From scorching heat in the summer to blasting winter cold, road builders in the Prairies have some of the toughest paving conditions to contend with. Asphalt is more than just a surface layer; it’s a material that must endure the full force of nature over a long period of time.
This is one of the subjects that’s under close scrutiny at the Centre for Applied Research in Sustainable Infrastructure (CARSI) at Red River College Polytechnic in Winnipeg, Man. CARSI provides applied research and education, connecting the classroom with real-world challenges in the construction industry.
The centre is structured into three main areas: pavement materials, structural construction materials and building construction innovation. The lab was originally focused on supporting the aerospace and manufacturing industries, but it has a growing emphasis on asphalt concrete pavement research.
Bahador Barbod, a municipal engineering instructor at the college, says CARSI’s mission is to prepare students for industry while generating practical knowledge that benefits public and private stakeholders. “Students who take our pavement materials courses don’t just study theory,” he said. “They engage in asphalt mix design, evaluate the challenges that come with it and conduct tests using the lab’s advanced equipment.”
Photos: Red River College POLYTECHNIC
Barbod says CARSI delves into a wide range of research projects, including comparative studies on asphalt density testing methods, investigations into self-healing asphalt using calcium alginate and the development of cold mix asphalt, suitable for low-temperature applications. One area of his particular areas of interest involves incorporating recycled materials such as reclaimed asphalt pavement into new mixes, a direction that aligns with sustainability goals while meeting industry demands.
The real-world implications of this research are significant. Much of the lab’s work is driven by the goal of enhancing the durability of construction materials and reducing long-term maintenance costs. Barbod says that while asphalt is widely used, its performance over time – especially under the unique freeze-thaw cycles common to the Prairies – remains a challenge. CARSI’s testing equipment contains a large programmable environmental chamber capable of simulating both high and low temperature conditions.
This chamber is divided into two separate spaces, allowing simultaneous tests at vastly different temperatures. Asphalt samples placed in the chamber undergo rigorous freeze-thaw cycles, mimicking the real-life stressors found on prairie roads.
Much of the lab’s work is driven by the goal of enhancing the durability of construction materials and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Barbod and his students use the equipment to examine how new asphalt formulations behave under the harshest conditions. By observing how materials crack, deform or deteriorate, CARSI researchers can make more accurate predictions about long-term performance and help shape better material specifications. It should be noted that the chamber isn’t limited to asphalt since it’s large enough to accommodate concrete beams, window frames and other structural components for testing.
As this research continues, Barbod says he hopes to build stronger relationships with the private sector. Although CARSI maintains ties with Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure, its connections with private road builders have been limited. “One thing that’s a little bit challenging for bringing the industry into our research is that students go through the co-op program in the summertime, and asphalt construction is usually shut down in the winter. That’s when students are in college, so we don’t always have that connection between the industry and the college,” he said.
Still, Barbod sees plenty of opportunities for collaboration, such as increased relationships between academic researchers and industry stakeholders, where student-driven projects can address real-world problems and inform construction decisions. Final reports and presentations are already shared with any interested partners, and Barbod invited road building companies to attend student presentations or propose research topics that align with their needs.
Photo: Red River College POLYTECHNIC
CARSI’s impact also extends into workforce development. Students involved in pavement research gain experience in both Marshall and Superpave mix design methods. They learn how to troubleshoot mix performance, test various additives and compare results using industry-standard lab technologies. Graduates leave the program with a comprehensive understanding of construction materials testing, as well as practical experience that gives them a competitive edge in the job market.
The lab’s commitment to skill-building is especially important as the construction industry continues to face a growing demand for technically trained professionals. Barbod says students leave the program with both theoretical knowledge and extensive hands-on experience in asphalt and concrete mix design.
“Students come out from the CARSI lab usually with a complete understanding of construction material testing,” he said. “They experience all of those tests themselves and get the theory and practical knowledge of the mixed design for asphalt and concrete both.”
Looking ahead, the lab has ambitious goals. Barbod says he is interested in researching the use of nanomaterials in asphalt mixes and how these microscopic additives could improve performance properties like elasticity and resistance to cracking. He’s also interested in further research of cold mix asphalt solutions, which remain underused in the Prairies despite their potential to reduce costs and enable off-season construction. If CARSI can demonstrate consistent performance under lab conditions, Barbod says he hopes to help shift industry perceptions and encourage broader adoption of these alternative materials.
Another priority is securing new testing equipment to enhance CARSI’s analytical capabilities. With enhanced tools, the lab could provide even more detailed insights into mix performance and lifecycle costs. This is information that would be valuable to municipal planners, contractors and engineers looking to stretch their infrastructure budgets further.
As CARSI continues to grow, Barbod hopes this will lead to closer ties between the institution and the heavy construction industry. “There’s tremendous value in aligning what we do in the lab with what’s happening in the field,” he said. “We want to be a resource for road builders. Whether it’s improving asphalt durability, reducing maintenance needs, or training the next generation of professionals, we’re here to support the industry.”
SHCA expands education to tackle industry challenges
Being prepared to learn is an important quality for those working in the heavy construction industry. Creating more learning opportunities is something the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) has been working on, alongside Darlene South of Darlene South Consulting Solutions and Jason Tratch of Proteus Waters.
Now, the SHCA is excited to announce its education portfolio for fall 2024, another way the association is providing services to members and stakeholders. The association views these education and training opportunities as essential in helping members build a sustainable workforce through improved recruitment and retention strategies.
South is an advocate for helping people understand and appreciate the career opportunities available in the construction industry. “The ability to attract, recruit and retain qualified staff has been an issue for years,” said South. “That is difficult to understand given the career opportunities, the financial rewards and limitless possibilities attainable in the industry. It is possible, regardless of education, experience or background, to be successful.
“There is no other industry where people are trained so well on the job,” said South. “There is no other industry where employees can build a prosperous career through on-the-job training without the encumbrance of student loan debt. There is no other industry that offers so many career options to such a variety of people.”
South has been an educator for over 40 years. She owned two private vocational colleges, co-ordinated post-graduate courses in information technology at the University of Regina and worked as director of governance, education and special projects at the Regina Construction Association (RCA).
While with the RCA, South developed an education program that delivered relevant and diverse in-person courses. It was through her work on the Construction 101 course that she gained a deeper appreciation for the construction industry and its importance to Saskatchewan.
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“Construction 101 is a course that outlines the entire construction industry,” said South. “I think everyone in the industry, including administrative staff, should take this course. It provides a comprehensive overview of the industry and its value.”
One participant in the RCA’s Construction 101 course said they particularly appreciated “the broad coverage of how construction occurs from start to finish.” Another participant noted the course helped them understand “the different types of contracts – tenders versus requests for proposals.” Others valued learning more about bonds, risk management and pre- and post-completion processes.
The opportunities to learn don’t stop there. The SHCA course list also includes Supervisor, Leadership, Professionalism, Conflict Resolution, Working Well, Construction Documents, Procurement and Contractors, Contract Law, Project Management Fundamentals, Project Management Advanced, Work Breakdown and Scheduling, Change and Risk Management and Waste Water Operator and Management Program.
South leads some of those courses, while Tratch handles others. He has business and project management expertise in small start-ups and large multinational blue chips. He is a leading expert in multiple globally-recognized management systems and project management methodologies.
By working with South and Tratch, the SHCA is aiming to change perceptions of the construction industry by offering a range of courses that address both hard and soft skills training. The hard skills training will build on the on-the-job learning employees already receive. The soft skills courses focus on personal qualities that influence workplace performance. For example, the Project Management Advanced course helps employees understand how to handle interactions with others to get a beneficial outcome.
This combination of soft and hard skills training will help move work in construction from being perceived as just a job to an opportunity to join an industry that offers promising and fulfilling careers.
South emphasized the difference between education and training, and the value of offering both. “Education provides a foundation for further learning, while training focuses more on building hard skills,” said South. “The construction industry does an exceptional job in training hard skills.
“There is no other industry that offers so many career options to such a variety of people.”
– Darlene South, Darlene South Consulting Solutions
“One of the keys to building a better construction industry is to supplement the hard skills acquired through training on the job with education courses to support those skills,” said South. “When employees are offered the opportunity to participate in education, they feel valued and respected, and they will advocate for the industry and present a positive image to encourage recruitment and retention.”
Participants in previous courses noted they valued reflecting on their own experiences and becoming more open to others’ perspectives. This blend of soft and hard skills training aims to transform construction work from being seen as just a job to a fulfilling career path.
South said today’s workers want jobs that provide opportunities for learning and advancement. The 2024 LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report highlighted several key findings:
94 per cent of workers said they would stay at a company longer if they had more access to employee education and learning opportunities.
70 per cent would be less likely to leave their current jobs to work for an organization known for investing in employee development and learning.
34 per cent of employees who left jobs were motivated to do so by more employee development. 86 per cent of millennials would stay in their current position if training and development were offered by their employer.
Over 70 per cent of high-retention-risk employees will leave their company in order to advance their career.
Retention rates rise 30 to 50 per cent for companies with strong learning cultures.
In addition to learning from South and Tratch, course participants also have the opportunity to learn from each other, with classes limited to six to 12 people. South noted that interactions among participants is often one of the most valuable aspects of the courses.
“If there are 10 people in the class, it’s just amazing the information that gets shared among them. They also gain from learning about the experiences of others,” said South, who explained that breakfast and lunch is provided as part of the registration. “We have breakfast and lunch breaks, but no one ever leaves during them. They just want to stay and interact with one another. Part of the value of the training is the networking opportunities.”
Participants in South’s courses frequently cited the value of these discussions in their evaluations.
“[My] favourite part of the course [was] all the colourful discussion,” said one. “[My favourite part was] how easy it was to ask questions and talk with everyone,” said another. “[South] made the course very easy to interact in [and there was] lots of opportunity to discuss,” said yet another.
The courses vary in length, with some completed in a single day, while others take up to three days. South said some of the courses are eligible for the Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant, which reimburses two-thirds of the tuition for a three-day course. These opportunities will be available to SHCA members as well as employees in the Ministry of Highways and municipal officials. Most courses will take place at the SHCA’s Regina office, but they can also be held in other locations across the province by request.
Fall Tender Plan Includes $157 Million in Highways Projects
The Government of Saskatchewan is looking to build and protect more of our provincial highway system with $157.3 million in new highway projects included in the 2021 Fall Tender Plan. These projects will continue the Ministry of Highways’ efforts to help stimulate the economy and improve the safety and reliability of Saskatchewan’s transportation network.
“Early notice of our construction plans to the road building industry ensures we can secure contractors and achieve value for money for taxpayers,” Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said. “I am grateful to the road building industry for the good work they do and I look forward to seeing more work completed next year.”
Some of the significant projects included in the Fall Tender Plan include:
Highway 1 – repaving more than 13 kilometres west of Moose Jaw;
Highway 11 – bridge rehabilitation over the Qu’Appelle River east of Lumsden;
Highway 11 – bridge rehabilitation over Highway 20 east of Lumsden;
Highway 11 – bridge replacement over Highway 6 north of Regina;
Highway 16 – resurfacing nearly 15 kilometres at Saskatoon; and
Highway 46 – installation of traffic signals on bypass lanes at Prince of Wales Drive in Regina.
Tender releases are published in the spring and fall so the industry can thoroughly prepare and bid on upcoming projects, mitigating the risk of price increases and delivering the best possible value for taxpayers.
“The government made an important investment in our highway transportation network at a critical time for our economy,” Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association President Shantel Lipp said. “Our members delivered on that investment and kept many people working during a very difficult time, and we will continue to build upon that investment in the years to come. Done right, a sustained, long-term, robust investment program for Saskatchewan’s highways and trade corridors can help secure for generations to come the standard of living Saskatchewan taxpayers have come to expect.”
The Government of Saskatchewan is improving more than 1,350 km of provincial highways this year, the second of its 10-year Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 km of highways. With this year’s projects, the province is ahead of the pace needed to meet this target.
Five New Passing Lanes Opened East of Asquith
The completion of five new passing lanes on Highway 14 west of Saskatoon will provide safer roads for motorists in the area. Work began in June 2021 to build five passing lanes and resurface two and a half kilometres on Highway 14 between Saskatoon and Asquith. This $8.8 million project is part of a significant investment by the Government of Saskatchewan to construct 30 sets of passing lanes over two years, building on the addition of 27 sets of passing lanes in the last four years.
“Our government remains committed to improving the safety and efficiency of our key highway corridors,” Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said. “Residents and motorists have let us know how effective passing lanes are and I am very proud of this government’s commitment to build new lanes this construction season.”
Passing lanes are typically a minimum two kilometres in length and are strategically designed to allow motorists to safely pass, reducing congestion and improving traffic flow. Studies have shown passing lanes can reduce collisions by as much as 25 per cent. Highway 10, the province’s first major passing lane pilot project, has seen 75 per cent fewer fatal accidents over the five years since its completion.
“This near $9-million investment in Highway 14 is greatly appreciated and will benefit not only residents, but also local businesses and industry in the area,” Biggar-Sask Valley MLA Randy Weekes said. “Safety is a big priority in rural Saskatchewan and these passing lanes make good on that priority.”
Other passing lane projects planned for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 construction seasons include:
Highway 2 north of Prince Albert;
Highway 3 west of Prince Albert;
Highway 5 east of Saskatoon;
Highway 7 west of Kindersley;
Highway 12 north of Martensville;
Highway 16 west of Yorkton to Springside;
Highway 16 east of Clavet to Highway 6 junction; and
Highway 39 between Milestone and the U.S. border.
The Government of Saskatchewan is improving more than 1,350 km of provincial highways this year, the second of its 10-year Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 km of highways. With this year’s projects, the province is ahead of the pace needed to meet this target.
Another $300 million in highways stimulus funds is being invested over several years in thin-membrane surface upgrades, passing lanes and improvements to municipal roads and airports. The Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $10.6 billion in highway infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 17,100 km of Saskatchewan highways.
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Partners with the University of Regina’s Centre for Continuing Education to Deliver High-Priority Programming
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (SCC) is pleased to announce a partnership with the University of Regina’s Centre for Continuing Education to deliver programming to Chamber members across the province. With a focus on in-demand skills training, programming will focus on career and professional development through a suite of non-credit certificates, professional microcredentials, badges, prep courses, and customized corporate training. The University of Regina’s Centre for Continuing Education meets learning needs by offering high-quality, accessible, innovative and responsive education developed in collaboration with local industry experts and the community.
Dr. Christie Schultz, director for the Centre for Continuing Education, said, “Partnering with the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is a perfect way to reach out and serve the professional development needs of businesses across the province.”
She added: “By providing valuable career development options to employers who need to fill skill gaps through employee training, we’re able to help build a stronger workforce and a more successful Saskatchewan.”
The University of Regina is a proud member of the SCC, and the two organizations continue to collaborate on identifying and meeting the training needs of the local business community. Recent U of R research shows employers and employees look to continuing education for training in areas such as project management, change management, leadership, collaboration, customer experience and stress management. Programming is currently delivered remotely.
“This partnership is an important step towards recognizing that lifelong learning is increasingly important to business. The University of Regina’s new professional microcredentials are a perfect example of education meeting workers where they are,” said Steve McLellan, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO. “Through this partnership and others like this, we’re working to provide business with flexible and timely options for workers to upskill, reskill and boost those skills that are in demand by industry.”
The SCC’s partnership with the Centre for Continuing Education is part of a suite of programs that Saskatchewan’s network of chambers is building through the Training & Employment Network to provide clear and locally coordinated pathways for workers to be identified, as well as to present learning opportunities that enhance skills for employers.
Report Serious Injuries, Fatalities and Dangerous Occurence
Under The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, there is a legal requirement to report all serious injuries, fatalities and dangerous occurrences that occur in the workplace to the Occupational Health and Safety Division.
Call 1-800-567-7233 and select ‘1’ to make a report. The number is monitored for emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Serious injury of fatality
An employer or contractor shall give notice to the Occupational Health and Safety Division as soon as is reasonably possible of every accident at a place of employment that:
causes, or may cause the death of a worker; or
will require a worker to be admitted to a hospital for 72 hours or more.
The notice must include:
the name of each injured or deceased worker;
the name of the employer of each injured worker or deceased worker;
the date, time and location of the accident;
the circumstances related to the accident;
the apparent injuries; and
the name, telephone and fax number of the employer or contractor, or person designated by the employer or contractor to be contacted for additional information.
In addition to reporting the incident, an employer or contractor shall provide a copy of the notice to each occupational health committee co-chairperson or the occupational health and safety representative.
Refer to sections 2-2 and 3-18 of the Regulations.
Dangerous occurence
A dangerous occurrence is any occurrence at a place of employment that did not result in, but could have resulted in, the death of a worker or required a worker to be admitted to a hospital as an in-patient for 72 hours or more, and includes:
the structural failure or collapse of:
a structure, scaffold, temporary falsework or concrete formwork; or
all or any part of an excavated shaft, tunnel, caisson, coffer dam, trench or excavation;
the failure of a crane or hoist, or the overturning of a crane or unit of powered mobile;
an accidental contact with an energized electrical conductor;
the bursting of a grinding wheel;
an uncontrolled spill or escape of a toxic, corrosive or explosive substance;
a premature detonation or accidental detonation of explosives;
the failure of an elevated or suspended platform; and
the failure of an atmosphere-supplying respirator.
An employer, contractor or owner shall give notice to the Occupational Health and Safety Division as soon as is reasonably possible of any dangerous occurrence that takes place at a place of employment, whether or not a worker sustains injury.
The notice must include:
the name of each employer, contractor and owner at the place of employment;
the date, time and location of the dangerous occurrence;
the circumstances related to the dangerous occurrence; and
the name, telephone and fax number of the employer, contractor, owner or a person designated by the employer, contractor or owner to be contacted for additional information.
In addition to reporting the incident, an employer, contractor or owner shall provide a copy of the notice to each occupational health committee co-chairperson or the occupational health and safety representative.
Refer to sections 2-3 and 3-20 of the Regulations.
Effective Sept. 1, 2021, partial benefits will no longer be granted for partial completion of the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) program.
Previously, if a student completed only one or two levels of SYA, they were eligible to receive 100 or 200 hours of trade time respectively when applying for apprenticeship. As of Sept. 1, 2021, these partial benefits will no longer be granted. Only students who complete the whole program will be eligible for benefits. This change has been made to encourage students to fully complete the program.
The purpose of the SYA program is to raise awareness of apprenticeship in Saskatchewan schools by helping young people discover what rewards come with working in the skilled trades.
The SYA program is well-established throughout Saskatchewan high schools and educational institutions, and students typically complete the SYA program over three years from Grades 10 to 12. (It is also possible for students to complete in less than three years if they start the program later than Grade 10.)
High school students who complete the SYA program are eligible for many benefits. When registering as an apprentice in Saskatchewan in a designated trade within five years of their SYA completion date, they receive:
Waiver of apprenticeship registration fee;
Waiver of first level of technical training tuition; and
300 hours of trade time credit.
Adult learners who complete SYA as non-high school students are eligible to receive trade time hours only. Only high school students are eligible for the additional financial benefits. These are the same benefits SYA participants have always been entitled to following full completion of the program.
Beginning Sept. 1, 2021, the SATCC will require employers to register employees when they are initially hired into the compulsory trades. A completed Employer Application for Registering an Apprentice Contract (Form 1) and Contract between an Apprentice and Employer (Form A) will be required by the employee’s first day of employment in a compulsory trade as well as the apprenticeship registration fee. This new process also applies to any current employees working in the compulsory trades who are not yet registered.
Registration marks the beginning of one-half of the number of hours in an apprenticeship year (approximately six months or 900 hours) an employee is permitted to work in a compulsory trade as outlined in The Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Regulations, 2020 before becoming indentured.
This registration process allows the SATCC to identify those individuals who intend to become indentured and will give the SATCC the ability to effectively monitor the number of hours an employee is working in a compulsory trade before becoming indentured. It also helps ensure that everyone on site in a compulsory trade is either registered with the SATCC, an indentured apprentice or a certified journeyperson. By registering, employees will have access to SATCC supports, such as learning supports and disability assessments.
For more information regarding the registration process for employees working in compulsory trades, clients are encouraged to contact us toll-free: 1-877-363-0536 or via email: apprenticeship@gov.sk.ca.
Brandt announces plan to create 1,000-plus new jobs
The Brandt Group of Companies recently announced plans to make a major investment in staffing and will hire more than 1,000 new employees by the end of 2021. The new positions will span the Regina-based company’s 100+ location international network, focusing on roles in Canada and the USA.
“There’s no question that our people are the foundation of our success. In spite of some challenging times for the global economy, an incredible team effort has enabled us to sustain our business and weather the storm successfully,” said Shaun Semple, Brandt Group of Companies CEO. “Looking ahead, the growth trend for Brandt is strong, so the timing is ideal to make a major investment in our team.”
In the past 10 years, Brandt has expanded their employee base by 140 per cent to more than 3,400, with the pace of growth continuing to accelerate steadily. The newly announced hiring initiative will see the company’s workforce grow by 30 per cent overall with the largest individual gains occurring in the company’s Regina, Saskatoon and Hudson, Ill. locations. Half of these hires will occur in the company›s Saskatchewan locations with 40 per cent more spread out across Canada and the balance in the USA.
The new hires will bolster Brandt’s existing operations in industries from construction, forestry and agriculture to rail, mining and steel. The positions will include skilled trades, sales, finance, marketing, customer support, IT and more as the company expands its support team to meet the needs of a rapidly growing customer base.
“As life begins to return to normal and we look ahead to economic recovery, this is very exciting news for workers and their families,” said Scott Moe, Saskatchewan Premier. “Saskatchewan has what the world needs, and Brandt’s success is a testament to the resiliency of our province’s industries in some of the most challenging global economic times.”
Interested applicants can view a current listing of the company’s career opportunities and apply online at www.brandtjobs.com.
“Saskatchewan has what the world needs, and Brandt’s success is a testament to the resiliency of our province’s industries in some of the most challenging global economic times.”
Scott Moe, Saskatchewan Premier
Focus on passing lanes saving lives in Saskatchewan
Work is progressing on a number of new passing lane projects as part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s plan to construct 30 sets of passing lanes over the next two years. This builds on the 27 sets constructed in the last four years.
Construction is currently underway on two sets of passing lanes on Highway 2 north of Prince Albert and the last of 13 sets of passing lanes on Highway 39 between Milestone and the U.S. border. All are expected to be complete by late fall of 2021.
“Safety is the primary concern of the Ministry of Highways,” said Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw. “Passing lanes have proven a reliable way to improve safety on a number of highways, with plenty more to come.”
The 2020 Fall Tender Plan and the 2021 Spring Tender Plan include passing lane projects on:
Highway 3 west of Prince Albert;
Highway 5 east of Saskatoon;
Highway 7 west of Kindersley;
Highway 12 north of Martensville;
Highway 14 west of Saskatoon to Asquith;
Highway 16 west of Yorkton to Springside; and
Highway 16 east of Clavet to Highway 6 junction.
Passing lanes are typically a minimum two kilometres in length and are strategically designed to allow vehicles to safely pass slow moving vehicles and heavy trucks such as semi-trailer units. Studies have shown passing lanes can reduce collisions by as much as 25 per cent. Highway 10, the province’s first major passing lanes pilot project, has seen 75 per cent fewer fatal accidents from before the project to five years after its completion.
“The passing lanes have ensured there are far fewer vehicle accidents, fatal crashes and injuries, allowing for safer travel and reduced emotional impacts on first responders who arrive at crash scenes,” said Balgonie Volunteer Fire Department chief Dave Campbell. “Combined with the reduced travel time, the passing lanes have been a significant benefit to local residents and visitors alike.”
The Government of Saskatchewan will be improving more than 1,350 km of provincial highways this year, the second of its 10-year Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 km of highways. With this year’s projects, the province is ahead of the pace needed to meet this target. There will be $300 million in additional highways stimulus funds that will be invested over several years in thin-membrane surface upgrades, passing lanes and improvements to municipal roads and airports.
The Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $10.6 billion in highways infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 17,100 km of Saskatchewan highways.
Saskatchewan opens up access to rapid antigen tests
According to the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the best way to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated. Photo: milkos/123RF
Rapid antigen tests may now be used by Saskatchewan businesses and individuals to help screen people who do not show COVID-19 symptoms. The province has amended The Medical Laboratory Licensing Regulations, 1995 so that a formal agreement is no longer required between those who use rapid antigen tests and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
“Our government is committed to improving access to health care services for people across the province, and providing the necessary tools to address the pandemic,” said Health Minister Paul Merriman. “This step means that businesses and individuals can easily procure and use these tests, helping asymptomatic people who have COVID-19 receive testing and treatment more quickly. Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself and those around you is to get vaccinated.”
Rapid antigen tests are not a diagnostic test, but are used to screen asymptomatic people for COVID-19. Health officials strongly recommend that people who receive a positive test result immediately self-isolate and call 811 for further instructions, such as scheduling a confirmatory test through a SHA testing centre.
“The SHA’s Test to Protect program is an important element of a multi-layered approach that we have added to our pandemic response along with vaccination,” said SHA testing chief Carrie Dornstauder. “The Test to Protect community rapid antigen testing program provides workplaces with early detection of COVID-19, ensuring a strong and healthy workplace and workforce through outbreak prevention.”
Large national businesses that operate in Saskatchewan and wish to use the tests can request them through the federal government’s online business portal at .
Small and medium-sized enterprises within Saskatchewan can apply for rapid tests from the SHA by submitting an Intake Form available at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19 (search for Rapid Testing). Tests will be provided for workplace screening as supplies allow, however Saskatchewan’s federal allocation of rapid antigen tests will be prioritized for health care professionals and priority settings such as long-term care facilities, personal care homes, schools, group homes and shelters.
The general public will be able to purchase the tests from retailers who wish to offer them. Check first to ensure the tests are Health Canada-approved by viewing the list at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/medical-devices/authorized/list.html.
General information on rapid antigen testing is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/testing-information/rapid-testing.
New Construction Codes Act coming to Saskatchewan
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The Government of Saskatchewan recently passed The Construction Codes Act (Bill 4) in the Legislative Assembly. The new Act will allow better alignment between construction codes and accessibility standards, including how they are applied to buildings, ensuring people with disabilities can better access and use buildings in Saskatchewan.
The new Construction Codes Act (CCA) repeals and replaces The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act and will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, and will continue to oversee how construction standards are developed, adopted and implemented in the province. The CCA also modernizes the powers and responsibilities for building owners, local authorities, building officials and the construction industry.
“I thank those municipalities and industry stakeholders who provided input into this process resulting in this new legislation,” said Don McMorris, Government Relations Minister. “By improving the roles and responsibilities of each group, the new act will allow the Government of Saskatchewan and these groups to protect citizens from unsafe renovations and construction practices, promote building accessibility and ensure consistent application of construction codes across our province.”
Key changes in the CCA that will impact stakeholders include:
Local authorities can register an interest on a building title for unresolved building official orders. This will allow potential purchasers to make an informed decision about a building before buying it.
Local authorities have the choice to develop their own building bylaws or use a default building bylaw to be prescribed in regulation.
Allows for regional co-operation between local authorities to administer and enforce construction standards across multiple jurisdictions.
Local authorities can request the Ministry of Government Relations to assist them during a province-wide or local emergency by appointing officials, issuing building permits and authorizing building renovations as necessary to support the emergency response.
The Minister of Government Relations can make binding interpretations on construction codes to address Saskatchewan-specific concerns.
This new legislation also supports the reduction of government red tape, as identified in Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan.
“The CCA allows Saskatchewan’s Construction Standards Appeal Board to make binding pre-rulings to individual buildings when the code is being interpreted differently between the building owner, local authority, designer and contractor,” said McMorris. “This will help designers and builders obtain design decisions in a timely manner and ensure they are in compliance with Saskatchewan’s legislative requirements.”
Saskatchewan Polytechnic continues to demonstrate leadership in providing culturally inclusive learning environments and opportunities. The Indigenous Leadership Skills Applied Certificate will share valuable Indigenous leadership approaches towards maintaining resiliency and building leadership capacity.
Situated on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories, and homeland of the Métis people, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is acting on its strategic plan for 2020–2025, Leading the Rise, by holistically integrating Indigenous ways of knowing, being, teaching and learning throughout all institutional practices, procedures and services. The launch of the Indigenous Leadership Skills applied certificate is part of this work.
“Customized programs, like the Indigenous Leadership Skills program, allow for increased participation through workplaces as professional development opportunities.”
– Paul Carter, dean for the School of Continuing Education
“To prepare learners for success in the communities and economies of today and in the future, the new Indigenous Leadership Skills program builds business leadership skills based on Indigenous ways of knowing. This specialized, unique program examines historical and contemporary models of Indigenous business, entrepreneurship and economic development,” said Dr. Larry Rosia, Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO.
“At the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario, we see the Indigenous Leadership Skills program as a vital piece in the efforts to engage Indigenous people into careers in the skilled trades. A sense of understanding of our own Indigenous history, culture, stories and resilience is crucial to empowering the individual in their career journey,” said Danny Deleary, Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario, community engagement coordinator. Indigenous Leadership Skills is an applied certificate designed to be leveraged by industry to broaden specialized, culturally relevant leadership skills within their workforce or by individuals preparing for their next career move or entrepreneurial venture.
Using real life case studies focused on exceptional Indigenous leaders, in an interactive format with fellow learners and instructors, the applied certificate is entirely online to maximize accessibility and flexibility for industry and learners. The program includes eight courses that will take about 240 hours to complete. Six of the courses explore standard leadership skills, while two delve deeper into traditional Indigenous leadership and approaches to business-building. Course materials and teaching methods align with Indigenous values, providing a safe, culturally relevant environment for learning.
“Customized programs, like the Indigenous Leadership Skills program, allow for increased participation through workplaces as professional development opportunities. They also provide opportunity for lifelong learning through relevant curriculum which can be successfully completed in a shorter period of time,” said Paul Carter, dean for the School of Continuing Education.
Slow down to keep Saskatchewan highways safe
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With construction season in full swing, the Government of Saskatchewan is reminding motorists to keep an eye out for construction zones on provincial highways.
“We view everything through the lens of safety at the Ministry of Highways, making sure that our work crews and contractors have a plan in place to keep every job site as safe as possible,” said Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw. “We need drivers to remember they have a role to play as well: plan your route ahead of time, pay close attention and slow down for everyone’s safety.”
Drivers must obey all signs and flag persons in work zones and slow to 60 km/hr. In some cases, work zones have temporary speed reductions left in place when workers are not present. This is often due to potential hazards present, such as lane closures, loose gravel, fresh oil and sharp pavement drop-offs.
“When the pandemic hit, our members continued to work safely building the province’s vital transportation corridors and also stimulating the local economy of many small towns that lost their tourism revenues,” said Shantel Lipp, president of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association. “Now that the province is reopening, we ask drivers to respect those mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters and brothers while they resume their summer.
Our members work to keep you safe while you travel to your next destination, so please obey the signs, don’t speed and pay attention to your surroundings while inside our workplace.”
Speed fines are tripled in Saskatchewan when workers are present. Fines start at $210 and increase by $3 for every km/hr over the speed limit, up to a speed of 90 km/hr, and $6 for every km/hr over 90. A driver who speeds through a work zone at 100 km/hr will be issued a fine of $450, plus a victim surcharge of $80, for a total of $530.
