by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Seems to Have a Different Economy

Saskatchewan continues to find itself in an interesting spot in Canada’s COVID-19 economy.

We’re now starting to see some improvement in our trade numbers. The first evidence of a positive trend was in May as our exports started to rise while imports were still falling so the trade deficit fell sharply, narrowing by 85 per cent from nearly $5 billion in April to $677 million.

Falling imports was a result of a few factors: we were buying less and other countries were in varying states of fighting the pandemic so their ability to export was all over the place. But we got it together on the export front and demand for some output was improving.

StatsCan says the increase was attributable to more automotive product moving, to rising oil prices and slack in the rail system as some products were not moving. It turns out that slack was filled up with agricultural goods. Wheat exports, for example, rose 20 per cent. And it turns out that the fishing, farming and intermediate food category set a record in May, not the kind of thing you’d normally expect in the midst of a pandemic.

Read more news about Saskatchewan on mynewsroom.ca.

Source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200702/dq200702a-eng.htm?HPA=1

by SHCA SHCA

SHCA Supports SaskPolytech Students

SHCA was once again a supporter of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s scholarship program for students involved in the heavy duty mechanic and engineering technologist training programs. It’s important to SHCA and its members to help the next generation of our industry’s workforce.

“I just wanted to extend my thanks to you and the members of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association for your wonderful support of our students this year,” said Michele Krieger, the legacy and major gifts officer at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Moose Jaw. “This has not been an easy year for anyone, but I understand your industry is in the midst of challenging times. 

“As we all try to navigate an uncertain future, I want you to know your partnership is so appreciated.”

From Saskatchewan Polytechnic:

Because of your commitment to education, the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Class of 2020 persevered and graduated, despite the challenges they faced this year. Your gift supported their journey and achievements.

Because of your ongoing support, Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s newest alumni are positioned to succeed in this new and changing world. The Class of 2020 joins the workforce equipped with creativity, problem-solving skills, and adaptability that will contribute to our province’s growth and economic prosperity.

Because you care, we are so very grateful.

Thank you for helping to Shape their Tomorrow!

by SHCA SHCA

Canadian Technical Asphalt Association Scholarships

Are you a member of the CTAA and do you have students working for you this summer?

Are they interested in the field of asphalt technology? Would they be a benefit to the industry?

Let them know about the CTAA scholarship specifically available for students pursuing a career in asphalt technology. The deadline is July 1!

Pass this information to your student employees! Click here.

by SHCA SHCA

Consumers Cooling to Debt

One of the by-products of the COVID pandemic is that we’re borrowing less.

Anyone who has been in self-isolation or a lockdown knows that they are spending less. And it’s evident in all the economic numbers – gasoline sales are down, we aren’t going to movies or entertainment facilities and restaurants are seeing significant reductions in business.

All of this means the average consumer is spending less and, given that a chunk of that spending used to be done on credit cards or with borrowed money, the amount of new debt households are adding is going down.

Read more.

by SHCA SHCA

Hand Sanitizer Available From 49 North Lubricants

On behalf of the team at 49 North Lubricants, we’d like to thank the frontline workers who have been working tirelessly to get us through this pandemic. We remain open and are here to support our customers’ business with unparalleled customer service and quality products, through this pandemic and beyond.

To help support Canadians, we have diversified our production to include vital products to aid in stopping the spread of COVID-19. As always, our priority is to source and produce locally and we have done the same when developing our 49 North Lubricants Hand Sanitizer. Our alcohol-based hand sanitizer was made using the World Health Organization recommended formulation and is licensed by Health Canada. Quality is our first priority.

We are proud to offer our assistance in these trying times and we cannot express our gratitude enough to those who are working so hard to fight this pandemic.

Visit the website: https://www.49northlubricants.com/products/other/hand-sanitizer/

by SHCA SHCA

Notice of Sale and Investment Solicitation Process for JMB Crushing Systems Inc.

On May 1, 2020, JMB Crushing Systems Inc. and 2161889 Alberta Ltd. (Collectively “JMB”) were granted a stay of proceedings (the “Initial Order”) from the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench issued under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (the “CCAA”).FTI Consulting Canada Inc.

(“FTI”) has been appointed Monitor. In connection with the CCAA proceedings, the Court has authorized the implementation of a sale and investment solicitation process (the “SISP”). As part of the SISP, Sequeira Partners has been engaged as the Sale Advisor and is soliciting proposals from qualified interested parties.

For over 30 years, JMB has been producing and supplying aggregates for leading oil field companies, road construction, and industrial projects throughout Alberta.  The business has access to numerous gravel pits and maintains a significant inventory of aggregate for immediate distribution with one of the largest reserves of aggregates in Alberta. 

All qualified interested parties will be provided with an opportunity to participate in the SISP. The SISP is intended to solicit interest in the sale of, or investment in, JMB or all or any part of JMB’s property, assets and undertakings and its business operations on an as is where is basis. The SISP Process is a two-phased process with the Phase 1 bid deadline set for June 19, 2020. The completion of any proposal shall be subject to the approval of the Court.

Copies of court ordered documents and the SISP may be obtained from the Monitor’s website at cfcanada.fticonsulting.com/jmb/.

Those interested in participating in the SISP can contact the Sale Advisor to receive additional information at sequeirapartners.com/JMB , jmb@sequeirapartners.com or 780-784-0124.

by SHCA SHCA

SHCA Members, Generous as Always

The generosity from our membership never ceases to amaze me. 

Even during a down market, during which some of the members are struggling more than others, we continue to assist those in our communities who are in need of help.

Earlier this month, several of our members graciously donated to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan Feeding Saskatchewan Together Campaign. Nutrien, the Saskatchewan Construction Association, Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association and Merit Contractors also donated.

Kelly Panteluk Construction took the lead with a $100,000 donation. Other members quickly followed with monetary donations of their own.

Genco Asphalt ($1,000), SaskCon Repair Services ($1,000), Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers ($5,000), DJ Miller & Sons Construction ($5,000), Shaw Earth Moving ($5,000), Nemanishen Construction ($1,000) and Carmacks Enterprises ($7,500) and C. Duncan Construction ($1,000) also donated.

At last count, together we had raised more than $300,000.

“Saskatchewan has been our home – where we’ve lived and worked – for generations. We have been fortunate to continue working during these extraordinary times and look at this as one way we can help take care of each other to support those who are struggling. Together we are building today for tomorrow,” said Mary Panteluk of Kelly Panteluk Construction.

Over the years, many of our members have stepped up and taken a leadership role to better serve the communities we call home. We’ve donated to various local charities, sponsored community events and helped out with school activities and sports that keep our kids active.  

The 32 Food Banks across our province are on the front lines working to support those in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Did you know the cost to supply food to those in need across Saskatchewan is approximately $1 million a month? And roughly 40 per cent of distributed food supplies go to children.

“The support we are seeing from organizations and individuals across the province is remarkable and will make an incredible impact on those that we serve,” said Laurie O’Connor, executive director of Food Banks of Saskatchewan.

by SHCA SHCA

Workers’ Compensation 2020-22 Strategic and Operational Plans

An integrated planning process supports the achievement of our organization’s strategic imperatives. Integration begins at the Board level with strategic planning, continues through operational planning with executive management, and extends to tactical planning by divisions, business units and individuals.

When completed successfully, our employees have a clear line of sight from their daily activities to the WCB’s long-term strategic success.

The Strategic Plan is rooted in the Meredith Principles and describes what the WCB holds to be true about Saskatchewan’s compensation system, our stakeholders, and the nature of our relationships with workers, employers and the people of Saskatchewan.

Click here to download or view WCB’s strategic planning documents online.