SHCA recently had the opportunity to discuss industry topics and issues with Saskatchewan Minister of Highways, the Honourable David Marit, who is also the Minister responsible for SaskBuilds and Procurement.
In March, the provincial government announced its budget for 2025-26, which included a spend on highways set at $777 million and $421 million for capital projects. At the time it was also noted that Marit would be conducting Saskatchewan Construction Roundtable discussions to move the conversation forward on the importance of infrastructure investment in Saskatchewan.
Think BIG: What are you hoping to get out of the Saskatchewan Construction Roundtable discussions with construction industry members?
David Marit: The Construction Roundtable aims to build stronger, more transparent lines of communication between industry and the Government of Saskatchewan. Our goal is to work collaboratively with the construction sector to identify solutions to shared challenges, and to promote growth, safety and sustainability within the sector.
The roundtable serves as an information-sharing platform for government representatives and industry leaders to foster open dialogue, address areas of concern, facilitate collaboration and communication, develop strategic initiatives and celebrate the successes of both industry and government.
“Our goal is to work collaboratively with the construction sector to identify solutions to shared challenges, and to promote growth, safety and sustainability within the sector.”
– David Marit, Saskatchewan Ministry of Highway
We continue to look to industry for solutions to some of our major challenges, including delivering a significant capital plan as our province grows, and finding ways to ensure projects are completed as efficiently as possible. As we navigate uncertainties in the current trade environment, we rely on our industry partners to collaborate on solutions that support Saskatchewan and keep our projects moving forward.
Think BIG: Governments across Canada are looking at removing interprovincial trade barriers to allow for goods and services to flow more freely from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Are there areas that the Ministry of Highways and SaskBuilds have been working on to help the industry with trade barriers?
DM: The Government of Saskatchewan will monitor any cost increases that result from tariffs. If necessary, ministries may bring forward cost changes through existing decision-making channels. Over the past five years, Saskatchewan has awarded, on average, more than 99 per cent of procurements to Canadian companies, with less than one per cent awarded to U.S. companies.
We recognize the situation with the U.S. requires all Canadian provinces to look at ways to expand exports outside North America and reduce trade barriers within Canada. The situation south of the border underlined the need for this work, but it’s something we’ve been doing since well before the new U.S. administration took over.
Through this MOU, the provinces will identify priority actions and collaborate on key issues, including:
Identifying specific corridors that the three provinces can mutually work to advance
Improving the efficiency of interprovincial transportation network and harmonizing regulatory frameworks
Leveraging opportunities for joint advocacy to the federal government on regulatory and funding issues
Assessing private-sector investment and/or Indigenous partnership opportunities in improving existing or developing new economic corridors
For Saskatchewan people, improving transportation links with initiatives like these supports our export-based economy, which helps the province invest in key services and helps build and protect our quality of life.
Think BIG: Will the province meet the goals set out in the Growth Plan by 2030? Do you anticipate the province exceeding these goals?
DM: The Ministry of Highways’ year-over-year progress toward that goal has been steady. Highways 2025-26 budget improves more than 1,000 kilometres of provincial highways, the sixth year of our 10-year Growth Plan goal. Planned delivery over the first six years is more than 7,000 kilometres, which is ahead of pace to meet our target.
As for SaskBuilds and Procurement, the 2025-26 Saskatchewan Capital Plan brings Government of Saskatchewan’s infrastructure investment to $21.4 billion since 2020-21, which is 71.3 per cent of the $30-billion Growth Plan goal. The Government of Saskatchewan is firmly on track to exceed this goal.
Saskatchewan’s economy is heavily reliant on transportation, with highways serving as critical arteries for trade and commerce. As a resource-based economy, it is critical that the province has the proper infrastructure in place to get products to market.
Canada recently underwent a federal election, where the main topic electoral candidates discussed was the tariffs instigated by the Trump administration. While the United States tariff issue does impact Saskatchewan, national media platforms gave little to no attention to the 100 per cent canola tariff instituted by China, which has a direct bearing on the Saskatchewan economy.
In 2024, Saskatchewan exported approximately $4.9 billion worth of canola products to China, including canola seed, oil and meal. Provincial trade goes hand in glove with Saskatchewan’s road and infrastructure system. Strong trade results from having a strong infrastructure system and vice versa. How does a resource-based economy recover from the impact of tariffs and what role does the heavy construction industry play to help fix it?
“The way I see it is that we have several paths to follow to help bring stability back into how we continue to not only trade our goods, but to expand to other markets and make sure that our infrastructure meets the demand,” said Shantel Lipp, SHCA president. “Looking for alternative markets around the globe is being actively pursued by the provincial government to help offset the impact from the China tariffs. However, a large part of those deals is reliant on reassuring potential customers that Saskatchewan has reliable infrastructure to move our goods to them.”
Saskatchewan, regardless of any economic headwinds caused by the tariffs, continues to grow its output and the demand for products continues unabated. Agriculture products, potash, uranium and oil and gas are still needed globally, and Saskatchewan has all that. The province must ensure its roads and infrastructure meet trading partners’ needs.
“So many opportunities have been lost to a decade of stagnation on nation-building projects, and we are hopeful that change is the order of the day.”
– Shantel Lipp, Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association
“The heavy construction industry has always met its challenges head-on. The ability for our industry to be flexible is what keeps the bulk of our members going,” said Lipp. “Rather than being a barrier to growth, the heavy construction industry looks at the tariff challenge as an opportunity. Planning ahead is key to our industry succeeding and that can only happen through stable long-term funding arrangements with key partners within government.”
The future of Saskatchewan highways and infrastructure will increase, not decrease, in demand. Aside from key exports of agriculture products, potash and uranium, Saskatchewan has begun to increase the export of critical minerals driven by global need that will require enhanced highway capacity to transport these resources from remote mining sites to processing facilities or export hubs. The province’s aging infrastructure, coupled with increasing traffic volumes, necessitates significant investment in Saskatchewan’s road system.
“There has been a lot of talk amongst our elected officials that in order to counter the impact of tariffs we need to also look within our own borders to the remove barriers to growth,” said Lipp. “Our industry has been very vocal on removing interprovincial trade barriers that hinder our ability to grow as an industry and as a province.”
Aside from the tariff discussions, there are encouraging signs that the newly elected federal government will start to course-correct its past mistakes. At a meeting in March with the premiers, Prime Minister Carney asked each of them to identify “nation-building projects.” This could be an indication that the country and Saskatchewan may be getting an economic boost through funding projects that include elements of highways and infrastructure.
“Saskatchewan now has representation at the federal table with the appointment of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River Member of Parliament Buckley Belanger as Secretary of State (Rural Development),” said Lipp. “Our industry is eager to engage with Belanger on the importance of building up our provincial infrastructure to meet the demand of our resource development projects.”
Belanger’s riding covers a vast swath of northern Saskatchewan, which is home to some of the most productive mining activity in North America. It is also home to the McArthur River uranium mine, which is the world’s largest high-grade uranium deposit. In 2023, Saskatchewan’s uranium sector achieved $1.6 billion in sales revenue, the world’s second-largest uranium producer for that year, providing work for 3,420 direct employees and contractors.
“Both provincial and federal governments need to find common ground that will ensure that the level of infrastructure funding keeps pace with our level of growth,” said Lipp. “So many opportunities have been lost to a decade of stagnation on nation-building projects, and we are hopeful that change is the order of the day.”
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.”
Smoke inhalation can cause short and long-term damage to workers
By Jon Waldman
One of the biggest stories of summer 2023 in Canada, if not the biggest, was the increase in wildfires that burned throughout the country.
Record numbers of fires and hectares of land burned have resulted in evacuations of cities and towns, while smoke warnings arose in areas far away from the directly affected regions. As reported by Environment Canada, Saskatchewan smoke hours (which is when visibility is reduced to 9.7 km) shattered previous records. From May 1 to Sept. 5, Saskatoon had 282 hours of smoke, with the previous high being 185 in 1981. La Ronge, meanwhile, had 802 hours, with a previous record of 165 from 2015.
Not only can this be a great concern for citizens who might otherwise enjoy a warm summer outdoors, it also increased caution for some in the heavy construction industry. Working outside in summer, where heat be overwhelming in normal conditions, is already a concern during lengthy stretches. Now, smoke and other particle inhalation is a greater risk.
“It’s more important than people realize. Wildfire smoke, especially, has several chemicals associated with it. There’s a significant respiratory risk. Even people who are otherwise healthy, on days where it’s really bad and you’re working outdoors in particularly strenuous activity, there’s potential to notice some of the effects,” said Dr. Niels Koehncke, a professor in the Department of Medicine and specialist in occupational medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.
“People who are otherwise at risk, who have pre-existing lung conditions like bronchitis and emphysema, pregnant workers, are at higher risk for exacerbation. It’s a concern in those circumstances, but on particularly bad days, people who otherwise would generally consider themselves healthy will definitely notice some effect.”
CBS News reported an example of how bad the effects can be in late June. At the time, writer Li Cohen shared information from the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States.
“The particulate matter within the smoke irritates the respiratory system, impacting the body’s ability to function even among those who are healthy, and even short-term exposure of just a few days can have serious impacts,” Cohen wrote. “‘Sensitive groups,’ including children, the elderly, pregnant people and those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular issues, are most vulnerable to these impacts.”
In Cohen’s comments, she focuses on those who come outside for recreation. For those whose livelihoods and income depend on being outdoors, there is no option to move indoors. As such, repeated exposure can be dire, especially for those with already weakened systems.
“For people with pre-existing medical conditions, they might find that wildfire smoke worsens them and that worsening can turn into a medium to long-term effect, particularly if this (the fire situation) is not going away,” Dr. Koehncke said.
Part of what makes wildfire so concerning is that its composition is not pure smoke. Instead, as Health Canada explains, it’s a complex mixture of gases, vapour and particles. Contents include ozone, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and fine particle matter (also known as PM2.5). The latter is particularly concerning.
Working outside in summer, where heat can overwhelm the human body, is already a concern during lengthy stretches. Now, smoke and other particle inhalation is a greater risk.
“There is no evidence of a safe level of exposure for most of these pollutants. This means that smoke can impact your health even at very low levels,” the government agency stated on its website. “As smoke levels increase, your health risks increase. Air quality may be decreased even if you can’t see or smell smoke.”
Another wrinkle that comes into play for the construction industry is that exposure to hazardous materials in the air is already occurring, making the environment that much more troublesome to manage for construction jobs. “They (construction workers) are often exposed to a range of respiratory hazards. Sometimes it’s a crystalline silica layer,” said Jeannette Campbell, senior occupational hygienist with WorkSafeBC. “Layered on top, you have the exposure to substances that have long-term respiratory effects,” she said. “This is the stuff we’re still trying to wrap our brains around because it’s pretty unique.”
Campbell also points out that there is a gap in staff age, and those who have worked in these conditions for longer are more susceptible to illness and other effects from long-term exposure to contaminants and smoke.
“We have an aging workforce that, in some cases, has many years of exposure to respiratory hazards that are going to potentially make them more susceptible to the smoke,” she said.
“We have an aging workforce that, in some cases, has many years of exposure to respiratory hazards that are going to potentially make them more susceptible to the smoke.”
– Jeannette Campbell, WorkSafeBC
Preparation
Arming oneself and one’s staff against wildfire smoke inhalation can be tricky. In many situations, the best defence is personal protective equipment (PPE).
PPE for breathing was a lesson learned during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, where recommendations were made to wear masks when venturing outdoors. In particular, N95-graded masks can be a defence against the elements when worn properly.
“One of the things you can do is get the N95 masks that are well fitted,” Yellowknife’s Dr. Courtney Howard, an emergency room physician, said in a CBC article. “You can tell that it fits well (because) when you breathe in, the mask kind of sucks into your face. If you can feel the air coming around the sides, then it’s not a good fit or you may need to mould it more to your face.”
However, this is the last step in the safety process. “If there are other ways to avoid that exposure, such as administrative and procedural controls, they should be considered,” Dr. Koehncke said, adding that owners and project managers should ask questions such as, “are there changes to procedures and plans for a day or two days that can minimize workers or groups of workers that are exposed to smoke?”
“People who are otherwise at risk, who have pre-existing lung conditions like bronchitis and emphysema, pregnant workers, are at higher risk for exacerbation. It’s a concern in those circumstances, but on particularly bad days, people who otherwise would generally consider themselves healthy will definitely notice some effect.”
– Dr. Niels Koehncke, University of Saskatchewan
Combating the effects of wildfire can also be accomplished through pre-emptive moves, such as developing an Exposure Control Plan (ECP). The Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC drafted a guide for its members on how to properly build an ECP, which includes:
A statement of purpose and responsibilities
Risk identification, assessment and control
Education and training
Written work procedures (when required)
Hygiene facilities and decontamination procedures (when required)
Health monitoring (when required)
Documentation and annual review (when required)
“Companies have a duty to protect their workers from exposure to wildfire smoke during construction activities that take place during wildfire smoke events,” The Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC stated in the guide. “Effective controls are available to protect workers from exposure. A combination of control measures is required to achieve this objective.”
Forecasting can also help. Government organizations, in concert with meteorological groups, can aid in project planning by looking at weather patterns and results, as was the case in B.C.
“It was anticipated because last October was so dry and unseasonably warm that we were in a scenario where the soil didn’t have the moisture. So they were anticipating and we didn’t get the rains expected in June, and we have widespread drought conditions,” Campbell said. “It is anticipated that this is going to continue. The two fire weather forecasts I’ve listened to from committees I sit on were not looking at the seasonal shifts we get that bring in the rains in the fall. So, we’re in a wait-and-see scenario.”
While those conditions are still unfavourable, work has to start because of the damage incurred.
“As we move in these areas, as we move into the recovery phase, there’s still a lot burning and there will likely be additional fires,” Campbell said. “Those will now be in areas where we have construction workers going in and working.”
Another step in preparing for work in these new conditions is adapting heavy construction practices. Campbell sees preparation as being similar to dealing with higher temperatures.
“The piece is thinking of outdoor work in terms of how we manage it with heat – can we reduce the intensity with which that work is happening, can we take our breaks in cool places with clean air, using our vehicles as places of refuge,” she said. “Then we need to think of when we’re out there and in the environment of it, what those exposures are.”
In many situations, the best defence is personal protective equipment.
Recovery
The unfortunate reality is no matter how many preventative measures are taken, wildfire smoke inhalation is nearly impossible to avoid.
Thankfully, treatment for smoke-related irritation has several options. In a blog for Hearthside Medicine Family Care’s website, Havilah Brodhead, FNP, listed several techniques, including using a saline-based nasal spray and eating ginger and other anti-inflammatories.
However, the simplest solution is to drink plenty of water.
In a rapidly evolving construction landscape, where optimism about the industry’s future co-exists with challenges that demand innovative solutions, the release of the How We Build Now: Technology and Industry Trends Shaping Canadian Construction in 2023 report by Procore Technologies, Inc. has significant implications for Saskatchewan’s construction sector.
As the province grapples with its unique set of circumstances, ranging from labour shortages to technology adoption, this comprehensive report sheds light on the road ahead, emphasizing the need for diversity and inclusion programs and the integration of cutting-edge technologies to navigate the industry’s transformation. “Although Saskatchewan may be less of a hotbed compared to the total construction that is going on across the country, we see that the province is essentially experiencing the same issues as elsewhere,” said Brandon Lee, senior manager of customer success at Procore.
Image courtesy of Procore Technologies Inc.
The report, a result of extensive surveys and analyses, underscores the industry’s overall positive sentiment. Out of the over 500 respondents, consisting of owner/developers, general contractors and subcontractors, nine out of 10 expressed confidence in the industry’s conditions for the coming year.
This optimism can be attributed to several factors, including the initiation of large-scale projects such as the Ontario Line subway and clean energy ventures in British Columbia. The growing immigrant population is also driving demand for housing and infrastructure. These factors, coupled with an existing labour shortage, are adding to the industry’s backlog of projects. Lee says that despite industry optimism, the data indicates there is a clear call for embracing technology to address crucial challenges. The survey shows 27 per cent of the total time spent on a project is used for rework or rectifying issues.
Image courtesy of Procore Technologies Inc.
Other findings revealed that almost half of all projects go over budget and over schedule, and over 30 per cent of respondents identified needing new technology to improve operational efficiency and cost controls amid economic volatility. In fact, paper remains a common medium for Canadian construction decision-makers. About a quarter of respondents still use paper-based records or non-digital processes as part of their workflows.
The construction sector has historically faced hurdles in integrating technology tailored to its needs, but the advent of technologies like smartphones and the internet has paved the way for software developers to create solutions that streamline on-field operations.
Data access
The report highlighted that 41 per cent of respondents believe real-time and historical data accessibility would enable them to make better decisions. They also believe they could save up to 12 per cent of their total spending on projects if they captured, integrated and standardized data more efficiently. Notably, a significant 17 per cent of project costs are spent on data and information searches, showing a pressing need for more efficient data management systems.
Image courtesy of Procore Technologies Inc.
Lee says that the transition to new technologies isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavour. The challenge lies in successfully implementing these changes across a company, particularly in organizations with diverse roles and responsibilities. To mitigate these challenges, the report advocates for proactive problem-solving approaches, emphasizing the importance of leadership at all levels to effectively navigate obstacles that may occur.
“Process change management takes time,” he said. “You also have to hold the project teams accountable to leverage the system so that the people who need to make decisions at any point in the company have that understanding of what they need to double down on, or where they are running into issues in a project. This is a more proactive approach to problem solving.”
Image courtesy of Procore Technologies Inc.
One of the most critical issues facing the construction industry nationwide, including Saskatchewan, is the labour shortage. The report reveals that nearly 29 per cent of respondents faced challenges accepting new projects over the past three to six months due to the scarcity of skilled labour. With the impending retirement of many experienced workers, the industry faces an urgency to attract younger talent who are already tech-savvy. Lee says that these individuals will soon be at the helm of these companies, making it crucial to create an environment that appeals to their career goals.
Diversity, inclusion and sustainability
The report noted that labour shortages can be addressed through diversity and inclusion initiatives to attract women, minorities and historically marginalized groups. The report indicated that 38 per cent of decision-makers recognize the need for such improvements in construction workplaces. One of the most underrepresented groups in the construction workforce is women, particularly in executive roles. “If there is an underrepresentation of [women], not only at the field or the office levels, but more importantly, in the management chain, you’re going to struggle to find the right talent, and in a time of labour shortage, to be able to deliver those projects,” said Lee.
The industry is also keen to adopt more environmentally conscious and sustainable building practices. Approximately half of the respondents have started to focus on strategies like prefabrication and improved material selection to reduce the carbon footprint of their projects. Four in 10 are either currently tracking or plan to start tracking (within the next 12 months) carbon emissions on their construction projects.
Image courtesy of Procore Technologies Inc.
As the construction industry grapples with these multifaceted challenges, the report offers a blueprint for progress. The five recommended steps include effective preconstruction practices to enhance productivity, diverse hiring strategies to alleviate labour shortages, streamlined data management for enhanced insights, proactive data management to improve payment processes and the use of construction platforms for a competitive edge. Lee says that undertaking these steps won’t be easy and it will require company-wide acceptance to move forward. “I think it’s really important to have a realistic understanding of the appetite for change within an organization, and what can actually be achieved through that effort from top to bottom,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Lee says he is encouraged to see the Canadian construction industry’s leaders express optimism as they look to consolidate and build on post-pandemic progress. In particular, this survey shows half of the respondents see a need to embrace greater collaboration in projects among stakeholders, and half of them are well on their way in their digital transformation journey. Some also recognize the opportunity to leverage the massive amounts of data generated through the use of technology to make more data-driven decisions across every phase of the construction life cycle. Ultimately, smarter construction empowers construction businesses to have better control of their projects and deliver higher quality builds.
To celebrate 75 years in business, Redhead Equipment raised more than $166,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan
By Craig Slobodian, Redhead Equipment
In conjunction with Redhead Equipment’s 75th business anniversary, the company held its first annual Redhead Equipment Heavy Hitter Charity Classic on Monday, June 12, at Wascana Country Club. Through our 11 locations, we do business in every community in the province and beyond. When choosing a charity to partner with, we look to find one that can benefit every one of those same communities.
This year, we chose to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan; their CEO, Tammy Forrester, shared plans to build new houses in Regina and Prince Albert.
The golf tournament brought together individuals and organizations from all walks of life, united in our shared commitment to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Our marketing department put together a first-class experience for the 136 golfers who attended. Our staff and volunteers also did a great job making everyone feel welcome and kept everything running smoothly.
Our suppliers stepped up and supported the tournament with both donations and attendance. Many customers also attended the tournament. The support from suppliers and customers was incredible and we thank them for their support.
Wascana Country Club made the event special with great service, great food and a meticulously maintained course. This provided a remarkable experience that will be treasured by all who participated.
Throughout the day, we were able to raise $78,000 for Ronald McDonald House. Through the generosity of the Redhead and Wallace families, Redhead Equipment matched those funds for a total donation of $156,000!
One of our customers was inspired by the day’s events and donated $5,000 the following day. Redhead Equipment matched this donation as well, so the new total is $166,000!
It was a great way to celebrate 75 years in business and we are grateful to everyone involved.
Thank you to our customers, suppliers and staff for 75 years in business! Our success depends on you and because of you, Redhead Equipment is able to give back to the communities that support us.
Safe, reliable transportation infrastructure is not just “nice to have” in Saskatchewan, but it’s how our province competes in the global market, ensuring the people of the province enjoy a high quality of life.
That message was delivered by Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill when he spoke at the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce’s Business Conference in May. His presentation, “Transportation: Sharing Saskatchewan’s Food, Fuel and Fertilizer with the World,” explained what was contained in the latest budget to develop that transportation infrastructure and how earlier commitments had been fulfilled.
Saskatchewan’s transportation infrastructure allows it to meet the world’s needs by safely and efficiently shipping our commodities from agriculture, mining and forestry to the world at competitive rates. Saskatchewan ships to 165 countries around the world and in 2021, the province exported a record $37 billion in goods, Cockrill explained.
Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill
He said his government recognizes the need for shippers to have timely and predictable access to markets, and that most of what is produced here travels south to the U.S., east to Manitoba or west to B.C., making our relationships with other provinces vital. A memorandum of understanding between Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba was signed in April to strengthen economic corridors that support our supply chains. “Our cooperation makes Canada better,” said Cockrill.
The MOU commits the provinces to investing in and joining solutions to improve highways and rail networks, he said. The three provinces will cooperate to encourage the federal government for infrastructure funding and national supply chain solutions and harmonize regulations to support businesses, industries and shippers.
Growth is his government’s “north star,” said Cockrill, and that growth benefits all in the province. He said his government has its books in order and was able to retire $1 billion in debt when other governments have not because of the bounty Saskatchewan is fortunate to enjoy. Cockrill also highlighted what the latest provincial budget contained for investment in Saskatchewan’s transportation network, saying it is about more than kilometres of highway. It’s about what that network means to the people, businesses and communities of the province.
The transportation network includes Saskatchewan’s 26,000 kilometres of highways, but also bridges, culverts, ferries, ice roads, gravel roads and more. Then, there are the municipal networks operated by municipalities. The province’s transportation network is “an incredible asset” built by the people of the province, said Cockrill, including the men and women who work for the Ministry of Highways who are very proud of how they contribute to that network connecting people and goods. He said they work hard every day to make that network safe, efficient, reliable and sustainable.
The $422 million his ministry is investing in capital projects this budget will support economic growth and that benefit flows to all in the province, Cockrill said. The overall capital budget is smaller than previous years because a two-year stimulus program that saw the province release $300 million in new highways projects ended in 2022. That stimulus program saw investments in hundreds of kilometers of thin-membrane surface highways, numerous highway passing lanes, community airports and more.
Cockrill referenced Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan, saying his government is now in the fourth year of that plan, which committed the government to improving 10,000 kilometres of highways over a decade. After this year, it will be ahead of schedule, Cockrill said.
Saskatchewan’s transportation infrastructure allows it to meet the world’s needs by safely and efficiently shipping our commodities from agriculture, mining and forestry to the world at competitive rates. Saskatchewan ships to 165 countries around the world and in 2021, the province exported a record $37 billion in goods.
Major projects this budget invests in include beginning construction of twinning projects near Rowatt and Corinne on Highways 6 and 39 between Regina and Weyburn. There is the construction of passing lanes and widening of Highway 5 from Saskatoon to Highway 2 and planning for construction that will extend twinning on Highway 5 east of Saskatoon to support traffic going to BHP’s new facility. Upgrades are being made to Highway 15 east of Kenaston between Highways 11 and 2. Then, there is the planning for the third phase of the Saskatoon Freeway functional study.
Safety is a major focus of work being done by the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure. Cockrill pointed out that it has been five years since a bus carrying members of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team was struck by a semi-trailer, killing 16 people and injuring 13. After that incident, an engineering review was completed, resulting in 13 recommendations to improve safety at the intersection of Highways 35 and 335, where the crash occurred. Work to implement all those recommendations will be completed this year.
Other intersections and road safety matters also got attention and investment at the conference. This year, the government will have fulfilled its commitment to spend $100 million over five years to work on turning lanes, streetlights, flashing warning lights, rumble strips, crosswalks and sightline improvements. This work often had a big impact on communities, Cockrill said. Other contributions to improving safety include spending millions on pavement marking, increasing the budget for signs and ditch mowing.
Almost $63 million will be spent to repair and rebuild bridges and replace over 100 culverts across Saskatchewan. Major bridge projects include replacing the Montreal River Bridge on Highway 2 in the La Ronge area as well as rebuilding the Highway 6 bridge over the Ring Road at the south end of Regina.
Cockrill encouraged those present at the conference to learn from an example out of Moosomin for “how to get stuff done” in the province. Moosomin’s airport needed improving so the air ambulance could land on the runway, which was too short. So, patients were being transferred by ambulance to Virden, Man., where Saskatchewan’s air ambulance could land.
Many residents from the Moosomin area worked together to stay in contact with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure office to explain their situation. A partnership was formed in the area between various municipalities as well as a local employer, Nutrien, which the province joined to provide $1.3 million to extend the runway.
Cockrill encouraged communities and regions who have a project to discuss with government to contact him about their concerns to make him aware of the opportunity to meet. He said this budget provided urban municipalities $6.6 million and rural municipalities $15 million to support their transportation needs.
Cockrill spent some time explaining the investment being made in northern Saskatchewan and its significance. He said this budget invests $89.4 million to build, operate and maintain the transportation system in northern Saskatchewan, including gravel road improvements on Highway 924 northeast of Green Lake and continuing to work on Saskatchewan’s portion of the Garson Lake Road. A one-time investment of $6 million for gravel work and brush clearing supports the northern population and the province’s forestry industry, which Cockrill said is an important sector for the province that is poised to grow because of private investment.
He said because the provincial highway network is the largest per capita in the country, the ministry must maximize how long those assets are in use. There is 230 kilometres of repaving to be done all over the province and other work is being done to more than 600 kilometres to extend the life of those highways, Cockrill said.
The growth Cockrill sees in the province is exciting and investing in infrastructure is an important factor in that growth. The economic prosperity has allowed the government to invest in twinning highways, safety improvements and northern roads while providing support for municipalities – all while paying down the provincial debt. The growth is attracting people to locate in Saskatchewan, Cockrill said, because of the province’s opportunities and affordability.
Cockrill and Prabha Ramaswamy, the CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, were asked questions by some in the crowd during the conference. Cockrill was asked what was being done with Saskatchewan’s transportation network to ensure the agriculture and mining sectors remain competitive.
He emphasized the importance of safety improvements, including passing lanes that allow producers to move equipment while others commute between communities. The government is advocating for more prairie voices on the board for the Port of Vancouver because so much of what is produced in this province must be exported through that port, Cockrill said. He also pointed to his government receiving intervenor status after gateway improvement fees were introduced at the Port of Vancouver, saying those fees unfairly penalize bulk shippers in the province.
Finally, Cockrill was asked what the provincial government is doing to promote sustainable transportation. He again pointed to the investment in northern Saskatchewan, saying many northern communities have a single road to get in and out. Recent fires in that part of the province demonstrate the need for people to be able to get out when they must. Investing in flood mapping is another way the province helps prepare communities.
As for electric vehicles, Cockrill pointed out that the gas tax is a source of revenue for the province to be able to maintain highways, although what is spent on highways exceeds what is collected. The government implemented a fee to ensure that as drivers transition to EVs, the revenue generated by the fuel tax was replaced. The private sector is stepping up to add charging stations along highways, he said.
Someone else asked about innovative construction materials for highways and roads. Cockrill described a surface treatment for gravel roads, but said for highways, there doesn’t appear to be a silver bullet. That being said, they continue to work with consulting engineers to ensure highways are built properly so they last longer.
Takeaways from the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce’s Business Conference
By Martin Charlton Communications
Canada is at an inflection point and, if our nation is going to keep up in the world, we’ll have to make some important choices that will determine the quality of life that future generations will enjoy in this country, according to Goldy Hyder, speaking to a crowd of business leaders gathered in Regina.
Hyder is the president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada. He spoke at the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce’s Business Conference in May, delivering a presentation titled, “Building Our Future: A Call to Action.”
The Business Council of Canada supported and contributed to the report by the Canada West Foundation (CWF), From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy: The Path to a National Trade Infrastructure Plan for the Next Generation of Economic Growth. The Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA) helped initiate the report, which was endorsed by numerous associations and organizations concerned with the current investment, the lack of coordination (and planning) on a long-term strategy and the state of the federal trade corridors fund.
When the Shovel Ready report was released last year, Hyder said, “Strategic investments in infrastructure – including roads, bridges, airports, rail lines and port facilities – are essential to helping businesses compete, grow and create more jobs for Canadians.
“In a world where our supply chains are increasingly exposed to geopolitical risks, Canada needs strong transportation and trade corridors so that it can supply the world with the products it needs to achieve both our economic and environmental goals,” said Hyder.
During his speech in Regina, Hyder said the world will not wait for Canada. He explained his appreciation for Western Canada, where “you can see the economy in action” with people working hard to produce fuel, fertilizer and food to supply the world. He described Western Canadian people as those who solve problems and bring about positive change. There is a bounty available across the prairies, he said, pointing out the potash, oil and gas, uranium and agricultural technology that is produced here.
Hyder is concerned about how we move those goods through the country and beyond to the world markets, and he wonders whether it is possible to build and support all the infrastructure required by the country to be competitive on the world stage – the highways, bridges, ports, rail terminals, electrical grids and more. He described this infrastructure as forming “the arteries of our economy” and being the “heart and soul of moving things around.”
“In a world where our supply chains are increasingly exposed to geopolitical risks, Canada needs strong transportation and trade corridors so that it can supply the world with the products it needs to achieve both our economic and environmental goals.”
– Goldy Hyder, Business Council of Canada
Constructing this infrastructure creates well-paying jobs, not just during construction but also after, due to the trade that construction enables. Those present at the conference were reminded that Canada is a trading nation, with 60 per cent of our gross domestic product (GDP) relying on trade. Hyder pointed out how what is produced in one province also generates the GDP of at least one other province in the country, creating jobs across jurisdictions. He said we must continue to ask ourselves if we can get our goods to market efficiently and effectively and whether the commitment to do massive energy projects (that will allow for a low carbon future) is there.
Canada’s recent track record isn’t sending a confident message to the world, Hyder said. He pointed out the visit by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in August 2022. Germany was concerned about its population being able to warm their homes because of the country’s dependence on Russian natural gas and the invasion of Ukraine. Germany needed to determine which country shared its values and had the resources and capacity to successfully make a trade.
Canada was its first choice, but Hyder said that rather than focus on delivering the liquefied natural gas (LNG) Germany needed, the federal government wanted to look at the future by discussing hydrogen, which would be available in an estimated three years.
That decision, he said, overlooked Germany’s immediate need to secure LNG because a cold winter was months away. So, Germany found what it needed in Australia, signing a 16-year agreement (which Hyder said showed that Germany does not agree hydrogen will be a viable option within the timeframe Canada proposed).
Canada’s focus on a carbon-free future – and projects to support that – has created a gap. Hyder said Canada must recognize that there is a real need for energy now that can’t be backfilled with renewable energy options anytime soon, making a transition period necessary. While it is important to look at where the puck is going, Hyder said you should also know where it is now and take advantage of both opportunities.
Hyder encouraged business leaders to speak up about the challenges they face that the government has a role in addressing – labour shortages, approval delays and more – and how those challenges are limiting growth, which has an impact on communities and the population.
That situation with Germany sent a message to Canada’s allies: we are not prepared to supply them. Hyder said Japan has urged Canada to play a role in its energy needs while a senior government official in Korea has wondered if our country is choosing to hoard the energy products needed by the world to move towards decarbonization. Other diplomats have expressed similar confusion about Canada, Hyder said.
One reason for this is our difficulty getting our products to market.
Permitting at the federal level has also caused issues for those trying to develop projects, including those producing green energy. Hyder described the Bay of Fundy project that Sustainable Marine halted because of federal bureaucracy. This project’s technology worked to generate power from the energy of the world’s highest tides to put into Canada’s electrical grid. Millions of dollars were invested, and millions of federal tax dollars in funding were secured for the project.
There were, however, concerns at the federal level about the technology’s potential to harm marine species, which baffled Sustainable Marine. Hyder said a lack of transparency and no regulatory pathway at the federal level led the company to suspend the project.
Permitting is a major concern of those investing in projects in Canada and could become even more critical if the U.S. achieves what it has planned.
Permitting is a major concern of those investing in projects in Canada and could become even more critical if the U.S. achieves what it has planned. Hyder relayed what he heard from the president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Suzanne Clark. During a visit to Ottawa, Clark described how the U.S. is aiming to approve most projects in seven years while complex projects could take up to 10 years to be approved.
That would put incredible pressure on Canada to react because otherwise capital is going to funnel to the U.S. to develop infrastructure there. That is not a political decision, but a business one, Hyder said. Investment flows to where there is the least resistance and projects form there. Those who miss out on this investment also miss out on the taxes that would have been paid, the social programs that would have been supported and the jobs that would have been created.
He pointed out Canada’s earlier reputation of being great at building major projects that helped to modernize and advance our economy so that we could provide a quality of life that attracted people from around the world to want to locate here. The examples he provided opened within the last 65 years.
For example, the Trans-Canada Highway opened in 1962 to become one of the world’s longest highways, passing through all the provinces. The Montreal-Lake Ontario Section of the St. Lawrence Seaway was completed in 1959. The Trans-Canada pipeline – carrying natural gas across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec – was the longest in the world until the 1980s. Developing that infrastructure was vital to having a unified country. Hyder questions whether there would be 10 countries instead of one if Canada was founded today.
He encouraged the business leaders listening to ask if we have the vision to build modern infrastructure that connects supply chains to move goods, lowers carbon emissions, supports job creation and ensures our economy continues to grow. He said the federal government is making statements that building big matters and permitting must be more efficient to allow projects to move ahead faster, to decarbonize and develop critical mineral projects.
The Business Council of Canada had high hopes for the 2023 federal budget, and it said the federal government will propose steps to ensure effective reviews of major projects that support the growth of Canada’s clean economy, while upholding high standards for the environment. This included a plan to improve the efficiency of the impact assessment and permitting processes. Many in business agree that these steps need to be taken but are now waiting for actions to confirm that will occur, Hyder said.
Practical ideas for how the government could address this are in a Business Council of Canada report, titled Innovate, compete and win: A roadmap for Canada’s energy transition. The report sets out how the public and private sectors can work together on the most critical elements that will drive the country’s economic and environmental security.
It points out the case for fast-tracking projects that are in the national interest and meet one or more of the following criteria:
Contribution to global energy security
Ability to substitute Canadian products for more greenhouse gas (GHG)-intensive options in importing countries
Low-carbon fuel production (e.g., hydrogen, renewable natural gas, biofuels and uranium)
Electricity transmission within and between provinces that would lead to a net decrease in GHGs
Development of low-carbon electricity (e.g., renewables, nuclear, battery storage, pumped hydro)
Critical mineral mining and processing facilities
Projects that are Indigenous led, have an Indigenous ownership component or have Indigenous support based on early engagement by the proponent
The private sector is leading with major employers committing to being net zero by 2050, according to Hyder. While not all have completely worked out what they will do to achieve net-zero, there are many interested in supporting the innovation required to meet that goal. Canada has the capacity and know-how within the energy and natural resource sectors, which have already proven we can lead the world in innovation, he said.
There is leadership in action within the private sector, but they need willing partners in the public sector to expedite projects to benefit all Canadians by providing a more predictable regulatory process. That includes one review per project rather than requiring multiple reviews by various levels of government or provinces, Hyder said.
He explained the need for provinces to discuss their interdependence. For example, Saskatchewan depends on British Columbia’s ports to export its commodities. Saskatchewan has an interest in port expansion because without it, what it is producing will be exported through the U.S., which means handing over the decision about when those commodities will be sent out to another country. That, Hyder said, is “outsourcing our sovereignty.”
Canada should be developing the infrastructure needed to lead growth, Hyder said, instead of a cycle of infrastructure catching up to growth. That infrastructure needs to support trade – both exports and imports – while also modernizing so we have the digital infrastructure the rest of the world is adopting.
Hyder encouraged business leaders to speak up about the challenges they face that the government has a role in addressing – labour shortages, approval delays and more – and how those challenges are limiting growth, which has an impact on communities and the population. Business leaders need to speak up because they can’t wait for academics, which take years, and media to point out the problems. Politicians need to be reminded of the positive impacts of businesses – including generating tax revenue that supports healthcare and education, said Hyder.
He has faith that the Canadian population is prepared for an intelligent conversation about these concerns and that, by framing the conversation around what is fair and what supports this country, maintaining its sovereignty will help people focus on what matters to bettering our future.
To celebrate 75 years in business, Redhead Equipment raised more than $166,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan
By Craig Slobodian, Redhead Equipment
In conjunction with Redhead Equipment’s 75th business anniversary, the company held its first annual Redhead Equipment Heavy Hitter Charity Classic on Monday, June 12, at Wascana Country Club.
Through our 11 locations, we do business in every community in the province and beyond. When choosing a charity to partner with, we look to find one that can benefit every one of those same communities.
This year, we chose to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan; their CEO, Tammy Forrester, shared plans to build new houses in Regina and Prince Albert.
The golf tournament brought together individuals and organizations from all walks of life, united in our shared commitment to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Our marketing department put together a first-class experience for the 136 golfers who attended. Our staff and volunteers also did a great job, making everyone feel welcome and kept everything running smoothly.
Our suppliers stepped up and supported the tournament with both donations and attendance. Many customers also attended the tournament. The support from suppliers and customers was incredible and we thank them for their support.
Wascana Country Club made the event special with great service, great food and a meticulously maintained course. This provided a remarkable experience that will be treasure by all who participated.
Through the day, we were able to raise $78,000 for Ronald McDonald House. Through the generosity of the Redhead and Wallace families, Redhead Equipment matched those funds for a total donation of $156,000!
One of our customers was inspired by the day’s events and donated $5,000 the following day. Redhead Equipment matched this donation as well, so the new total is $166,000!
It was a great way to celebrate 75 years in business and we are grateful to everyone involved. We are very proud of 75 years in business.
Thank you to our customers, suppliers and staff for 75 years in business! Our success depends on you and because of you, Redhead Equipment is able to give back to the communities that support us.
