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Earlier this week, I was invited on behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada’s Saskatchewan caucus to meet with representatives from the Saskatchewan team and various Members of Parliament and Senators during their stakeholder meetings. 

The purpose of these meetings is to hear directly from stakeholders that are spread across our province and to discuss issues that are relevant to both Saskatchewan and our country.

This is an opportunity for me, on behalf of all Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association members, to share our concerns and issues with yet another level of government.

The simple fact that SHCA was invited to partake in these meetings tells me that it’s apparent to leaders at the federal level that infrastructure is important.  

It’s extremely beneficial to bend the ears of officials at the federal level on how our industry is facing challenges right now and how it has a ripple effect on other vital sectors like agriculture, mining and long-haul trucking. All of these sectors contribute mightily to our country’s revenue streams and all are major chips in international trade.

Right now, we’re struggling with the federal stimulus packages issued for COVID-19 relief. Unfortunately, a lot of our members don’t qualify for this relief package because their season had yet to officially start when COVID-19 hit.

I feel this also would be an ideal opportunity to remind those at the federal level how the carbon tax handcuffs our industry. More innovation is needed to help slow emissions, not a penalizing and short-sighted tax. 

However, we should be thankful the federal government has partnered with provincial and local governments to see more than 100 bridges in rural locations be replaced over the next four years. Replacing these bridges will help address the infrastructure gap in the transportation chain.

Having the opportunity to speak at meetings of this magnitude is critical for our industry. I’m thankful they included us. Now, we can only hope they hear our voice and action is taken.

The Saskatchewan WCB has provided an extension to employer relief measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Relief measures have been extended until July 31, 2020 and will be monitored monthly. The extensions and additions to the pandemic relief measures are:

• Penalties applied in 2020 will be removed. This includes late filing, under estimate and late registration penalties. This will be automatically applied, and employers do not need to call to initiate this process.
• Waiving of interest has been extended until July 31, 2020. If no additional extensions occur, interest will be applied on Aug. 8, 2020.
• Payroll audits have been suspended, except in situations where an employer may be eligible for a refund.
• Clearance letters will continue to be available to employers that meet certain criteria, even in cases where the contractor’s WCB account has not been paid.
• The WCB will prioritize payroll revisions to assist employers in reducing their premiums based on the impact of work slowdowns.

Employers are encouraged to continue to make payments as they become due. However, we do recognize that some may not be able to make current or future payments in full at this time. To provide support to those customers, our collections team is available to design a payment option to meet those needs:

Email: collections@wcbsask.com

Phone: 306-787-0474

Toll free: 1-800-667-7590 option 2

The WCB would also like to extend thanks to all employers who have continued to work with the WCB through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Job Bank’s new COVID-19 page allows job seekers to browse more job opportunities, including those specifically in essential sectors. In June, an email was sent to thousands of Saskatchewan EI/CERB recipients advising them of this new service.

Given that construction has been identified as a featured essential job sector, SHCA encourages all members to post their available jobs on Job Bank and/or SaskJobs.ca so that you can take advantage of this opportunity.

Post your jobs today!

The Quarter 3 issue of Think BIG is arriving this month, but you don’t need to wait to read the cover story! Click here to read about how the pandemic changed business routines for SHCA members before anyone else has a copy of the magazine.

Think BIG Q3, 2020 – Sneak Peek: http://thinkbigmagazine.ca/digital/2020/Q3/sneakpeek/ 

In these uncertain times, there are few guarantees. One thing we can count on here in Saskatchewan: when summer hits, so does construction season. That’s why July’s Traffic Safety Spotlight focuses on work zones.

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and law enforcement are reminding drivers to be mindful of workers while travelling through construction areas this summer. Always obey traffic signs and directions from any flag person you see. And above all else, be patient, slow down and stay alert.

“You won’t gain any extra time by speeding through that construction zone, especially if you end up getting pulled over by law enforcement,” said Penny McCune, chief operating officer of the Auto Fund. “What you will do is endanger the lives of those working to improve our province’s roads.”

“Transportation professionals working within the construction zone do a dangerous job and deserve respect; that construction zone is their workplace and they have a right to the same protection as professionals in any office or other workplace in the province,” said Shantel Lipp, president of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association. “Major infrastructure investments have been made this year to kick-start our economy. Construction zones are not there to inconvenience you but are necessary to improve road safety for everyone.” 

Drivers are required to slow to 60 km/h or the speed that’s posted when passing a highway worker, flag person or highway equipment with warning lights flashing.

Reduced speed limits in construction zones are there to keep both construction workers and other drivers safe, and fines are significant for a reason. If you continue at the 100 km/h speed limit through a 60 km/h construction zone, that is going to cost you $1,008. Plus, you’ll lose at least three Safe Driver Recognition points on your licence, which can lead to further financial penalties.

Reducing your speed gives you more time to react to a potential collision. Plus, even if workers aren’t present, hazards in work areas could include lane reductions, sharp pavement drops, loose stones or completed road work that needs time to dry and could be slippery at high speeds. And, cameras may be in work zones whether workers are present or not. A ticket in the mail could be an unwelcome surprise.

Here are some other tips to follow when hitting the road:

• Plan ahead. Check the Highway Hotline for potential delays, and allot more time to reach your destination, or use an alternate route.
• Always give the road your full attention – avoiding distractions is especially important in work zones, where it’s important to expect the unexpected.
• Obey posted signs and flag persons.
• Keep a safe following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• When two lanes become one, #EmbraceTheZipperMerge. It makes traffic flow more quickly and efficiently.

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

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!