Recent Articles

Women in Trades and Technology encourages and celebrates women’s empowerment, independence, confidence and strength

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For many of us, summer brings back fond memories of camp. Learning to paddle a canoe, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, slapping mosquitoes on endless walks through the woods, and for some… learning to use power tools.

Of course, camp these days can mean many things, with options ranging from traditional nature camps to urban sports-themed or creative arts options. But power tools? Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Brittany Grimsdale says, “Absolutely!” 

Grimsdale heads up Women in Trades and Technology (WITT), which offers a variety of trade and technology-themed summer programs for youth. With nearly 30 summer camp seasons under its belt, it seems WITT must be on to something.

WITT offers two Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) camps—one in Regina and one in Saskatoon—and has offered other camp options in previous years, including a welding camp called Mind Over Metal. WITT also supports a camp called Plan, Program, Play, put on by Sask Polytech’s Business Information Systems program, where youth spend three days exploring game development. 

“Camp can be fun, a great learning experience and career exploration all at the same time,” said Grimsdale.

A plumber by trade, the WITT program head shares her skills with girls ranging from 12 to 15 years old at the Saskatoon GETT camp. There, she says, opening minds to opportunities is the focus.

“Studies show that before girls hit high school is really the time to share the opportunities available in terms of careers. Maybe they’ve never thought of a trade before. Trades are not often thought of as a first-choice career for girls. Whether or not they go into trades later in life, it’s a chance for them to gain some skills and gain confidence.”

That’s exactly how Saskatoon camper Nevaeh Moore experienced GETT. At 13, she was this year’s youngest girl in the week-long camp, and she came away with some new skills and the handiwork to show for it. 

“We got to come up with our own design for a table and build it,” explained Moore. “Mine is rounded on the edge on one side and stained with dark stain. It’s in my bedroom now for makeup and hairbrushes.” 

The Grade 8 student had some experience with tools, having helped her mom in the past, but at GETT she got to try new things and improve on what she already knew. 

“Now I know how to design a table that stands up and works,” she said. “The table legs were a challenge. I had to take my table apart and put it back together three times! I learned how to use a level, right angle and a measuring tape.”

Moore’s mom, Amy, saw a change in her daughter’s confidence by the end of the week. “It was a cool opportunity for Nevaeh to tinker with some tools and make a useful object. The empowerment of being able to create something independently was great to see.”

GETT’s girls-only focus is part of what contributes to that confidence building, says instructor Robin Reynolds, who teaches the carpentry portion of the Saskatoon camp. 

“All our instructors are women, that makes a difference,” she explained. Reynolds describes the camps as a safe place for teen girls to try something new. “It’s a really supportive environment. They’re among peers that are at the same skill level, so it’s less intimidating.” 

The journeyperson carpenter has been an instructor at camp for six seasons, and it’s clear she also gets something from the experience.

“It’s been a blessing to be part of it,” said Reynolds. “I love seeing how proud the girls are of themselves. It’s a nice atmosphere. It has also become a community at the instructor level, and I really value that.”

The Regina and Saskatoon camps vary slightly in activities, but both offer a hands-on experience and exposure to career choices not traditionally thought of as options for women. Both camps have a strong carpentry focus—an area most campers really enjoy because they can build something to take home. This year, Saskatoon campers had some plumbing instruction, a visit from a firefighter and spent a morning learning about robotics. In Regina, campers learned some computer coding and built robots, and had a visit from Rose Santos, an electrical engineer from the camp’s title sponsor, SaskPower.

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SaskPower has been the GETT camps’ title sponsor for several years, providing funding and guest speakers. In addition, the Crown corporation sponsors four seats (two in each city) that WITT filled through the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization. 

“SaskPower has been great to work with. We use pallets for lumber, and this year when they were hard to come by, SaskPower sent us a whole crate from their shipping department,” said Grimsdale.

“It was incredible to see SaskPower involved in this program, and to help Saskatchewan girls explore career possibilities in Trades and Technology,” said Rose Santos, project portfolio manager, Distribution Construction at SaskPower. “In the early 1900s, Saskatchewan women couldn’t vote, so we’ve come a long way. It’s exciting to be a part of the evolution of this journey!”

Reflecting back on this summer’s camps, Grimsdale talks about the range of girls the camps appeal to. Some are there to learn skills for a hobby. Others are more serious and quite focused. Grimsdale describes a camper who brought a pen and paper and furiously scribbled notes about everything she could glean from her instructors. 

“She wants to learn how to renovate and flip houses and is actively seeking skills that will help her prepare for that.”

Others, like Moore, who hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon, want to try new things and have fun. Most teens fall somewhere in the middle, and don’t yet know what life has in store for them. 

Regina camper Rycelle Amurao perhaps summed it up best: “I had a really great time at the camp. Even though I might not take a job in any of these subjects, I don’t feel like I wasted any time. I had fun learning about the different types of trades. I feel like it helped me learn new things and gave me new job opportunities to consider.”

GETT campers vary in age and focus, but they often end up being a tight-knit group by the end of the week. Moore went to the camp by herself but came away with a few friends with whom she’s keeping in touch. “Two girls had done the camp before, so they got to do some more advanced stuff,” she said. “I might do it again.”

“Trades are not often thought of as a first-choice career for girls. Whether or not they go into trades later in life, it’s a chance for them to gain some skills and gain confidence.”

– Brittany Grimsdale, Women in Trades and Technology (WITT)

“We do see repeat campers,” said Grimsdale. “Even more amazing is that mothers who took the camp years ago are now sending their daughters. GETT is now old enough we have alumni parents!” 

Regina Blue Seal carpenter Patricia Fayant, who has been instructing WITT camps since the 1990s, was one of three instructors this year with a special connection to a camp participant. 

“My granddaughter attended, and two other instructors had a daughter and niece join.” 

Fayant, who is Métis, enjoys instructing the camp and being a face for Indigenous women in trades so much that she plans her contract work around it. “It’s a really positive experience and one of my favourite weeks of summer.”

For more information about Women in Trades and Technology, including summer camp programming, visit our WITT Program and Event page.  

In 2022, clients will be able to access apprenticeship services any time, anywhere

The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) is excited to announce that in 2022 it will launch MyATC – a new online self-service system that will provide faster and more efficient service for apprentices, tradespeople and employers across the province. 

“MyATC will completely transform the way we do business,” SATCC CEO Jeff Ritter said. “We have never had a client-facing system before and now our clients will have the ability to self-serve, allowing them to access apprenticeship services when it’s convenient for them.”

Apprentices and employers have been asking for the ability to self-serve through the SATCC’s biennial client satisfaction surveys, and now the SATCC is close to making that request a reality. 

MyATC will replace paper-based methods of delivering apprenticeship services and will streamline SATCC’s processes. Clients will be able to register apprenticeship contracts, pay fees and tuition for technical training, update personal or business information, and submit trade time hours online.

“The fact that our clients will be entering their own data means our staff will be freed up to do the sort of work that creates real value for clients,” Ritter said. 

Users can log in to MyATC anytime, anywhere – improving access to information and providing efficiencies for apprentices, tradespeople and employers alike.

Q: When will MyATC go live?  

A: The tentative launch period is early 2022. We don’t have an exact launch date yet. 

Q: Does MyATC work on mobile devices?

A:  Yes, you can use MyATC on a mobile device; however, it is optimized for a desktop experience.

Q: Will clients require training?

A:  MyATC is like other online applications you may have used in the past, such as online banking or booking a hotel reservation, and is designed to be user-friendly. There will be help articles built into the system to help clients navigate the process. 

Q: What if someone needs help? Can they talk to an actual person?

A: Yes, SATCC staff will always be able to help you. SATCC is proud of the top-quality service it delivers to clients. MyATC will provide clients with service wherever and whenever they want. In addition to communicating by email or through MyATC, clients have several options: 

• Visit the comprehensive knowledge centre within the system that walks you through the process step-by-step;
• Visit any SATCC office and speak to a staff member in person; or 
• Call SATCC’s offices directly, just as you have always done, to speak to a staff member. 

For employers, field consultants will still be making worksite visits and will be able to answer your questions in person or walk you through how to use MyATC.

Q: Do clients have to use this system?

A:  The expectation will be for clients to use the system. The system offers many benefits, including access to information when it’s convenient for clients; however, SATCC staff will always be willing to walk you through the process over the phone or in person at one of our offices. Field services staff will still be making visits to employers and will be able to provide support or answer questions about MyATC if needed. 

Exceptions will be made for clients who don’t have internet access. SATCC staff will still be able to enter information into the system on behalf of clients if there is a significant obstacle preventing them from using the system. 

Q: Where can we get more information on MyATC?

A: As the project progresses, the SATCC will share more information on its website, through industry publications and its own client newsletter. Prior to the actual launch of MyATC, employers, apprentices and tradespeople will receive information in the mail providing them with details about the system and how to log in. 

In the meantime, if you have questions, please contact project director Curtis Leung at (306) 531-4903 or curtis.leung@gov.sk.ca.  

CCA secures significant wins for the industry

Representing 20,000-plus member firms, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is proud of its mission to inspire a progressive, innovative and sustainable construction industry. The key to our success is you, our members – and the trust you place in CCA as your partner, adviser and champion. CCA has taken a strong and proactive leadership position throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, relentlessly pursuing programs, policies, resources and tools to help the industry meet and excel at any challenge.

Your trusted partner

A central focus of CCA’s advocacy is the need for a 25-year infrastructure planning and investment strategy. The federal government’s proposed National Infrastructure Assessment initiative, “Building the Canada We Want in 2050,” is an encouraging step in this regard, with the potential of providing significant economic, social and environmental benefits for all Canadians.

CCA led a broad consultation process to ensure our submission reflected the national interests of our membership. Recommendations focused on accelerating the flow of much needed infrastructure investment to communities and a national vision for the future guided by evidence-based and independent expert advice. A stable, long-term infrastructure pipeline will create a profitable, sustainable and resilient industry powered by a diverse, skilled future workforce. 

The recommendations, endorsed by our 63 local construction association partners, can be reviewed in more detail in CCA’s response to the National Infrastructure Assessment. The points raised in the report also provided the basis for CCA’s advocacy efforts during the federal election campaign. 

A stable, long-term infrastructure
pipeline will create a profitable,
sustainable and resilient industry
powered by a diverse, skilled future workforce.

Take action today! Economic revival is a top priority for all Canadians. Almost two-thirds of Canada’s GDP comes from trade – a number that is above the global average and twice the same figure for the U.S. Canada’s trade corridor will play a big role in its economic future. CCA recognizes this potential and is currently supporting efforts to grow the flow of domestic and international trade. We have worked to persuade governments to put an end to interprovincial barriers and are currently supporting efforts to improve investment in the Western Canada trade corridor. This included a recent roundtable discussion, in partnership with Export Development Canada and the Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association, with business leaders from across Canada affirming their support. The economy needs reliable infrastructure to connect supply chains and efficiently move goods and services across borders. 

Your trusted champion

CCA’s voice, amplified by our network of 63 partner associations across Canada, secured big wins for the industry in 2021. 

Since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, CCA campaigned the federal government for the creation of an Emergency COVID-19 Cost Reimbursement Program. Thanks to your letters and joint engagement on the file, our continued discussions with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) led to recognition of the unforeseen and extraordinary costs contractors have had to shoulder on federal projects due to COVID-19, while continuing to provide the essential services that Canadians rely on every day. To date, this amounts to over $50 million returned to the pockets of contractors!  

We were also pleased that the federal budget included the extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Canada Emergency Business Account until Sept. 25, 2021. CCA has advocated for these business support programs since the beginning of the pandemic.

Our focus on government relations and advocacy keeps us in constant communication with key leaders and representatives from various departments and agencies, including Infrastructure Canada, Finance, PSPC, Defence Construction Canada, and Employment and Social Development Canada. 

Another win was to delay the unilateral roll-out of changes to the federal security screening process; changes that would have made it increasingly difficult for smaller contractors to participate on government projects, reducing fair competition in procurement.  

CCA continues to champion growing workforce capacity through its “Talent Fits Here” campaign, designed to shift perceptions and encourage more Canadians to consider a career in construction. Both the industry and the government share a desire to have a more inclusive and diverse construction industry building for the future, today. We are currently working to obtain funding from ESDC on an expanded variation of the campaign targeting Indigenous groups across Canada.    

CCA launched several services to help our members accelerate the adoption of innovation in the industry.

Your trusted adviser

Advancing the innovation agenda has been a focus area for CCA for several years now, the importance of which was further highlighted by the pandemic. Companies that had re-created themselves for a digital world were in a much better position to weather the storm of change brought on by COVID-19. 

CCA launched several services to help our members accelerate the adoption of innovation in the industry. With our partners at KPMG in Canada, CCA offered a digital maturity assessment tool to assist Canadian construction companies to measure their digital readiness, which culminated in a report designed to help them make informed strategic and operating decisions. We also delivered a series of webinars, “The Power of Innovation” with BDO Canada and the “R&D Showcase” with Cognit.ca, to bring more attention to industry advances.  

CCA published the first edition of its Insight report: Innovation and R&D in constructionin July. The report serves as a quick reference guide to important innovations in construction and why they matter to your business.

CCA developed a companion piece to its research paper on the benefits of investing in sustainable and resilient infrastructure to help members better equip themselves to manage environmental impacts and be part of the climate change solution. The 13-page document, Strength, resilience, sustainability: A guide to implementing climate resilience in construction risk management, serves as a best practices guide for project owners, designers and contractors in developing their understanding of climate risks and incorporating that information in the way projects are conceived, proposed, designed and built.

CCA continues to strengthen its member services and advance best practices through its Gold Seal program, Canadian Design-Build Institute (CDBI), Lean Construction Institute of Canada (LCIC) and Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC). Virtual training sessions were delivered by CDBI and LCIC this summer and CCDC continues to inform and educate members on its two new documents, CCDC 2 “Stipulated Price Contract” and Master Specification for Division 01 “General Requirements.” A series of CCDC document webinars will launch in October to address your frequently asked questions and solidify your confidence while using CCDC documents. Starting your Gold Seal certification has also never been easier, thanks to a streamlined enrollment framework and new competency and credit self-assessment tools.

Stay in touch!

Canada will be counting on the construction industry to build back better. You can count on CCA to be your voice with the federal government, to provide helpful tools and to share best practices across the country. We are working passionately on your behalf and will continue to put Canada’s heavy civil, institutional, commercial and industrial construction industry first in everything that we do.

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.

Please email me at mvanburen@cca-acc.com if you have any feedback or comments on how CCA can serve you better.  

Mary Van Buren is president of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA).

Regina-based NIS Contractors has a reputation for excellence when it comes to the installation and repair of residential sewer and water lines.

NIS Contractors Ltd. has been in the business of connecting Saskatchewan communities to vital services since 1975.

The Regina-based company specializes in water and sewer infrastructure installation and repair, both locally and across the province. According to general manager Jason Bast, NIS operated under the name Northern Industrial Structures prior to 1975, when municipal infrastructure and water treatment plants represented the majority of its work. Since then, however, the company has become known for its expertise in installing water and sewer lines in new residential and commercial areas.

“We are known among developers in Regina for our subdivision work,” said Bast, who has been with the company for five years. 

In fact, NIS has installed about 70 per cent of all underground water and sewer lines used in Regina subdivisions over the last 35 years. The company is experienced in working with large diameter piping, water supply and trunk mains, and large diameter sewer force mains. 

“One of our other specialty services is watermain hot tapping—we can tie into an existing water line without taking it out of service,” said Bast. “This is done with a tapping valve installed on the watermain. Then, we cut into the watermain with a tapping machine by inserting it through the valve, make the cut into the watermain, retract the machine and hook onto the new pipe. That allows us to get the work done without shutting off the water to the whole area.”

Bast said the Regina housing market is starting to pick up after being quiet for the past couple of years, likely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He’s optimistic about future opportunities for NIS. “I’m thinking it will definitely grow,” he said. “We’re seeing a lot of infrastructure investment now from the provincial government. They’ve done a lot for new capital projects in our province.”

Bustling communities mean lots of work for NIS, which employs 40 people in total, including field and office staff. Recently, the company completed watermain replacement projects in Moose Jaw and Melville.  Although future expansion depends largely on the market, Bast said NIS will remain focused on residential work, infrastructure replacement and working with general contractors, municipalities and governments. 

Since it was incorporated in the mid-1970s, NIS has been an employee-owned operation, where staff can buy into the business after a period of time. Today, about 18 employees own shares of the company.

Bast believes NIS joined the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) some time in the 1980s and he values the opportunity to be part of the provincial contracting sector. “We all face similar problems and being part of the community is a great way to give back and get those addressed,” he said. “It’s been an excellent way to get involved.”

He believes in the power of that community so much that he accepted a director’s position on the SHCA board in early 2020. “I enjoy attending association events, getting daily communications and advocating for our members,” he concluded. “The SHCA is always out there talking to contractors and different levels of government.” Although there is no shortage of issues to address, he’s confident in both the future of the association and that of NIS itself. 

“Together, we’re definitely stronger.”  

Nation-building projects that elevate Canada’s trade competitiveness are foundational to economic recovery and sustainable future growth

Canadians have been asked what we want for the future of our country and to decide who should lead efforts towards fulfilling that interest.

This decision comes at a time when each of us is considering how we fared living through an unsettling pandemic that saw social inequalities and environmental concerns brought to the forefront of the national conversation. 

What has been built – and still needs to be built – to make Canada an even better place to live, work and play post-pandemic is an important element of that conversation. A key to reviving and strengthening Canada’s economy at this point in history is strategic infrastructure investment with a focus on that which supports trade, given Canada’s dependence on exporting.

That is the position being taken by the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA), based on research by the Canada West Foundation (CWF). It delivers recommendations on how strategic investment in trade infrastructure that is based on solid data, private sector input and established criteria can help Canada maintain its trade competitiveness in the global marketplace as it pursues post-pandemic economic recovery. 

“Infrastructure, in particular nation-building projects that elevate Canada’s trade competitiveness, is foundational to economic recovery and sustainable future growth,” the WCR&HCA said in a submission it made to the federal government in June. 

Almost 65 per cent of Canada’s GDP is derived from trade, the WCR&HCA points out. Trade supports around two million of the more than 19 million jobs Canada generated at the end of 2019, according to Statistics Canada data.

“Repeat economic analyses have verified that strategic, trade-enabling infrastructure investment holds amongst the highest returns to GDP, through immediate, first-year and long-term ROI,” it goes on to say in that submission. 

Assessing Canada’s infrastructure for the first time

That WCR&HCA submission was one of more than 300 made to the federal government prior to the federal election being called in August. These submissions on infrastructure and its funding were part of a first-of-its-kind initiative launched by then-Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Catherine McKenna.

That initiative was labelled the National Infrastructure Assessment. A wide variety of organizations from across Canada participated – electrical utilities, parks organizations, municipalities, climate and green energy groups, technology companies, manufacturers, and more – as it invited views on more than roads, railways and ports.

“In the 21st century, the concept of ‘nation-building infrastructure’ is taking on new meaning,” said McKenna, who mentions high-speed broadband and digital infrastructure, as well as clean energy and water, public transit, cycling paths and electric vehicles, plus affordable housing, childcare, and community, cultural and recreation centres, in her call for submissions. 

Infrastructure supporting trade benefits social and environmental initiatives

Trade infrastructure has an important role to play in supporting the overall infrastructure needs of the country. Both the WCR&HCA and the CWF encourage a long-term view of planning and investment in trade infrastructure to support social and environmental efforts. 

“There is the infrastructure we want as a nation, the infrastructure we need as a nation and the infrastructure that generates the immediate ongoing revenue to help pay for it all,” the CWF submission reads. 

 “Getting the National Infrastructure Assessment right requires first getting the trade infrastructure component – that is, the infrastructure that helps pay for the rest – right.”

Added WCR&HCA President Chris Lorenc: “We need strong quality-of-life programs, and we need to ‘green’ our economy, but those goals can only be reached through ensuring our economy spins off the revenues to support them.” 

The WCR&HCA encourages the federal government to conduct a comprehensive survey of the condition of the national, provincial and municipal infrastructure that is strategic to national interests. It further recommends estimating the level of investment required to bring that infrastructure up to good condition and for building new infrastructure necessary to support economic growth. Surveying the public and private sectors’ regional, provincial and municipal infrastructure priorities for those that are of national significance is also important, as is setting out the steps necessary to move to a sustainable, long-term funding strategy to meet those needs.

When the National Infrastructure Assessment was launched in March, McKenna explained why 2021 was an appropriate time to initiate an assessment such as this. In the engagement paper calling for submission, McKenna acknowledged the history of building in Canada to develop the nation while also pointing out Canada is now in a different place than it was when her government released its first budget in 2016.

“It is clear that COVID-19 has exacerbated existing social and economic inequities, disproportionately impacting women, Black and other racialized communities, Indigenous Peoples, and people with disabilities,” said McKenna in her foreword in “Building the Canada We Want in 2050: Engagement Paper on the National Infrastructure Assessment.”

“That is why when we build back better, it is even more important to address these inequities by investing in key areas, including childcare, affordable housing, public transit and high-speed broadband.

“Further, Canada is in a competitive global race at a time of a rapidly changing climate, digital transformation, changing demographics, and shifting geopolitics,” McKenna goes on to state.

“Countries with next-generation infrastructure will be outsized winners at this critical movement of transformative change.”

“The old thinking to build more rails to get more hopper cars to ports is not the reality of modern trade infrastructure.”

– Carlo Dade, Director of The Trade and Investment Centre, Canada West Foundation

Learning from other nations

Countries such as Australia, the U.K. and China have a strong lead on Canada in terms of strategic, evidence-based, long-term infrastructure investment. 

Carlo Dade, the director of the Trade and Investment Centre at CWF, sees this first-of-its-kind effort at a federal level as a long overdue, but welcome, development. 

Dade has been advocating for Canada to adopt best practices developed by other countries years ago in order to protect Canada’s global reputation as an exporter. He says Canada can learn from its competitors as well as its customers. 

He points to Infrastructure Australia, that country’s independent infrastructure adviser established in 2008. It is governed by legislation that defines its role and responsibilities in guiding nationally significant investment and reform.

“What we see in our competitors, like Australia, are these permanent public-private structures that can take a long-term view that doesn’t lose knowledge, that can follow issues over decades, which matches the timelines for identifying, designing, building and operating these assets,” said Dade.

Then, there are Canada’s export customers. While the U.S. is Canada’s primary trade partner, Western Canada relies heavily on exporting to Asian markets. Economic superpowers, such as China, have a governing structure that differs from Canada and that won’t approve of episodic funding of infrastructure. 

“We have a set of economic actors that can take long-term views who are our major customers and competitors,” said Dade. 

“We’ve got to be thinking about realigning our economic governance structures with those of our largest customers, who are growing.”

If Canada does not move to long-term infrastructure investment planning, Dade says these customers could continue to lose confidence in Canada’s ability to deliver as an exporter.

Looking decades ahead when planning investment

A long-term view requires a different perspective on picking projects to receive funding – one that extends beyond the election cycle. The return on investing in a major road will not be realized by the time an election rolls around, making it a challenge to get politicians to recognize the importance of long-term funding.

“You have a political cycle and an election cycle that is diametrically opposed and actually harmful to long-term funding models,” said Dade.

The CWF points to the timelines of the United Kingdom’s National Infrastructure Commission, an arm’s length organization like Infrastructure Australia. It uses a 30-year planning horizon and then, every five years, formally updates its national infrastructure plan. 

“Best practice qualifies prospective projects on the basis of evidence-based proposals, qualifying them against criteria of national significance and demonstrating lasting value over the long-term,” the CWF submission reads.

Dade recommends Canada develop “criteria of national significance” to determine which projects should receive funding. 

“It protects us from the political nature of any government,” said Dade. “That is a discipline on the political spending of any money.”

While it can reduce perceptions that some regions are being supported for political benefit, it also helps ensure a modern and comprehensive take on thinking about what types of infrastructure will generate a return on investment.

“The old thinking to build more rails to get more hopper cars to ports is not the reality of modern trade infrastructure,” said Dade.

“You are talking the movement of goods, yes, but you are also talking about the movement of people and money and ideas and services. All of these are components of the modern economy and all need attention.”

Investing in “shovel-worthy” projects

Criteria of national significance and evidence to support that a project meets the criteria would result in different asset types in different sectors of the economy getting attention. That would help determine what projects will generate returns and have benefits for other sectors. This would move funding towards “shovel-worthy” projects as opposed to the “shovel-ready” projects governments have been funding.

“Time and time again, you hear governments say we’re going to fund shovel-ready projects,” said Dade. “Shovel-ready does not mean it makes sense. It does not mean it’s going to generate returns. It does not mean it’s a good use of money. It only means it’s politically expedient.”

Collecting data that can be used to demonstrate the economic benefit of infrastructure projects and their funding has been an issue for Canada as well. Most G20 countries (excluding Canada and the U.S.) and a number of developing nations as well as Inter-American Development Bank and World Bank have tools to collect data and perform infrastructure modelling. This allows them to take longer-term views of issues and determine how their efforts link with neighbouring economies. He also points to the need for the private sector’s input to be appropriately and effectively collected and used to support decision-making. 

“We need better information. We are still not collecting basic data,” said Dade, who explained that academics at universities are doing some of that work. But he sees a better scenario in having that data collection and modelling done by an independent body similar to Infrastructure Australia or the United Kingdom’s National Infrastructure Commission. 

“Time and time again, you hear governments say we’re going to fund shovel-ready projects. Shovel-ready does not mean it makes sense.”

– Carlo Dade

Keeping interest alive beyond the election

That point was noted by McKenna in a report issued in response to the submissions received. 

In late July, just days before the election call, she released a report distilling the recommendations received in the hundreds of submissions. Many of the points made by the WCR&HCA and CWF seemed to be addressed in this report, “Building Pathways to 2050: Moving Forward on the National Infrastructure Assessment.”

The report said many submissions noted there is a “need for an independent, non-partisan and credible advisory body” with a clear mandate that can produce the data and analysis needed to identify infrastructure needs and priorities that align with strategic priorities, while looking at investment decisions over a 30-year period. 

The report also mentions the role an infrastructure assessment can play in Canada’s future, regardless of the outcome of the Sept. 20 election.

“It is a critical time to build a more prosperous, inclusive and resilient Canada,” said McKenna in her foreword in that July report.

“We aim to get there by working together, using the best available data, guided by global best practices in infrastructure planning, investment, design and management, and leveraging private sector investment to go further and build back better than we ever could alone.

“The assessment will play a key role in guiding governments of various political stripes along the way.”

Dade encourages all voters concerned about infrastructure investment to contact candidates during elections as well as the offices of those elected. This contact will help them recognize there is interest among the electorate in the importance of strategic investment in trade infrastructure. 

Continuing to raise this concern with politicians will further establish the desire to see infrastructure recognized as a priority. It will  ensure that projects will get chosen for investment based on solid data, private sector input and established criteria to ensure Canada maintains its trade competitiveness in the global marketplace. 

August 20, 2021
Wascana Golf & Country Club, Regina

Thanks to everyone who came out for our golf tournament in August. It was a sell-out! The cool, rainy weather held until the last part of the day, but that did not dampen the spirits of SHCA members celebrating being back together again. The course was in great shape and the post-banquet dinner was delicious and lively.

Congratulations to the winning team from Brandt:

• Mel Barilla
• Shane Clark
• Dean Miller
• Andy Semple

Thanks to the Wascana Golf and Country Club for a fantastic day. 

Hats off to our co-title sponsors again this year:

Major Sponsors

Hole Sponsors

Jeff Foster, SMS Equipment Inc.

Business owners and representatives make difficult decisions every day about where to invest company dollars. In this section of Think BIG, current SHCA members sound off about the benefits of association membership.

Jeff Foster is the Saskatchewan operations manager for SMS Equipment Inc., an international dealer of construction, foresting, mining and utility equipment. This fall, he will celebrate five years with the company, which was formed in 2008 with the amalgamation of three Canadian equipment dealers: Federal Equipment, Coneco Equipment and Transwest Mining Systems.

Foster is a big believer in SHCA membership. In fact, he thinks it’s essential to belong to an organization that is the established voice of his customers. Think BIG caught up with him to hear more.

Why did your company originally decide to join SHCA?

Jeff Foster: It is important for SMS Equipment to support leading heavy construction associations, such as the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association. The SHCA represents a diverse group of large and small companies working together within the industry. As a supplier of heavy equipment, supporting an association that reflects our customers and workforce is essential.

In what ways do you participate in SHCA?

JF: In a typical day, I will review tender results and industry news as it is sent out. I also like to get out and attend the networking events, golf tournaments and the annual fall convention that the SHCA hosts, which bring the membership together.

Why does your company renew its SHCA membership each year?

JF: The opportunity to support and network with delegates, members and customers is highly valued. The association also provides members with current news and events, provincial updates and vital information that enables us to connect with like-minded professionals.

Can you think of anything you may have missed out on if you were never an active member of SHCA?

JF: We definitely would have missed out on all the great networking events that the SHCA hosts. They allow us the opportunity to strengthen relationships with many of the respected contractors in the industry.

Do you think that SHCA members have business advantages over non-members?

JF: The industry resources the SHCA provides its members have advantages. These include access to daily updates, industry-related articles, and tender release and award data that allow businesses to make informed decisions.

If someone in the Saskatchewan industry wasn’t participating in SHCA because they didn’t think it would benefit them, what would you say to them?

JF: I would share that the SHCA is an association committed to the heavy construction industry and advocates for businesses of all sizes. The investment is worthwhile as you can join your peers and participate in various networking opportunities.

In your opinion, what is the single greatest benefit of belonging to SHCA?

JF: No matter what type of business you are in, relationships are critical for success. The SHCA provides a platform where members can connect and enhance partnerships.