SHCA presents at a program hosted by the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School for Public Policy
Aleksandr Kondratov / 123rf
What’s the most expensive thing you own?
Answers are likely as varied as the people you ask. You might hear about cosmetic items like an evening gown or a three-piece suit. Perhaps designer shoes or bags or jewelry are tucked away only to make appearances for special occasions.
But let’s not overlook the big-ticket items like a house or a vehicle. They’re often not as flashy, but certainly every bit as important when it comes to care and attention.
Posing the same question to elected officials like mayors or city councillors and Shantel Lipp, the president of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association, would hope to hear answers like roads, bridges and sewer lines. After all, those critical pieces of infrastructure are, in fact, assets owned by municipal governments.
“Having councils understand the importance of knowing what assets they have and understanding the need to maintain those assets allows for better planning and spending of taxpayer dollars,” she said.
This was theme of Lipp’s presentation at a recent three-day municipal governance program hosted by the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School for Public Policy (JSGS).
The school boasts a well-established three-day governance training course for the public sector. It wanted to morph that same concept into a three-day course for municipal governments, where many of the concepts share a familiar refrain from a “how do you govern yourself” perspective.
The introduction to the course reads:
It is estimated that municipalities either own or are responsible for up to 60 per cent of Canada’s public infrastructure. In addition to being the means by which many important local services are delivered, much of this infrastructure is essential to the economic prosperity, health and quality of life of the province.
A large portion of the infrastructure in Canada is nearing the end of its useful life. Despite some important investments that have been made over the past five to 10 years through joint federal/provincial/municipal programs, much of Saskatchewan’s municipal infrastructure dates from the 1950s and 1960s.
Citizen expectations continue to grow and evolve. This combined with the dual challenges of the small tax base in many communities and significant increases for renewal and replacement costs going forward make for very difficult discussions and decisions locally.
Thus, it’s a prime opportunity for SHCA to make its voice heard at such a program.
Day 1 topics would include discussions around governance – what is it and why does it matter? There’s a session that encompasses strategy, policy, people and resource allocation, with a third session focused on evaluation, monitoring performance and reporting results.
A large chunk of the second day is centred on infrastructure stewardship. Four kinds of municipal infrastructure categories are the focus for discussion – potable water and wastewater, solid waste and recreational infrastructure facilities.
The fourth kind of municipal infrastructure focused on transportation, with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and SHCA each speaking to this.
SHCA presented a video and honed in on the aspect of asset management being a valuable way for municipalities to fulfill their stewardship responsibilities and to best take care of business.
Keith Comstock is a career civil servant who spent eight-plus years as assistant deputy minister in the Ministry of Government Relations. He now works at JSGS under the school’s executive director Doug Moen, a long-time friend and former deputy minister to the premier.
“It’s important that elected officials realize things like bridges, sewer lines and roads are, in fact, municipal assets. When they understand this, they can also leverage the knowledge and innovation available within our industry to help them maintain and replace those assets.”
– Shantel Lipp, SHCA
Comstock says the program being offered allows municipalities to see it as a way of not only learning their responsibilities but also a means of dealing with internal issues they might have.
He acknowledged the fact there’s an infrastructure deficit in Saskatchewan.
“I don’t think anyone would ever deny that. Nobody has ever been able to quantify it to anyone’s satisfaction because you have to define what it is you’re actually counting…We need to get on with prioritization and figuring out what it is we’re going to do to try to keep the wheels moving.”
At the conclusion of the program, each municipality, now armed with more knowledge of how to approach asset management, will now challenge itself to answer, “What are we going to do about it?”
“It’s important that elected officials realize things like bridges, sewer lines and roads are, in fact, municipal assets,” said Lipp. “When they understand this, they can also leverage the knowledge and innovation available within our industry to help them maintain and replace those assets.”
That would provide stability to road building industry. If an industry knows there are finances set aside in an infrastructure fund, then they have some assurance of work in the future.
“Sustained, strategic spending on infrastructure keeps municipalities from incurring an infrastructure deficit, meaning it prevents unplanned spending of major dollars to fix their roads because of sink holes, underground utilities due to pipes corroding and bursting and bridges collapsing,” she said.
The association is looking to boost women in heavy construction leadership roles
Charles Wollertz / 123rf
There are pilot projects and then there are ground-breaking initiatives like the one Shantel Lipp is about to establish.
TEC Canada is nothing new to the business world. It’s a development program for high-ranking business professionals, ideally suited for senior executives or CEOs. Its concept uses a peer-based roundtable where members split their time between educational formats and networking opportunities.
Lipp has served as president of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association for the past 10-plus years in an industry that is predominantly led by men, a reality she is well aware of.
But she’s not alone. She understands more women across the country are in leadership roles in this industry. And she wants to hear from those women.
Lipp is starting an exclusive TEC group for women in the heavy construction industry, or closely associated with it, as an opportunity for these women to secure a stronger foothold in their respective roles.
“This group would serve as a forum for women in the industry to talk about common issues and share stories and experiences and challenges they face,” said Lipp. “Meeting with colleagues will provide them an opportunity to better their business. A lot of women are intimately involved in the businesses they own or the ones they work for. We could be pioneers in creating a TEC group that is comprised of women in a non-traditional sector.”
Often, TEC groups are comprised of like-minded individuals from across the country. They meet virtually for a day-long session that consists of an educational component that features a guest speaker related to the field and an expert on a specific topic.
Additionally, group members also take part in networking exchanges and share ideas and experiences.
“It’s a collaborative exercise where everyone helps each other get better at what they’re doing,” said Paul Martin, a chairperson for TEC Canada based in Saskatchewan. “You get seasoned and experienced businesspeople around the table to exchange ‘OCIs’ – opportunities, challenges and issues.”
Martin says in his experiences with TEC groups, roughly 75 per cent of members are men.
“We’ve never really done one like this,” he said of Lipp’s plan. “It definitely would be a unique group.”
Martin is expected to serve as the chair for Lipp’s group. The two are familiar with each other and have been a part of TEC groups in the past. Lipp has been a longtime TEC member, while Martin has been a chair for TEC Canada in Saskatchewan for several years.
“Women in this industry tend to sit in the background. It’s not that our voices are being ignored. Rather, it’s because we’re not the face of the company and often not the ones in public, attending meetings and making deals. We assume more of a behind-the-scenes role. This TEC group could change that.”
– Shantel Lipp, SHCA
Martin says that Lipp has benefitted a lot from her experiences with TEC and now wants to afford those opportunities to others in the industry.
“I can’t say there was a turning point day,” he said. “It’s really an evolution. Her leadership skills have grown considerably over the past five or 10 years and TEC has certainly been a part of that. She has done very well for herself in what is a predominantly male-led industry.”
Lipp says that women interested in joining this group do not have to be graduates of Harvard Business School. Rather, she says there are only a few pre-requisites – women who are ambitious and want to improve their leadership capabilities, women with good business sense and women with a strong work ethic.
“We have great leaders in this sector,” said Lipp. “Women in this industry tend to sit in the background. It’s not that our voices are being ignored. Rather, it’s because we’re not the face of the company and often not the ones in public, attending meetings and making deals. We assume more of a behind-the-scenes role. This TEC group could change that.”
Possible candidates for this group could involve women from various backgrounds, including trades, general contractors, architects or lawyers who specialize in construction law. Because all meetings are virtual, the competition factor isn’t perceived to be a deterrent.
Competing companies certainly will have a bevy of opportunities for work in the near future in Saskatchewan.
The province is the main focus in a $10 billion commitment from the federal government to support irrigation projects in the prairie provinces over the next three years. It’s expected to create 60,000 jobs.
The Lake Diefenbaker irrigation project is a top candidate to receive federal support. SHCA members are expected to play a major role in the development of this project for years to come.
Combine this funding from the federal government with a record $437.4 million in tendered projects announced in September by the Saskatchewan government.
“There are a lot of big projects planned for Saskatchewan over the next several years,” Lipp said. “That is why this is an ideal time to start this group.”
WCB CEO Phil Germain responds to questions from SHCA members
WorkSafe Saskatchewan believes that all injuries are preventable, but unfortunately workplace injuries still occur. In some instances, employees must recuperate and make plans with their employer to safely return to work. The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) is typically involved in these situations and helps to develop solutions for the employee and employer while considering the opinions of healthcare professionals. It can be a difficult process for SHCA members as they navigate what can be a time-consuming and unclear process. Phil Germain is the CEO of the Saskatchewan WCB and recently discussed industry relations with Think BIG, responding to questions submitted by members of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association.
Phil Germain, CEO, Saskatchewan WCB
Photo courtesy of The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board
What prompts an internal review of a file?
Phil Germain (PG): We have different ways to conduct quality assurance and quality control. We have a new risk-based quality assurance program in which we pick a data point, such as August, and look at average durations of claims based on the area of injuries, such as body type, shoulder or neck, for the prior year.
We then focus our review on the claims that are outside of the normal averages. If there’s a group of claims that are outside of the averages, we’ll look at those claims and figure out why they are taking longer than what would be considered typical. Our goal is to conduct about 20 reviews every month.
What quality checks are in place to minimize administrative errors that can not only cost employers on their account, but also where employers can incur additional costs to appeal the issue if using a third-party provider?
PG: There’s going to be some administrative costs for an employer to register with the WCB, report annual payroll, get clearances for contractors and manage injuries including disability management and return to work. We know that some employers hire third parties to help them with these activities. There’s no question that both employers and the WCB incur additional administrative costs associated with unintentional errors either by the WCB or employers. Our main objective is to understand the root cause of those errors and try to make the necessary process and/or system changes, so we can prevent these errors from happening in the first place.
“Some employers hire third parties to help them with WCB-related activities, which is an indication that our processes probably need to be adjusted and made easier for our customers.”
– Phil Germain, WCB
How does the WCB work with a company’s modified program, particularly in cases where a worker has left their employment?
PG: Our goal is to have every worker recover and return to work. Modified programs available for injured workers who left their employment would be dependent on different factors. If the worker left because they were laid off, we would continue to manage that claim until the individual had recovered to their pre-injury work condition. The claim would then be closed, other than possibly some medical costs. If they were no longer working for that employer, and they had reached their pre-injury work ability, we would help them find a new job. If the injury is so severe that they needed permanent restrictions, we would wait until the claim stabilized so we could understand the nature of the restrictions. After that, we would start to consider different vocational options for the worker.
If a worker voluntarily leaves a modified return-to-work program, or basically refuses a medically-approved modified work program, it could put their benefits in jeopardy. The only reason I’m saying “could” is because we’re assuming that individual would get their benefits cut off just by refusing to return to work. That’s not necessarily taking into account other complicating factors that can be a result of the injury, such as mental health issues. Sometimes people’s lives are turned upside down because of the impact associated with a work injury.
Many employers have good return-to-work programs that are not being utilized because case workers seem primarily focussed on the employee. What is being done to ensure physicians are aware of employer’s return-to-work programs so that they can prescribe the appropriate modified work duties and expedite a safe return to work?
PG: Ideally, we want to start with return-to-work as the end goal and work backwards to figure out how we’re going to get there. Getting the individual back to work, even in a modified work setting, is what’s best for both the worker and the employer. Our staff make every effort to ensure they keep healthcare providers aware that modified work is available and that we’re striving to get the current work restrictions from that healthcare provider. We get that information to the employer to help facilitate an early and safe return to work. Some of this is a constant back and forth between all the stakeholders and can take days to get sorted. We’re reaching out to the worker, then we’re reaching out to the doctor, which can take a few days, and then we’re reaching out to the employer. We need to confirm with the employer if they have modified work duties available and then it’s back to the healthcare provider. It’s easy for four or five days to go by as we’re trying to connect with people and get the information to make a good decision with a focus on recovery and return to work.
Now, having said all that, we know our processes are not applied consistently 100 per cent of the time, and even at that, our processes can be more efficient. We agree that with the right processes and systems in place, it is possible the decisions could take hours, not days. This is why we are embarking on a claims transformation project, to completely reimagine our claims processes. We started this journey in 2020 with a value stream mapping event that included employer and injured worker representatives.
The current system seems to favour employees’ words over those of employers. This can result in what some believe to be fraudulent claims by some employees. It also makes employers feel like our side of the story is not being heard. Are you considering a fresh approach that better balances the needs of both employees and employers?
PG: The frustrations employers feel are legitimate and there are things that need to change within our systems and processes that will better enable us to work with employers. I think we’re learning what it takes to ensure overall better return-to-work outcomes, and there is no question employers need to be deeply involved with that process from day one.
“The frustrations employers feel are legitimate and there are things that need to change within our systems and processes that will better enable us to work with employers.”
– Phil Germain, WCB
An SHCA member hired a consultant to help with an appeal. While the appeal was denied, the consultant found that the member, because of a clerical error, had been overcharged in excess of $20,000 by the WCB. The member had to pay the consultant to find a costly error that the WCB created. What systems have you implemented to prevent this from happening again?
PG: Some employers hire third parties to help them with WCB-related activities, which is an indication that our processes probably need to be adjusted and made easier for our customers. In 2019, with the help from the heavy construction association, we launched the Employer Resource Centre to serve as a single point of contact for employers. Navigating our system at times can be hard, so by creating this centre, we can help provide the answers or internal connection you need to get the right answers quickly and efficiently. Having said that, we do have different processes that are intended to catch these anomalies and correct them.
Is the WCB open to creating an industry/WCB working committee or task force of SHCA and the WCB officials to address some of the membership’s ongoing concerns?
PG: Our approach is to tap into existing structures and not create new committees or structures if they are not necessary. We find it more efficient for us and our customers if we can utilize existing structures like industry human resources committees, board meetings or conventions to dialogue with industry and understand what’s working and what’s not working. These meetings would be over and above the development of our new Voice of the Customer program that we are launching in 2021. Finally, as many in the heavy construction industry have done, we encourage employers to reach out to any of our senior leadership team if they have specific questions related to their business.
The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) announced earlier this week that it will hold this year’s average employer premium rate at the 2020 rate of $1.17 and will cap industry level rates at 10 per cent. This board level hold is to provide a measure of economic relief to Saskatchewan businesses struggling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the WCB’s rate model, the 2021 average required rate should have been $1.23 per hundred dollars of payroll without the board level hold. The increase was driven by a combination of factors, including the economic slowdown caused by COVID-19 and an increase in compensation and health care costs.
“Given the level of uncertainty surrounding Saskatchewan’s economy as a result of the pandemic, the WCB board proposed a hold for 2021,” said Minister responsible for the WCB Don Morgan. “By holding the rate at $1.17, the WCB will save employers approximately $13.4 million in 2021 premiums. This is in addition to approximately $1 million employers saved on interest and penalties in 2020.”
Premium rates are generally determined by two key factors – claims costs and payroll.
“We recognize the impact of the COVID-19 virus across the province. Payroll is down, as many businesses struggle to stay afloat,” said WCB CEO, Phil Germain. “This assistance from the WCB will benefit those employers. This is just another example of how we all – including workers, employers and government – work together to overcome the many challenges caused by the current pandemic and subsequent economic slowdown.”
Prior to the premium rate plateauing in 2019, the average premium rate had been steadily declining, in conjunction with an overall reduction in work-related illnesses and injuries. In fact, the current average premium rate is 43 per cent below the 17-year high of $2.05 in 2004. However, WCB officials advise the rate may rise in 2022 if payroll costs remain low while claims costs continue to rise.
“We’ve seen a tremendous collective effort in recent years by workers, employers, safety associations and stakeholders to bring down the number of workplace injuries in our province,” said WCB chair Gord Dobrowolsky. “We’re making significant progress. In 2019, for the fourth year in a row, 88 per cent of Saskatchewan employers reported zero injuries in their workplaces. As well, the workplace total injury rate in our province has dropped by over 50 per cent since 2008.”
While overall injury rates are down, the number of serious injuries continues to be a concern. In 2019, serious injuries accounted for 12 per cent of total workplace injuries in the province, but more than 80 per cent of compensation costs. The WCB is working with customers and stakeholders to innovate the WCB’s claims and injury prevention strategies. The development of the Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy in 2019 was the first major step toward reducing injuries and improving disability management and return to work in Saskatchewan. Find out more about the strategy at www.worksafesask.ca.
Employers can also play a significant role in keeping their premium rates down. Work-related injuries can be prevented by instituting a comprehensive workplace safety program. A solid disability management and return-to-work program will also help reduce costs and assist injured workers to recover and return to work safely and as soon as possible.
Employers can log into their secure WCB online account starting on Dec. 7, 2020 to view their 2021 industry premium rate, including their experience rating and certificate, if eligible. Employers who don’t have a secure WCB online account can sign up for one at www.wcbsask.com.
Effective Dec. 7, 2020, your 2021 WCB premium rate notice and certificate of achievement will only be available through your WCB online account.
Employers, your WCB premium rate notice is going paperless
Effective Dec. 7, 2020, your 2021 WCB premium rate notice and certificate of achievement will only be available through your WCB online account.
The Saskatchewan WCB is going paperless because it is an environmentally sustainable approach to significantly reduce the amount of paper printed and mailed. Going paperless also allows for quick and easy access while keeping employer information secure.
You can get access to your 2021 premium rate notice by logging into your secure WCB online account. There you will be able to view and print your premium rate notice, experience rating letter and certificate of achievement, if eligible.
Your WCB online account also allows you to view claim reports, file your annual payroll report, view your statements, obtain clearances and access other helpful information.
To view this information online, you must be an administrator on your secure WCB online account or be an agent with access to view reports.
Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy
Evgeniy Shkolenko / 123rf
The Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) program has been launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is an employer-driven, short-term training program that provides eligible employers with financial support to train employees.
Funding to support training can help employers adjust to the impacts of the pandemic and safely align business activities with the re-opening phases of Saskatchewan’s economy.
The program is operated by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Immigration and Career Training.
Benefits of the subsidy:
Training support through the RSTS program will ensure employers have access to training to maintain business activities while continuing to promote workplace safety and stimulate competitiveness without a financial burden;
Employers select the trainee(s) and the training program;
100 per cent reimbursement to eligible employers for approved training;
Approved employers will receive 33 per cent of the cost of training upon entering into a training agreement with the government. The remaining 67 per cent will be paid upon completion of final reporting and verification of actual expenditures; and
The maximum payment is $10,000 to eligible employers for the RSTS program.
For information about the subsidy or to apply, visit www.saskatchewan.ca and search “RSTS.”
SHCA members will fall under the Transportation and Logistics section to qualify.
Canadian Construction Association and KPMG in Canada launch Digital maturity assessment tool to gauge innovation
In a new initiative to assist Canadian construction companies to gauge their level of construction innovation, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has joined forces with KPMG in Canada to launch the complimentary Digital maturity assessment tool for the construction industry.
Construction is rapidly evolving into a tech-savvy industry with the use of drones, automated vehicles and virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR). Advancing innovation is a top priority of CCA’s five-year strategic plan and vision to “Build a better Canada.”
New digital technologies, innovations and disruptive business models mean many construction organizations need to keep pace with the transformative changes required to drive growth, meet customer demands, increase productivity and attract the right digital talent to truly reap the benefits of the digital age.
With access to KPMG Canada’s proprietary online Digital maturity assessment tool, construction companies of all sizes can now confidentially assess their digital readiness in a few minutes.
“The need for digital transformation to stay competitive in construction has been heightened by the pandemic,” said Mary Van Buren, CCA president. “This online tool will especially aid small and medium-sized construction companies by providing a benchmark of their efforts and insight on areas of future focus.”
“We believe it’s vital for companies to assess where they are on their digital journey to ensure technology and business strategies are aligned and delivering return on investment,” said Lorne Burns, KPMG Canada’s national industry leader, Building, Construction and Real Estate. “COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of embracing digital technologies to inform strategic decision-making, build resilience, enhance competitiveness and protect asset value amid disruption and uncertainty. We’re thrilled to be joining forces with CCA on making our tool available to the construction industry.”
Teaming up with KPMG Canada, a report on the findings will also be published at CCA’s 2021 annual conference.
When passing snowplows, it’s not a race – give some space
The Government of Saskatchewan wants to remind everyone this winter season that when passing snowplows, it’s not a race. Give some space.
Highway snowplow operators often work early mornings and late into the night, as long as it’s safe for them to be on the road. There are many passionate and dedicated people inside our snowplows and they do it to keep us safe.
“It’s important to remember these aren’t just highway workers in our plows, they’re someone’s family,” Highways Minister Joe Hargrave said. “They are the unsung heroes of highway safety, and they all deserve our thanks. So let’s make sure we do our part and give them the space they need to work and ensure they go home safely.”
“It’s important to remember these aren’t just highway workers in our plows, they’re someone’s family”
– Highways Minister Joe Hargrave
Saskatchewan’s snowplows have blue and amber flashing lights. When these lights are on, it means the snowplow is performing winter duties and you should be careful. Winter duties include plowing, sanding, salting and inspecting roads. Some road bridge repairs also occur during the winter.
Here are some rules to keep in mind when passing slowplows on our highways:
Treat snowplows like you would any emergency vehicle
If they are pulled over on the side of the road and have their lights flashing, slow to 60 km/hr
If the plow is driving and has its lights flashing, approach with caution and pass when safe to do so
If the plow is clearing snow and visibility is low, be patient. Snowplows pull over every 10 to 15 kms to allow you to pass safely
Operators regularly inspect highways to determine if plowing, salting or sanding is needed to ensure safe driving conditions. They report conditions to the Highway Hotline, which publishes timely information on Saskatchewan road conditions.
You can also find information related to provincial highways by following the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline on:
Facebook – @SaskatchewanHighwayHotline
Twitter – @SKGovHwyHotline
Instagram – @skhwyhotline
Improvements to Fond du Lac Airport underway
Pre-construction work for safety improvements to the Fond Du Lac Airport is underway.
“Our government is committed to investing in the north and this includes air travel in northern Saskatchewan,” Highways Minister Joe Hargrave said. “Maintaining and improving infrastructure that is critical to services like air ambulance and firefighting is vital for those living in the north.”
The cost for construction, awarded to Saskatchewan-based SHCA member Whitford Construction, comes in at $14 million.
The project safety improvements include:
Construction of turn pads at both ends of the runway
Strengthening and re-surfacing of the runway, taxiway and apron
Replacing existing low-intensity lighting with high-intensity LED lights
Rock crushing began in early November with construction scheduled for completion in the fall of 2021.
“This project is important, since it is essential for moving people to and from the community,” Fond Du Lac Chief Louie Mercredi said. “This has become much more urgent due to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, further delays to this project may restrict landing and take-off weights while increasing a number of other costs associated with air transportation.”
The Government of Canada, through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, has provided $12.1 million in funding over three years for the project. The Government of Saskatchewan will fund the remaining cost totalling $1.9 million as well as the ongoing cost of operations and maintenance, averaging $215,000 a year.
The Government of Saskatchewan will improve more than 1,000 km of provincial highways this year, the first of its 10-year Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 km of highways. Another $300 million in highways stimulus funds will be invested over the next two years in thin-membrane surface upgrades, passing lanes and improvements to municipal roads and airports.
The Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $628 million in northern highways and airports since 2008, including $60.3 million this year.
With the start of a new year often comes a feeling of optimism. We are starting fresh and putting the difficult year that was 2020 in our rear-view mirror.
Our industry was one of the few that weathered the storm and persevered through some challenging times. Yes, many of us adapted to changes and altered our routines to meet new health and safety guidelines to keep working through government-issued shutdowns and to keep our employees healthy.
Our hope is that a new year brings a semblance of normalcy back to our lives, both at work and at home. We already can look forward to a busy year ahead. If there was a positive to pull from last year it was several big-ticket projects are planned for our province over the next few years.
Saskatchewan will likely be the main beneficiary in a $10-billion commitment from the federal government to support irrigation projects in the prairies. This infrastructure plan will span the next three years, with approximately $1.5 billion expected to result in 700,000 acres of irrigated land. It’s expected to create close to 60,000 jobs.
The Lake Diefenbaker irrigation project is a top candidate to receive much of this federal support. And we should expect to play a major role in the development of this project for years to come.
Combine this funding from the federal government with a record $437.4 million in tendered projects announced last summer by the provincial government. That’s a full plate for our members.
Early in 2020, we heard Premier Scott Moe say, “Over the next two years, our government will invest $7.5 billion dollars in…highways, municipal infrastructure and other important capital projects designed to build a strong Saskatchewan.”
Obviously, this is great news for our industry as it assures there’s work to be done for the foreseeable future.
This funding represents a $2 billion increase over the government’s existing capital plan. The resulting projects are expected to support 10,000 jobs. More than $300 million of the funds are intended for highway projects, including surface upgrades and passing lanes, with almost $50 million dedicated to upgrades to municipal roads and airports.
The pandemic that still lingers today wreaked havoc on global economies. The road to economic recovery here and across the country starts with our industry.
Here’s to a busy season for our members and a prosperous and healthy new year!
With COVID-19 cases on the rise, new strains cropping up and a slower than hoped rollout of vaccines, it is essential to remain vigilant and follow worksite health and safety protocols as well as general public health measures, says the Canadian Construction Association (CCA).
The health, safety and wellbeing of our workers and the communities in which we operate has always been the top priority of the more than 20,000 member firms of CCA.
“We are proud of our industry and the firms of all sizes who quickly adapted and consistently implemented health protocols across Canada,” said Mary Van Buren, CCA president. “This pandemic highlighted the value of past infrastructure investments, including maintenance, that ensured that the increased volume of goods, food and medical supplies moved efficiently across our roads and bridges, that we could work from home because of broadband connectivity, that we have clean water to drink and for hygiene and that we have hospitals where we receive excellent care.”
The Canadian construction industry already has in place and implements highly disciplined health and safety protocols on construction sites and at manufacturing facilities. Companies have significantly amplified these by adhering to CCA’s COVID-19 Standardized Protocols for All Canadian Construction Sites. CCA and our partner associations have a wealth of resources available to member firms to assist them during the pandemic.
“It is vital to Canada’s health and economy that our strong track record of safety in the first wave continues into this second and potentially more challenging wave,” said Van Buren. “I know many of us are frustrated by this long road, are experiencing pandemic fatigue, and making personal sacrifices. Together, we can stay the course so that Canadians continue to benefit from the essential work and services provided by construction. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
With cases steeply rising and ICU units reaching full capacity in some locations throughout Canada, there is also a growing urgency around following general health guidelines and other government measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as eliminating all non-essential travel, wearing a mask in public, getting a flu shot, limiting your contacts and washing your hands frequently.
The construction sector is one of Canada’s largest employers. The industry, 70 per cent of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employs more than 1.4 million Canadians and contributes 7.5 per cent of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product. The risk is high if we do not maintain our vigilance in the fight against COVID-19.
Keep a close eye on www.saskheavy.ca in 2021 – big changes are on the way!
SHCA is working hard to update its current website to an all-new format, which will include new sections and benefits for SHCA members.
The new website will feature a Road Builder Hall of Fame, honouring long-time SHCA members and the impact they’ve had on their communities; a new open-access member services directory that will allow site users to search SHCA members for products and services they require; a new, dedicated section to Think BIG magazine, including the digital archives; and more.
We’re excited to be working on this project and the value that it will bring to the association and our members!
SHCA members, the time is now to ensure your 2021 dues are paid and that your information is correct and up to date for the membership listings in the 2021 SHCA Equipment Rental Rates Guide & Membership Roster.
If your company had a membership listing in the 2020 version, you can check your listing information in your printed copy or by viewing the online version here. Contact the SHCA office if you require a new username and password.
To inquire about your membership listing or to request any changes, contact Tracey Koch at traceyk@saskheavy.ca. Members who do not submit any changes to their listing will see their membership listings remain the same as they appeared in 2020.
Advertising sales are also ongoing for the 2021 SHCA Equipment Rental Rates Guide & Membership Roster, with very limited premium positions still available for reservation. View the media kit here and contact adsales@lesterpublications.com with any questions or to reserve advertising space, including a logo to appear over your membership listing. If your company needs assistance creating advertising artwork, the graphics department at Lester Communications Inc. will be happy to help.
