Electrification of construction machinery is hardly a new concept. For years, electric equipment has been commonly seen in a variety of applications, from demolition and mining to aerial lift and industrial work.
Now, however, electric equipment is becoming increasingly prevalent on and around job sites. Its potential is evident. Its benefits are clear. Its long-term place in the industry is no longer up for debate. And, as electric vehicles continue to be more widely adopted by consumers, all that’s left to do is examine – and try to accurately determine – how the construction industry should prepare for the technology to become fully mainstream in the not-too-distant future.
“If you go out about three years, there will be approximately 700 electric vehicles roadside, and that’s not even getting into construction and agriculture,” said David Knight, CEO of Terbine, a provider of technology for the seamless exchanging of IoT data between the mobility and energy sectors, discussing how the construction industry should prepare for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the not-too-distant future.
According to Knight, there are five main reasons why equipment end users in the construction industry should strongly considering investing in electric machinery.
1. Lower operating costs
The savings on diesel costs alone are significant. Most original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) cite a range of four to eight hours of runtime for “average” use on electric compact equipment, with an eight-hour overnight charge. And while it’s quick and easy to compare run times on a fully charged electric machine with a full tank on diesel units, there’s no idle on an electric machine. Therefore, an operator can get a day or more of productive work out of it because they’re typically not running a machine for eight continuous hours a day.
2. Lower maintenance costs
Reciprocating engines possess many friction-generating parts, which fail. The friction, and the frictional components and amount of heat generated with an engine running, is really what contributes to parts being replaced and maintained.
3. Tax credits
Incentives can offer savings across a fleet. It’s important for organizations to stay up to date regarding what’s available, both provincially and nationally.
4. Carbon credits and offsets
Carbon credits, such as the Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System, work like permission slips for emissions. When a company buys a carbon credit, they gain permission to generate one tonne of CO2 emissions. When one company removes a unit of carbon from the atmosphere as part of their normal business activity, they can generate a carbon offset.
“If you go out about three years, there will be approximately 700 electric vehicles roadside, and that’s not even getting into construction and agriculture.”
– David Knight, CEO of Terbine
5. ESG goals
Many organizations are setting and working toward environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) goals, and it’s a trend that’s only expected to become more common with time. Without goals and corresponding policies, organizations face ESG risk, which includes loss of investors, a damaged reputation and fines for regulatory noncompliance.
There is every reason to believe the electric vehicles and electric equipment will continue to develop and improve over time, says Knight, thus making a greater level of adoption even more likely in the very near future. According to Knight, the architectures of electric vehicles are going to even higher voltages. The higher the voltage, he explains, the less current is needed for a given amount of wattage. That also means less heat. And, while voltages are very good now, they are expected to improve significantly in the coming years.
“They’re going to be really good in three to five years, and that’s going to allow for even faster and more efficient charging than ever before,” he said.
AEM is the North America-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers with more than 1,000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide.
As a member of the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Mark Calette knows the importance of building strong relationships. “For Indigenous people, relationships mean everything to us,” said Calette. “That’s the fundamental backbone of how we want to work with anybody. We want to build those relationships first and then trust can start and we can move forward.”
Over the years, Calette has been a leader in community engagement and has helped the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) build trust between Saskatchewan communities and industry partners.
Calette started his career at SRC working with Indigenous communities in northern Saskatchewan as part of a multi-year project called Project CLEANS (Cleanup of Abandoned Northern Sites). This work involves remediating 37 abandoned uranium mine and mill sites. Calette’s new role as director of Indigenous relations expands his work in community engagement to other areas across SRC. He is excited to engage in collaborative discussions and help make new connections, build trust and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities across the province.
Communication is key to fostering trust
Calette believes that listening to and learning from communities is the starting point for any industry project. “Industry often makes the mistake of speaking with communities after they have made important decisions,” said Calette.
The first steps toward a successful approach are establishing communication, building trust and taking time to foster relationships that are collaborative. Calette says that finding out the community’s needs is an important step in the process and can make a world of difference for everyone involved in the project. This important feedback can inform any project-related decisions and the process through which they’re made. For example, the Project CLEANS team meets regularly with different communities in the Athabasca Basin, whether in person or checking in by phone or email.
“Spending as much time as possible talking with community leaders and members, and in a variety of different ways, is a great way to facilitate strong relationships,” said Calette.
Looking towards the future of community engagement
After his work with Project CLEANS, Calette left SRC to join Métis Nation-Saskatchewan as senior director of administration. Now back at SRC, Calette is entering his ninth, non-consecutive year with the organization and is excited for the future. “It’s a great place to be and I think it’s a special time,” said Calette, “I think how we’re going to engage with the Indigenous communities is going to be really exciting and important.”
Calette brings his passion and expertise to his new role and hopes to expand on the work that SRC has done over the years. His goal is to continue to help Indigenous communities connect with SRC on new and existing projects. Collaboration between SRC and Indigenous communities is an ongoing process. “When I first joined SRC, the Indigenous engagement piece was moving along but it was still pretty new,” said Calette. “So, we were able to build this very robust plan together.”
“For SRC, it was important to let communities know that we were going to be there for the long haul, and we were going to listen, and we were going to learn.”
– Mark Calette, Saskatchewan Research Council
While strong foundations have been laid, Calette believes there is room to improve. “We certainly tried to follow the good work we saw around Canada, and I think, in terms of Saskatchewan, what we did was best practice,” said Calette. “I believe that’s a good starting point, but there’s an opportunity to really expand and grow and improve on the work we did.”
SRC’s work with communities in the Athabasca Basin on Project CLEANS set a precedent for future engagement between business, industry and Indigenous communities in the province. “For SRC, it was important to let communities know that we were going to be there for the long haul, and we were going to listen, and we were going to learn,” said Calette. “We just took that approach from the start, and I think that served us well and continues to serve us well.”
Communities were able to give their input on different areas of work at all stages of the process. For example, SRC helped to facilitate Elder–youth workshops that assisted the revegetation and reclamation portion of the project.
Moving forward together
Calette is focusing his energy on cultivating Indigenous engagement throughout SRC and hopes to expand relationships between the council, industry and communities.
“Any industry, whether it’s mining, oil and gas, forestry, anything to do with the environment – I think you need to work with Indigenous communities and really learn from them,” said Calette. “They have been stewards of the land for centuries and have a lot of knowledge to share. It’s important to learn from impacts experienced from previous development and to avoid the pitfalls of the past.”
Working together on key strategies can help grow relationships. Calette believes that clear communication is crucial for reaching future goals and he is focused on a collaborative approach that will benefit everyone involved.
A stronger Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is important to Calette. His family came to the province from Red River, Man., in the 1860s. His community, the Round Prairie Métis, settled just south of Saskatoon near Whitecap Dakota First Nation. After the events at Batoche in 1885, the community began migrating to the city, leaving the area behind by the early 20th century. Today, the Round Prairie Cemetery marks the area of an important historic Métis settlement. Calette has spent some time living and working in Prince Albert and Buffalo Narrows but calls Saskatoon his home.
Creating a diverse and sustainable economy through research initiatives and technological innovation is an important part of SRC’s mandate. Calette believes that focusing on helping people succeed will make Saskatchewan even stronger. “I think when we’re working with a significant demographic of the province, and if we find ways to help each other, we are really achieving our mandate and helping Saskatchewan grow,” said Calette.
There is a great opportunity for SRC and Indigenous communities to work together, and get more people engaged with industry, by helping individuals gain more experience in skilled trades and take on leadership roles. Calette sees a lot of talent in these communities and a bright future for the province. He hopes that over the next few years, SRC can help many communities reach their full potential.
“I think we are seen as a leader in working with Indigenous communities in the Athabasca Basin. I would like to continue that right across the province,” said Calette, “and I’m really excited about that opportunity.”
A progressive, innovative and sustainable construction industry
By Mary Van Buren, Canadian Construction Association
Representing 20,000-plus 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 the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (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.
Workforce an urgent priority
We achieved some headway with the federal government on our collective cornerstone issue to rebuild Canada’s workforce through immigration reform. The Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship recently announced a new process under the Express Entry program to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in occupations considered a priority in Canada. Ten occupations in construction, including carpenters, plumbers, welders and electricians, are included in the list of nearly 83 jobs.
Our collective efforts to make the workforce shortage issue a priority for the Government of Canada – bringing the message locally, provincially and federally through our Hill Day and semi-annual Meech Lake meetings – has also generated government support for investing in promotion of the trades and increasing immigration targets to help ease the shortfall.
Conversations will continue, as the government needs to create a more supportive environment to alleviate the labour choke points that risk crippling Canada’s economic growth. This includes changing an outdated immigration point system and working with provinces to ensure better skills matching.
The urgent need for skilled trade workers is also receiving nationwide attention as we work to build the number of apprentices, through our partnership with the Canadian Apprenticeship Service (CAS), and turn construction into a first-choice career, through our industry-wide Talent Fits Here campaign. Within the first six months of the CAS program, over $2 million in funds have been dispersed to eligible employers and 47 per cent of the apprentices self-identified as being from an equity-deserving group.
To build the infrastructure needed across the country and recruit the workforce of the future, federal procurement strategies need to adapt to encourage innovation, include contractors earlier in the process, account for long-term value and sustainability, promote the use of alternative delivery models and support shared risk.
A smart infrastructure plan backed by investment
Over the past two years, CCA has been actively pursuing more investment in key trade gateways and corridors across the country. This included partnering with the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association and bringing in national partners, like Export Development Canada, the Business Council of Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, to build the support we need among politicians and Canadians. CCA helped fund the report, From shovel ready to shovel worthy, to strengthen our case.
We are gaining traction, with some modest investments proposed in the 2023 Federal Budget to strengthen Canada’s transportation systems and supply chain infrastructure. Real growth, though, will not come from Band-aid solutions. It will come from a long-term initiative, coordinated with the provinces, to develop a National Trade Corridor.
CCA has always maintained that one size does not fit all. Every region and municipality, including our Indigenous communities, have different needs and priorities. The National Infrastructure Assessment would have helped create an integrated, apolitical strategy on how Canada would prioritize, finance and deliver critical infrastructure projects, but there has been no movement on this promised 2021 federal initiative. We cannot afford to wait. As the industry’s national advocate, CCA will continue its outreach on this issue so policymakers understand the risks of their inaction – aging infrastructure, damage to our reputation as a trading partner and inadequate supply chains, to name a few.
Fair procurement
The value of involving contractors earlier in a project is gaining steam. CCA obtained a commitment from government leaders at its semi-annual Meech Lake meeting to establish a working group on procurement and project delivery methods. To build the infrastructure needed across the country and recruit the workforce of the future, federal procurement strategies need to adapt to encourage innovation, include contractors earlier in the process, account for long-term value and sustainability, promote the use of alternative delivery models and support shared risk.
CCA will be continuing its summer Standard Practices Tour to learn first-hand from members about their challenges with current procurement practices. There will be more information on this topic over the next few months.
CCA’s Best Practices Services is delivering new resources – some of which are being developed through the work of our National Advisory Councils. We are also increasing our outreach to buyers of construction so we can educate them on the benefits of sharing risk and involving contractors early in the project.
Action-backed policies to support green infrastructure
Canada’s construction industry is ready to become a leader in the transition to a net-zero economy. We submitted detailed recommendations on developing a buy clean policy, mandating change, enabling investment decisions, growing Canada’s advantage in building practices, technology and building materials as well as training and incentivizing the future workforce. Following the submission, CCA has been invited to participate in a working group on Canada’s Green Buildings Strategy. CCA and our partners are also aligning on our message that governments must update building codes, provide incentives for businesses, share climate data and create a list of approved “green” materials.
Budget 2023’s proposed tax credits in clean technologies and hydrogen are a missed opportunity that we plan to address. Tying restrictive labour conditions to these incentives effectively discriminates against an important segment of the Canadian workforce and, in particular, small and medium-sized companies. Over the next few months, CCA will be reinforcing our budget asks in support of a strong economy through meetings with senior government leaders, a robust outreach strategy leading into the summer recess, and Hill Day 2023 where the industry will convene to make our message heard in Ottawa.
Mary Van Buren is the president of the Canadian Construction Association.
STAY IN TOUCH! You can count on CCA to be a collaborative partner to the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association, providing helpful tools, sharing best practices across the country and being your voice with the federal government. Stay in the loop by subscribing to CCA’s newsletter at bit.ly/ccasubscribe, by following @ConstructionCAN on Twitter, or by looking up Canadian Construction Association on LinkedIn.
It often seems like one opportunity leads to the next and that’s the case for Darin and Tina Stene. Situated in Shellbrook, the couple began Triple S Transport in 1995 to provide surrounding communities with grain hauling. As time passed, the company expanded to provide flat deck and tanker hauling, and about six years ago, they launched Green Earth Road Spraying, a complementary company that provides dust control, spraying, and manufactures and distributes liquid de-icer for road safety.
“Over the years, we have been through a lot,” said Darin. “We’ve seen labour shortages, fuel shortages, the pandemic and so on. Regardless of what the economy throws our way, we have remained proactive and resilient throughout all the changes needed to keep our business thriving.”
Darin grew up on a farm just outside of Shellbrook and his upbringing laid the foundation for his future career. At an early age, he learned how to operate all the different pieces of farm machinery and equipment, and he quickly developed a passion for the trucking industry. This passion eventually led him and Tina to start their own firm.
From those humble beginnings, the company has grown to 37 employees, and is always on the lookout for more drivers to join the team. Today, Triple S Transport has a full line of trailers including flat decks, step decks, a ten-wide tilt deck, super B flat decks and super B tankers. It also provides over-dimensional hauling and pilot car services. The company, which is 50 per cent Métis-owned, operates across Canada and is always looking for ways to expand its areas of service. Green Earth Spraying works within Saskatchewan.
Green Earth Road Spraying uses a calcium chloride base stabilization to harden a road surface and reduce rutting caused by heavy traffic
The expansion into Green Earth took place about six years ago. Triple S Transport was contracted by Kortech, an Alberta company that produces and distributes calcium chloride, to transport their products. As they began working more closely together, Darin and Tina determined there was a future in becoming a distributor and established the new company.
“Green Earth Road Spraying provides a start-to-finish – and beyond – relationship with all our customers,” said Darin. “We haul the fluid, prep the roadways or coach the rural municipal operators on how to prep their roadways, spray the calcium chloride and follow up with the maintenance with all the rural municipalities that we work with. Each roadway is unique and must be treated as such. Proper preparation and maintenance are key for any roadway, and we make sure to be a part of both with all our customers.”
Heavy construction contractors in Saskatchewan often turn to Green Earth Road Spraying for its expertise in dust control. The company frequently receives inquiries about the benefits of dust control and the application rates needed to achieve optimal results.
“As dust control becomes increasingly sought after, we strive to provide the most effective solutions and remain at the forefront of the industry,” said Darin.
“Proper preparation and maintenance are key for any roadway, and we make sure to be a part of both with all our customers.”
– Darin Stene, Green Earth Road Spraying
Understanding calcium chloride
Green Earth Road Spraying uses a calcium chloride base stabilization to harden a road surface to reduce rutting from heavy traffic. It also reduces surface erosion and sedimentation, improves safety on the roads by reducing dust, raveling and wash boarding and lessens costly frost penetration. There are also different types and mixes of calcium chloride, some of which are less corrosive on roads compared to traditional de-icing rock salts, and others that are designed for roadways with little or no clay in the aggregate.
Darin and Tina’s dedication to their clients helps them stand out from competitors. Green Earth Road Spraying provides start to finish services and goes above and beyond to establish a strong relationship with customers. Due to the increasing demand, there is no shortage of work to go around. However, it can be difficult to schedule all the clients because Mother Nature sometimes has different plans.
Supply chain issues have also been a concern for the company. They have had trucks down for close to year while waiting for parts to arrive. Even now, they have several parts on backorder that are needed to repair trucks essential to business.
One of Green Earth Road Spraying’s units
Being part of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association has been helpful to the company. SHCA provides excellent training and advice for those in the industry. Making connections and being able to phone others in the industry who have important information is extremely beneficial.
As family-run businesses, both Triple S Transport and Green Earth Road Spraying understand the importance of a healthy relationship with customers. Whether it is delivering goods from coast to coast, or providing much-needed road maintenance work, you can count on both companies to provide excellent service.
To celebrate 75 years in business, Redhead Equipment raised more than $166,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan
By Craig Slobodian, Redhead Equipment
In conjunction with Redhead Equipment’s 75th business anniversary, the company held its first annual Redhead Equipment Heavy Hitter Charity Classic on Monday, June 12, at Wascana Country Club. Through our 11 locations, we do business in every community in the province and beyond. When choosing a charity to partner with, we look to find one that can benefit every one of those same communities.
This year, we chose to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan; their CEO, Tammy Forrester, shared plans to build new houses in Regina and Prince Albert.
The golf tournament brought together individuals and organizations from all walks of life, united in our shared commitment to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Our marketing department put together a first-class experience for the 136 golfers who attended. Our staff and volunteers also did a great job making everyone feel welcome and kept everything running smoothly.
Our suppliers stepped up and supported the tournament with both donations and attendance. Many customers also attended the tournament. The support from suppliers and customers was incredible and we thank them for their support.
Wascana Country Club made the event special with great service, great food and a meticulously maintained course. This provided a remarkable experience that will be treasured by all who participated.
Throughout the day, we were able to raise $78,000 for Ronald McDonald House. Through the generosity of the Redhead and Wallace families, Redhead Equipment matched those funds for a total donation of $156,000!
One of our customers was inspired by the day’s events and donated $5,000 the following day. Redhead Equipment matched this donation as well, so the new total is $166,000!
It was a great way to celebrate 75 years in business and we are grateful to everyone involved.
Thank you to our customers, suppliers and staff for 75 years in business! Our success depends on you and because of you, Redhead Equipment is able to give back to the communities that support us.
Safe, reliable transportation infrastructure is not just “nice to have” in Saskatchewan, but it’s how our province competes in the global market, ensuring the people of the province enjoy a high quality of life.
That message was delivered by Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill when he spoke at the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce’s Business Conference in May. His presentation, “Transportation: Sharing Saskatchewan’s Food, Fuel and Fertilizer with the World,” explained what was contained in the latest budget to develop that transportation infrastructure and how earlier commitments had been fulfilled.
Saskatchewan’s transportation infrastructure allows it to meet the world’s needs by safely and efficiently shipping our commodities from agriculture, mining and forestry to the world at competitive rates. Saskatchewan ships to 165 countries around the world and in 2021, the province exported a record $37 billion in goods, Cockrill explained.
Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill
He said his government recognizes the need for shippers to have timely and predictable access to markets, and that most of what is produced here travels south to the U.S., east to Manitoba or west to B.C., making our relationships with other provinces vital. A memorandum of understanding between Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba was signed in April to strengthen economic corridors that support our supply chains. “Our cooperation makes Canada better,” said Cockrill.
The MOU commits the provinces to investing in and joining solutions to improve highways and rail networks, he said. The three provinces will cooperate to encourage the federal government for infrastructure funding and national supply chain solutions and harmonize regulations to support businesses, industries and shippers.
Growth is his government’s “north star,” said Cockrill, and that growth benefits all in the province. He said his government has its books in order and was able to retire $1 billion in debt when other governments have not because of the bounty Saskatchewan is fortunate to enjoy. Cockrill also highlighted what the latest provincial budget contained for investment in Saskatchewan’s transportation network, saying it is about more than kilometres of highway. It’s about what that network means to the people, businesses and communities of the province.
The transportation network includes Saskatchewan’s 26,000 kilometres of highways, but also bridges, culverts, ferries, ice roads, gravel roads and more. Then, there are the municipal networks operated by municipalities. The province’s transportation network is “an incredible asset” built by the people of the province, said Cockrill, including the men and women who work for the Ministry of Highways who are very proud of how they contribute to that network connecting people and goods. He said they work hard every day to make that network safe, efficient, reliable and sustainable.
The $422 million his ministry is investing in capital projects this budget will support economic growth and that benefit flows to all in the province, Cockrill said. The overall capital budget is smaller than previous years because a two-year stimulus program that saw the province release $300 million in new highways projects ended in 2022. That stimulus program saw investments in hundreds of kilometers of thin-membrane surface highways, numerous highway passing lanes, community airports and more.
Cockrill referenced Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan, saying his government is now in the fourth year of that plan, which committed the government to improving 10,000 kilometres of highways over a decade. After this year, it will be ahead of schedule, Cockrill said.
Saskatchewan’s transportation infrastructure allows it to meet the world’s needs by safely and efficiently shipping our commodities from agriculture, mining and forestry to the world at competitive rates. Saskatchewan ships to 165 countries around the world and in 2021, the province exported a record $37 billion in goods.
Major projects this budget invests in include beginning construction of twinning projects near Rowatt and Corinne on Highways 6 and 39 between Regina and Weyburn. There is the construction of passing lanes and widening of Highway 5 from Saskatoon to Highway 2 and planning for construction that will extend twinning on Highway 5 east of Saskatoon to support traffic going to BHP’s new facility. Upgrades are being made to Highway 15 east of Kenaston between Highways 11 and 2. Then, there is the planning for the third phase of the Saskatoon Freeway functional study.
Safety is a major focus of work being done by the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure. Cockrill pointed out that it has been five years since a bus carrying members of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team was struck by a semi-trailer, killing 16 people and injuring 13. After that incident, an engineering review was completed, resulting in 13 recommendations to improve safety at the intersection of Highways 35 and 335, where the crash occurred. Work to implement all those recommendations will be completed this year.
Other intersections and road safety matters also got attention and investment at the conference. This year, the government will have fulfilled its commitment to spend $100 million over five years to work on turning lanes, streetlights, flashing warning lights, rumble strips, crosswalks and sightline improvements. This work often had a big impact on communities, Cockrill said. Other contributions to improving safety include spending millions on pavement marking, increasing the budget for signs and ditch mowing.
Almost $63 million will be spent to repair and rebuild bridges and replace over 100 culverts across Saskatchewan. Major bridge projects include replacing the Montreal River Bridge on Highway 2 in the La Ronge area as well as rebuilding the Highway 6 bridge over the Ring Road at the south end of Regina.
Cockrill encouraged those present at the conference to learn from an example out of Moosomin for “how to get stuff done” in the province. Moosomin’s airport needed improving so the air ambulance could land on the runway, which was too short. So, patients were being transferred by ambulance to Virden, Man., where Saskatchewan’s air ambulance could land.
Many residents from the Moosomin area worked together to stay in contact with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure office to explain their situation. A partnership was formed in the area between various municipalities as well as a local employer, Nutrien, which the province joined to provide $1.3 million to extend the runway.
Cockrill encouraged communities and regions who have a project to discuss with government to contact him about their concerns to make him aware of the opportunity to meet. He said this budget provided urban municipalities $6.6 million and rural municipalities $15 million to support their transportation needs.
Cockrill spent some time explaining the investment being made in northern Saskatchewan and its significance. He said this budget invests $89.4 million to build, operate and maintain the transportation system in northern Saskatchewan, including gravel road improvements on Highway 924 northeast of Green Lake and continuing to work on Saskatchewan’s portion of the Garson Lake Road. A one-time investment of $6 million for gravel work and brush clearing supports the northern population and the province’s forestry industry, which Cockrill said is an important sector for the province that is poised to grow because of private investment.
He said because the provincial highway network is the largest per capita in the country, the ministry must maximize how long those assets are in use. There is 230 kilometres of repaving to be done all over the province and other work is being done to more than 600 kilometres to extend the life of those highways, Cockrill said.
The growth Cockrill sees in the province is exciting and investing in infrastructure is an important factor in that growth. The economic prosperity has allowed the government to invest in twinning highways, safety improvements and northern roads while providing support for municipalities – all while paying down the provincial debt. The growth is attracting people to locate in Saskatchewan, Cockrill said, because of the province’s opportunities and affordability.
Cockrill and Prabha Ramaswamy, the CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, were asked questions by some in the crowd during the conference. Cockrill was asked what was being done with Saskatchewan’s transportation network to ensure the agriculture and mining sectors remain competitive.
He emphasized the importance of safety improvements, including passing lanes that allow producers to move equipment while others commute between communities. The government is advocating for more prairie voices on the board for the Port of Vancouver because so much of what is produced in this province must be exported through that port, Cockrill said. He also pointed to his government receiving intervenor status after gateway improvement fees were introduced at the Port of Vancouver, saying those fees unfairly penalize bulk shippers in the province.
Finally, Cockrill was asked what the provincial government is doing to promote sustainable transportation. He again pointed to the investment in northern Saskatchewan, saying many northern communities have a single road to get in and out. Recent fires in that part of the province demonstrate the need for people to be able to get out when they must. Investing in flood mapping is another way the province helps prepare communities.
As for electric vehicles, Cockrill pointed out that the gas tax is a source of revenue for the province to be able to maintain highways, although what is spent on highways exceeds what is collected. The government implemented a fee to ensure that as drivers transition to EVs, the revenue generated by the fuel tax was replaced. The private sector is stepping up to add charging stations along highways, he said.
Someone else asked about innovative construction materials for highways and roads. Cockrill described a surface treatment for gravel roads, but said for highways, there doesn’t appear to be a silver bullet. That being said, they continue to work with consulting engineers to ensure highways are built properly so they last longer.
Takeaways from the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce’s Business Conference
By Martin Charlton Communications
Canada is at an inflection point and, if our nation is going to keep up in the world, we’ll have to make some important choices that will determine the quality of life that future generations will enjoy in this country, according to Goldy Hyder, speaking to a crowd of business leaders gathered in Regina.
Hyder is the president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada. He spoke at the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce’s Business Conference in May, delivering a presentation titled, “Building Our Future: A Call to Action.”
The Business Council of Canada supported and contributed to the report by the Canada West Foundation (CWF), From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy: The Path to a National Trade Infrastructure Plan for the Next Generation of Economic Growth. The Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA) helped initiate the report, which was endorsed by numerous associations and organizations concerned with the current investment, the lack of coordination (and planning) on a long-term strategy and the state of the federal trade corridors fund.
When the Shovel Ready report was released last year, Hyder said, “Strategic investments in infrastructure – including roads, bridges, airports, rail lines and port facilities – are essential to helping businesses compete, grow and create more jobs for Canadians.
“In a world where our supply chains are increasingly exposed to geopolitical risks, Canada needs strong transportation and trade corridors so that it can supply the world with the products it needs to achieve both our economic and environmental goals,” said Hyder.
During his speech in Regina, Hyder said the world will not wait for Canada. He explained his appreciation for Western Canada, where “you can see the economy in action” with people working hard to produce fuel, fertilizer and food to supply the world. He described Western Canadian people as those who solve problems and bring about positive change. There is a bounty available across the prairies, he said, pointing out the potash, oil and gas, uranium and agricultural technology that is produced here.
Hyder is concerned about how we move those goods through the country and beyond to the world markets, and he wonders whether it is possible to build and support all the infrastructure required by the country to be competitive on the world stage – the highways, bridges, ports, rail terminals, electrical grids and more. He described this infrastructure as forming “the arteries of our economy” and being the “heart and soul of moving things around.”
“In a world where our supply chains are increasingly exposed to geopolitical risks, Canada needs strong transportation and trade corridors so that it can supply the world with the products it needs to achieve both our economic and environmental goals.”
– Goldy Hyder, Business Council of Canada
Constructing this infrastructure creates well-paying jobs, not just during construction but also after, due to the trade that construction enables. Those present at the conference were reminded that Canada is a trading nation, with 60 per cent of our gross domestic product (GDP) relying on trade. Hyder pointed out how what is produced in one province also generates the GDP of at least one other province in the country, creating jobs across jurisdictions. He said we must continue to ask ourselves if we can get our goods to market efficiently and effectively and whether the commitment to do massive energy projects (that will allow for a low carbon future) is there.
Canada’s recent track record isn’t sending a confident message to the world, Hyder said. He pointed out the visit by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in August 2022. Germany was concerned about its population being able to warm their homes because of the country’s dependence on Russian natural gas and the invasion of Ukraine. Germany needed to determine which country shared its values and had the resources and capacity to successfully make a trade.
Canada was its first choice, but Hyder said that rather than focus on delivering the liquefied natural gas (LNG) Germany needed, the federal government wanted to look at the future by discussing hydrogen, which would be available in an estimated three years.
That decision, he said, overlooked Germany’s immediate need to secure LNG because a cold winter was months away. So, Germany found what it needed in Australia, signing a 16-year agreement (which Hyder said showed that Germany does not agree hydrogen will be a viable option within the timeframe Canada proposed).
Canada’s focus on a carbon-free future – and projects to support that – has created a gap. Hyder said Canada must recognize that there is a real need for energy now that can’t be backfilled with renewable energy options anytime soon, making a transition period necessary. While it is important to look at where the puck is going, Hyder said you should also know where it is now and take advantage of both opportunities.
Hyder encouraged business leaders to speak up about the challenges they face that the government has a role in addressing – labour shortages, approval delays and more – and how those challenges are limiting growth, which has an impact on communities and the population.
That situation with Germany sent a message to Canada’s allies: we are not prepared to supply them. Hyder said Japan has urged Canada to play a role in its energy needs while a senior government official in Korea has wondered if our country is choosing to hoard the energy products needed by the world to move towards decarbonization. Other diplomats have expressed similar confusion about Canada, Hyder said.
One reason for this is our difficulty getting our products to market.
Permitting at the federal level has also caused issues for those trying to develop projects, including those producing green energy. Hyder described the Bay of Fundy project that Sustainable Marine halted because of federal bureaucracy. This project’s technology worked to generate power from the energy of the world’s highest tides to put into Canada’s electrical grid. Millions of dollars were invested, and millions of federal tax dollars in funding were secured for the project.
There were, however, concerns at the federal level about the technology’s potential to harm marine species, which baffled Sustainable Marine. Hyder said a lack of transparency and no regulatory pathway at the federal level led the company to suspend the project.
Permitting is a major concern of those investing in projects in Canada and could become even more critical if the U.S. achieves what it has planned.
Permitting is a major concern of those investing in projects in Canada and could become even more critical if the U.S. achieves what it has planned. Hyder relayed what he heard from the president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Suzanne Clark. During a visit to Ottawa, Clark described how the U.S. is aiming to approve most projects in seven years while complex projects could take up to 10 years to be approved.
That would put incredible pressure on Canada to react because otherwise capital is going to funnel to the U.S. to develop infrastructure there. That is not a political decision, but a business one, Hyder said. Investment flows to where there is the least resistance and projects form there. Those who miss out on this investment also miss out on the taxes that would have been paid, the social programs that would have been supported and the jobs that would have been created.
He pointed out Canada’s earlier reputation of being great at building major projects that helped to modernize and advance our economy so that we could provide a quality of life that attracted people from around the world to want to locate here. The examples he provided opened within the last 65 years.
For example, the Trans-Canada Highway opened in 1962 to become one of the world’s longest highways, passing through all the provinces. The Montreal-Lake Ontario Section of the St. Lawrence Seaway was completed in 1959. The Trans-Canada pipeline – carrying natural gas across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec – was the longest in the world until the 1980s. Developing that infrastructure was vital to having a unified country. Hyder questions whether there would be 10 countries instead of one if Canada was founded today.
He encouraged the business leaders listening to ask if we have the vision to build modern infrastructure that connects supply chains to move goods, lowers carbon emissions, supports job creation and ensures our economy continues to grow. He said the federal government is making statements that building big matters and permitting must be more efficient to allow projects to move ahead faster, to decarbonize and develop critical mineral projects.
The Business Council of Canada had high hopes for the 2023 federal budget, and it said the federal government will propose steps to ensure effective reviews of major projects that support the growth of Canada’s clean economy, while upholding high standards for the environment. This included a plan to improve the efficiency of the impact assessment and permitting processes. Many in business agree that these steps need to be taken but are now waiting for actions to confirm that will occur, Hyder said.
Practical ideas for how the government could address this are in a Business Council of Canada report, titled Innovate, compete and win: A roadmap for Canada’s energy transition. The report sets out how the public and private sectors can work together on the most critical elements that will drive the country’s economic and environmental security.
It points out the case for fast-tracking projects that are in the national interest and meet one or more of the following criteria:
Contribution to global energy security
Ability to substitute Canadian products for more greenhouse gas (GHG)-intensive options in importing countries
Low-carbon fuel production (e.g., hydrogen, renewable natural gas, biofuels and uranium)
Electricity transmission within and between provinces that would lead to a net decrease in GHGs
Development of low-carbon electricity (e.g., renewables, nuclear, battery storage, pumped hydro)
Critical mineral mining and processing facilities
Projects that are Indigenous led, have an Indigenous ownership component or have Indigenous support based on early engagement by the proponent
The private sector is leading with major employers committing to being net zero by 2050, according to Hyder. While not all have completely worked out what they will do to achieve net-zero, there are many interested in supporting the innovation required to meet that goal. Canada has the capacity and know-how within the energy and natural resource sectors, which have already proven we can lead the world in innovation, he said.
There is leadership in action within the private sector, but they need willing partners in the public sector to expedite projects to benefit all Canadians by providing a more predictable regulatory process. That includes one review per project rather than requiring multiple reviews by various levels of government or provinces, Hyder said.
He explained the need for provinces to discuss their interdependence. For example, Saskatchewan depends on British Columbia’s ports to export its commodities. Saskatchewan has an interest in port expansion because without it, what it is producing will be exported through the U.S., which means handing over the decision about when those commodities will be sent out to another country. That, Hyder said, is “outsourcing our sovereignty.”
Canada should be developing the infrastructure needed to lead growth, Hyder said, instead of a cycle of infrastructure catching up to growth. That infrastructure needs to support trade – both exports and imports – while also modernizing so we have the digital infrastructure the rest of the world is adopting.
Hyder encouraged business leaders to speak up about the challenges they face that the government has a role in addressing – labour shortages, approval delays and more – and how those challenges are limiting growth, which has an impact on communities and the population. Business leaders need to speak up because they can’t wait for academics, which take years, and media to point out the problems. Politicians need to be reminded of the positive impacts of businesses – including generating tax revenue that supports healthcare and education, said Hyder.
He has faith that the Canadian population is prepared for an intelligent conversation about these concerns and that, by framing the conversation around what is fair and what supports this country, maintaining its sovereignty will help people focus on what matters to bettering our future.
From April 4 to 25, 2023, Saskatchewan road users – including pedestrians, motorists, cyclists, transit riders and motorcyclists – nominated and voted for their worst, unsafe roads. The common safety concerns for worst, unsafe roads are crumbling pavement, potholes, lack of maintenance or repair, congestion, not enough signage and poor infrastructure.
Here are the CAA 2023 Top 10 Worst Roads:
Saskatchewan 44, Eston Major problem: Potholes
Saskatchewan 30, Eston Major problem: Potholes
Coteau Street West, Moose Jaw Major problem: Potholes
Highway 13: Redvers Major problem: Potholes
Saskatchewan 5, Buchanan Major problem: Poor road maintenance (#5 in 2022 CAA Worst Roads campaign)
Butte Street, Pilot Butte Major problem: Potholes
Saskatchewan 9, Whitewood Major problem: Potholes
Saskatchewan 123, Petaigan/Ravendale/Pemmican Portage Major problem: Potholes
Highway 9, Hudson Bay Major problem: Potholes (#3 in 2022 and 2021 and #5 in 2018 CAA Worst Roads)
Old Highway 35, White Fox Major problem: Potholes
A total of 292 roads were nominated and voted on during this year’s CAA Worst Roads campaign. These included roads and highways from across the province that have made CAA’s Worst Roads Top 10 list in previous years such as Saskatchewan 47 Springside (#2 in 2022 and #2 in 2018), 9th Avenue Southwest in Moose Jaw (#10 in 2022 and in 2018), as well as some new additions including Regina’s Connaught Street, Weyburn’s 1st Avenue Northeast, and Wanuskewin Road in Saskatoon. The collection of roads nominated and voted during this year’s campaign indicates that Saskatchewan road users are concerned about their safety while travelling on our roads and highways, with this year’s top 10 list indicating the roads that received the majority of the votes.
The CAA 2023 Worst Roads roving reporter stakeholder and road user interviews are on the CAA Saskatchewan YouTube channel and feature City of Saskatoon’s Todd Grabowski talking about improvements to Circle Drive, Mayor Clive Tolley from Moose Jaw, who provided insight on Moose Jaw’s 4th Avenue Viaduct, Ministry of Highways Assistant Deputy Minister Tom Lees, who addressed changes to Saskatchewan 155 La Loche, which was the #4 CAA Worst Road in 2022 and the #1 in the 2017 CAA Worst Roads, avid cyclist Sarah Bilawski, who shared her safety concerns, and City of Regina’s Kim Onrait on location in Regina’s Whitmore Park – home of two of the 2022 CAA Worst Roads, Grant Drive and Mayfair Crescent.
Weather conditions, age of the roads, heavy traffic and lack of maintenance can cause road deterioration. In cold climates like Saskatchewan, the freeze-thaw cycle plays a key role in creating potholes – a problem that occurs when temperatures regularly go above and below the freezing point. When rain or snow seeps through cracks and openings in the pavement, it freezes and expands, causing the pavement to heave upward. As temperatures rise, the ground underneath the pavement returns to its normal level, leaving a cavity or hole that breaks apart with continued road user traffic over the fractured pavement.
Saskatchewan is a landlocked province and has almost 250,000 km of roads, the highest length of road surface compared to any other province in Canada. These roads, often a lifeline for many residents, are used on a regular basis for business and leisure road travel and when these roads are allowed to deteriorate, road users pay the price.
CAA Saskatchewan is a dedicated safety advocate, and the CAA Worst Roads is an online engagement campaign aimed at drawing attention to our province’s worst, unsafe roads. This year’s top 10 list of worst roads will be distributed to government and business leaders in hopes of sparking conversation and action.
Working towards better roads and safety for all road users is a priority for CAA Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan is a landlocked province and has almost 250,000 km of roads, the highest length of road surface compared to any other province in Canada. These roads, often a lifeline for many residents, are used on a regular basis for business and leisure road travel and when these roads are allowed to deteriorate, road users pay the price.
Highway construction season in full swing
When the daylight hours become longer and warmer weather rolls in, construction equipment rolls out onto Saskatchewan highways. The Government of Saskatchewan is reminding travellers to keep an eye out for highway construction zones across the province.
“The Ministry of Highways has crews working all over the province making improvements to our transportation network,” said Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill. “Let’s keep them safe, so everyone gets home safe at night. We have lots of work going on and these slowdowns are only temporary.”
Some major construction projects will continue or be completed to improve safety and traffic flow, including:
Continuing passing lanes and widening on Highway 5 from Saskatoon to Highway 2;
Beginning construction of twinning projects near Rowatt and Corinne on Highways 6 and 39 between Regina and Weyburn; and
Beginning upgrades on Highway 15 east of Kenaston between Highways 11 and 2.
“Provincial road builders employ close to 30,000 workers, making our industry one of the largest employers in the province, and they are working to build Saskatchewan,” said Shantel Lipp, Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association president. “We want to remind drivers to be patient and drive with caution while our builders go to work on the roads this season. This will help ensure their safety as well as yours.”
“Provincial road builders employ close to 30,000 workers, making our industry one of the largest employers in the province, and they are working to build Saskatchewan. We want to remind drivers to be patient and drive with caution while our builders go to work on the roads this season. This will help ensure their safety as well as yours.”
– Shantel Lipp, SHCA
“Our members are pleased to work with our partners at the Ministry of Highways to make strategic improvements to the transportation network,” said Bev MacLeod, executive director of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Saskatchewan. “These improvements will make the highway system better and safer for all the people of Saskatchewan.”
There are plans to improve another 1,000 km of highways, for a total of more than 4,600 km of highways improved over the last four years. Improvements this year include:
230 km of repaving;
300 km of medium treatments, like micro surfacing;
340 km of pavement sealing;
115 km of thin membrane surface (TMS) and rural highway upgrades; and
35 km of gravel rehabilitation.
Highways will also invest $62.8 million to repair or rebuild 14 bridges and replace more than 100 culverts across the province. Significant bridge projects include replacing the Montreal River Bridge on Highway 2 near Weyakwin and rehabilitating the Highway 6 bridge over Regina’s Ring Road for traffic heading north into the city.
The WCB remains fully funded, which means it remained within the targeted funding percentage range of 105 per cent to 120 per cent in 2022.
WCB releases 2022 operating results
The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) remained fully funded within the targeted range in 2022, which means it can cover the future costs of all claims in the system.
“Under The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013, the WCB is legislated to have sufficient funds in our injury fund to cover current and future claim costs for injured workers. The range protects against unexpected claim activity or fluctuating economic conditions,” said WCB chair Gord Dobrowolsky. “This includes providing benefits and assistance such as earnings loss, physical and vocational rehabilitation, prevention initiatives and other obligations under the Act.”
The WCB remains fully funded, which means it remained within the targeted funding percentage range of 105 per cent to 120 per cent in 2022. The funding policy is currently under review to align with new accounting standards that will be effective for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2023.
The WCB also reported that the 2023 employer premium rates increased to $1.28, a five-cent increase from the 2022 rate of $1.23.
Financial highlights of the WCB’s 2022 results included:
Claim costs were $189.4 million in 2022, down from $336.2 million in 2021.
The WCB’s injury fund was at $436.0 million as of year-end 2022, compared to $549.4 million in 2021.
The WCB had premium revenues of $304.0 million in 2022 (up from $259.5 million in 2021) and an investment loss of $132.1 million in 2022 (compared to investment income of $254.1 million in 2021). Investment losses includes realized investment income of $98.0 million less $5.4 million for investment expenses, less a $230.1 million decrease in unrealized investment gains for the year.
The WCB covered 400,392 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers in 2022, compared to 392,813 in 2021.
Last year, the WCB advanced the second year of the major corporate initiative, the Business Transformation Program, which is a $150-million, multi-year investment. Through this initiative, the WCB is engaging customers, partners and WCB staff in this multi-year journey to implement the changes that it believes are necessary to meet customers’ expectations now and into the future.
“Our program involves improving customers’ experience and outcomes, updating, replacing or introducing new technologies, and improving our processes and approach to service delivery,” said WCB CEO Phillip Germain. “The ongoing transformation of our organization enables us to further enhance our business functions and better respond to the needs of our customers, who are the workers and employers of Saskatchewan.”
To support the WCB’s vision to eliminate injuries and restore abilities, the organization promotes workplace safety and injury prevention for workers and employers across the province.
“While we’ve seen some improvements in our injury rates over the last decade, there is still more for all of us to do,” said Germain.
Injury data highlights in 2022 included:
In 2022, 90 per cent of Saskatchewan workplaces reported zero injuries or fatalities for the third year in a row. Last year, 39 workplace fatalities were reported, up from 31 in 2021.
The workplace total injury rate in 2022 decreased to 4.33 injuries per 100 workers, representing a five per cent decrease from the 2021 total injury rate of 4.56 per 100 workers.
The 2022 Time Loss injury rate increased to 2.04 injuries per 100 workers, up 0.49 per cent from the 2021 rate of 2.03 injuries per 100 workers.
Saskatchewan construction investment and housing stats grow
According to numbers released by Statistics Canada in April, Saskatchewan continues to see growth in building construction investment. Year-over-year, investment in building construction saw a 2.7 per cent increase compared to February 2022 (seasonally adjusted), with a total of $356 million invested in building construction in February 2023.
“These numbers are another example of how much people want to invest in Saskatchewan long-term,” said Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison. “These investments result in a strong economy that creates more jobs and more opportunities for the people of this province.”
As well, urban housing starts rose by 76.4 per cent February 2022 and 2023, ranking first among the provinces. In the first two months of 2023, urban housing starts in Saskatchewan increased by 49.7 per cent.
In the first two months of 2023, urban housing stats in Saskatchewan increased by 49.7 per cent.
Canada Infrastructure Bank invests $27.3 million in wastewater treatment facility
Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and English River First Nation (ERFN), through their economic development arm Des Nedhe Group, closed on a $27.3 million financing agreement in March. The loan will support the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility and infrastructure on ERFN’s Grasswoods Urban Reserve near Saskatoon.
“The CIB is proud to partner with English River First Nation and Des Nedhe Group to invest in critical infrastructure at the Grasswoods Urban Reserve. Our $27.3 million investment will accelerate construction of a new wastewater treatment facility, providing the community with the certainty they need to plan for future development. As part of our mandate, the CIB is committed to collaborating with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities to help deliver inclusive and sustainable infrastructure which will benefit future generations,” said Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank with the announcement on March 15.
Construction on the facility is expected to complete in 2024.
First-of-its-kind event for Saskatchewan: Save the date for Nov. 29–30 in Regina
The SHCA 2023 Infrastructure Summit is a two-day conference, taking place Nov. 29–30, 2023, at the Delta Hotel & Convention Center in Regina, held in partnership by the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA), the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Saskatchewan.
This year’s inaugural event celebrates the significant socio-economic return of transportation investments by the Province of Saskatchewan.
The conference and tradeshow will provide excellent networking opportunities, bringing together leaders and innovators from policymakers, owners, builders and engineers to explore the emerging technologies and partnerships that will enable clean, efficient and accessible transportation systems. The conference will explore advancements in transportation efficiency, accessibility, safety, environment and community across the transportation infrastructure that connects Saskatchewanians and grows Saskatchewan’s economy.
Highlights of the event include presentations from Pamela Barnum and Mark Nesbitt.
Pamela Barnum
Since 2012, Pamela Barnum has been coaching and consulting on sales and trust-building. In 2015, she began sharing strategies to improve negotiations and increase sales through intentional communication and body language. Prior to this, Barnum spent over 20 years working in the criminal justice system, first as an undercover police officer in the drug enforcement section and later as a prosecuting attorney.
Mark Nesbitt
Mark Nesbitt is the founder of Nesbitt Training and active member of the aggregate community. Bringing in 30 years as a veteran in the aggregate, mining, trucking and construction industry, Nesbitt has fostered a passion for helping people develop a multitude of personal and professional assets as they strive to grow and improve upon themselves.
Throughout his career, Nesbitt has been committed to further improving his leadership skills – an important skillset for continual development. By attending leadership seminars and additional alternate training sessions, not only did Nesbitt ensure he developed a well-rounded perspective of leadership practice, he also acknowledged one frequently missed key component to most training and leadership programs – valuable background knowledge and subject matter directly pulled from industry experience.
The Summit will conclude with the 2024 Industry Awards Gala in the evening of Nov. 30.
