by SHCA SHCA

Construction Season Starts Strong

Following the release of a record-setting fall tender schedule this past September, the Ministry of Highways marked May 27 as the unofficial start to the 2021 road construction season.  With one additional project set to close by the end of May, most of the planned contracts from the fall tender have now been awarded and are underway or will be soon.

“Construction season is here,” said Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw. “Spring and summer 2021 will be one of the largest construction seasons the province has seen in a while.  With nearly $440 million in work resulting from this tender, motorists will see over 820 km of roadway improvements across the province.  Drivers may experience some delays with roadworks, and I ask that they slow down, plan ahead and be patient.”

Highlights from the fall tender schedule include:  

  • Completion of a multi-year, multi-passing lane project on Highway 7 from Saskatoon to the Saskatchewan/Alberta border;  
  • Highway 2 passing lanes north of Prince Albert;
  • Highway 3 passing lanes west of Prince Albert;
  • Highway 5 passing lanes east of Saskatoon;
  • Highway 7 passing lanes west of Kindersley;
  • Highway 8 resurfacing north of Moosomin;
  • Highway 11 bridge work near Lumsden;
  • Highway 12 passing lanes north of Martensville;
  • Highway 14 passing lanes west of Saskatoon to Asquith;
  • Highway 15 resurfacing west of Highway 2 junction;
  • Highway 16 passing lanes west of Yorkton to Springside;
  • Highway 16 passing lanes east of Clavet to Highway 6 junction;
  • Highway 18 paving partnership with Lake Alma;
  • Highway 55 grade and paving near Carrot River;
  • Highway 322 resurfacing near Rowan’s Ravine;
  • Highway 905 gravel upgrade from Cigar Lake to Mclean Lake; and
  • Various culverts and bridge rehabilitations and replacements.

There have been seven projects delayed, most of which will be tendered this summer or fall.  These delays can be attributed to improved coordination by contractors or potential complications stemming from weather, scheduling or other external factors.

Start dates for construction projects are dependent on contractor availability and weather.  All tenders can be viewed at www.sasktenders.ca.

As part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan, the Ministry of Highways will be improving 10,000 km of provincial highways and roadways by the end of 2030.  This year will see 1,350 km of improvement on top of 1,000 km in 2020, putting the province ahead of schedule in its decade-long target.  

Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $10.6 billion in provincial highway and roadway infrastructure with improvements to more than 17,100 km of Saskatchewan highways.

Chornii Yevhenii/123rf
by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan WCB Seeking Customer Feedback

In the month of June, the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) will be reaching out to customers across the province to gather feedback to help improve WCB services.

The information provided by customers will be vital in improving the WCB’s services over the short and long term. As customers experience these services from a different perspective, we will be seeking input from injured workers and employers at all touchpoints of their experience with us. 

This information will be used in the development of a customer feedback system that will help us in the future to gather feedback at the most critical points of the customer journey. We will be looking for customers to tell us about their experience with the WCB, both positive and negative. We will be asking about the points in the WCB process that are most difficult for customers. Customer feedback is essential in our ability to be able to improve our services for our customers. A survey will be sent out to customers via email on June 21, 2021. This email will come from the askwcb@wcbsask.com email account.

A random sampling of customers will also be contacted by our research partner CSPN between June 14, 2021 and June 25, 2021. This group of customers will be offered the opportunity to participate in a set of focus groups.

Please be aware that the WCB will never ask for personal information such as a claim number, bank information, payment status, SIN or any other personal identification or financial information when conducting customer research. 

If you have any questions about whether or not an email or call was legitimate, please do not hesitate to contact our office at askwcbsask@wcbsask.com or 1-800-667-7590.

by SHCA SHCA

The SHCA Hot Seat

Featuring Jason Bast, P.Eng., the general manager at NIS Contractors Ltd. in Regina

1. Where are you from?

Regina

2. How did you get your start in the heavy construction industry and/or who do you credit to getting you where you are today?

I got my start in the heavy construction industry working as a yard/shop labourer during the summer break before high school started. I would have to credit both my wife and kids in supporting me to get where I am today.

3. What is your career history?

I began my work career as a yard/shop labourer and after high school, went to university to obtain my engineering degree. During university, I worked as a concrete labourer and materials testing technologist. Once I graduated from university, I worked in consulting for about four years in Saskatoon and then moved back to Regina for an opportunity on the contracting side. I have never looked back since.

4. What’s the best piece of business or career advice you have or have been given?

Do not chase success. Work hard, dedicate yourself to your craft and success will chase you.

5. What’s your favourite thing about Saskatchewan and working in the industry?

My favourite thing about Saskatchewan and working in the industry is the people. This province and industry have a great love for what they do, but also a love to give back to our local communities.

6. What is the trait you most deplore in others?

The way some people disregard the feelings and needs of others. With the world going through such tough times in the pandemic, being kind, giving and helping others is more important now than ever.

7. What is your greatest extravagance?

Overall, I am pretty frugal with money. However, I always seem to come out with a new hockey stick whenever going shopping at sport stores.

8. What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My wife and kids are definitely the greatest loves of my life.

9. Who are your favorite writers?

J.R.R. Tolkein and Steven King

10. Who is your hero of fiction?

Aragorn from Lord of the Rings. His growth from humble ranger to a well-respected king is definitely an inspiration.

by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Polytechnic Launches Online Indigenous Leadership Skills Applied Certificate

Saskatchewan Polytechnic continues to demonstrate leadership in providing culturally inclusive learning environments and opportunities. The Indigenous Leadership Skills Applied Certificate will share valuable Indigenous leadership approaches towards maintaining resiliency and building leadership capacity.

Situated on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories, and homeland of the Métis people, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is acting on its strategic plan for 2020–2025, Leading the Rise, by holistically integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, being, teaching and learning throughout all institutional practices, procedures and services. The launch of the Indigenous Leadership Skills applied certificate is part of this work.

“To prepare learners for success in the communities and economies of today and in the future, the new Indigenous Leadership Skills program builds business leadership skills based on Indigenous ways of knowing. This specialized, unique program examines historical and contemporary models of Indigenous business, entrepreneurship and economic development,” said Dr. Larry Rosia, Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO.

“At the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario, we see the Indigenous Leadership Skills program as a vital piece in the efforts to engage Indigenous people into careers in the skilled trades. A sense of understanding of our own Indigenous history, culture, stories and resilience is crucial to empowering the individual in their career journey,” said Danny Deleary, Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario, community engagement coordinator.

Indigenous Leadership Skills is an applied certificate designed to be leveraged by industry to broaden specialized, culturally relevant leadership skills within their workforce or by individuals preparing for their next career move or entrepreneurial venture.  

Using real life case studies focused on exceptional Indigenous leaders, in an interactive format with fellow learners and instructors, the applied certificate is entirely online to maximize accessibility and flexibility for industry and learners. The program includes eight courses that will take about 240 hours to complete. Six of the courses explore standard leadership skills, while two delve deeper into traditional Indigenous leadership and approaches to business-building. Course materials and teaching methods align with Indigenous values, providing a safe, culturally relevant environment for learning.

“Customized programs, like the Indigenous Leadership Skills program, allow for increased participation through workplaces as professional development opportunities. They also provide opportunity for lifelong learning through relevant curriculum which can be successfully completed in a shorter period of time,” said Paul Carter, dean for the School of Continuing Education.

Learn more about the Indigenous Leadership Skills applied certificate.

by SHCA SHCA

SGI CANADA Names New Chief Operating Officer

Andrew Voroney has been appointed as the new executive vice president (EVP) and chief operating officer (COO) of SGI CANADA, effective June 1, 2021.

With 17 years of experience in the insurance industry, including the past five years serving as SGI CANADA’s vice president of commercial lines and regional vice president (RVP), Saskatchewan Operations, Voroney brings a wealth of industry knowledge, strong corporate background and innovative leadership to the position.

Building on an industry background in underwriting, product development and risk analysis, Voroney joined SGI CANADA in 2016. Since that time, he’s led the Commercial Underwriting and Product Management teams nationally as VP, and broadened his areas of responsibility into Personal lines, claims and broker partnership as RVP, bridging corporate and operational responsibilities. He has successfully managed profitable growth, streamlined processes and expanded the company’s use of technology and innovation.

“While these priorities are important, the relationships we have with our staff, partners and customers are at the heart of our business, and these are all areas where Andrew excels,” said president and CEO Andrew Cartmell. “He’s developed strong teams and leaders who can confidently face the challenges of our ever-evolving industry, and support productive, successful partnerships with brokers. This all leads to providing an exceptional experience for customers.”

“I’m excited to take on the role of COO of such a fantastic organization, at a critical point in our industry,” said Voroney. “Technology, the reinvention of our processes and services and the changes in our broker network present new opportunities for the future. It’s a privilege to be tasked with overseeing the exciting innovations SGI CANADA has planned, while staying true to our company’s roots of strong customer and broker service.”

Voroney will be replacing outgoing EVP and COO, Randy MacFarlane, as he transitions to retirement at the end of this year. Until that time, MacFarlane will lead the Corporate Insurance Division of SGI CANADA as EVP and chief insurance officer (CIO).

“It’s crucial that we have the right people leading SGI CANADA into the future, to ensure we remain a stable, consistent and sophisticated insurer our partners and customers can count on,” said Cartmell. “Andrew will hit the ground running in his new role given both the corporate knowledge he’s gained and his hands-on experience running day-to-day operations. He truly understands our business and how to make it work.”

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

President’s Message

Meeting with a group that is open to advice and generous with their insights is an empowering experience that helps to develop one another.

A group like that came together recently to create that experience for women in construction. We met as the Women in Construction – TEC Group for its inaugural meeting. This introductory meeting was held to gauge the interest in this type of a group holding ongoing meetings to support those involved.

Women from various sectors of construction who are living and working in many different communities in the province met on May 20 to learn about TEC and gain peer support and offer advice. Some of the women had been working in their field for decades while others were new to theirs. Their roles covered a wide array of functions, from ownership to human resources to fleet management.

It was an important opportunity to draw out the perspective of women discussing the challenges, issues and successes in the construction industry. The group discussed navigating work relationships, giving one another suggestions on how to ensure those in the relationship recognize it is strictly professional. Others were looking for input on human resources challenges, including onboarding new employees who primarily speak a language other than English. Great ideas were generated through the discussions to help find solutions to common concerns.

Coming together to discuss challenges and opportunities related to business and career development is important for anyone building their career. Sitting down on a scheduled basis to have these discussions with people who have similar life experience can be reassuring.

There is interest in another meeting being scheduled to allow for the conversation to continue and to welcome additional women interested in an opportunity like this. Given the busy season that is summer, the plan is to schedule the next meeting sometime in late August.

If you would like to participate, please send me an email to get more information, including the date once one is set. You can email me at slipp@saskheavy.ca

Shantel Lipp
by SHCA SHCA

Springtime in Saskatchewan

Springtime in Saskatchewan is similar to the sounding of the starter’s pistol – it’s time for road builders and our members to get to work.

Many contractors will be returning to job sites this month in what is anticipated to be a busy construction season in our province.

While many of us experienced change over the past year because of the restraints brought on by the pandemic, our primary focus as we return to work remains unchanged – safety on the job site.

The more things change, the more they remain the same. We all want to return home at the end of the workday in the same shape we arrived that morning.

This means we continue to adhere to the health and safety protocols on job sites. We use the proper personal protective equipment when handling machinery and tools; we obey the speed limits in orange zones and watch for others entering those zones; we lend a hand to our coworkers; we try to be physically distant whenever possible and we wash and sanitize our hands regularly.

We just wrapped up our Safe Digging Month campaign in April and reminded both contractors and the public to call for a free line locate when digging around underground infrastructure. This essential step in the safe digging process is ensuring all underground utility lines are located and marked.

These friendly reminders are nothing new to contractors. We all did our part last year and followed the health and safety guidelines that were instituted. I want to commend everyone for a safe season in 2020.

We all want that trend to continue this summer.

Rural roads, bridges set for upgrades this year

On May 10, the provincial government announced 69 rural municipalities are to receive $25.7 million under Phase 3 of the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program.

The grants cover up to 50 per cent of a project’s total cost, to a maximum of $500,000.

Through the RIRG program, the government is helping RMs improve 219 roads at a cost of $233.6 million, with $55.5 million of that provided through the program.

There are 63 projects from phases 1 and 2 that are underway.

Our members are working on more than 1,350 kilometres of highways this year.

by SHCA SHCA

Budget 2021 Affirms the Value of Infrastructure Investment in Driving Economic Recovery

The April 19 release of the Federal Budget lays some important groundwork for a strong economic recovery and delivers against four of the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) pre-budget asks, including increased support for green and trade-enabling infrastructure investment, workforce capacity building, a commitment to beginning a 25-year infrastructure plan and investment to advance innovation in construction. While these new programs are welcome, the budget does not address how to expedite already committed funds, says CCA, the national association representing Canada’s non-residential construction industry.

“The budget endorses the valued role of the heavy civil, institutional, commercial and industrial construction sector to building back better,” said Mary Van Buren, CCA president. “However, an equal commitment is needed to facilitate the quick and unfettered roll-out of these proposed investments.” 

With improved coordination, communication and transparency between federal, provincial and municipal governments, infrastructure investments can be delivered more efficiently, addressing the real and immediate needs of communities, speeding up the start of projects, minimizing boom-bust cycles, getting people back to work and securing a steady supply chain. 

News of greater investment aimed at building a greener, more sustainable economy aligns with the CCA’s recently released white paper, Strength, resilience, sustainability. CCA recommends that the federal government also adjust its procurement criteria to accelerate the adoption of new processes, materials or technology, by taking on more of this risk, which currently rests with contractors.

Workforce capacity development is essential to Canada’s economic recovery and our long-term global competitiveness. The goal of the proposed Apprenticeship Service aimed at connecting 55,000 first year apprentices to jobs in the construction and manufacturing Red Seal trades will provide education, training and jobs for youth, Indigenous people, women, racialized Canadians, persons with disabilities and other groups traditionally underrepresented in the trades. This directly aligns with the industry’s workforce diversity efforts through CCA’s Talent Fits Here campaign and we are highly encouraged by its inclusion in Budget 2021. Additional attention needs to be paid to growing the participation of these same groups in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) so they may lead and support the industry’s digital transformation.

Creating a program to temporarily subsidize new hiring at $1,100 per month for every new employee and continuing the wage and rent subsidies will help small and medium-sized businesses in Canada’s construction sector contribute to employment, job creation and economic growth.

The complexities of infrastructure require leadership, long-term vision and consistency to deliver optimum benefits to all Canadians. The two-year $500 million Canada Community Revitalization Fund is a welcome announcement, and the commitment to funding Infrastructure 2050 is a positive step forward. 

CCA is encouraged to see increased funding over three years to the federal Internal Trade Secretariat to accelerate its work reducing interprovincial trade barriers within Canada, a long-standing policy that CCA continues to champion.

CCA looks forward to continuing our work with the federal government on building an inclusive and green economy, driving innovation, boosting employment opportunities and supporting Canadian businesses. Strengthening investor confidence and reducing red tape are also important outcomes.

An investment in sustainable infrastructure is an investment in Canada and our communities, and the construction industry is willing and able to partner with the government. We remain committed to helping our country re-build its economy and improve the quality of life of all Canadians.