Building Relationships
by SHCA SHCA

Building Relationships

A presentation from Mark Nesbitt at the SHCA 2023 Infrastructure Summit

By Martin Charlton Communications

Building relationships matters when employers are trying to develop their employees and advance their own career and business, Mark Nesbitt explained to those who gathered to hear him on the first morning of the 2023 SHCA Infrastructure Summit & Trade Show.  

Nesbitt focused on what today’s leaders in the construction industry can do to create the next generation of leaders. He has worked in the aggregate, mining, trucking and construction industry for more than 30 years and directly supervised and managed people in the construction industry. Seeking out some leadership training to become a better manager is what got him on the path of becoming a public speaker to deliver lessons he learned from his years of experience.

While it is easy to text or email someone, Nesbitt says that written text is not a substitute for conversations and in-person interactions. Those moments matter when demonstrating to the other person you value them. 

That is one of the benefits of attending an event like the Infrastructure Summit & Trade Show. Nesbitt encouraged those at the Summit to get out and meet with suppliers and other attendees because you never know how those relationships will help you make connections that bring you closer to achieving your goals.

Nesbitt encouraged those at the Summit to get out and meet with suppliers and other attendees because you never know how those relationships will help you make connections that bring you closer to achieving your goals.

He told a story about how getting a haircut helped him schedule an appointment to have his hearing loss investigated. He thought he would have to wait for a couple of years to get an appointment with a hearing specialist and mentioned this to the woman cutting his hair. She had a hearing specialist scheduled to get a haircut and offered to mention his situation. Not long after that, Nesbitt got a call about an appointment.  One relationship led to another, and he had his hearing loss addressed sooner than he expected. 

Those who don’t make the effort to form connections and build relationships with people who matter to them risk losing out to those who do. Nesbitt recommended some areas that employers could focus on with employees they want to develop. 

He pointed to some other companies that are clear about what they do as well as their values as an organization. He says looking to other companies for inspiration can help employers clarify what matters to them so they can then communicate that to their employees. Those other companies can be in very different industries from construction, but still offer valuable lessons. For example, The Ritz-Carlton has 12 service values it reinforces with employees. Some of those could apply to those outside of the hospitality industry – such as being empowered as an employee to own and resolve issues.

The easiest way to change the world is through your words, Nesbitt says and while knowing what you want to say is important, saying it repeatedly is as important if it is to be memorable and create change. Nesbitt did not need to remind everyone of the constant messages delivered during the pandemic to use hand sanitizer and maintain social distancing. People were told this message so often they still remember it now. 

Consistently dedicating yourself to a high level of attention and effort and doing what matters to other people is how you can maintain success that you have achieved.

It is not just words that signal your values. Nesbitt used Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers as an example of this. At every equipment sale, all of the equipment up for auction is precisely arranged in lines to allow buyers to view it. 

“At every sale, they see beauty,” said Nesbitt. He says this is evidence that success leaves clues. 

When you know where you want to go, keeping that in mind can help you find the resolve to carry on when facing difficulties. Nesbitt is a runner. He says that those who run know that when you are in a marathon, after a while, you start to get sore, blistered and chafed. But knowing the route you have to complete in order to cross the finish line keeps you going. You just take the next step to get that much closer. 

Sharing that vision with others helps them see where you are going too. It is not enough to know your values. You must describe them to others, including your employees, so they can embrace them and act in ways that reflect them. 

Consistently dedicating yourself to a high level of attention and effort and doing what matters to other people is how you can maintain success that you have achieved. He reminded the Summit’s attendees of how much time and attention people pay to their appearance, manners and behaviour when going out on a first date with someone compared to the effort they put in for that person when they’ve been married to them for several years. This can also happen with long-term employees. Managers get complacent about the relationship and neglect to check in and show the same interest in them that they did when they started out.

The same is true in business. In a conversation after his talk, Nesbitt recalled a gas station he enjoyed stopping at to purchase a particular kind of coffee. Over time, the service and offerings at the gas station started to slip. Then, one day, they quit selling the coffee he would stop in to buy. When he inquired about it, he was told they had fewer customers now, so they gave up selling that coffee. He had very little reason to continue buying from them.

Some businesses don’t change because they don’t have to adjust. They are making too much money to notice it is at risk. Nesbitt encourages people to change before they have to if they want to maintain their success. Sometimes, those who need help most are the ones who want it the least. 

Negative developments such as the rising cost of living and growing environmental concerns can weigh heavy on younger generations as they try to build their lives. That creates a sense of fear and a lack of hope, which makes it easy for them to want to give up when facing overwhelming burdens and indifference from their employer. 

Nesbitt says people want to work for a leader who is honest, forward-looking, inspiring and competent. He encourages employers to demonstrate a positive attitude about the future and to share that outlook with their young employees to encourage them to feel confident about the careers ahead of them. 

He says employees also want to be recognized and appreciated for what they have to offer and that the employer and employee are in a relationship where that shared appreciation for one another matters. Employees want more than a paycheck. They need to know they matter as an individual to the people who employ them. 

It is important to recognize that young people are influenced by their use of social media. As a generation who can live for likes, when they show up at a job, they expect to receive acknowledgement that what they are doing that is appreciated by others. Their need for appreciation can be ongoing and they may need to be appreciated frequently. What is rewarded is repeated, so offering employees compliments and encouragement can inspire the effort and accomplishments an employer requires from them.  

The time between construction seasons is an important time of year for employers, who can reflect on their wins and losses during the earlier construction season and decide what needs improving during the next season. Doing this can help employers avoid making the same mistakes season after season. 

Everyone wins when the leader gets better at what they bring to the business. 

Infrastructure Summit 2023
by SHCA SHCA

How Trade and Transportation Infrastructure Intersect in Canada’s Economic Growth Strategy

A panel discussion from the SHCA 2023 Infrastructure Summit

By Martin Charlton Communications

There is growing pressure on the federal government ahead of its next budget to recognize the need to plan and invest in trade infrastructure to grow Canada’s economy. 

Advocacy work initiated by the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA) has strong momentum. Several national groups dedicated to trade, business, construction, manufacturing and more joined it to form a coalition that is pressing politicians across the country to take this need seriously. Premiers of provincial and territorial governments have confirmed they are on board. 

That need for planning and investment and the effort to have it recognized by the federal government was discussed during a panel discussion held the first day of the SHCA 2023 Infrastructure Summit & Trade Show. Titled  “How Trade and Transportation Infrastructure Intersect in Canada’s Economic Growth Strategy,” the panel brought together representatives of some of those groups in the coalition – John Law, senior fellow with Canada West Foundation and co-author of From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy: The Path to a National Trade Infrastructure Plan for the Next Generation of Economic Growth, Mary Van Buren, president of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) and Chris Lorenc, president of the WCR&HCA. They were joined by two deputy ministers from the Saskatchewan government, Kyle Toffan of the Ministry of Highways and Jodi Banks of the Ministry of Trade and Export.

Opening and moderating the panel was Gary Mar, president of Canada West Foundation. He says broadly speaking there is infrastructure Canadians want, such as parks. There is infrastructure Canadians need, which includes hospitals and schools. Then there is infrastructure that creates wealth that allows a country to be able to afford the other types of infrastructure. 

Two-thirds of Canada’s GDP depends on trade, which relies on trade and transportation infrastructure. Mar says this reality is not lost on Canada’s premiers. What Canadians produce must be moved to ports to be shipped out of country for Canada to be able to participate in trade. 

The important role trade infrastructure plays in Canada’s economy and its future growth is expressed in the Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy report authored by Law. In his brief overview of the report, he explained that Canada depends on road, rails, airports, bridges and other forms of trade infrastructure to get products to market. 

“Every country needs good quality trade and transportation infrastructure, but it matters more for Canada,” said Law. “It matters to the extent of being three times more important to Canada from a GDP perspective than it is for the United States, for example, who are not only our major trading partner, but also our major competitor.”

Working together is necessary when advocating for change, Lorenc says, citing a proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.”

The U.S. has paid significant attention to its infrastructure with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act being passed, which the White House calls a “once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness.” This legislation will drive forward the rebuilding of American roads, bridges and rails, strengthening supply chains by improving the country’s ports, airports, rails and roads to grow its economy “sustainably and equitably.”  Law says that level of attention and investment is being made by other countries Canada competes against in trade as well.

“Our argument in the Shovel Ready report is that we need something that is not simply focussed on short-term, but rather is a long-term permanent solution for how we do this,” said Law. 

Housing is the federal government’s current infrastructure priority, as evidenced by its 2023 Fall Economic Statement, Van Buren says. There are plans in motion to change the federal Department of Infrastructure to the Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, which Van Buren says is a “very strong signal” of the Liberal government’s focus. She says there is acknowledgement of the civil infrastructure that must be developed to support new housing, but she says there is a need to advocate for the federal government to recognize that trade-enabling infrastructure is a benefit to all Canadians. 

“No matter where you are in Canada, goods and services have to move out and we also need them to come in,” said Van Buren. “We’re working hard [with the other organizations] to make sure that trade-enabling infrastructure is on the table. We want a balanced approach. 

“We can’t just put all of our money now into housing. We have to also look at trade-enabling infrastructure as well as community infrastructure.”

Banks and Toffan spoke about Saskatchewan’s focus on trade and transportation, with Banks highlighting the Saskatchewan Growth Plan and the work being done by her ministry to tell Saskatchewan’s story to the world and encourage trade to strengthen the provincial economy. 

“We have a huge amount of gross domestic product that depends on trade infrastructure,” said Toffan. “Saskatchewan has been doing about $37 billion in trade a year through and we have targets to grow that. That means more transportation infrastructure, not less.”

He outlined the challenges and opportunities from the perspective of the Ministry of Highways, including reduced federal funding of infrastructure, strained capacity in all areas of the supply chain to develop more infrastructure, rising costs due to inflation, the impact of carbon tax and insufficient national trade and transportation planning, as well as geopolitical considerations that can impact the quantity of resources, such as potash, that are needed by other nations. 

“These investments are being
made for our kids, our grandkids, and our great grandkids, no different than the investments made in the 1800s and early 1900s.”

– Kyle Toffan, Ministry of Highways

Toffan also touched upon the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on economic borders signed by Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba in April 2022. The key priorities of the three provinces are planning, investment and partnership opportunities with the private sector as well as harmonizing the regulatory environment, but elections held in Alberta and Manitoba since the signing have significantly slowed progress. 

Advocating for federal investment into economic corridors is another priority. 

“If Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba can find three or four quick wins, some really big-ticket items that need investment, we’ll have a much better chance at getting investment than if we went at it alone, so we are trying to figure out a way to coordinate that as well,” said Toffan. 

He says some judge major investments in infrastructure projects that are expected to serve the province for 100 years after just two to three years of operation, which is short-sighted.

“These investments are being made for our kids, our grandkids, and our great grandkids, no different than the investments made in the 1800s and early 1900s,” said Toffan. “We have to think differently about these investments. They are nation-building and they have the opportunity to unlock all kinds of economic potential.”

Working together is necessary when advocating for change, Lorenc says, citing a proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.” He says the three provinces signing the MOU is an important example of that. 

Successful advocacy work includes patience, principles, commitment, a stated purpose and resources. It is also important to understand your audience and harness public opinion. The message you deliver must be tailored to meet their needs, Lorenc says, otherwise they have very little appetite to listen. Going where voters are and gently persuading them to see your point of view is also necessary. 

Getting to this point of a coalition of like-minded organizations coming together to deliver a shared message to politicians, and having the Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan (CTIP) developed to present them, has taken about four years of advocacy work. It started when representatives of the WCR&HCA met with Van Buren to discuss the need for research related to trade and transportation. That is when Canada West Foundation was approached about developing a report, which Law authored. It was released in May 2022. 

The next groups to be approached were the Business Council of Canada, Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. They were asked to be part of a nation-building exercise that recognizes that two-thirds of Canada’s GDP is trade dependent and that three billion jobs coast to coast are sustained by this trade activity. It was pointed out that Canada’s reputation as a trading partner has fallen and needs repair to ensure Canada stays competitive and is viewed as a reliable trading partner. As a nation, Canada produces more than it consumes, and it must be moved to market. All of those principles along with the contents of Law’s report were used to develop CTIP.

CTIP urges the Council of the Federation to pursue a federally-leveraged, nation-
building plan to revitalize Canada’s trade-enabling infrastructure to support sustained economic growth and expand and diversify Canada’s global trade profile.  It says Canada should adopt globally recognised best practices and harness recommendations flowing from the Shovel Ready report to “usher in an era of long-term, predictable and high-value investments in Canada’s trade infrastructure.”

The process of getting this plan to the federal government began in January 2023 with a meeting with then-premier of Manitoba, Heather Stefanson, who was serving as chair of the Council of the Federation, which is made up of all 13 provincial and territorial premiers in Canada. She was presented CTIP and asked to support and champion it at a July meeting of the council. She agreed to that request.

At that July meeting, there was unanimous support for CTIP from the premiers who explicitly endorsed its principles. They urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to convene a First Ministers’ Meeting dedicated to the linked priorities of competitiveness and strategic infrastructure. The next premier to take over as chair of the council was Nova Scotia premier Tim Houston, who sent a letter in August to Trudeau reminding him of that request. It was again repeated in fall 2023. 

At the same time, meetings have been held with federal opinion leaders, deputy ministers and assistant deputy ministers across the country, organized and led by the coalition of organizations behind CTIP (Business Council of Canada, Canada West Foundation, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, CCA, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Civil Infrastructure Council Corporation and the WCR&HCA).

Infrastructure Summit 2023

Lorenc says the objective of those meetings is to push for the 2024 federal budget to include an announcement of an investment that is sustained, predictable, incremental and driven through a lens of the return on investment to the GDP and nation-
building.. This would not be an investment based on per capita requirements, but rather one that looks at what the country needs to develop and enhance a strategic trade-enabling infrastructure network that will result in growth and wealth generation. 

“That is advocacy at work. No single entity can do it on its own,” said Lorenc. “Saskatchewan can’t do what you heard the deputy minister speak to on its own. It has an MOU with two colleague provinces. Western premiers can’t do it individually. They meet as Western premiers. Provincial and territorial premiers can’t do it individually on their own. They do it through the Council of the Federation. Heavy construction associations, business organizations, manufacturers and exporters, rail, air, you pick your industry, can’t do it on their own, but together we can go further make a significant contribution to building this country. That’s what this advocacy is all about.” 

SHCA Infrastructure Summit 2024
by SHCA SHCA

Infrastructure Summit

SHCA wants to thank all of the wonderful sponsors, exhibitors, presenters and attendees for making the inaugural Infrastructure Summit a resounding success! The goal of the Summit was to feature the excellent companies and individuals of the industry that have helped build Saskatchewan and Canada from the ground up. Check out photos from the Summit:

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News From The Field
by SHCA SHCA

News from the Field

Sharing news that SHCA members need to know

Mary Van Buren announces her spring departure from the Canadian Construction Association

After six successful years as the president of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA), Mary Van Buren has announced that she will be leaving the association in the spring of 2024.

As the first female president in the association’s long history, she has guided CCA into a new era that is digital first and inclusive. Her focus on modernization was critical in CCA’s ability to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, while advocating on behalf of the industry and continuing to deliver member value in the face of a global crisis.

Under her leadership, CCA has developed an expanded focus on innovation and best practices and is currently piloting a digital contract service which will roll out in early 2024.

One of the most significant achievements of her tenure has been the review of CCA’s governance model, and the restructuring that allowed the association to be nimbler in addressing member issues. Working closely with the board of directors as well as the governance and nominating committee, Van Buren’s commitment to governance effectiveness has seen the consistent evolution of the model and led to CCA receiving the Governance Award from the Governance Professionals of Canada in 2023. 

While her impact on the association is evident, her unwavering commitment to engagement stands as the bedrock of her success at CCA. Through her steadfast dedication to collaboration, she has strengthened the relationship with CCA’s 62 partner associations and developed new strategic partnerships that have not only delivered more value to CCA’s 18,000 member firms but also elevated the profile for the national construction industry.

“The construction industry is essential to Canada’s economic success and quality of life, yet it doesn’t always get the credit it deserves,” said Van Buren. “I am so proud to have brought more attention to an industry that has such a profound impact on our country and affects positive change in our communities every day.”

2023 Fall Economic Statement lacks concrete actions

The 2023 Fall Economic Statement, released near the end of November 2023, focused heavily on necessary housing investment, but fell short in other important areas including measures to shore up Canada’s trade-enabling infrastructure. Approximately two-thirds of Canada’s GDP is from trade, yet the statement remained silent on bolstering Canada’s trade network, which pays for the social infrastructure Saskatchewan enjoys.

The announcement to leverage the Canada Infrastructure Bank to support more housing may finally recognize the fact that more homes cannot be built without the essential housing-enabling infrastructure to support it – a position the industry has repeatedly emphasized to all orders of government. Details on these necessary investments are missing. The industry is expecting to see a long-term, comprehensive infrastructure investment plan in the federal government’s 2024 Budget.

The industry is encouraged that the federal government recognizes the workforce shortage, yet a focus on internal labour mobility rather than more progressive policy changes to immigration are not the answer. Free mobility within Canada is simply not an adequate solution to address the workforce shortage when collectively, Canada does not have enough workers coast to coast. This is why the industry is calling on the government to help address the workforce shortage by overhauling immigration to attract labour from abroad.

Finally, while the commitment to getting major projects built faster is positive, implementation will rely in part on the government’s willingness to review and modernize their procurement practices. This includes considering alternative delivery models and better balancing risk between owners and contractors.

The Canadian construction industry will continue to partner with government to build a strong foundation for a stronger Canada.

Saskatchewan delivers success with mission to Philippines and Singapore

Saskatchewan’s mission to the Philippines and Singapore has concluded with outcomes that exceed expectations. The employer-driven
labour recruitment mission to Manila included 26 Saskatchewan employers and resulted in over 1,000 anticipated nominations for permanent residency through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) in occupations in demand in the province. 

“The number one labour market challenge that employers have been having in the past 18 months is a critical shortage of labour across all sectors,” Trade and Export Development and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “The first priority is always to make sure Saskatchewan residents have the first opportunity, but that has just not been enough lately with over 15,000 jobs posted on the SaskJobs website today and the second lowest unemployment rate in Canada speaking to that fact. The government has responded by partnering with businesses and organizations to engage internationally. The first mission to Poland in September largely focused on Ukrainian refugees. This was the second. 

“The success of this mission reinforces Saskatchewan’s position as a top destination for talented individuals all across the world. Saskatchewan’s commitment to attracting talent while strengthening its presence on a global scale ensures a path forward filled with more jobs, opportunities and economic growth.” 

The government will be releasing a comprehensive jobs plan to address the labour market shortage this year. 

“Working with the Government of Saskatchewan allowed us to focus on talking with welders and painters who are ready to come to Saskatchewan,” Doepker Industries HR Manager Jeff Arthur said. “We were able to interview a lot of candidates thanks to the mission’s organization and structure. Adding core people to our workforce and to our rural communities is a wonderful thing. We’re very proud of our highly skilled and dedicated team members here in Saskatchewan; when given the opportunity to expand on that strong base with skilled tradespeople from outside the province, it makes a world of difference.”  

Immigration officials from the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training held 10 information sessions about SINP and living in Saskatchewan that attracted over 500 people. Throughout the four-day event, immigration officials conducted 314 immigration interviews with SINP and Expression of Interest applicants. Attendees also had the opportunity to interview for employment positions from 26 different Saskatchewan employers who were present at the event, representing various sectors, including agriculture, community services, manufacturing and construction trades.  

Recruitment missions like this one and the one that took place earlier this year to Poland are aligned with Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan objectives of developing Saskatchewan’s labour force and engaging internationally to support the growth of the province. Saskatchewan will continue to advance international engagements to recruit more people and move forward toward reaching a population of 1.4 million people by 2030.

Saskatchewan adopts 2020 national construction codes

The Government of Saskatchewan recently adopted the 2020 editions of the national construction codes – National Building Code of Canada (NBC), National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB), and the National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC) – which were published by the National Research Council in March 2022. The 2020 codes came into effect in Saskatchewan on Jan. 1, 2024.

The 2020 codes, adopted by regulation under the province’s Construction Codes Act, allow the construction industry, architects, engineers, building officials, municipalities and other stakeholders time to review and plan before the busy summer construction season begins. This date also allows the province to fulfill its commitment under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement to adopt national construction codes within 24 months of publication to support the harmonization and timely adoption of codes across Canada. Adoption of the codes will fulfill Saskatchewan’s commitment to Prairie Resilience and Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan.

“Our timely adoption of the national construction codes supports Saskatchewan communities by promoting safe and innovative buildings that will allow for consistency across the industry,” Government Relations Minister Don McMorris said. “These codes will improve new home builds with additional efficiency and safety measures to ensure adequate future proofing of homes for Saskatchewan families.”

Amendments to the Building Code Regulations, Energy Code Regulations and Plumbing Code Regulations came into effect Jan. 1, 2024, as a result of adopting the 2020 national construction codes.

These amendments include:

  • Consolidating Saskatchewan’s four climate zones into a single climate zone to simplify requirements for the construction industry and individuals when applying energy-efficiency provisions under the NBC and NECB.  
  • Establishing energy efficiency tiers for the construction of buildings which will help to support Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan to build strong communities and support our province.  
  • Under the NECB, Tier 1 will apply for larger buildings.  
  • Under the NBC, Tier 2 will apply for smaller buildings,
    including houses. 
  • Existing buildings constructed before Jan. 1, 2019, are exempt from these energy efficiency provisions when being renovated. 
  • Clarifying requirements around carbon monoxide and smoke alarms to ensure a consistent approach to enforcement.  
  • Clarifying where backwater valves are required in buildings to prevent sewer backups.

Jack Brodsky named CTV Saskatoon’s 2023 Citizen of the Year

An SHCA board member was named CTV Saskatoon’s 2023 Citizen of the Year for his decades of work as a community builder who has made a difference in the lives of countless youths.

Jack Brodsky, who has lived in Saskatoon since he was four years old, is a graduate of Aden Bowman Collegiate Institute. In 1978, he became a certified engineering technologist though Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

In the following years, Brodsky learned the family construction business while also learning the importance of giving back to the community. He was a co-owner of the Saskatoon Blades from 1976 to 2013, and was instrumental in developing a scholarship program for graduating Western Hockey League players. He’s also volunteered for many organizations and has served on multiple boards.

Read the next issue of Think BIG magazine this spring to learn more about Brodsky’s commitment to the construction industry and his community.

WCB approves 2024 premium rates

The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) has approved the 2024 average employer premium rate to remain unchanged from the 2023 rate of $1.28 per hundred dollars of payroll.

 “The primary drivers of the 2024 premium rate are claim costs and payroll,” said Gord Dobrowolsky, the WCB’s chair. “The average premium rate this year will not increase, however we are expecting total costs to continue to rise in the future. This could place upward pressure on premium rates. The WCB’s rate model ensures a balance between stable rates and a fully funded compensation system.”

 In 2022, 90 per cent of employers achieved zero injuries and zero fatalities. The WCB is working to support workers and employers across the province to prioritize and effectively manage workplace safety. Currently, serious injuries account for the majority of claim costs within the workers’ compensation system. Approximately 10 to 13 per cent of claims result in more than 80 per cent of costs.

The WCB has a legislative obligation to remain fully funded. In response to changing accounting standards, the WCB has finalized a comprehensive review of the funding policy. The funding policy has been superseded by the sufficiency policy, which measures funding adequacy in a different way. The sufficiency policy reconfirms the WCB’s commitment to hold sufficient funds to balance long-term obligations to workers and employers.

 “To help reduce volatility in premium rates under the new accounting standards, the WCB’s sufficiency policy targets a range of between 100 and 140 per cent funded to cover the costs of current and future claims,” said Phillip Germain, the WCB’s CEO. “The 2024 rate ensures we will be able to maintain our funded position.”

Employers can help prevent work-related injuries through effective safety management systems. By working together, all stakeholders can prevent disability through effective rehabilitation and return-to-work plans can help employers reduce claim costs and manage work-related injuries. By reducing the number and severity of injuries in the workplace, industry premium rates will be positively impacted. Employers and the WCB can work collaboratively to develop safety management systems and return-to-work programs to help prevent and manage work-related injuries.

To further support workers and employers, WorkSafe Saskatchewan, the partnership between the WCB and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, launched the 2023-2028 Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy in March 2023. The updated strategy, built on the success of the 2019-2021 strategy, focuses on two key streams of work that will be undertaken to reduce injuries and fatalities – a regulatory and enforcement stream, and a prevention and learning stream. The strategy lays out a direction for working together with stakeholders, including non-profit safety associations, to address high-risk industries and occupations that are resulting in workplace fatalities and injuries.

“The WCB will continue to work closely with employers, workers and health-care providers to support the prevention of work disability through collaborative planning,” said Dobrowolsky. “As we head into 2024, we continue our commitment to eliminate workplace fatalities and injuries in the workplace. It is only together that we will achieve this vision.” 

SHCA The Interchange - Default background
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Looking Ahead: Plans for 2024

The Infrastructure Summit & Trade Show at the end of November last year was all I hoped it would be, and I am so pleased with what we have planned for 2024.

I hoped those who attended the Summit would find it relevant, practical and impactful, and based on the reviews I have received, it seems to have hit those marks. Summit delegates shared rave reviews of the format of the Summit and attendance for the first year far surpassed my expectations.

The Summit was so successful that it will be the model for all future fall conferences, and we look forward to growing this event in future years. Planning for 2024 has already begun. All attendees, sponsors and exhibitors will be surveyed to gain additional information about successes as well as opportunities for improvement to make next year’s event even better.

I was told again and again there was something at the Summit for everyone, which is exactly what SHCA hoped would be appreciated. The goal of the Summit was to showcase the entire industry, so that’s why there were sessions that related to business, earthmoving, paving, equipment and production.

The technical sessions were very valuable, I was told, as was the opportunity to hear about projects outside of Saskatchewan like the Ten Mile Slide in B.C. Over a busy two days, the Summit featured 34 technical sessions, two keynote presentations, 28 exhibitor tradeshow booths and was capped off with the industry awards ceremony. All the breakout rooms were full, as were the morning keynote sessions.

Highlighted by many at the Summit were the opportunities for contractors, consultants and Ministry of Highways representatives to connect over our need to work collaboratively rather than meeting in confrontation. Our keynote speaker on the first morning of the Summit was Mark Nesbitt, who has worked for more than 30 years in the aggregate, mining, trucking and construction industry. He explained why building relationships matters when you are trying to develop employees working for your company as well as advance your own career and business. You can read more about what he shared during his address on page 32.

In 2024, expect to hear much from SHCA about the ways in which Saskatchewan is not keeping up. That applies to long-term planning, infrastructure funding and government policy renewal.

The setting of the Summit focused on team-building, bringing people together to get to know one another and see how we can collaborate to achieve what must be accomplished.  

That need to work together to achieve monumental accomplishments was a key message delivered during the panel discussion on the first day of the Summit. There is a need to plan long-term and invest appropriately in trade infrastructure to grow Canada’s economy. Several national groups dedicated to trade, business, construction, manufacturing and more joined together to form a coalition that is pressing politicians across the country to take this need seriously. Representatives of some of those groups in the coalition were brought together for that panel discussion to describe the relationships and work that came together to develop the Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan (CTIP). CTIP urges the Council of the Federation to pursue a federally-leveraged, nation-building plan to revitalize Canada’s trade-enabling infrastructure to support sustained economic growth, and expand and diversify Canada’s global trade profile. We share more of this work in this issue of Think BIG. 

While others focus on the federal government, my attention is on the 2024 election year for provincial and municipal governments. My efforts will be dedicated to pressing them on vital matters. In 2024, expect to hear much from SHCA about the ways in which Saskatchewan is not keeping up. That applies to long-term planning, infrastructure funding and government policy renewal. 

This lack of commitment is causing us to lag. Saskatchewan creates billions of dollars in trade every year and there are targets and efforts dedicated by the province to grow our trade. A significant portion of the provincial GDP depends on trade. Our transportation infrastructure must be able to support even more movement of products and people in and out of the province. 

I look forward to sharing more details about this effort with you in the coming year, and I ask that you help us amplify this message so it reaches voters and becomes an issue on the campaign trail. I know you know it matters, but we must help others recognize and appreciate its vital importance. 

Until then, I hope you all had an enjoyable holiday filled with lots of cheer and goodwill ahead of a safe and prosperous new year. 

SHCA The Interchange - Default background
by SHCA SHCA

Help SHCA Help You – and Saskatchewan Communities

Stay up to date with SHCA events, happenings, industry news and other announcements. Follow SHCA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube. And if you received this edition of The Interchange from a colleague who forwarded it to you, don’t forget to subscribe by visiting www.saskheavy.ca – that way, you’ll never miss updates that are important to you and your business.

Go one step further and tag SHCA and Shantel Lipp, SHCA president, in your social media posts. This will help SHCA market your company and share your news and updates with our followers. Encourage the communities you stay in to tag your company and SHCA in their online communications, too – we want to show the province the undeniable economic ripple our industry creates!

If you have anything that you would like SHCA to share on your behalf on social media, in The Interchange or on www.saskheavy.ca – whether it’s a project update, staff event, fundraisers, job announcements or postings, big announcements or more – send an email to the SHCA office and we’ll help you get the word out.

Witness the harmonious coexistence of a yellow construction helmet, pencils, and drawings as they rest on a table. This image reflects the artistic aspect of the construction industry, highlighting the importance of creativity in the field.
by SHCA SHCA

Company Fined $70,000 for Serious Workplace Injury

On March 13, 2024, Sunterra Horticulture (Canada) Inc. pleaded guilty in Yorkton Provincial Court to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.

The company was fined for contravening clause 3-1 (a) of the regulations (being an employer at a place of employment, fail to provide and maintain plant, systems of work and working environments that ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of the employer’s workers, resulting in the serious injury of a worker). As a result, the Court imposed a fine of $50,000 with a surcharge of $20,000, for a total amount of $70,000.

One additional charge was withdrawn.

The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on September 16, 2021, near Hyas, Sask., where a worker was seriously injured while attempting to dislodge a pallet and bale of peat moss.

Increasing heap of coins stacking with up arrow graph and pink piggy bank , Money saving and deposit for investment to get profit and dividend concept.
by SHCA SHCA

SARM Responds to the 2024-25 Provincial Budget Announcement

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), alongside their member RMs, emphasizes both highlights and concerns regarding rural communities across the province in this year’s provincial budget.

“Today’s budget includes many priorities that our members have been asking for, although not perfect, we feel items in this budget go a long way to support our RMs and the people who live in rural Saskatchewan,” said Ray Orb, SARM president.

SARM is pleased with the increase, recognizing that RMs are a key component in driving Saskatchewan’s economy.

“More funding is always welcome, RMs have a major responsibility to provide a level of service and infrastructure expected by the major sectors driving Saskatchewan’s economy,” said Orb.

The municipal revenue sharing model is unique to Saskatchewan and SARM is pleased with the increased dollars being invested by the province. This funding goes a long way to supporting RMs in the future.

Agriculture is the backbone of rural Saskatchewan and SARM is pleased with the record investment in the Ministry of Agriculture this year. Key asks from SARM, such as increased Business Risk Management program funding, increased investment in weather stations for data collection and the commitment to irrigation are all being addressed. SARM supports the direction the province is taking in these critical areas.

As stated in the lead up to SARM’s annual convention, SARM has been advocating for the launch of the water management infrastructure known as the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project. This project has been in the making for a long time and will positively impact RMs into the future, increasing crop diversity and farm profitability through irrigation.

SARM is appreciative of the province’s investment of $20 million and commends their commitment to this transformational project. 

“We appreciate the government’s recognition of the importance of this project,” said Orb. “Irrigation is a key component to economic growth in rural Saskatchewan and this project will go far in supporting that.”

The competition to attract and retain qualified medical professionals is particularly fierce. As the pressure on urban health care facilities increases, there is an equally dire need to support, maintain, and grow rural health care programs.

It will take a collaborative partnership with the government, along with health care partners, to create a wholesome, informed and triaged approach to ensure the people living in rural Saskatchewan receive the health service and care they deserve.

The funding towards rural recruitment and nurse practitioners is something that SARM members have been asking for. These steps in the budget are encouraging in the path towards proper rural health care.

Funding for rural road and bridge infrastructure is imperative for RMs to continue to provide key economic sectors with a strategic transportation network that is effective and well maintained.

While there is a modest increase in Rural Integrated Roads for Growth funding, the challenges and expenses of maintaining critical rural infrastructure continue to rise and there are concerns regarding the level of investment in vital services such as roads and infrastructure. With the current inflation and the vast inventory of rural infrastructure, RMs will require stronger support going forward. SARM will continue to ask for more funding to allow RMs to renew and maintain rural roads.

“While we recognize the challenges in balancing various priorities within budget constraints, we urge the government to ensure RMs have sufficient funding to maintain critical rural infrastructure across the province,” Orb said. 

Moreover, SARM emphasizes the need for continued collaboration between the provincial government and RMs to address ongoing issues such as agricultural sustainability, health care, rural policing and rural infrastructure investments.

Asian young teen happy worker checking stock in shipping port work manage import export cargo containers.
by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Invests $248,000 Toward Women in Trades

At the end of March, the Government of Saskatchewan announced a partnership with Women Building Futures to support the Journey to Trades pre-employment program that will provide women with the skills they need to start their careers in the construction trades and embark on apprenticeship.

“This investment in skills training will further support Saskatchewan’s Labour Market Strategy by ensuring residents have every opportunity to benefit from the jobs our rapidly growing economy is creating,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “This partnership with Women Building Futures will provide the opportunity for women to gain first-hand experience in the skilled trades and take advantage of the in-demand jobs being created in the construction and maintenance industries.”  

The Ministry of Immigration and Career Training is investing $248,000 into the Journey to Trades program, which will support 18 participants over the next year. The program takes place in Regina and will run for 12 weeks. Students will take part in classroom learning and receive hands-on skills development that will enable them to gain employment in entry level positions. 

“At Women Building Futures, we recognize the need to eliminate barriers for women and under-represented groups, so they can get into resilient careers that pay higher than a living wage,” Women Building Futures President and CEO Carol Moen said. “We help them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed and then connect our graduates with industry partners who nurture safe, equitable workplaces for women. With this investment, we are excited to grow our impact in Saskatchewan, supporting more unemployed and underemployed women on their paths to economic security.”

The Journey to Trades program will be delivered through Women Building Futures, an organization that empowers women to explore careers by providing training and supports. This collaboration provides women in the skilled trades with skills training and work experience.