American and Canadian Flags Against Bright Skies
by SHCA SHCA

Canada’s Construction Industry Responds to Trump’s Damaging Tariffs

American and Canadian Flags Against Bright Skies
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The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is disappointed to see that President Donald Trump has made the short-sighted decision to plunge Canada and the United States into an unnecessary, irresponsible trade war that will see notable consequences on both sides of the border.

“The Canadian and American construction industries rely heavily on free-flowing supplies of essential construction materials. These needless tariffs will decrease productivity, harm economic growth and put critical projects and countless construction jobs at risk – on both sides of the border,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “Once again, the new U.S. administration clearly demonstrates that they have a limited understanding of how damaging these measures will be on the integrated economy between our two countries.”

In response to Trump’s tariffs on Canadian products, the Government of Canada has announced tariffs on an initial $30 billion worth of American goods and promised $125 billion more in 21 days. CCA commends the federal government for its continued prioritization of industry consultation and looks forward to continuing to be an active participant in those discussions.

These tariffs present a significant risk for the construction industry. This likely means increased costs for homebuilding and trade-enabling infrastructure, impacts to supply chains and trading relationships, and a weakening of economic development and productivity. While the federal government is right to respond in kind, CCA reiterates its call for all governments to consider economic measures to support Canadian businesses and stimulate the economy, in consultation with industry. 

“Once again, this is a time where we need all Canadians to stand up for Canada. This is not the time to sit on our hands – we all have to work together to increase productivity and support Canadian businesses, so that we can all build a stronger Canada and surmount this trade conflict,” said Gilbert.  

CCA will continue to monitor the impact of these economic measures on the construction industry and will continue working with all levels of government to build a strong foundation for Canada’s future. 

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

If We Build It, They Will Come

Shantel Lipp - Portrait

Many Canadians will remember author W.P. Kinsella, known for one of his novels 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. 

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.

A Virtual Growth bar charts Financial Graph On Digital Technology Strategy Background With Finance Data Marketing Chart Analysis Report Or Success Investment
by SHCA SHCA

Investment in Building Construction Investment Soars in Saskatchewan

A Virtual Growth bar charts Financial Graph On Digital Technology Strategy Background With Finance Data Marketing Chart Analysis Report Or Success Investment

New Statistics Canada data shows a 5.7 per cent increase in Saskatchewan’s building construction investment in November 2024 compared to October 2024 (seasonally adjusted). This positions the province as second among all provinces for month-over-month growth in this category. The province also saw an 11.8 per cent increase in year-over-year construction investment from November 2023 to November 2024.

“These figures reflect the ongoing confidence people and businesses have in making long term investments in Saskatchewan as a place to grow and succeed,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “Increased investment in building construction strengthens our communities, supports job creation, and further positions our province as the best place to live, work, and raise a family in the nation.” 

Investment in building construction is calculated based on the total spending value on building construction within the province. The province continues to see economic success across several key indicators. Saskatchewan exports totaled over $102 billion for 2022 and 2023 combined. This is an increase of more than 52 per cent from the previous two-year period, and the highest export numbers in the province’s history. 

Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan’s 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.77 billion, or 2.3 per cent from 2022. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.2 per cent. Private capital investment is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 14.4 per cent over 2023. This is the highest anticipated percentage increase in Canada.

Waving Canadian flag against the blue sky.
by SHCA SHCA

Premier Moe Travels to Washington and Mexico to Support Canada U.S. Trade

Waving Canadian flag against the blue sky.

Premier Scott Moe is travelling to Washington D.C. this week for meetings with U.S. elected representatives, industry organizations and to participate in the premier’s Council of the Federation (COF) joint-mission to Washington. 

Prior to the COF mission, Premier Moe will meet with U.S. elected representatives and businesses to emphasize the strong trade relationship between Canada and the U.S, and the role Saskatchewan plays in supplying the continent with energy and food security. 

“It’s important in the current economic environment that we engage with our counterparts in the United States to emphasize the shared benefit of trade between our two countries and turn the conversation toward building on those strengths rather than jeopardizing them with tariffs,” said Moe. 

The U.S. is Saskatchewan’s largest and most important trading partner. About $40 billion worth of imports and exports cross the border every year. The current tariff-free border allows businesses to add value to products and economies, whether flowing from north to south or vice versa. Premier Moe’s meetings will focus on maintaining strong Canada-U.S. relations by addressing shared issues such as the economy, energy, supply chains and the impacts of the Trump Administration’s proposed tariffs. Premier Moe will also express Saskatchewan’s support for strong measures to secure the Canada-U.S. border. 

“Strengthening border security and preventing the flow of illicit drugs like Fentanyl is a concern that has been identified by the U.S. and one that I share,” Moe added. “We are already taking action as a province through our Border Security Plan to ensure we have more officers and law enforcement presence at the Saskatchewan-U.S. border.”

The COF’s joint-mission to Washington will allow all 13 premiers to present a united voice on the important benefits that free-trade brings to Canada and the U.S. and the concern over the negative impact of tariffs to consumers and businesses on both sides of the border. The COF program will take place on Feb. 12 and will include meetings with U.S. elected representatives, business leaders and the Canada American Business Council. 

Following the COF mission, Premier Moe will travel to Mexico to engage with business and elected officials to advance relationships with this key trading partner. Over the course of the next few weeks, Premier Moe and multiple cabinet ministers will be travelling within Canada and beyond to advocate for Saskatchewan’s interests. These engagement efforts will focus on promoting the province as a global supplier of food and energy security, while strengthening Saskatchewan’s relationships with key international trading partners. 

Hands put together to show unity and cooperation
by SHCA SHCA

Canada’s Construction Industry Stands Strong Against U.S. Tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods exported to the U.S. (including aluminum and steel), along with a 10 per cent tariff on energy products, next month.   In kind, the Government of Canada has responded with targeted tariffs, with some products having a direct impact on construction.  

“Canada’s construction industry is disappointed to see the imposition of tariffs,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, president of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA). “We appreciate that the federal government has issued a strong response to President Trump’s senseless tariffs and will hold consultations with industry on further measures.”   

The impacts of this trade conflict will be felt throughout the Canadian economy. These measures are likely to impact not only the ability of construction operators to meet their project requirements, but also the supply chains that the Canadian industries rely on all together. This limits the industry’s ability to combat the housing crisis, slows down its ability to build critical infrastructure, and so much more.   

“This is a time where we need all Canadians to stand up for Canada. This is not the time to sit on our hands – we all have to work together to increase productivity and support Canadian businesses, so that we can all build a stronger Canada and surmount this trade conflict,” said Gilbert. 

As all levels of government consider non-tariff measures to support Canadian businesses and stimulate our economy, the CCA urges all governments to consult with industry so that any and all measures can be targeted, effective and reflect the real needs of the industry.   

CCA will continue to monitor the impact of these economic measures on the construction industry and will work with all levels of government to build a strong foundation for Canada’s future.

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

U.S. Tariffs: What It Means for Saskatchewan

Shantel Lipp - Portrait

As we enter 2025, we need to look at the state of infrastructure in our province and our country. 

In Saskatchewan, we have a record number of residents using our roads. With over 1.2 million people in the province, Saskatchewan roads, highways and bridges are seeing more tires hit the surface than ever before. 

As we know, Saskatchewan is an export province that relies on its infrastructure to get its goods to market. As our exports grow year over year, the demand of having functional infrastructure to move those products to customers across the globe is imperative to our quality of life. 

A thriving economy is how we get to build our hospitals and schools. But to do this we must have the resources to fund infrastructure before a single shovel is put into the ground. 

How we fund and maintain our infrastructure has a direct relationship to how successful our economy will be. 

This year will be a challenging time for many sectors in Canada and the province as the country faces potential punitive action from our largest trading partner, the United States, in the form of tariffs. Governments will have to come to terms on how to best mitigate the impact tariffs will have on our provincial and national economies. 

Building our schools, hospitals and infrastructure will become costlier if the tariffs come to pass. It is time for governments at all levels to think smart when it comes to the priorities of where taxpayers’ money is spent. 

One of the government’s basic principles is to maintain functioning infrastructure to support its citizens and its economy. When government takes its eye off the ball to focus on pet projects of their liking, the results tend to be catastrophic, as witnessed by the recent Los Angeles fires. 

As we work our way through 2025, our message to governments of all levels is to focus on the core services that maintain a healthy economy, and that starts with proper funding of infrastructure in our cities, province and country. 

Professional Mechanical Engineer team Working on Personal Computer at Metal lathe industrial manufacturing factory. Engineer Operating lathe Machinery. Product quality Inspection
by SHCA SHCA

Procurement Begins for Saskatchewan Polytechnic Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus

Professional Mechanical Engineer team Working on Personal Computer at Metal lathe industrial manufacturing factory. Engineer Operating lathe Machinery. Product quality Inspection

The Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement and Saskatchewan Polytechnic have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to procure a new Skilled Trades and Technology (trades) building. The new trades building is using a Design-Build procurement model for its delivery as the first building planned as part of the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon campus.

“This is an important next step in building the new Saskatoon campus,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said. “We are pleased to work with our partners to make this happen. The Request for Qualifications shows our focus is on creating a top facility for students and industry. Starting this process will help us find the right team to build the new Skilled Trades and Technology building for Saskatchewan Polytechnic.”

The new trades building is the first building planned as part of a new and consolidated campus in Saskatoon. It will be built on a green field site, located at Innovation Place Saskatoon, adjacent to the University of Saskatchewan.

“Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions are crucial in positioning the province as a global research leader, further solidifying our reputation as a hub for innovation,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Warren Kaeding said. “This new campus will open more opportunities for Saskatchewan students and aims to attract top talent to cultivate our future innovation leaders.”

The RFQ is the first step in a two-step process to evaluate and pre-qualify professional service providers for the building. Qualified teams from the RFQ process will compete in the second stage for the design and construction of the trades building.

“I am pleased to see the Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus project moving forward,” Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “The campus will play a critical role in preparing students who will help meet Saskatchewan’s labour market needs. The Skilled Trades and Technology building will provide a high-quality learning environment for Saskatchewan students, helping keep our province competitive with other jurisdictions and attracting more students and instructors.”

Site preparation work began in September of 2024 and includes the removal or upgrading of underground infrastructure, tree relocation and grading. Site preparation is nearing completion, with substantial completion anticipated in the spring. The new campus will transform an existing network of several decentralized, outdated buildings into a revitalized, modern, technology-rich learning environment for students and greater opportunities for applied research and investment. 

“We are excited to reach another momentous milestone for the Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus with the launch of the procurement process for the Skilled Trades and Technology building,” Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO Larry Rosia said. “We have undertaken extensive consultation with faculty, students, the City of Saskatoon and other key stakeholders, and we greatly appreciate everyone’s feedback. This campus will lead the way in applied learning across Saskatchewan, enhancing the student experience and expanding our capacity for applied research and collaboration.”

Since 2022-23, the province has provided $16 million for the project. The 2024-25 Provincial Budget included $6 million for design and pre-procurement work of the new campus. The Government of Saskatchewan announced in September 2023 that it would commit up to $200 million toward the new campus. The Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement and Saskatchewan Polytechnic are leading this procurement in partnership from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan. 

Stock and bond market graph and world map with trading desk bank office interior on background. Multi exposure. Concept of international finance
by SHCA SHCA

SRC Delivers $887 Million in Value Impacts to the Provincial Economy in 2023-2024

Stock and bond market graph and world map with trading desk bank office interior on background. Multi exposure. Concept of international finance

The Saskatchewan Research Council‘s (SRC) latest economic impact assessment shows it has contributed more than $15.5 billion in combined economic and employment impacts in Saskatchewan since it began assessing such in 2003 – including a combined impact of $887 million in this latest fiscal year.

SRC’s 2023-2024 economic impact assessment shows SRC’s impact on the provincial economy in the fiscal year was $785 million. SRC also assisted in creating or maintaining more than 1,682 jobs in Saskatchewan in 2023-2024, a contribution valued at an additional $102 million. These impact numbers were also accompanied by annual revenue of $83 million generated by SRC in 2023-2024. In 2023-2024, SRC had a mandate effectiveness of 38, which means that for every dollar the province invested in SRC, SRC’s work contributed at least a 38-times return to the growth of the Saskatchewan economy. 

“The Saskatchewan Research Council is dedicated to growing and strengthening Saskatchewan’s economy through research, development and demonstration through the transfer of innovative technical solutions, applications and services,” Minister Responsible for SRC Warren Kaeding said. “SRC’s work is making an incredible impact on the province’s economic growth and is creating thousands of jobs for people across Saskatchewan.” 

“At SRC, we are dedicated to strengthening Saskatchewan’s economy with quality private sector jobs and a secure environment,” SRC president and CEO Mike Crabtree said. “This is why our economic impact assessment is so important, as it truly demonstrates the value we can generate from the province’s investment in us.”

With 77 years of research, development and demonstration experience, SRC is Canada’s second largest research and technology organization with 1,400 clients in 22 countries around the world.

A construction engineers discussion with architects at road construction site. Civil Engineer.
by SHCA SHCA

Six Contractors Selected to Bid on Saskatoon City Centre School Project

Another milestone has been reached as the Government of Saskatchewan, in partnership with Saskatoon Public Schools, announced that six construction contractors have been shortlisted to submit bids for the construction of the new Saskatoon City Centre School. This development shows that the project is progressing steadily toward construction.

The shortlisted contractors are:

  • Graham Construction 
  • PCL Construction 
  • Quorex Construction 
  • VCM Construction
  • Westridge Construction 
  • Wright Construction 

Saskatoon Public Schools issued the Request for Qualifications and the shortlisted companies were selected through a competitive process, with the aim of ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of the project. These firms will now proceed to the tender stage, where they are invited to provide detailed submissions to bid on the construction contract.

The new Saskatoon City Centre School, funded by the Government of Saskatchewan, will bring together students from the Princess Alexandra, King George and Pleasant Hill neighbourhoods into a single, modern facility. Designed to accommodate up to 400 students from prekindergarten to Grade 8, the school will also include 74 childcare spaces and additional community services.

“This milestone brings us one step closer to delivering a modern learning environment for students in Saskatoon’s city centre area,” Education Minister Everett Hindley said. “This new school will not only provide high-quality education spaces, but will also serve as a hub for community engagement and collaboration, supporting the needs of students and families for years to come.”

Construction is expected to begin following the completion of the procurement process. 

“We are excited to have a shortlist of teams for the Saskatoon City Centre School Project,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said. “This is an important step towards construction that shows our province’s focus on building modern schools for future generations and supporting strong and growing communities.”

Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed approximately $2.6 billion toward school infrastructure projects, including 69 new schools and 32 major renovation projects with seven projects approved through the Minor Capital Renewal Program.

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