SHCA | Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association
by John Mark Aquino John Mark Aquino

Entering the Orange Zone

Onsite media event highlights the dangers of speeding through construction zones

Photos courtesy of Martin Charlton Communications

This year’s efforts to encourage Saskatchewan drivers to slow down in orange zones saw better results through a new message
delivery tactic. 

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), the provincial driver and vehicle licensing regulator, hosts traffic safety spotlights each month. In July, the focus is on orange zones and the importance of slowing down to keep road workers safe. This year, an extra effort was made to create a unique experience for reporters delivering that message. 

Media were invited to an active construction zone in the Saskatoon area in early July. There, they interviewed Shantel Lipp, Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) president; Tyler McMurchy, SGI’s manager of media relations; and Staff Sgt. Patrick Barbar of the Saskatoon Police Service’s Traffic Unit. 

McMurchy explained why this approach was initiated.

“Now, we could just put out a news release and the media may or may not call,” he explained. “Doing something here in an actual work zone gives the media the opportunity to get pictures and video, and the opportunity to see firsthand what it’s like to see vehicles travelling past a working construction zone.

“That’s a perspective that they don’t often get, and it’s something that’s really valuable as they tell their stories and as we deliver that message for traffic safety.” 

For reporters, the risk presented by speeding drivers in a construction zone was more real. They learned about the activity happening in an active construction zone and why it’s necessary to drive through these zones at a lower speed.

“Construction zones can be unpredictable places,” said Barbar. “There is machinery working and moving around. There are workers all over the place. And there can be hidden dangers like trenches or other excavations. It’s important not only to slow down to the speed limit, but actually pay attention to your surroundings and be prepared to react to anything unexpected that might occur.” 

Each August, SGI releases the results of enforcement activity in orange zones in July. That release focuses on the number of tickets for offenses specific to orange zones. 

This year, there were 71 roadside tickets issued by police officers. That’s the lowest number since 2016. 


202120202019201820172016
Total number of orange zone tickets issued in July of that year71224139401182113
Exceeding 60 km/h when passing highway workers or occupied highway equipment within a work zone62195104394177101
Exceeding 60 km/h when passing a highway worker or flag person11532156
Exceeding 60 km/h when passing occupied highway equipment321002
Exceeding 60 km/h when passing highway equipment with warning lights in operation241301
Failing to obey the directions of a flag person381303

These numbers do not include photo enforcement in construction zones. Drivers who were ticketed as a result of photo enforcement will be receiving tickets in the mail.

However, despite a decrease in tickets, there were still some incidents over the summer. One notable occurrence was recorded on video by Allan Barilla, the general manager at Morsky Construction and a director on the SHCA board.

In late July, Barilla was overseeing a 13-kilometre stretch of roadwork on the eastbound lanes of Highway 16 between Denholm and Maymont, northwest of Saskatoon.

He told CTV News and CBC News that on that Monday afternoon, he had already called the RCMP to report a driver in a white truck who was trying to pass the line of cars in a closed lane.

Then, his crew members working at the start of that orange zone radioed him to warn of another driver in a red car speeding past the lineup of vehicles.

“They estimate he was doing about 140 kilometres an hour,” said Barilla. “He went through four of the cones … and they saw those go flying in the air.”

The driver allegedly weaved in and out of traffic, ran over cones and hit the ditch a couple of times.

“He not only passed in the closed-off lanes … sometimes he was trying to pass on the grass on their left side, whatever pavement he could have plus grass,” said Barilla.

When this driver got to the end of the orange zone, a cone got stuck under his car. He tried to dislodge it by swerving, but lost control and headed across the median into oncoming traffic. 

“He was going down the wrong side of the westbound (road), and then he finally hit some vehicles and ended up flipping over in the ditch on the north side,” said Barilla. 

“The young driver came within feet of nearly hitting at least 10 of our employees,” added Lipp.

Barilla said two members of his crew could not hear the radio calls and that they could have been hit, had one crew member not forgotten her tape measure off to the side. The sound of the car hitting a cone just before reaching their location also alerted them.

“He was endangering every other driver on the road. It’s unfortunate that this was not the only example of someone speeding or driving unsafely in a construction area that month,” said Lipp.

Following an investigation, RCMP charged a 21-year-old from North Battleford with several offenses, including impaired driving, dangerous operation of a vehicle and prohibited driving. He was to appear in a Saskatoon court on Sept. 1.

While this example is extreme, the danger presented by drivers choosing to drive faster than the posted speed limit is real every time it happens. In 2020, there were 101 collisions in orange zones around the province, resulting in 35 injuries and one death.

While 71 tickets are better than previous year’s numbers, it is still not low enough. 

“Our work isn’t done until we get that number down to zero,” said Lipp. “The Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association will continue working with SGI and our partners to make sure our workers stay safe.”

Barbar believes that is the best approach to address this issue. 

“For any traffic safety issue, there’s no one stakeholder who has the solution on their own. So, the police can’t be the end-all-be-all to the issue,” he said. “We need to work closely with all our partners, including the construction industry, SGI, and highway transport in order to achieve the goal of making these construction zones as safe as possible.” 

McMurchy appreciates the opportunity for SGI to work with the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association to make a difference.

“I can’t say enough good things about Shantel,” said McMurchy. “The folks at the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association were always so willing to find these opportunities, find these scenes for us to hold these media events. I know it has been something that the media has appreciated as well.”  

“Construction zones can be unpredictable places. There is machinery working and moving around. There are workers all over the place.”

– Staff Sgt. Patrick Barbar,
Saskatoon Police Service Traffic Unit 
by SHCA SHCA

Encouraging Strategic Investment in Trade Infrastructure

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. 

by SHCA SHCA

SHCA Welcome Back Golf Tournament

August 20, 2021
Wascana Golf & Country Club, Regina

Photos courtesy of Keith Hershmiller Photography

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

Brandt
SAGE Roadway Signs . A division of JNE Welding LP

Hole Sponsors

AON
Brandt
Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan
IECS - EST 1984
by SHCA SHCA

SHCA MEMBER Q&A:

Jeff Foster, SMS Equipment Inc.

Photo courtesy of SMS Equipment

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. 

by SHCA SHCA

News from the Field

Sharing news that SHCA members need to know

ELENATHEWISE/123rf

Fall Tender Plan Includes $157 Million in Highways Projects

The Government of Saskatchewan is looking to build and protect more of our provincial highway system with $157.3 million in new highway projects included in the 2021 Fall Tender Plan. These projects will continue the Ministry of Highways’ efforts to help stimulate the economy and improve the safety and reliability of Saskatchewan’s transportation network.

“Early notice of our construction plans to the road building industry ensures we can secure contractors and achieve value for money for taxpayers,” Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said. “I am grateful to the road building industry for the good work they do and I look forward to seeing more work completed next year.”

Some of the significant projects included in the Fall Tender Plan include:

  • Highway 1 – repaving more than 13 kilometres west of Moose Jaw;
  • Highway 11 – bridge rehabilitation over the Qu’Appelle River east of Lumsden;
  • Highway 11 – bridge rehabilitation over Highway 20 east of Lumsden;
  • Highway 11 – bridge replacement over Highway 6 north of Regina;
  • Highway 16 – resurfacing nearly 15 kilometres at Saskatoon; and
  • Highway 46 – installation of traffic signals on bypass lanes at Prince of Wales Drive in Regina.

Tender releases are published in the spring and fall so the industry can thoroughly prepare and bid on upcoming projects, mitigating the risk of price increases and delivering the best possible value for taxpayers.

“The government made an important investment in our highway transportation network at a critical time for our economy,” Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association President Shantel Lipp said. “Our members delivered on that investment and kept many people working during a very difficult time, and we will continue to build upon that investment in the years to come. Done right, a sustained, long-term, robust investment program for Saskatchewan’s highways and trade corridors can help secure for generations to come the standard of living Saskatchewan taxpayers have come to expect.”

The Government of Saskatchewan is improving more than 1,350 km of provincial highways this year, the second of its 10-year Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 km of highways. With this year’s projects, the province is ahead of the pace needed to meet this target.

Five New Passing Lanes Opened East of Asquith

The completion of five new passing lanes on Highway 14 west of Saskatoon will provide safer roads for motorists in the area. Work began in June 2021 to build five passing lanes and resurface two and a half kilometres on Highway 14 between Saskatoon and Asquith. This $8.8 million project is part of a significant investment by the Government of Saskatchewan to construct 30 sets of passing lanes over two years, building on the addition of 27 sets of passing lanes in the last four years.

“Our government remains committed to improving the safety and efficiency of our key highway corridors,” Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said. “Residents and motorists have let us know how effective passing lanes are and I am very proud of this government’s commitment to build new lanes this construction season.”

Passing lanes are typically a minimum two kilometres in length and are strategically designed to allow motorists to safely pass, reducing congestion and improving traffic flow. Studies have shown passing lanes can reduce collisions by as much as 25 per cent. Highway 10, the province’s first major passing lane pilot project, has seen 75 per cent fewer fatal accidents over the five years since its completion. 

“This near $9-million investment in Highway 14 is greatly appreciated and will benefit not only residents, but also local businesses and industry in the area,” Biggar-Sask Valley MLA Randy Weekes said. “Safety is a big priority in rural Saskatchewan and these passing lanes make good on that priority.”

Other passing lane projects planned for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 construction seasons include:

  • Highway 2 north of Prince Albert;
  • Highway 3 west of Prince Albert;
  • Highway 5 east of Saskatoon;
  • Highway 7 west of Kindersley;
  • Highway 12 north of Martensville;
  • Highway 16 west of Yorkton to Springside;
  • Highway 16 east of Clavet to Highway 6 junction; and
  • Highway 39 between Milestone and the U.S. border.

The Government of Saskatchewan is improving more than 1,350 km of provincial highways this year, the second of its 10-year Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 km of highways. With this year’s projects, the province is ahead of the pace needed to meet this target.

Another $300 million in highways stimulus funds is being invested over several years in thin-membrane surface upgrades, passing lanes and improvements to municipal roads and airports. The Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $10.6 billion in highway infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 17,100 km of Saskatchewan highways.

Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Partners with the University of Regina’s Centre for Continuing Education to Deliver High-Priority Programming

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (SCC) is pleased to announce a partnership with the University of Regina’s Centre for Continuing Education to deliver programming to Chamber members across the province. With a focus on in-demand skills training, programming will focus on career and professional development through a suite of non-credit certificates, professional microcredentials, badges, prep courses, and customized corporate training. The University of Regina’s Centre for Continuing Education meets learning needs by offering high-quality, accessible, innovative and responsive education developed in collaboration with local industry experts and the community.

Dr. Christie Schultz, director for the Centre for Continuing Education, said, “Partnering with the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is a perfect way to reach out and serve the professional development needs of businesses across the province.” 

She added: “By providing valuable career development options to employers who need to fill skill gaps through employee training, we’re able to help build a stronger workforce and a more successful Saskatchewan.” 

The University of Regina is a proud member of the SCC, and the two organizations continue to collaborate on identifying and meeting the training needs of the local business community. Recent U of R research shows employers and employees look to continuing education for training in areas such as project management, change management, leadership, collaboration, customer experience and stress management. Programming is currently delivered remotely.

“This partnership is an important step towards recognizing that lifelong learning is increasingly important to business. The University of Regina’s new professional microcredentials are a perfect example of education meeting workers where they are,” said Steve McLellan, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO. “Through this partnership and others like this, we’re working to provide business with flexible and timely options for workers to upskill, reskill and boost those skills that are in demand by industry.”

The SCC’s partnership with the Centre for Continuing Education is part of a suite of programs that Saskatchewan’s network of chambers is building through the Training & Employment Network to provide clear and locally coordinated pathways for workers to be identified, as well as to present learning opportunities that enhance skills for employers.

To find out more about the University of Regina Centre for Continuing Education and how to access training programs, please visit https://www.uregina.ca/cce/career-development/index.html.

Report Serious Injuries, Fatalities and Dangerous Occurence

Under The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, there is a legal requirement to report all serious injuries, fatalities and dangerous occurrences that occur in the workplace to the Occupational Health and Safety Division.

Call 1-800-567-7233 and select ‘1’ to make a report. The number is monitored for emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Serious injury of fatality

An employer or contractor shall give notice to the Occupational Health and Safety Division as soon as is reasonably possible of every accident at a place of employment that:

  • causes, or may cause the death of a worker; or
  • will require a worker to be admitted to a hospital for 72 hours or more.

The notice must include:

  • the name of each injured or deceased worker;
  • the name of the employer of each injured worker or deceased worker;
  • the date, time and location of the accident;
  • the circumstances related to the accident;
  • the apparent injuries; and
  • the name, telephone and fax number of the employer or contractor, or person designated by the employer or contractor to be contacted for additional information.

In addition to reporting the incident, an employer or contractor shall provide a copy of the notice to each occupational health committee co-chairperson or the occupational health and safety representative.

Refer to sections 2-2 and 3-18 of the Regulations.

Dangerous occurence

A dangerous occurrence is any occurrence at a place of employment that did not result in, but could have resulted in, the death of a worker or required a worker to be admitted to a hospital as an in-patient for 72 hours or more, and includes:

  • the structural failure or collapse of:
    • a structure, scaffold, temporary falsework or concrete formwork; or
    • all or any part of an excavated shaft, tunnel, caisson, coffer dam, trench or excavation;
  • the failure of a crane or hoist, or the overturning of a crane or unit of powered mobile;
  • an accidental contact with an energized electrical conductor;
  • the bursting of a grinding wheel;
  • an uncontrolled spill or escape of a toxic, corrosive or explosive substance;
  • a premature detonation or accidental detonation of explosives;
  • the failure of an elevated or suspended platform; and
  • the failure of an atmosphere-supplying respirator.

An employer, contractor or owner shall give notice to the Occupational Health and Safety Division as soon as is reasonably possible of any dangerous occurrence that takes place at a place of employment, whether or not a worker sustains injury.

The notice must include:

  • the name of each employer, contractor and owner at the place of employment;
  • the date, time and location of the dangerous occurrence;
  • the circumstances related to the dangerous occurrence; and
  • the name, telephone and fax number of the employer, contractor, owner or a person designated by the employer, contractor or owner to be contacted for additional information.

In addition to reporting the incident, an employer, contractor or owner shall provide a copy of the notice to each occupational health committee co-chairperson or the occupational health and safety representative.

Refer to sections 2-3 and 3-20 of the Regulations.

Effective Sept. 1, 2021, partial benefits will no longer be granted for partial completion of the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) program.

Previously, if a student completed only one or two levels of SYA, they were eligible to receive 100 or 200 hours of trade time respectively when applying for apprenticeship. As of Sept. 1, 2021, these partial benefits will no longer be granted. Only students who complete the whole program will be eligible for benefits. This change has been made to encourage students to fully complete the program.

The purpose of the SYA program is to raise awareness of apprenticeship in Saskatchewan schools by helping young people discover what rewards come with working in the skilled trades.

The SYA program is well-established throughout Saskatchewan high schools and educational institutions, and students typically complete the SYA program over three years from Grades 10 to 12. (It is also possible for students to complete in less than three years if they start the program later than Grade 10.)

High school students who complete the SYA program are eligible for many benefits. When registering as an apprentice in Saskatchewan in a designated trade within five years of their SYA completion date, they receive:

  • Waiver of apprenticeship registration fee;
  • Waiver of first level of technical training tuition; and
  • 300 hours of trade time credit.

Adult learners who complete SYA as non-high school students are eligible to receive trade time hours only. Only high school students are eligible for the additional financial benefits. These are the same benefits SYA participants have always been entitled to following full completion of the program.

For questions about this change, please contact the SYA Coordinator at youthapprenticeship@gov.sk.ca or 306-787-2368.

New Registration Process for Employees Working in Compulsory Trades

The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) is introducing a new registration process for all employees when they are initially hired into the compulsory trades.

Beginning Sept. 1, 2021, the SATCC will require employers to register employees when they are initially hired into the compulsory trades. A completed Employer Application for Registering an Apprentice Contract (Form 1) and Contract between an Apprentice and Employer (Form A) will be required by the employee’s first day of employment in a compulsory trade as well as the apprenticeship registration fee. This new process also applies to any current employees working in the compulsory trades who are not yet registered.

Registration marks the beginning of one-half of the number of hours in an apprenticeship year (approximately six months or 900 hours) an employee is permitted to work in a compulsory trade as outlined in The Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Regulations, 2020 before becoming indentured.

This registration process allows the SATCC to identify those individuals who intend to become indentured and will give the SATCC the ability to effectively monitor the number of hours an employee is working in a compulsory trade before becoming indentured. It also helps ensure that everyone on site in a compulsory trade is either registered with the SATCC, an indentured apprentice or a certified journeyperson. By registering, employees will have access to SATCC supports, such as learning supports and disability assessments.

For more information regarding the registration process for employees working in compulsory trades, clients are encouraged to contact us toll-free: 1-877-363-0536 or via email: apprenticeship@gov.sk.ca.

by SHCA SHCA

Working Together to Build a Better Future

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As I write this, Canada is still in the middle of a federal election, so I have my fingers crossed that I’m 

not jinxing myself by assuming I will still be your MP.

Prior to the election, I had the honour to serve on the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. In the aftermath of the election, I hope that I will continue to be able to serve in that capacity, since infrastructure will be an increasingly important aspect of how Canada rebuilds its economy in the post- pandemic world.

All the major parties made significant commitments to the infrastructure sector in their party platforms. For their part, the Liberals continued to re-announce and-re-promise action through their failed Canada Infrastructure Bank institution. This bureaucratic sloth consistently succeeded in generating more red tape than shovels in the ground.

In four years, the Infrastructure Bank completed precisely zero projects and left tens of billions in job­ creation dollars unspent while the economy stagnated.

During the campaign, the Conservatives’ plan for economic recovery included an aggressive approach to revamp how our country invests in infrastructure. This plan would include:

Immediately investing in critical projects that will put hundreds of thousands of Canadians to work, cut commute time and reduce emissions;

Providing more flexibility to municipalities and First Nations by removing onerous requirements to receive federal infrastructure funding;

Scrapping the failed Canada Infrastructure Bank and committing the money sitting unused on its books to infrastructure projects that can strengthen our economy;

Reprioritizing the Investing in Canada Plan towards infrastructure projects that would have the maximum benefit for economic recovery; and

Building digital infrastructure to connect all of Canada to high-speed internet by 2025.

No matter the outcome of the election, the Conservatives will employ all the leverage they have in Parliament to drive this plan forward. It is time to get Canada working again and the members of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association will have a vital role to play.

It won’t be good enough to simply go back to pre-pandemic business as usual. The past year-and-a-half has shown that, in too many ways, our country has stagnated over the last few years from lack of investment.

As we move forward, we must ensure that we build in a way that is stronger and more secure for generations to come. Better vaccine production, manufacturing and supply chains are part of that, but an equally important part is to make sure we have shovels in the ground to build world-class roads, transportation, dams, power plants and pipelines to support our economy.

I look forward to continuing to work with the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association as we work together to build this better future. 

It is time to get Canada working again and the members of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association will have a vital role to play.

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Opportunities to Connect

Together, we are better. Now that we are able to host and attend events, we have a few coming up that offer all our members great opportunities to advance their interests.

Mark your calendars with a couple of events this November!

The first is the MLA Reception that the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) is hosting on Nov. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. This event is your opportunity to meet with provincial MLAs from both sides of the legislature to talk to them, face to face, about your business as well as the industry. 

Whatever insights, issues or topics you think these MLAs need to recognize is up for discussion when we get together in Room 218 at the Legislative Building in Regina. Encourage other members to attend. The more people we have out, the more we can amplify the relevant messages about our industry. 

Please pre-register if you are planning to attend this reception. The SHCA needs to provide the legislative staff with a list of those attending. To pre-register, please contact traceyk@saskheavy.ca or slipp@saskheavy.ca. The earlier you register, the better!

The second event is the SHCA Fall Convention, which is set for Nov. 25-26 in Saskatoon. For two days, we will gather at the Delta Bessborough Hotel and Convention Centre to hear engaging speakers and participate in conversations about our industry. 

The Chairman’s Banquet will take place on Friday evening. New this year is a maximum capacity of 300 delegates. That makes early convention and room registration extra important! 

Registration links are now open and available for the SHCA room block.  More details about the convention will be released as we move towards November. 

Events like these are important to our members because they help develop and strengthen the voice of the association. Gathering to share our experiences, ideas and suggestions helps our members recognize and realize improvements and opportunities. It is how our members can find and form the connections that make their businesses and this industry even better. 

I look forward to seeing each and every one of you at these events and learning more about your current interests and ideas, so I can best represent you and our industry. 

Now that we are able to host and attend events, we have a few coming up that offer all our members great opportunities to advance their interests.

by SHCA SHCA

SHCA Equipment Rental Rates Guide & Membership Roster: Last chance to reserve your ad space!

The deadline to reserve advertising space in the 2022 SHCA Equipment Rental Rates Guide & Membership Roster is quickly approaching.

Click here to download the 2022 Media Kit and assess your company’s options to advertise in this exclusive annual tool for SHCA members. [link to kit]

In addition to advertising in the SHCA Equipment Rental Rates Guide & membership Roster, plan the rest of your 2022 marketing to SHCA members and stakeholders. Review the media kit and contact a sales representative today to confirm your placements or to request additional information.