by SHCA SHCA

Procurement Readiness Forum for Indigenous Business

Registration for the Procurement Readiness Forum for Indigenous Businesses at Dakota Dunes Resort in Whitecap, Sask., is now open.

Click here to register for free.

The Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Trade and Export Development invites Indigenous Businesses from across Saskatchewan to join us on Dec. 1, 2022, for an information session on public procurement. This forum provides Indigenous businesses an opportunity to hear from representatives of provincial, federal and municipal governments and Crown corporations as they share information on their unique procurement processes, how Indigenous suppliers can access opportunities and suggestions toward successful bidding.

This in-person event is the first in a series of information sessions to assist Indigenous businesses with procurement opportunities. Follow-up sessions will be provided via webinar and will focus on specific topics associated with public procurement. Dates and times for virtual information sessions have yet to be determined.

For more information about the event, please contact Kris Lawton at 306-529-7340 or kristopher.lawton@gov.sk.ca

Thursday, December 1, 2022
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM CST

Dakota Dunes Resort

203 Dakota Dunes Way 

Whitecap, SK  S7K 2L2

Click here to register for free.

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

President’s Message

Shantel Lipp

Now that we are in November, the end of 2022 is within sight. The end of a year is a good time to reflect on what has happened and what to expect in the future. 

What I am watching now are two developments that I expect will be more fully explained in the coming year. The first is project carryovers. I’ll be watching to see what impact they will have on the upcoming 2023–24 budget. You will recall that the current budget did not include money for new projects. The province said it was dedicating $453 million in that budget to capital projects, but virtually all the work available from the ministry had already been tendered before the spring tender was out.

Numerous projects were completed for the Ministry of Highways this year, including paving work on Highway 1 west of Moose, Highway 6 south of Naicam and Highway 37 in the Shaunavon and Gull Lake area. Passing lane projects on Highways 7, 12 and part of 16 have wrapped up. There have been numerous resurfacing projects, including ones near North Battleford on Highway 4 and west of Humboldt on Highway 5 as well as south of Kindersley on Highway 21. The fall tender was slightly smaller than is typical, but we understand the ministry will be releasing schedules throughout the winter – projects such as small span bridges, crushing and hauling and trapline jobs in preparation for spring.

Meanwhile, there are highway construction projects continuing at this point. Through the winter, some work can be done, including hauling heavy materials in preparation for next season. As that work moves ahead, I’ll be maintaining my relationship with Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill, making the case that Saskatchewan must continue to spend on its infrastructure to continue its economic momentum and encourage investment in this province. I’ll be looking to gain information from the ministry that I can share with members. 

I’m also monitoring what the provincial government is calling “historic legislation.” The Saskatchewan First Act was introduced earlier this month to assert the province’s legislative jurisdiction over exploration for non-renewable natural resources as well as developing, conserving and managing non-renewable natural and forestry resources and operating sites and facilities for generating and producing electricity. 

This legislation would create an Economic Impact Assessment Tribunal. Its purpose would be for “conducting economic impact assessments in relation to federal initiatives.” The members of the tribunal would be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, who could refer to the tribunal any federal initiative that could cause economic harm to Saskatchewan. 

The tribunal would complete an assessment and report its findings and recommendations to the minister. Those recommendations could be about the nature of the economic impact on projects, operations, activities, industries, businesses and residents in the province. It could include steps to be taken to minimize the impact as well as unintended consequences. 

While there has been plenty of discussion about friction in the relationship between the provincial and federal governments around policies such as the carbon tax, The Saskatchewan First Act is still new and many are in the process of reviewing it, including me.

You may recall a white paper, Drawing the Line: Defending Saskatchewan’s Economic Autonomy, released in October that provided some insight into the government’s introduction of this legislation. In that paper, it is stated the Government of Saskatchewan is exploring all its options and has an objective to protect this province’s economic future so that natural resources can continue to be extracted and developed responsibly, trade corridors can be expanded to provide the world what it needs and the residents and businesses are protected from “harmful” federal policies. 

SHCA has an interest in this province’s trade corridors and continues to discuss this matter with the provincial government, so I will be interested to know how this legislation and these objectives could impact our members. I’d also be interested to know what you think of this white paper and the legislation that has been introduced. 

by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Responds to Government of Saskatchewan Report on Economic Autonomy

On Oct. 11, 2022, the Government of Saskatchewan released a paper titled Drawing the Line: Defending Saskatchewan’s Economic Autonomy during an event at the Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce. This document outlines notable costs to Saskatchewan’s economy – $111 billion over 12 years – due to nine federal climate change policies, with direct compliance costs being absorbed by industry and households.
 
“Saskatchewan’s role as a global leader in producing sustainable food, fuel and fertilizer is dependent on the province fully leveraging its rich natural resources, a feat that is challenging within the current policies and regulations,” said Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (SCC). “Action on climate and environment are critical, although it is imperative to consider the sustainability of Saskatchewan’s economy when making these decisions.”
 
For Saskatchewan to continue its role as a world leader, an appropriate transition process to achieving net-zero is paramount.
 
The release of this report also signals the importance of ongoing dialogue between the federal and provincial governments. Transparency and collaboration are crucial to minimize consequences that emerge from the differences in the governments’ approaches to environmental stewardship.
 
“Our business community strongly believes that the relationship between the provincial and federal government needs to be collaborative. We must consider provincial differences and what drives our local economy,” said Ramaswamy. “The SCC emphasizes that consultations and transparency through formal mechanisms are pivotal for the development of policies and implementation of action on environment and climate.”

by SHCA SHCA

More than $20 Million Investment into Improving Highway 55 in Northeast Saskatchewan Complete

A highway project aimed to ensure the safe and reliable movement of people and goods is complete north of Carrot River on Highway 55.

This highway is an important connector for Indigenous communities like Red Earth and Shoal Lake Cree Nations, as well as regional businesses and the forest industry. 

The 50/50 cost-shared highway improvement project includes surfacing of almost 38 kilometres (km) of Highway 55 as well as 30 new culverts. The new upgraded surface of Highway 55 runs approximately 1.2 km west of the junction with Highway 123 to about 37 km east of the same junction.

During high precipitation years, the water encroached the shoulders of Highway 55. The additional culverts and widening of the road will provide improved drainage to reduce the risk of flooding in the future. 

“Protecting critical infrastructure is a priority for our government. Highway 55 is an important transportation link for residents and the forestry sector,” said Highways Minster Jeremy Cockrill. “This represents fulfillment of a long-standing need and a commitment to upgrade this critical route to primary weight.”

The area has been prone to flooding and the mitigation measures taken will improve access. The highway is also being upgraded to primary weight to ensure the reliability of the movement of goods.

Venture Construction of Martensville is the general contractor of the project with Clunie Consulting of Prince Albert acting as the consulting engineer.

by SHCA SHCA

Highway 1 Bridge Replacement Project Wrapping Up Near Swift Current

An $18 million dollar bridge replacement project east of Swift Current is nearing completion. The multi-year construction project included two new overpasses, one on the westbound and one on the eastbound lanes on Highway 1 over the Canadian Pacific Railway.

“More than 4,000 vehicles use the Trans-Canada Highway east of Swift Current each and every day, making it an important transportation route, which is used regularly by commuters, the local agriculture sector, oil and gas sectors as well many transport trucks,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, and Rural and Remote Health Minister and Swift Current MLA Everett Hindley said on behalf of Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill. “This is an important project for our region as it will extend the life of these bridges for many years to come.”

The project includes the full replacement of the existing overpass structure on the eastbound lanes and the rehabilitation of the bridge supporting the westbound lanes. Regina-based Graham Construction is the general contractor.

The new bridges will have a lifespan of approximately 75 years and are replacing two older ones that were built more than 60 years ago.

Construction on the westbound overpass began in January 2021 with road work in August. Construction on the eastbound began in April of this year and will be complete by the end of the month.

“We would like to thank drivers for their attention and their patience during the construction period,” Hindley said.

Drivers are reminded to observe posted speed limits in work zones and slow to 60 km/hr when passing highway workers and equipment. 

by SHCA SHCA

Meet the Keynote Speakers for The Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association Conference

The WCR&HCA Stronger Together Conference is taking place in beautiful Waikiki at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resorfrom Feb. 5–9, 2023.

Don’t miss these incredible keynote speakers!

Gary Mar

President and CEO, Canada West Foundation

The Role Western Canada Should Play in Global Trade
President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation since April 2020, Gary Mar is an accomplished and respected leader. He brings deep experience in government and business, and established expertise in CWF’s key policy areas: natural resources, trade and investment and human capital. 

Jessica Holmes

Celebrated Comedian, Author, Mental Health Advocate

The Comedy: A Tale of Perseverance
Beloved comedian Jessica Holmes has been a perennial favourite on Royal Canadian Air Farce for 15 years, and has brought the house down opening for giants such as Ellen DeGeneres, Russell Peters, Jerry Seinfeld and Oprah Winfrey. Her hilarious takes on life’s challenges are always a hit.

For more information about the Stronger Together conference – including the conference program and registration – visit the event website.

by SHCA SHCA

Procurement Readiness Forum for Indigenous Businesses

Registration for the Procurement Readiness Forum for Indigenous Businesses at Dakota Dunes Resort in Whitecap, Sask., is now open.

Click here to register for free.

The Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Trade and Export Development invites Indigenous Businesses from across Saskatchewan to join us on Dec. 1, 2022, for an information session on public procurement. This forum provides Indigenous businesses an opportunity to hear from representatives of provincial, federal and municipal governments and Crown corporations as they share information on their unique procurement processes, how Indigenous suppliers can access opportunities and suggestions toward successful bidding.

This in-person event is the first in a series of information sessions to assist Indigenous businesses with procurement opportunities. Follow-up sessions will be provided via webinar and will focus on specific topics associated with public procurement. Dates and times for virtual information sessions have yet to be determined.

For more information about the event, please contact Kris Lawton at 306-529-7340 or kristopher.lawton@gov.sk.ca

Thursday, December 1, 2022
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM CST

Dakota Dunes Resort
203 Dakota Dunes Way 
Whitecap, SK  S7K 2L2

Click here to register for free.

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Hiring Ukrainians

Shantel Lipp

October is the month of Thanksgiving, and I am often reminded just how much we have to be thankful for living in this part of the world.

Each day, when we check in on the news of the world, front and centre are updates about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Here at home in Saskatchewan, we are working hard to ensure our industry has the employees it needs in order to complete the projects that our province needs done. 

Ukrainians displaced by the conflict who are making their way to Canada are being met with services and supports to help them settle in our province. Finding work here is one of the obstacles they will need to overcome, but there are many in the province committed to helping them make the connections they need to secure employment. 

I am proud to say SHCA is one of those organizations that is working to provide opportunities. To bring workers and company owners together, SHCA has been working with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Employer Services and others connected with Ukrainian immigrants.  

SHCA connected with Andrii Stakhov, who is employment liaison with Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Saskatchewan Provincial Council. He helps displaced Ukrainians every day to find employment after arriving in Canada.

An employment form has been developed by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Saskatchewan Provincial Council. Each employer can post jobs. I would encourage all our members to fill out the employment form to communicate about opportunities to work for your company. We will be doing more to help them learn about our industry.

Andrii reviews resumés to understand what type of employment would suit each candidate, depending on their experience and credentials. He also considers their current ability to speak English. 

There is also the Sunflower Network, which is a group of business and community leaders volunteering to help Ukrainian families building news lives in Saskatchewan. One of our members, Nemanishen Contracting, hired an employee they met through the Sunflower Network and are pleased with his progress of learning our industry. 

Like I said, we take time in October to give thanks and I thought this was a good time to remember one of the reasons why I am thankful to live in Saskatchewan. Like many of our members, SHCA believes that if you can help someone in need, you should. Giving these folks – who are new to our great province – an opportunity to provide for their families has been very rewarding. 

Thank you to all members who have expressed an interest in helping Ukrainians who are making Saskatchewan their new home.

by SHCA SHCA

Canada’s Crumbling Roads are Getting Worse in Climate Change – But Alberta Oil May be the Answer

“Big potholes. Small potholes. Potholes that lead to road closures. Potholes that keep Ken Krcel on high alert, particularly in the spring and even more so now amid climate change, because the deep freeze that used to take hold of the north in November and not release its grip until April is now often marked by mid-winter warm spells that heap more pothole-generating stress upon an already aging road network.”

Click here to read this article from the Financial Post.