical metals at work
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), first invented in 1985 and commercialized in 1991, power EVs, renewable energy storage, consumer electronics, power tools and more. Metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and copper are required to build LIBs and are found around the world.
“However, the current supply chain is vulnerable because the majority of refining takes place in one spot,” said Dr. Zhang. Right now, that one spot is China. “It’s important for us to develop a more balanced supply of refined metals in North America.”
At the end of their working life, LIBs end up as waste.
Batteries clog landfills, with significant disposal issues due to their toxic components leaching out over time. Concurrently, the demand for critical metal supply is increasing, posing its own environmental concerns for mining jurisdictions around the world. The technologies that require these new batteries, (and the metals that power them) are developing faster than industry and governments are finding solutions for the waste.
What if there was another way to source critical metals and address the environmental concerns around spent LIBs?
Enter urban mining
The term urban mining may sound like a buzzword, but the idea behind it is simple; what if we recycle the usable elements of spent LIBs, thereby reducing their environmental impact and addressing the growing need for more critical metals?
The idea of recycling batteries is not a new one. It’s been happening for years, but it’s been focused on the “front end,” meaning diverting batteries from the landfill and disassembling the battery into individual components.
Urban mining takes battery recycling one step further, metals are extracted from these parts, thereby making them available for battery and other product manufacture. This mining activity can help meet the growing need of new batteries and technologies. Plus, it generates value from what was previously considered “waste,” and removes environmental contaminants from landfills.
Urban mining also reduces the need for new mining operations that have a large environmental footprint. Recycling and refining previously used metals are far better than creating a new mine, from both economic and environmental perspectives.
Let’s recycle
Drawing on their specialized expertise in lithium recovery processing and technologies, Zhang and his team at SRC are developing a direct recycling process of LIB metals that will help industry meet the growing demand for critical metals and divert batteries from landfills.
EV batteries and batteries from electronics, such as cellphones and computers, are valuable for their components (e.g., aluminum, copper, nickel and lithium), and recovery processes are designed to maximize the critical metals from end-of-life (EoL) batteries.
How it works
EoL batteries will be dismantled in SRC’s lab through an automated process that produces minimal waste residues while carefully preserving the critical metals. These components – such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, aluminum and copper – are extracted at high purity and recovered for immediate reuse.
“Battery recycling is complex because of all the types of batteries and their varied composition and chemistry,” said Zhang. “But it’s not impossible. With the appropriate sorting and recycling processes in place, battery recycling can become a viable source for critical metals and minerals that addresses both the market demand and environmental concerns.”
SRC can facilitate the development of the refining process for organizations interested in battery recycling.
SRC lithium battery recycling services
SRC’s direct recycling of LIB technology aims to provide an alternate source for critical metals and support the value chain of the EoL battery recycling industry. Zhang outlines the following benefits as core factors to SRC’s approach:
Reduces environmental footprint
Increases significant secondary resources of LIB metals
Develops new recycling technologies
Creates a secure supply of critical metals for high tech and supports industry’s energy transition
Zhang also points to SRC’s state-of-the-art labs and facilities and his team of experienced professionals as essential in developing and commercializing the proposed technology for industry. With these advancements, powering up will be more sustainable in the future.
Companies are looking for candidates who can communicate and take initiative
By Barb Feldman
Matt Erhard, managing partner at Summit Search Group (right), Jessica Willis, partner and senior recruitment consultant (middle) and Gail Eckert, director recruitment (left) Photo courtesy of Matt Erhard
Almost one and a half million Canadians were earning a living in the construction sector in 2021 – approximately one in every 13 working Canadians, according to BuildForce, a national industry-led organization representing all construction industry sectors. Today the number of people in the labour force has almost reached pre-COVID-19 levels. But the number of qualified workers is not growing nearly as quickly as the number of available jobs. For the first quarter of 2022, Statistics Canada recorded 81,500 job vacancies in the construction sector, an all-time high and more than double what it was in the first quarter of 2020, before the pandemic began.
The labour market has been particularly tight in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Nova Scotia, which all experienced investment increases in residential and non-residential construction. The shortage is widespread in almost all trades, from labourers (up 97 per cent) to plumbers to electricians to carpenters (up 149.1 per cent).
It’s partly a problem of demographics: although more Canadians are working, due to the aging of the population, there are 13,000 fewer 15-to-24-year-olds in Canada than the 600,000 people they might replace who are retiring. This demographic shift, part of a worldwide phenomenon in the global north, has coincided with the pandemic, its strain on supply chain systems and the pent-up demand for construction after a two-year pause. Moreover, as emergency measures have been lifted, many older workers approaching retirement age have been slow to return. At the same time, the pandemic has complicated the training and certification of new workers. All these factors have combined to produce an unprecedented worker shortage. And this shortfall is about to get even more severe. Over the next decade, 259,100 workers – more than 20 per cent of the current construction labour force – will be retiring.
Employment and Social Development Canada estimates that the construction industry will need to recruit 309,000 new workers by 2032, 216,800 just in the next three years. This astounding number is already affecting many of Canada’s 150,000 construction companies. Ninety-nine per cent of these are small businesses with fewer than 100 employees, and most are considerably smaller.
Attracting young people to the industry has been a problem for decades. Today, with unemployment rates at a 50-year low, companies need to take a broader approach to market their organizations, says Matt Erhard, managing partner of the Summit Search Group in Winnipeg, a recruitment agency that also has offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.
“When candidates are approached for a job, they do so much research now – they check Glassdoor, they check general reviews and comments on that company, and they check the company website out,” said Erhard. “So, the website needs to be the first thing that companies look at–is it current? Does it showcase what it does? Is it just focused on clients, or is there a spot for potential employees to get to know the company?”
Construction workers need to know how to communicate, take initiative and collaborate, aside from their technical skills giggsy25/123rf
Increasingly, construction companies attract candidates by highlighting what they’re doing outside of work, so companies must make sure their online presence is active, he says. In addition to promoting the company’s business, social media platforms should showcase employee engagement initiatives like employee appreciation events or giving back to the community.
Erhard advises employers to use as many job-search sites as possible, including Indeed, “where a lot of construction people go to look for jobs,” and LinkedIn Jobs, which immediately shares the job with qualified candidates. “Further to that, making sure that LinkedIn is really built out,” and encourage current employees to be active on it, he says, “because people check LinkedIn to see who they’re going to be working with,” taking note of current employees’ personal interests and looking for connections or commonalities.
He says internal referral programs are becoming much more common in the construction industry and are “still the no. 1 way that people hire these days – who do your good employees know who might be interested in coming in? Perhaps they’ll get a bonus of some sort if they’re successful in finding someone.
“And, of course, a recruitment firm can manage that entire process, especially for more hard-to-fill positions,” said Erhard. “We’re finding that we need to reach out a lot more than just posting a job and hoping that people will come and apply – we share job opportunities far and wide and go out and uncover everybody who’s available in the marketplace.
These days, flexibility, taking initiative and communication skills are critical even for technically or physically demanding positions.
“We’re getting a lot of requests from employers in the construction space for diversity and inclusivity in the process. That’s prominent with large and small companies. They want to be sure that we’re sourcing people of different genders, races and background experiences, making sure to access any candidates who might be out there.
“People don’t seem to be applying for a lot of positions like they once were,” he said. “They want to hear how this company did during the pandemic and hear about their culture and work-life balance, are they having fun at work – those kinds of things, versus just seeing a static job description.”
Given the last couple of years with the COVID-19 pandemic, employers are looking for people “who aren’t afraid of change,” whether that means learning a new technology or working from home, says Erhard.
He says historically, technical skills have been emphasized in the construction industry. “For obvious reasons – it was more about ‘Can they do the job?’” But these days, flexibility, taking initiative and communication skills are critical even for technically or physically demanding positions.
“Everyone is busy, so they want somebody who doesn’t need a lot of handholding – maybe who doesn’t know everything but can find out where to go to get that information,” he said. “They don’t have to be as outgoing as a salesperson might be, but they need to be able to communicate.”
Representing over 20,000 member firms, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is proud of our mission to inspire a progressive, innovative and sustainable construction industry.
The key to our success is working with valued partner associations like SHCA. We are powered by your engagement. Together, we are driving change on key issues that make a real impact, not only for the industry but for all Canadians.
Smart infrastructure plan backed by investment
As the industry’s national advocate, CCA has been working to help shape a long-term plan for sustainable infrastructure investment. CCA understands that one size does not fit all. Every region and municipality, including our Indigenous communities, have different needs and priorities.
Working with our partners at the WCR&HCA, we released a report, From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy, to strengthen our case for a national trade-enabling infrastructure plan. It identifies key trade gateways and corridors across the country, including Western Canada, that will link resources to industry, people to jobs and products to market. We are also supporting a media and government relations outreach campaign to create more momentum and support for this initiative.
Workforce an urgent priority
Members from across Canada have told us they need a skilled workforce to deliver on the many infrastructure projects underway or in the pipeline.
Even the best laid plans can be derailed without the workers we need to keep us on track. There are over 81,000 open jobs in construction that the industry is struggling to fill nationwide because of baby boomer retirements, pandemic aftershocks and, quite simply, a public misconception about careers in construction.
CCA has been very public about the need for an overhaul of the current immigration points system – one that does not value skilled trades, or many civil sector workers who are skilled, but not considered trade workers. The Temporary Foreign Worker program could also be utilized to address the need for seasonal labourers.
The Canadian construction industry recognizes the benefits of a diverse, inclusive and equitable work culture. In 2020, we launched our Talent Fits Here initiative, a national public awareness campaign designed to attract workers by positioning construction as a career of choice. Afterall, “[construction] is the foundation of our world.”
We are also thrilled to be partnering with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum on a federal government initiative offering financial incentives to employers who hire first-year apprentices in 39 Red Seal trades. This program will provide support to employers wanting to hire apprentices and promote the skilled trades as a first-choice career for youth, women, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+, immigrants and foreign workers.
Fair procurement
CCA’s semi-annual Meech Lake meeting with government leaders resulted in a commitment to establish a working group on procurement and project delivery methods. We also embarked on a fact-finding mission last summer to learn first-hand from members about their challenges with current procurement practices. Dubbed the Standard Practices Tour, CCA visited Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, St. John’s and Montreal in June 2022.
As outlined in our report, we intend to educate owners on the challenges identified by our members. Procurement needs to adapt to encourage innovation, account for long-term value and sustainability, promote the use of alternative delivery models and support shared risk. Too often contractors take on the risk of project costs and delays due to the shortage of workers, materials and supply chain disruptions.
Action-backed policies to support green infrastructure
As a result of the united advocacy of CCA and our integrated partner associations, federal procurement strategies are on the agenda. We all know that construction has a major role to play in achieving Canada’s net zero targets, and the federal government must act now to support businesses’ decarbonization efforts over the coming decade.
This includes updating building codes, providing incentives for businesses, sharing climate data and creating a list of approved “green” materials.
