2020

This year has been one for the history books. The early stages of 2020 started rather routinely, with our association taking steps to have its voice heard and urge different levels of government to lean on our industry. January and February saw us contact the federal and provincial governments, respectively. The Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association, […]

This board level hold is to provide a measure of economic relief to Saskatchewan businesses struggling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 […]

Construction is rapidly evolving into a tech-savvy industry with the use of drones, automated vehicles and virtual and augmented reality.

The monthly job numbers are turning into a proxy for tracking how government rules around the pandemic are affecting business decisions. We got the November numbers earlier in December and they showed a decline in part-time work. That likely is a reflection of the new restrictions on operating hours for bars and restaurants as business […]

The heavy construction/road building industry is home to some of the hardest working people who have brilliant stories and experiences to share with their colleagues. Networking with like-minded individuals often results in the sharing of business best practices. As we all know, the majority of the people employed in this industry are men. But there’s […]

It’s the old forest and the trees thing. When you’re in the middle of something, it can be hard to tell whether you are going forward, backward or just sitting still. So, when we get a report from an outsider with a broader perspective, it can be helpful. The latest of one of those reports […]

The goal is to help Canada’s $141 billion construction industry capitalize on the $14 billion of research performed by universities annually.

The City of Saskatoon announced the completion of a number of projects in the face of COVID-19. Work has finished on the Sid Buckwold Bridge rehabilitation project and replacement of aging watermains despite the challenge posed by the pandemic, a City of Saskatoon release stated. “When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we revised our 2020 construction […]

SHCA president Shantel Lipp was recently featured as the Last Page interview in Industry West magazine. Read Shantel’s interview.

The Municipalities of Saskatchewan recently announced that the 116th Annual Convention will be held online, Feb. 7–10, 2021.

It’s not often we have the opportunity to praise the federal government for initiatives that will greatly help western provinces

Road improvements are coming to 55 rural municipalities across Saskatchewan thanks to $16.5 million in funding from the provincial government’s two-year, $7.5 billion infrastructure stimulus plan. “Our government’s stimulus plan provides an economic booster shot and contributes significantly toward meeting our Growth Plan goals,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Greg Ottenbreit said. “Partnerships with our rural […]

They start with the same information, but they interpret it in their own way. BMO Bank of Montreal has released its quarterly provincial forecast and it is something of a departure from another of the banks. The previous forecast showed a spread of almost two percentage points between what the Saskatchewan economy would lose this […]

SHCA member companies understand how critical it is to pick up our partners. Leaning on local companies is the key to growth and success of our local economies as we recover from the shutdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Saskatchewan-based contractors are not acting alone when they go to work. They’re collaborating with several local […]

SHCA is proud to partner with Regina & Region Homebuilders, Regina Construction Association, Saskatchewan Realtors Association and the Regina Chamber of Commerce on the Keep Regina Growing Campaign. Check out the campaign website and Join the Movement – help us Keep Regina Growing! https://keepreginagrowing.ca/

Shantel discussed the growth of Saskatchewan, tenders for upcoming projects reached a record $437.4 million and the role that the heavy construction industry plays in rebounding the province’s economy

Election Day is Oct. 26 The vote by mail application deadline is Oct. 15 – however you decide to vote, please do so safely. Visit Elections Saskatchewan for more info.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is pleased to announce the launch of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Continuing Education.

Gold Seal Certification program is the construction industry’s most trusted, valued and reliable certification in construction management.

Earlier this summer, Government Relations Minister Lori Carr announced that another 244 projects, representing more than $88.9 million of provincial funding through the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) 2020 has now been approved.  This brings the current number of approved projects to 741 and an investment to date of $127 million. “MEEP is a key […]

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure recently unveiled fall tenders for projects for a record $437.4 million in highway work. That’s the largest total in Saskatchewan history. As is the case with every tender schedule, our members wait with cautious optimism to see how and when these projects will hit the market. Needless to […]

Canada United is offering small business relief grants of up to $5,000 to help small Canadian businesses with recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19. The grant funds will grow over the next several weeks as every video watched and social post liked from Canada United will result in a five-cent contribution from RBC. Funds can be […]

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (SCC) has officially launched its Indigenous Business Directory, as part of its Indigenous Engagement Charter. The Indigenous Business Directory will ensure that more Indigenous-owned businesses can participate in the Saskatchewan supply chain and will allow for increased engagement between members of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and Indigenous-owned businesses in […]

Infrastracture stimulus supports economic recovery By: Lisa Danyluk, SaskBuilds In early May 2020, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that it will invest $7.5 billion (B) over two years in infrastracture projects like schools, hospitals, municipal infrastracture, highways and more to stimulate the province’s economic revobery. This funding included a new $2B “booster shot” over and […]

The Chief Electoral Officer recommended late last week that preparations should continue to hold the 29th Provincial General Election this October. This recommendation is based on public health advice from the Chief Medical Health Officer as well as input from provincial electoral stakeholders. “Earlier today, I sent a letter to Premier Scott Moe to inform […]

The cover story of the Q3 2020 issue is all about how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed business routes. Click here to read it online.

The Brandt Group of Companies successfully acquired the assets of GeoShack Canada Company and the Canadian assets of INTEQ Distributors.

WorkSafe Saskatchewan has formed a partnership with Dr. Joti Samra, one of Canada’s foremost psychological health and wellness experts.

When the COVID pandemic hit, Saskatchewan’s economy was the least affected among the provinces. Our relatively small population is more focused on business-to-business activity than many of the more densely populated areas such as Toronto, where business-to-consumer is more heavily favoured. Because of that differentiation, we saw fewer job losses on a percentage basis as […]

Farmers and ranchers are working to manage water to strengthen operations and protect communities, infrastructure and the environment.

Work is underway to upgrade 445 km of Thin Membrane Surface (TMS) and rural highways in Saskatchewan. “This investment will go a long way toward our government’s goal of improving 1,000 km of highways this year, and 10,000 km in 10 years as laid out by our growth plan,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Greg Ottenbreit […]

Yes, we specialize in road building. It’s an area that has been a primary focus of our association for decades. But road building is just one aspect of what we do to help make Saskatchewan a great place to call home. Farming and agriculture have long been the identity of this province and farmers and […]

Earlier this summer, Government Relations Minister Lori Carr announced that another 244 projects, representing more than $88.9 million of provincial funding through the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) 2020 has now been approved.  This brings the current number of approved projects to 741 and an investment to date of $127 million. “MEEP is a key […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Building a Bigger Voice Western Canada’s road building associations are working together on a joint policy paper to amplify their message. Cover Feature – http://thinkbigmagazine.ca/digital/2020/Q2/page_1.html

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

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 […]

36 RMs to Receive Road Grants in First year of Plan

Morsky Construction Ltd. immediately requires grader operators, 1A or 3A truck drivers to carry out various duties on road construction projects throughout Sasktachewan. View the posting and application instructions here.

Evergreen Solutions has in-stock products with next-day shipping for disinfecting construction site surfaces. These products include no-rinse alcohol sanitizer, hand sanitizer and surface disinfectant. Click here to download the PDF.

SHCA has been working with the Ministry of Highways and Tourism Saskatchewan to secure accommodations and meals for our member company work crews during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism Saskatchewan has been working with its members over the past couple of weeks, with more responses still to come in, and have begun to compile a list […]

Read the Quarter 2, 2020 issue of Think BIG.

A two-year capital plan, worth $7.5 billion, aimed at building a strong Saskatchewan and stimulating the economic recovery from the impact COVID-19 was announced earlier this month by the provincial government. “Over the next two years, our government will invest $7.5 billion dollars in schools, hospitals, highways, Crown utility projects, municipal infrastructure and other important […]

“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.” – Premier Scott Moe, May 2020 There’s no other way to say it – this is great news for our industry, for our members and for the Saskatchewan […]

The 2019-20 budget estimate tabled in March by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways of Infrastructure provided a familiar refrain

The 2020 SHCA Equipment Rental Rates Guide & Membership Roster is just finishing at the printer and will be shipped to SHCA members this month. Non-members can contact the SHCA office to purchase copies of the roster.

The Regina Construction Association has compiled a number of documents to help Saskatchewan Construction Companies navigate the uncertain time ahead, including guidelines for relevant policies and procedures, a preparedness checklist and more. Download the package using this link.

The Government of Canada announced multiple tax changes to help Canadians cope with COVID-19 impacts. CIBC tax experts break down the details. By Jamie Golombek, Debbie Pearl-Weinberg and Tess FrancisTax and Estate Planning, CIBC Private Wealth Management Click here to learn more.

At the beginning of April, Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau, Minister of Small Business Mary Ng and Minister of Innovation Navdeep Bains announced details relating to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and provided updates on other previously announced programs. The Emergency Wage Subsidy will cover 75 per cent of salaries for qualifying businesses for up to three […]

The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) is introducing additional relief measures for employers who are unable to pay their WCB premium payments. Effective April 1 until June 30, 2020, the WCB will waive penalties and interest charges for late premium payments. The Government of Saskatchewan announced various measures to support provincial business owners during the […]

Think BIG – Q1, 2020 – Growing Opportunities

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has picked up almost 700 respirators from a stockpile provided by construction companies, according to the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA). SHCA president Shantel Lipp said the stockpile had grown to 1,400 since she put out a call to member companies and partner associations on March 21. Read the rest of […]

If anything is certain today, it is that we are living in uncertain times. When will we see a light at the end of this seemingly endless COVID-19 tunnel? What will our economy look like when we do? How will we recover? When life does return to normal – and it will one day – […]

SHCA is advising all members to ensure they have the proper preventative measures in place to address any potential exposure to COVID-19.

In February, SHCA sent a package to the respective Members of the Legislature on both sides of the house, regarding our continued concerns over delayed project tenders and slow awards. Along with this letter is a proposed timeline as well as economic information that support a continued need for a strategic, long-term plan for the government’s most […]

Think BIG – Q1, 2020 – A Worthy Cause

The legal landscape relating to workplace safety law is constantly evolving and changing. Increasing inspection and enforcement activities are serious matters for your organization. Do you know your rights if an incident occurs and the regulators are asking to interview your employees? Does your organization know how to properly navigate prime contractor responsibilities? Are you aware […]

Sask 1st Call is excited to announce that it transitioned to a new software platform for all new locate requests.

With the help of the Work Zone Signing Committee (WZSC), several updates have been made to the Traffic Control Devices Manual For Work Zones (TCDMWZ). Most of these changes are to help clarify existing traffic accommodation policies. A summary of these changes can be found in the attached Record of Amendments. The revised manual (including […]

The Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan is hosting its AGM Awards Banquet on March 27, 2020 in Regina. Register here.

The industry is working hard to create a better environment for women in construction. Organizations across North America are cognizant of the impending labour gap and the construction industry needs to coax more than 300,000 Canadians to choose a construction career in order to keep pace with demand, according to On-Site magazine. Ensuring that women view construction […]

As the weather warms and the daylight-hours increase, truckers and shippers are being reminded to begin reducing truck loads on some provincial highways. During this time of year, secondary highways revert back to regulation weights, which will prevent damage to these roads. “Weight restrictions are put in place at various times of the year on provincial […]

Being the grandson of ELRUS founder Roland Russell makes being the national technical lead for the company a family affair. Although Spencer began working for the company when it opened its Saskatoon branch in 2013, he was introduced to the business at a far earlier age. “Essentially growing up, I would spend every Saturday and […]

Our industry is cautiously optimistic as we await the unveiling of the 2019–20 provincial budget.

Frustrated with single-window procurement? You’re not alone. It is our understanding that the ideology behind single-window procurement was to streamline processes that would enable greater efficiency and smoother operations. It has become abundantly clear that this is not happening.  Unnecessary delays in awarding tenders has become commonplace for many of our members. That is why […]

The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure (MHI) is continually exploring ways to improve the way we do business. Innovation helps us respond to the changing environment in which we operate. The Innovation Pipeline (TIP) is a new tool that will help us to innovate together. MHI is currently using TIP for innovation challenges to help […]

The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) announced recently that it is changing its name to Municipalities of Saskatchewan.

Employment in Canada’s construction and maintenance industry is anticipated to grow by 50,200 workers by 2029. When coupled with the anticipated retirement of more than 257,000 construction workers over the same period, the industry will need to recruit more than 307,000 workers over the decade to keep pace with demand, according to the labour market […]

The championship finals are set for the Global Operator Challenge, the largest global campaign in Caterpillar history.

SHCA members are encouraged to attend SARM’s largest annual event in Regina, beginning March 9. There is no registration fee and everyone is invited to attend. Learn more: SARM Annual Convention.

The Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan is hosting its AGM Awards Banquet on March 27, 2020 in Regina. Register here.

Space closing soon for the 2020 SHCA Rental Rates Guide and Membership Roster Time is running out! The 2020 SHCA Rental Rates Guide and Membership Roster is closing soon for advertising sales. Book your advertising space today by calling the Lester office: 204-953-2189 or emailing adsales@lesterpublications.com.Download the SHCA 2020 media kit.

Western Canada is rich with natural resources, but our country’s global reputation as a reliable trading partner is at serious risk

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is displeased to learn that the Supreme Court of Canada has dismissed an appeal brought forward by contractor, J. Cote & Son Excavating. Last week’s decision effectively upholds the use of “reprisal clauses” in tender documents. The clause used by the City of Burnaby against J. Cote & Son Excavating […]

The Quarter 1 2020 issue of Think BIG is on its way!

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is seeking a contractor to inspect every rural bridge in the province over a three-year period. Read more from the Regina Leader-Post. 

The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) has approved the 2020 average employer premium rate of $1.17 per hundred dollars of payroll. This is the same rate as 2019, marking the first time in 12 years the average premium rate has not dropped. “While our average premium rate hasn’t changed from last year’s rate, average premium […]

The Heavy Construction Safety Association of Saskatchewan is hosting its AGM Awards Banquet on March 27, 2020 in Regina. Register here.

SHCA members are encouraged to attend SUMA’s largest annual event in Regina; the theme of the event is Building Sustainable Hometowns. Download the event brochure and register on SUMA’s website.

SHCA members are encouraged to attend SARM’s largest annual event in Regina, beginning March 9. There is no registration fee and everyone is invited to attend. Learn more: SARM Annual Convention.

Reduced 2020 ad rates for SHCA members! The 2020 SHCA Rental Rates Guide and Membership Roster is currently open for advertising sales! Book your advertising space today by calling the Lester office: 204-953-2189 or emailing adsales@lesterpublications.com. At Lester, the official publishing partner of SHCA, we understand that times are tough for construction companies in Saskatchewan. But […]