Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Nation-Building Begins with Us

Shantel Lipp

With the busy season for construction underway and no elections on the horizon, we turn our sites to what the federal and provincial governments have in mind with respect to infrastructure funding. 

It was encouraging to hear the results of the Western Premiers’ Conference that recently took place in Yellowknife, N.W.T. The premiers indicated that they had received consensus on ways to identify, plan and develop new economic corridors to connect provincial resources to international markets. This is something our industry has been advocating for a very long time. 

In a joint statement, the premiers wrote, “Nation-building infrastructure in Western Canada, such as highways, railways, ports, airports, pipelines, nuclear projects and electricity transmission systems, are crucial for driving Canadian productivity growth, energy security and economic competitiveness.”  

SHCA could not agree more.

The premiers also advocated for the west to become the economic engine for the country. They said that the only thing holding Western Canada back is the lack of infrastructure required to transport our resources to new markets. 

These statements are encouraging for our industry. Building the means to get our products to market around the globe is key to economic success in the face of the ongoing tariff fight. The premiers also called on the federal government to ensure that Western Canada receives its fair share of funding toward infrastructure and economic development projects and flexible, predictable and long-term federal infrastructure funding from the federal government. 

On the heels of this meeting, the Prime Minister and provincial premiers met in Saskatoon on June 2 to hold a First Ministers’ meeting, the first in Saskatchewan in over 40 years. The premiers brought with them a list of nation-building projects for consideration that could be funded to help build some economic resilience for the country in the face of economic challenges. The order of the day is to get Canada back to building its economy, which cannot be done without proper investment in infrastructure. For more than a decade, we have been working toward this goal, and hopefully, it is not too late. 

While these words by the Prime Minister and the premiers are music to our ears, it is incumbent upon the industry to follow through and keep the pressure on our elected officials to ensure that these pronouncements go beyond the paper that they are written on.

SHCA | Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association
by SHCA SHCA

60 Million Reasons to Check the Highway Hotline This Past Year

Highways Minister David Marit announced the Highway Hotline’s digital platform was checked by motorists over the last year more than 60 million times – a new record for Saskatchewan’s provincial road information service.

“Thank you to all drivers who take the time to check the Highway Hotline to make an informed decision before heading out on the road,” Marit said. “Understanding what may be on the road ahead can help you plan safer and more efficient trips, which supports our quality of life and export-based economy.”

From April 2024 to March 2025, the Highway Hotline website had over 40 million pageviews, while its mobile app had a total of more than 20 million. A key contributing factor to this record was more storms this winter than previous years. From April 2023 to March 2024, the Highway Hotline website had over 10 million pageviews, while its mobile app had more than 3 million for a total of 13 million views overall. The previous winter was milder.

The Highway Hotline began more than 50 years ago as a telephone service answered by staff. It continues providing that service via modern automated audio reports of road conditions by dialing 1-888-335-7623 (across Canada) or 511 (within Saskatchewan) and using touch tone technology. About 33,000 calls are received a year. The service has evolved to include the latest version of the Highway Hotline mobile app available for free in the Google and Apple online stores.

The service has more than 50 camera locations that can be seen online at hotline.gov.sk.ca/cctv or by using the mobile app, while the Track My Plow is a Highway Hotline winter feature showing motorists where a snowplow has recently been clearing snow or treating ice. Motorists are reminded to continue checking the Highway Hotline throughout the year at hotline.gov.sk.ca/map as it provides information such as construction zones, weather, ferry crossings, parks, along with closures and incidents related to vehicle collisions and forest and grass fires.

white, yellow and blue hard safety helmet hat for safety project of workman as engineer or worker, on concrete floor on city.
by SHCA SHCA

Day of Mourning Remembers 27 Workers Who Lost Their Lives

white, yellow and blue hard safety helmet hat for safety project of workman as engineer or worker, on concrete floor on city.

Every year on April 28, Canada marks the National Day of Mourning. Provincially, flags at all government buildings are lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset.

April 28 was first declared as the National Day of Mourning by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984. The day is now annually observed across Canada as a way to pay tribute to individuals killed, injured or stricken with illness in the workplace. In 2024, 27 workplace fatality claims were accepted by the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board.

“Our condolences are with the friends, families and colleagues of those who lost their life to a workplace injury or illness,” Deputy Premier and Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Jim Reiter said. “Safety must be a priority in everything we do.”

“Today is an important day to reflect on how we can create safer workplaces, so each worker can return home safely at the end of the day,” Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board Chairperson Gord Dobrowolsky said. “There is always more work to be done to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.”

In 2023, WorkSafe Saskatchewan, a partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, released the 2023-2028 Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy to help prevent and reduce serious workplace injuries and fatalities.

Copies of the 2023-28 Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy are available at www.worksafesask.ca.

Canadian Construction Association
by SHCA SHCA

Canada’s Construction Industry Congratulates the New Liberal Government, Reiterates the Importance of Construction for all Canadians

Canadian Construction Association

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) congratulates Prime Minister Mark Carney and his new members of Parliament from across the country for winning the confidence of Canadians. 

“For Mark Carney and his administration, now is the time for action,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, president of CCA. “A strong, sustainable and resilient Canada needs a strong, sustainable and resilient construction industry. To support Canadians, the next federal government must support construction.” 

During the federal election, CCA launched Construction for Canadians, a campaign supported by Canada’s national, provincial and regional construction associations to emphasize the importance of construction to building the strong Canada that Canadians deserve.  

“Beyond the economic impact, the construction industry builds the critical infrastructure Canadians rely on every day,” said Gilbert. “We build the schools where our children learn; the hospitals that care for us; the roads and highways that connect our communities and economies; and the housing that becomes our homes.” 

Over the course of the campaign, Construction for Canadians received an outpouring of support from dozens of candidates across Canada and was featured in hundreds of media publications, discussing the priorities of the Canadian construction industry.  

“This campaign has never been just about our industry – it’s about Canada and Canadians,” said Gilbert. “We cannot grow our economy or develop the infrastructure we need to compete globally and respond to political and economic challenges without construction.”  

During this election, Carney and his candidates made various commitments which involve the construction industry. These commitments include:

  • Investing in critical, community-enabling infrastructure to connect Canadians and grow regional, provincial and economic economies. 
  • Investing $5 billion for the new Trade Diversification Corridors Fund to support the development of trade infrastructure, including, but not limited to, ports, railways, airports and highways. 
  • Deploying a made-in-Canada procurement strategy that prioritizes Canadian suppliers and supply chains. 
  • Increasing labour mobility for skilled trades people between provinces and territories to address labour shortages. 

 “CCA will continue its work in close collaboration with the new government to ensure that Prime Minister Carney and his new administration keep their promises to the construction industry,” said Gilbert. “Only together can we build a strong foundation for Canada’s future.”

Concept of industrial education with hard hat
by SHCA SHCA

SHCA’s Catalogue of Courses

The SHCA has created a Catalogue of Courses for those interested in bolstering their education in the heavy construction industry. All courses qualify for Continued Professional Development Credits from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. 

View the full Catalogue of Courses here.

SHCA | Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association
by SHCA SHCA

WCR&HCA Calls On Prime Minister to Announce Vision, Plan in Western Canada

The Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA) Board of Directors is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to share his vision for Canada, implement a four-pronged approach to address the economic impact of the trade war with the U.S. and help Canada emerge more resilient and stronger.

WCRHCA | Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association

In a letter to Carney May 7, the WCR&HCA urged the Prime Minister, in his first 100 days in office, to deliver his vision, proposed direction and destination for Canada in a major policy address from a location in Western Canada. If accepted by the Prime Minister, that would be historic in nature, WCR&HCA president & CEO Chris Lorenc says.

Moreover, it would help assuage concerns that Western Canada alienation worries will be moot in a federal government that listens attentively, acts purposefully and is government for all the people of Canada, Lorenc says. The letter outlined a four-pronged national approach to respond to Trump’s tariffs. It noted the approach aligns with the Prime Minister’s comments in a recent press conference, in which he outlined the imperatives of focusing on national purpose, benefit and unity in a collaborative ‘Team Canada’ approach.

The Premiers of the four western provinces were also copied on the letter, which can be read here.

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

The Federal Election is Over – What’s Next?

Shantel Lipp

The dust has settled on the April federal election and now is the time for our elected representatives to get to work. The campaign saw many issues discussed by party leaders and their candidates with varying opinions from all sides of the political spectrum. All campaigns experience competing interests and some voices are heard over others. 

The heavy construction industry was one of those voices. Much like the Canadian electorate, our industry is at a crossroads. Will the future of Canadian infrastructure expand for the economy to grow? What does the result of the federal election mean for projects in Western Canada and, more importantly, for Saskatchewan?  

During the campaign, there were many discussions on ways to advance the Canadian economy while, at the same time, to become less reliant on the United States. The ebbs and flows of the tariff threats continue to have an impact on how we do business across the country and here in Saskatchewan. 

Rather than looking south, Canada has started to look east and west to create opportunities by removing barriers that create stagnation in economic growth. All sectors are looking at ways to create solutions that bring mobility across the country on vital projects required to keep our economy on track. 

Our industry adapts to change quickly, and the challenges facing it due to the tariff issue was one that we took on. The heavy construction industry here in Saskatchewan has been very vocal with all levels of government on action that needs to be taken to ensure our industry remains economically healthy. We, as an industry, continue to advocate for long-term strategic funding for infrastructure which guarantees good jobs, safe roads and economic growth. 

As the newly elected federal government begins to take shape, the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) will be looking intently at what direction it takes with respect to the future of infrastructure funding. Hopefully, lessons have been learned and the misguided notion of not funding future projects of infrastructure that are tied to road building have been tossed into the dumpster of bad ideas. 

As an advocate for the heavy construction industry, the SHCA will always put our members interests first and let governments know when they have been right and when they have been wrong.  

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

If We Build It, They Will Come

Shantel Lipp
Shantel Lipp, President, SHCA

Many Canadians will remember author W.P. Kinsella, known for one of his novel Shoeless Joe that was later adapted into the movie Field of Dreams about a farmer from Iowa who builds a baseball field at his farm. The famous line from the film was, “If you build it, they will come.” It is one of those lines that lives forever in movie folklore.

Saskatchewan can take a page out of Kinsella’s novel and adapt it to say, “If we build it, they will come.” The Saskatchewan economy is reliant on our products being exported to customers around the globe. To get what we currently produce to the market depends on reliable infrastructure. Our existing infrastructure is maintained to deliver what is needed now, but does not address the building necessary for the future.

We grow our economy by increasing our production, which in turn leads to more product for us to sell around the world. If Saskatchewan looks at its economic targets through a long-term approach, then it must also include that with infrastructure projects.

Planning ahead is always the best approach to meeting challenges. We need that for our infrastructure.

As an export-heavy province, we cannot afford to plan year to year what is required of our infrastructure network. This approach will only leave us playing catch-up. Currently, 70 per cent of our provincial gross domestic product is shipped out of our borders to customers in Canada and the rest of the world.

As the province expands economically, we must plan for the expansion by instituting long-term planning for infrastructure projects. infrastructure growth and economic growth should go hand-in-hand when it comes to forecasting where we will be economically as a province five to 10 years from today.

This becomes even more necessary when we are faced with the threat of tariffs from our largest trading partner. Our goal is to expand our markets beyond the United States, and we need to prove to new markets that we are up to the task. Planning ahead is always the best approach to meeting challenges. We need that for our infrastructure.

If we build it, they will come.

Industrial containers with flags of Canada making a rising graph.
by Martin Charlton Communications Martin Charlton Communications

Beyond the Border

Industrial containers with flags of Canada making a rising graph.
moovstock/123RF

The future of trade for Canada remains up in the air as the country’s biggest trading partner has imposed tariffs on what we export to the United States.

Many in the heavy construction industry may view this as a doomsday scenario for the Canadian economy. However, there are others within the industry who see this as an opportunity for Canada to wake up and do business differently.

Two-thirds of Canada’s national income comes from trade. With a vast land mass, Canada has had to rely on stable infrastructure to get its goods to market. This is a challenge, especially when it comes to getting goods out of remote areas within the country. Taking goods from the Canadian north to markets in the south and beyond requires a high level of co-ordination, relying on reliable infrastructure systems.

In 2010, Canada’s trade infrastructure was listed in the top 10 of all jurisdictions in the world. By the time 2019 came around, the country had dropped to 32nd place. Canada’s ability to be competitive drastically dropped during this period and requires a co-ordinated effort by sectors and government to get it back to where it was not that long ago.

Black maple leaf on yellow road sign

Canada has not adequately co-ordinated between federal, provincial and municipal governments and the private sector to build a system of trade infrastructure that enables the economy to reach its full potential.

John Law, senior executive in residence with the Canada West Foundation and former Deputy Minister of Highways for Saskatchewan, was recently interviewed in the media on how it is necessary to build up our infrastructure to remain competitive in the world. Law stated in that interview, “If you can’t move it, you can’t sell it.”

Law also stated that there are three kinds of infrastructure projects. First is the “want” infrastructure, which includes hockey rinks, community centres and similar facilities. The second was the “need” infrastructure, which includes facilities such as hospitals and schools. The third and most important form of infrastructure build is trade and transportation. Trade and transportation infrastructure projects are the ones which help to pay for the “wants” and the “needs” by enabling the economy.

Law points out that Canada has not adequately co-ordinated between federal, provincial and municipal governments and the private sector to build a system of trade infrastructure that enables the economy to reach its full potential. Both the United Kingdom and Australia have created ways to help co-ordinate their long-term infrastructure planning to create a successful environment of trade.

We have to break the cycle of planning around elections to address our infrastructure needs. By planning long-term, we can identify the crucial projects that will help us as a province and a country meet the demands of our trading partners.

– Shantel Lipp, SHCA

Infrastructure Australia was established in 2008 to be the Australian Government’s independent adviser on nationally-significant infrastructure investment planning and project prioritization. Infrastructure Australia conducts independent analysis of all infrastructure needs which are then put on an infrastructure priority list. The United Kingdom has the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), which is classified as the government’s centre of expertise for infrastructure and major projects. The IPA works across government to support the successful delivery of all types of major infrastructure projects.

Both entities offer the government expert advice on the needs of infrastructure investment with the recommendations based on long-term needs that fall beyond the natural election cycles of the government of the day.

“This is something that is definitely needed here in Saskatchewan and here in Canada,” said Shantel Lipp, president of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association. “We have to break the cycle of planning around elections to address our infrastructure needs. By planning long-term, we can identify the crucial projects that will help us as a province and a country meet the demands of our trading partners.”

If Canada is to explore new trading partners beyond the United States, then it must have the infrastructure backbone supported by long-term planning to meet the demands required by that diversity in trade.