Instructor speaking to a room of students
by Martin Charlton Communications Martin Charlton Communications

Revolutionizing Recruitment

SHCA expands education to tackle industry challenges

Instructor speaking to a room of students

Being prepared to learn is an important quality for those working in the heavy construction industry. Creating more learning opportunities is something the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) has been working on, alongside Darlene South of Darlene South Consulting Solutions and Jason Tratch of Proteus Waters.

Now, the SHCA is excited to announce its education portfolio for fall 2024, another way the association is providing services to members and stakeholders. The association views these education and training opportunities as essential in helping members build a sustainable workforce through improved recruitment and retention strategies.

South is an advocate for helping people understand and appreciate the career opportunities available in the construction industry. “The ability to attract, recruit and retain qualified staff has been an issue for years,” said South. “That is difficult to understand given the career opportunities, the financial rewards and limitless possibilities attainable in the industry. It is possible, regardless of education, experience or background, to be successful.

“There is no other industry where people are trained so well on the job,” said South. “There is no other industry where employees can build a prosperous career through on-the-job training without the encumbrance of student loan debt. There is no other industry that offers so many career options to such a variety of people.”

South has been an educator for over 40 years. She owned two private vocational colleges, co-ordinated post-graduate courses in information technology at the University of Regina and worked as director of governance, education and special projects at the Regina Construction Association (RCA).

While with the RCA, South developed an education program that delivered relevant and diverse in-person courses. It was through her work on the Construction 101 course that she gained a deeper appreciation for the construction industry and its importance to Saskatchewan.

Person sitting at desk cluttered with hard hats and drafting tools
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“Construction 101 is a course that outlines the entire construction industry,” said South. “I think everyone in the industry, including administrative staff, should take this course. It provides a comprehensive overview of the industry and its value.”

One participant in the RCA’s Construction 101 course said they particularly appreciated “the broad coverage of how construction occurs from start to finish.” Another participant noted the course helped them understand “the different types of contracts – tenders versus requests for proposals.” Others valued learning more about bonds, risk management and pre- and post-completion processes.

The opportunities to learn don’t stop there. The SHCA course list also includes Supervisor, Leadership, Professionalism, Conflict Resolution, Working Well, Construction Documents, Procurement and Contractors, Contract Law, Project Management Fundamentals, Project Management Advanced, Work Breakdown and Scheduling, Change and Risk Management and Waste Water Operator and Management Program.

South leads some of those courses, while Tratch handles others. He has business and project management expertise in small start-ups and large multinational blue chips. He is a leading expert in multiple globally-recognized management systems and project management methodologies.

By working with South and Tratch, the SHCA is aiming to change perceptions of the construction industry by offering a range of courses that address both hard and soft skills training. The hard skills training will build on the on-the-job learning employees already receive. The soft skills courses focus on personal qualities that influence workplace performance. For example, the Project Management Advanced course helps employees understand how to handle interactions with others to get a beneficial outcome.

This combination of soft and hard skills training will help move work in construction from being perceived as just a job to an opportunity to join an industry that offers promising and fulfilling careers.

South emphasized the difference between education and training, and the value of offering both. “Education provides a foundation for further learning, while training focuses more on building hard skills,” said South. “The construction industry does an exceptional job in training hard skills.

“There is no other industry that offers so many career options to such a variety of people.”

– Darlene South, Darlene South Consulting Solutions

“One of the keys to building a better construction industry is to supplement the hard skills acquired through training on the job with education courses to support those skills,” said South. “When employees are offered the opportunity to participate in education, they feel valued and respected, and they will advocate for the industry and present a positive image to encourage recruitment and retention.”

Participants in previous courses noted they valued reflecting on their own experiences and becoming more open to others’ perspectives. This blend of soft and hard skills training aims to transform construction work from being seen as just a job to a fulfilling career path.

South said today’s workers want jobs that provide opportunities for learning and advancement. The 2024 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report highlighted several key findings:

  • 94 per cent of workers said they would stay at a company longer if they had more access to employee education and learning opportunities.
  • 70 per cent would be less likely to leave their current jobs to work for an organization known for investing in employee development and learning.
  • 34 per cent of employees who left jobs were motivated to do so by more employee development.
    86 per cent of millennials would stay in their current position if training and development were offered by their employer.
  • Over 70 per cent of high-retention-risk employees will leave their company in order to advance their career.
  • Retention rates rise 30 to 50 per cent for companies with strong learning cultures.

In addition to learning from South and Tratch, course participants also have the opportunity to learn from each other, with classes limited to six to 12 people. South noted that interactions among participants is often one of the most valuable aspects of the courses.

“If there are 10 people in the class, it’s just amazing the information that gets shared among them. They also gain from learning about the experiences of others,” said South, who explained that breakfast and lunch is provided as part of the registration. “We have breakfast and lunch breaks, but no one ever leaves during them. They just want to stay and interact with one another. Part of the value of the training is the networking opportunities.”

Participants in South’s courses frequently cited the value of these discussions in their evaluations.

“[My] favourite part of the course [was] all the colourful discussion,” said one. “[My favourite part was] how easy it was to ask questions and talk with everyone,” said another. “[South] made the course very easy to interact in [and there was] lots of opportunity to discuss,” said yet another.

The courses vary in length, with some completed in a single day, while others take up to three days. South said some of the courses are eligible for the Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant, which reimburses two-thirds of the tuition for a three-day course. These opportunities will be available to SHCA members as well as employees in the Ministry of Highways and municipal officials. Most courses will take place at the SHCA’s Regina office, but they can also be held in other locations across the province by request.

Members can send their employees to the courses, which began in October. A schedule is posted to the SHCA’s website as well as forms to register for this training. 

Ballot being placed in ballot box, with Canadian flag in background
by Martin Charlton Communications Martin Charlton Communications

Election 2024

Paving the way for Saskatchewan’s construction future

Ballot being placed in ballot box, with Canadian flag in background
gioiak2/123RF

This was an election year for our province, and for the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA), it’s an opportunity. Elections are a chance to draw attention to significant issues in Saskatchewan’s communities and province. Candidates are busy convincing voters to choose them, and voters are paying attention to decide who to support.

It’s an ideal time to have matters important to the construction industry seriously considered by both. The SHCA board wants all members to know the issues it advocated for during the election campaign and to help add their voices to its calls for change.

There were three primary issues impacting our industry that the SHCA focused on during the lead-up to the 2024 provincial and municipal elections. These issues were chosen by the SHCA’s board because they have the most significant impact on the financial certainty of the industry.

They are:

  • Budget planning and procurement
  • Inflation
  • Labour

What members should know

Before these issues are explained, it’s important for members to understand why the SHCA was active during the election campaign. The SHCA is always working to secure improvements for the construction industry. Members may not see a win every time the SHCA engages with the government, but the SHCA always grows stronger as an association through the effort and collaboration it takes to raise and press an issue. By working together, all members benefit.

Voters should care about the issues raised by the SHCA because the taxes they pay go toward building and maintaining infrastructure. Those taxes should be spent in ways that enhance their quality of life.

The SHCA raised these issues to benefit its members, and also to better the province and the quality of life experienced by those living and working in its communities. That focus helps the industry maintain the respect and appreciation of the public, who politicians must pay attention to if they are to win votes. Addressing these issues strengthens not only the industry, but also contributes to a healthier economy and a growing province that can afford to maintain and improve the quality of life for its residents.

Why voters should care

Voters should care about the issues raised by the SHCA because the taxes they pay go toward building and maintaining infrastructure. Those taxes should be spent in ways that enhance their quality of life.

Ask any voter who lives on a pothole-riddled street if improving that road is worth the local improvement tax they pay. Talk to the Regina resident who uses a filtration system on their tap water because they still have lead pipes, and ask whether replacing those pipes is a good use of public funds. Good underground infrastructure ensures clean drinking water. We saw how quickly underground pipes became a political issue for the City of Calgary this year, and more recently, Montreal faced similar challenges.

Lady in red jacket dropping ballot in box
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Taxpayers should also consider what it means when projects are deferred. Taxes will rise to cover them in the future, and inflation has already driven up project costs.

Construction projects such as new libraries and pools often get attention. The federal and provincial governments partially fund these projects, but unlike good roads and water infrastructure, they become a continuing expense for the municipality because they need ongoing maintenance. Meanwhile, residents wait for improvements to the infrastructure needed to meet their basic needs.

Understanding the issues

All three of these issues – budget planning and procurement, inflation and labour – are interconnected.

Budget planning and procurement

Multi-year budget commitments have been a longstanding request from the industry to the provincial government. Budget assurances allow members to better plan the resources required to complete projects. Year-to-year budgeting creates uncertainty, making it difficult for members to invest in equipment, retain quality employees or hire and train new staff. This drives them to consider out-of-province projects that don’t strengthen Saskatchewan’s economy.

Manitoba and Alberta both follow long-term budget planning cycles. Saskatchewan needs to take a close look at what they’re doing right. A five-year budget cycle would be ideal, but even allowing contractors to carry over work from one year to the next would help. Manitoba already allows this, providing contractors with some certainty of spring work.

Supporting the heavy construction industry means voters get what they want, and candidates benefit from the positive outcomes the SHCA and its members can help create.

The time is right for Saskatchewan to closely look at what other provinces are doing. The province has made a commitment to work with Manitoba and Alberta to improve the transportation system and to strengthen the economic corridors that support supply chains when it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with those two provinces in April 2023.

Planning, investment and partnership opportunities with the private sector as well as harmonizing the regulatory environment are some of the key priorities for the three provinces. So too is advocating for federal investment into economic corridors. So far, not much progress has been made on these priorities because elections were held in Alberta and Manitoba after the MOU signing. Now, Saskatchewan has had its own election. The time is right to get serious about this.

Front-end loader
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Then there is the release and awarding of work. Contractors need work to be released in September and awarded no later than the end of November for the next construction season. Delays in releasing and awarding contracts adds pressure during the building season.

The SHCA knows of no reason it should now take minimum of five days to award a job that used to be awarded the same day the bids were opened. Most construction projects are standard and are driven by data that SaskBuilds already has. The government has created unnecessary layers of bureaucracy with no advantage to business.

Inflation

Looking at budget planning through the lens of inflation, operational expenses for SHCA members have risen as inflation drives up costs for fuel, materials and labour. Yet, the provincial government’s base capital budget hasn’t been adjusted to reflect today’s realities.

Inflation impacts budget planning when the government fails to properly fund its capital plan to account for the industry’s increased operational costs. This results in fewer projects being tendered, leading to fiercer competition so governments think they are getting sweet deals while it creates increased financial uncertainty for contractors.

Labour

Labour is another critical issue. Training, recruitment and retention within the construction industry are heavily influenced by government decisions. The provincial government needs to acknowledge heavy civil construction as a priority to change how young people view the industry, encouraging them to see it as a career and not just a seasonal job. Reliable funding enables heavy construction employers to build and retain a stable workforce. When funding is unreliable, it leads to a transient workforce.

Manitoba and Alberta both follow long-term budget planning cycles. Saskatchewan needs to take a close look at what they’re doing right.

Saskatchewan also lags in recognizing civil construction as an apprenticeable trade, creating a perception that employment in the industry is less desirable than in other construction sectors. This is despite heavy construction being one of the better-paying sectors in the province, second only to mining. The government could also implement aptitude testing during high school to help identify students interested in a construction career.

Why should elected officials care?

The SHCA expects many of its members will encounter elected officials, and it is providing this information to share with them. It is in the government’s interest to support these calls by the industry. Elected officials need to understand how addressing these issues impacts not only the construction industry, but also the economic growth and quality of life in Saskatchewan. By supporting these changes, they contribute to a stronger tax base through infrastructure development that drives growth and generates revenue.

The construction industry enhances the quality of life for residents through the work the SHCA and its members do. Elected officials should recognize that a partnership with the construction industry will help them deliver on voters’ priorities. People want governments – especially municipal governments – to get back to basics: Provide good roads, clean drinking water and efficient and dependable services such as snow removal and garbage pick-up. All those examples are impacted by the work done by SHCA members.

Supporting the heavy construction industry means voters get what they want, and elected officials benefit from the positive outcomes the SHCA and its members can help create. 

Illustration of construction workers
by AMC Services AMC Services

Safety First

Integrating comprehensive safety training into construction onboarding

Illustration of construction workers
musman007/123RF

Mike was eager to start his new job at a construction site, ready to dive into the work that awaited him. However, his first day was far from what he expected. Instead of receiving proper safety training, he was handed a generic handbook and told to get to work. Unfamiliar with the specific hazards of the site and the protocols to follow, Mike felt lost and anxious.

Within his first week, Mike witnessed a serious accident when a colleague, also poorly trained, mishandled equipment and got injured. This incident highlighted the severe consequences of inadequate safety training. Not only did the injured worker face significant medical issues, but the company also had to deal with substantial financial repercussions, including medical costs, legal fees and potential fines. Moreover, the morale of the entire team plummeted, and the company’s reputation was tarnished.

This story underscores the critical importance of comprehensive safety training during the onboarding process in the construction industry. Effective onboarding is not just about integrating new hires into the workforce; it’s about ensuring their safety and minimizing legal liabilities. Here’s how construction firms can integrate comprehensive safety training into their onboarding programs.

The critical role of safety training in construction onboarding: Best practices for delivering safety training

1. Site-specific training

Each construction site has unique hazards. Providing site-specific training ensures that new employees understand the particular risks and safety measures relevant to their work environment.

  • Hazard identification: Conduct a thorough review of the site to identify potential hazards.
  • Custom training programs: Develop training sessions tailored to address these specific risks.
  • Interactive learning: Use visual aids, site tours and hands-on demonstrations to enhance understanding. Ensure training materials are digitally available on demand for employees to review.

2. Reinforcing safety protocols

Reinforcement of safety protocols is crucial for maintaining a culture of safety.

  • Regular toolbox talks: Hold daily/weekly safety meetings to review protocols and address any new risks.
  • Accessible safety information: Ensure that safety guidelines and procedures are readily available to all employees. Use digital platforms to distribute information in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Role-specific training: Provide additional training tailored to specific job roles and responsibilities.

3. Fostering a culture of safety

Building a safety-first mindset from Day 1 encourages employees to prioritize safety in all their tasks.

  • Leadership commitment: Ensure that company leaders actively promote and model safety practices.
  • Employee involvement: Encourage workers to take ownership of their safety and that of their colleagues.
  • Continuous improvement: Regularly review and update safety protocols based on feedback and incident reports.
Infographic
Newly hired workers face a heightened risk of injuries and fatal accidents due to their unfamiliarity with the field or workplace. Approximately half of all reported workplace injuries involve construction workers who have been employed for less than a year. Source: pinnacol.com

Enhancing learning and retention with interactive methods

1. Digital and virtual reality simulations

Virtual reality (VR) simulations provide an immersive learning experience that can significantly improve safety training outcomes.

  • Realistic scenarios: VR can recreate site-specific hazards in a controlled environment, allowing employees to practice responses without risk.
  • Engaging experience: Interactive VR training can be more engaging than traditional methods, improving retention.
  • Performance tracking: VR systems can track performance and provide feedback, helping to identify areas needing improvement.

2. Hands-on training

Practical, hands-on training sessions are essential for ensuring employees can apply safety protocols in real-world situations.

  • Equipment operation: Provide hands-on training with the actual equipment employees will use.
  • Emergency drills: Conduct regular emergency response drills to ensure preparedness.
  • Safety demonstrations: Use live demonstrations to show proper techniques and procedures.

3. Digital health and safety technology

Digital health and safety apps within the construction sector provide a multifaceted approach to enhancing workplace safety.

They offer features such as real-time hazard reporting, access to safety guidelines and regulations, interactive training modules, incident documentation and communication tools for reporting emergencies or seeking assistance.

These apps facilitate proactive risk management, empower workers to stay informed about safety protocols and enable efficient incident response, ultimately fostering a safer work environment for all.

Illustration of construction workers
musman007/123RF

Implementing a comprehensive safety training program

Safety should be the top priority for construction companies, as the industry accounts for 20 per cent of workplace fatalities annually in Canada. By implementing a comprehensive safety training program, organizations can significantly reduce accidents, injuries and associated costs.

Here’s how:

1. Assess and plan

Identifying site-specific hazards is crucial for effective training. Develop a detailed plan covering general safety topics as well as job-role specific modules tailored to your workforce.

2. Deliver engaging training

  • Use qualified trainers with extensive knowledge of safety regulations and industry best practices.
  • Invest in high-quality training materials like manuals, videos and presentations for better knowledge retention.
  • Make training interactive with hands-on simulations, VR modules and digital technology, which can increase knowledge retention by up to 75 per cent.

3. Monitor and improve

  • Regularly evaluate the program’s effectiveness through observations and worker feedback.
  • Track key performance indicators like incident rates, lost time injuries and near-misses to measure the training’s impact.
  • Update the program regularly based on new regulations, feedback and incident reports to maintain its relevance and effectiveness.

By integrating site-specific training, reinforcing safety protocols and fostering a culture of safety, construction firms can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and legal liabilities.

By implementing a comprehensive safety training program, construction companies can cultivate a strong safety culture. Studies show that organizations with robust safety practices experience up to 40 per cent fewer injuries and illnesses, leading to significant cost savings and improved productivity.

Conclusion

Effective safety training is a critical component of the onboarding process in the construction industry. By integrating site-specific training, reinforcing safety protocols and fostering a culture of safety, construction firms can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and legal liabilities. Interactive training methods, such as VR simulations, can further enhance learning and retention, ensuring that new hires are well-prepared to work safely.

AMC Services specializes in helping construction firms develop comprehensive safety training programs that protect their employees and their bottom line. Invest in robust safety training today and build a safer, more efficient workplace. 

by Rodrigue Gilbert Rodrigue Gilbert

Building a Sustainable Future

Construction sector taking bold steps toward net-zero emissions

smshoot/123RF

With a growing need to combat climate change, Canada’s construction sector is embracing ambitious goals to lower its carbon emissions. This transformation isn’t merely a trend, but a necessary evolution toward sustainability. As construction stakeholders innovate and adapt, the role of government support is even more significant.

Rod Gilbert
Rodrigue Gilbert

The shift toward sustainability

The Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) Q4 2023 ICIC Construction Sector Quarterly Insights report observed that the industry is making significant gains in sustainability. Despite its history as a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the sector is swiftly embracing measures to curb its environmental impact. There has been a notable decrease in emissions intensity across various infrastructure assets, and investments in clean technologies and materials are rising.

Key players, from developers to contractors, are integrating sustainable strategies into their projects. Green building materials are being employed to not only reduce the emissions associated with construction, but also improve energy efficiency over the project’s entire life cycle. Renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines are also increasingly being integrated into building designs. Moreover, the availability of AI and big data analytics will offer unprecedented opportunities to monitor building performance, providing insights that lead to more effective energy management strategies.

Government support: The catalyst for change

While industry leaders are driving change from within, the Canadian government plays a pivotal role in accelerating the transition to net-zero. Financial incentives are essential tools to encourage sustainable practices across the construction sector. Tax credits for green building certifications, grants for research and development of sustainable technologies and subsidies for energy-efficient retrofits are examples of the type of government interventions needed.

Sustainability is not just a goal; it is a necessity.

Updated building codes and regulatory standards that mandate higher energy efficiency and stricter emissions targets for new construction and renovations are crucial. By setting clear and ambitious benchmarks, the government can ensure that the entire industry moves toward a sustainable future collectively. These standards not only guide current projects, but also inspire innovation in building design and construction methods.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite progress, challenges remain. The upfront costs of sustainable building practices and materials can be higher, posing a barrier to widespread adoption particularly for the small and medium-sized construction company.

The construction industry requires financial support and incentives to offset these initial investments. The timing is also ripe to update outdated procurement strategies. Engaging with contractors earlier and moving away from the lowest bid model will encourage the use of new processes, better practices, alternative energy and more sustainable materials. Moreover, the industry needs a long-term plan for infrastructure investment – one that will provide confidence to CCA members to invest in new technology, convert to low carbon materials and hire and train staff.

CCA released an update to its 2021 Strength, resilience, sustainability white paper in September. This broader report highlights the progress made by industry, explores the linkages between climate risk and infrastructure decisions and discusses the path forward in confronting the climate crisis. It also serves as a springboard for discussions with government on the need for greater investment and supportive policies to not only achieve net zero objectives, but also protect Canadians and the infrastructure they depend on daily from the escalating threats of extreme climate events.

Looking ahead

Sustainability is not just a goal; it is a necessity. Industry leaders are already demonstrating their commitment through innovative practices and technologies. Continued collaboration with the federal government will accelerate this transformation. By aligning policies with ambitious climate targets and providing the necessary financial incentives and regulatory frameworks, the government can empower the industry to achieve net-zero emissions.

Canadian Construction Association

Stay in touch!

Count on CCA to be a collaborative partner to the SHCA, providing helpful tools, sharing best practices across the country and being a voice with the federal government. 

Stay in the loop by subscribing to CCA’s newsletter at bit.ly/ccasubscribe, by following @ConstructionCAN on X or by looking up the Canadian Construction Association on LinkedIn.

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.

wcb | Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board
by SHCA SHCA

WCB Announces 2025 Preliminary Average Premium Rate

The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) announced the 2025 preliminary average employer premium rate will remain unchanged from the 2024 rate at $1.28 per hundred dollars of payroll. The announcement was made at the WCB’s annual preliminary rate information meeting with Saskatchewan employers, workers and stakeholders on Oct. 31.

“Year over year, the WCB aims to uphold a balance between stable rates and a fully funded compensation system,” said the WCB’s chair, Gord Dobrowolsky. “The two key drivers of the 2025 preliminary average premium rate are claim costs and payroll. While we are forecasting claim costs to increase, we expect these to be offset by rising employer payroll. This is why we are proposing the 2025 preliminary average premium rate remain at $1.28.”

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system based on collective liability, where all employers share responsibility for workplace injury insurance. Employers are grouped together to form an industry rate code. Premium rates are set for each rate code based on the collective claims experience of employers within each industry rate code. All employers within an industry rate code start with the same industry premium rate.

With the 2025 preliminary rate proposal:

  • The overall 2025 proposed average preliminary premium rate will remain at $1.28 per hundred dollars of payroll.
  • Industry premium rates for approximately 76 per cent of Saskatchewan’s employers covered by the WCB will see a decrease or no change for 2025.
  • Industry premium rates for approximately 24 per cent of Saskatchewan’s employers covered by the WCB will increase next year.

The WCB works to uphold a balance between stable rates that ensure fairness, transparency, collective liability and predictability, and a fully funded compensation system. 

“While we are proposing the 2025 preliminary average premium rate remain consistent with last year’s rate, we are seeing claims getting more costly, which coupled with inflation, is expected to put long-term upward pressure on premium rates,” said the WCB’s CEO, Phillip Germain. “By working together to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities in our province, we can help to minimize the impact of factors that are pushing premium rates upward.”

In 2024, the WCB completed an optimization of its investment strategy to improve the long-term expected return on its investments. Increased investment income benefits employers by reducing the premiums needed to operate the compensation system.

Additionally, employers can influence their individual premium rate through effective injury prevention and return-to-work programs. The degree to which employers in an industry work to eliminate workplace injuries also affects industry premium rates. Employers who have a fully functioning safety program and a solid return-to-work program can help prevent and manage work-related injuries.

In 2023, for the fourth year in a row, 90 per cent of employers in the province achieved zero injuries and zero fatalities in their workplaces. On an annual basis, serious injuries account for approximately 11 to 14 per cent of total claims and more than 80 per cent of claim costs in the system.

Over the coming months, WorkSafe Saskatchewan, the partnership between the WCB and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, will launch several programs designed to support employers and workers in making Saskatchewan the safest place in Canada to work. As part of its 2023-2028 Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy, these programs include several campaigns targeting rate codes with the highest injury rates.

“The WCB will continue to work to prevent work disability through active worker and employer contact, and collaborative return-to-work plans with workers, employers and health-care providers,” said Germain. “Through all of these efforts, we can work together to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities that significantly impact individuals, families and communities.”

Arm holding yellow hard hat against hip
by SHCA SHCA

Canada’s Construction Industry Welcomes Long Overdue Federal Leadership on the National Infrastructure Assessment

After four years on the shelf, the federal government announced the council appointed to deliver the National Infrastructure Assessment. This initiative has long been a cornerstone of the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) advocacy, with representatives recently raising awareness of the issue on Parliament Hill in November.

The newly-appointed Canadian Infrastructure Council will prioritize housing-enabling infrastructure like water, wastewater, public transit, active transportation and waste management. While this is a promising first step, more action is needed. Infrastructure demands across the country also include transportation and trade-enabling projects, which are vital to strengthening Saskatchewan’s economy and connecting communities.

“We are thrilled to see the federal government finally take leadership in addressing the need for a long-term plan for Canada’s infrastructure,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “While the scope of the council is incomplete, we do appreciate the government finally listening to the industry responsible for building Canada’s infrastructure.”

While the industry is overall pleased with the announcement, the newly-formed Canadian Infrastructure Council lacks clear industry and financial representation. CCA has long urged the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities to appoint an independent representative from the construction industry to the council. Failing to consult with those that build the infrastructure Canadians rely on, and those that finance it, will create significant challenges. Without this input, there will be a lack of understanding on key issues, limitations and opportunities that exist in building a strong and resilient Canada. 

CCA will continue to monitor the development and progress of the Canadian Infrastructure Council and welcome further consultation with industry and the federal government.

SHCA The Interchange - Default background
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Post-Election Insights

Shantel Lipp - Portrait

As most people know, election season in Saskatchewan has wrapped up. We experienced both a provincial and municipal vote within a two-week period. Once all the ballots were counted, Saskatchewan residents saw some significant changes to who their elected representatives are. 

The Saskatchewan Party was re-elected for an unprecedented fifth term, but with a stronger NDP opposition. Municipal elections for the most part saw a change of leadership in many of the cities and towns across the province. 

During the election period, the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) was advocating hard on behalf of our industry to ensure that those running for public office were aware of the necessity of having good infrastructure to keep the province growing.  

Prior to the start of the campaign, SHCA had commissioned its own poll on what the priorities were for Saskatchewan residents. Respondents indicated that the top spending priorities should focus on health, education, cost-of-living and the economy. However, the next priority listed by those who were polled chose funding for infrastructure and road safety improvements.  

A majority of the respondents – 63 per cent – agreed that the government should be spending more on fixing the roads in the province. SHCA will continue to advocate to all levels of government the importance of infrastructure funding and how it is key to our economic wellbeing. 

Post-election, we saw a big change in the make-up of the provincial cabinet, with no pre-election ministers retaining their respective portfolio. SHCA is pleased to welcome back Minister David Marit to the portfolio of Highways. Marit previously held the post in 2016 and understands the challenges our industry faces. 

We also look forward to working with the new leaders elected in many of the municipalities across the province. Both Regina and Saskatoon elected new mayors to lead those cities and SHCA will engage with them and the other new municipal leaders on the issues that impact our industry at a local level. 

On Nov. 25, the newly-elected Saskatchewan Party government unveiled its Throne Speech, titled “A New Beginning.”

To us, new beginnings are new opportunities. While change can bring uncertainty to some, our association looks forward to working with all of the newly-elected provincial and municipal members to build the infrastructure needed to keep our towns, cities and province growing.