Shantel Lipp
by SHCA SHCA

Budget Updates, Industry Dialogue and What Comes Next

Shantel Lipp

Once again, the SHCA had a very busy fall leading up to our third annual Infrastructure Summit and Trade Show in Regina. As we finalized presentations, speakers and trade show exhibitors, we also kept an eye on other factors impacting our industry. 

On Nov. 4, the federal finance minister unveiled the 2025-26 federal budget. The budget revealed that the federal government is committing $115 billion over five years to major infrastructure projects. The $115-billion investment is broken down into $5 billion for trade and transport infrastructure, $19 billion for Indigenous communities and municipal infrastructure, $37 billion for other infrastructure and assets (e.g., health, innovation) and $54 billion for core public infrastructure (e.g., water, wastewater, transit). 

As the details of the federal budget begin to take shape, the SHCA will be tracking what the federal commitments mean for our industry and our province.  

On Nov. 7, the SHCA had the opportunity to co-host an industry-government mixer in Saskatoon. The event was attended by both industry and government representatives and once again gave SHCA members an opportunity to speak with the provincial government about the issues affecting our industry. 

The event was also timely, as the provincial government is beginning to bring together the pieces of its 2026-27 budget, which will be delivered in the spring. Our members were able to discuss our priorities directly with ministers and MLAs to keep them informed on what infrastructure investments are needed to keep our industry and Saskatchewan moving forward. 

Engagement update

On Dec. 2, the SHCA and Women of Asphalt Canada hosted Build Your Future: Career Connect, a recruitment and networking event connecting emerging talent with leading employers across the heavy civil construction sector.

On Dec. 3 and 4, the SHCA hosted its third annual Infrastructure Summit and Trade Show at the Delta Convention Centre in Regina. 

Check out this video from the event!

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Fall Focus: Engaging Government on Infrastructure Priorities

Shantel Lipp

Fall is the time for our industry to wind down its seasonal work and start to plan for the next year. It is also the time when the SHCA shifts into high engagement gear with several opportunities for our industry to speak with and inform the decision-makers on the issues impacting our industry. For those in government, fall is a busy time as well. On Nov. 4, the federal government released Budget 2025. This is the first budget to be delivered by the Carney government. Fall is also when the provincial government begins its budget deliberations for 2026–27.

On Wednesday, Nov. 26, the federal government will be releasing its budget. This will be the first budget to be delivered by the Carney government, and many in the industry are watching closely to see what commitments to infrastructure will be made.

Fall is also the time when the provincial government begins the process of its budget deliberations for 2026-27. The provincial government laid out its legislative priorities this month when it opened the legislative session with its speech from the throne. Government priorities focused on health care, education and public safety. Although infrastructure funding was mentioned in the speech, it was only in reference to what has been committed to in the past. As an association, it is our duty to ensure elected officials understand how commitments to infrastructure funding tie directly back to their government’s priorities.

While fall is a time to wind down some operations, the SHCA is winding up its work on reaching the ear of government. Our outreach is to ensure that our priorities become government priorities.

Engagement update

The SHCA continues to be active with our outreach to the government on several fronts. On Oct. 22, I was at the Legislative Building for the government’s speech from the throne. The next day, I was able to attend the annual Premier’s Dinner in Regina and had the opportunity to talk to a few government MLAs and cabinet members on the issues impacting our industry.

The following week, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, the SHCA hosted its annual MLA Reception at the Legislative Buildings in Regina. The event was once again well attended by MLAs from the government and the opposition, and this year also included members from Regina’s city council. After our brief presentation, our SHCA board and staff were able to speak one-on-one with elected officials and reaffirm how our industry is key to keeping the Saskatchewan economy growing.

The SHCA also co-hosted an industry-government mixer with Merit Contractors in Saskatoon on Friday, Nov. 7. On Dec. 3 to 4, the SHCA will be hosting its third annual Infrastructure Summit and Trade Show at the Delta Convention Centre in Regina.

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Built on Grit

Shantel Lipp

As we approach fall, our minds start to adjust to a regular routine. School begins again, vacationers return from the cottage and city streets start to get a little more crowded. For our industry, the routine does not change. It has been working hard throughout the season to ensure that road and infrastructure building and maintenance projects are done before winter.

Our industry goes through many ebbs and flows throughout a construction season, depending on the level of work and resources that have been approved. However, one factor we have little to no control over is the weather. Working through inhospitable conditions is something the heavy construction industry must do to get the job done. Our working timeframes have always been set by Mother Nature. Our industry relies on many factors to succeed, but the one that remains essential is the grit that heavy construction workers possess.

That is why the SHCA has recently launched a campaign called Built on Grit. The campaign highlights the work done by our industry and celebrates those who do the work. Built on Grit shows our industry is resilient and tough. The campaign also touts the benefits of considering a career in the heavy construction industry.

Working in the heavy construction industry is a choice for many, and SHCA, working with our members, makes sure that our workforce is prepared and ready. Even though jobs in our industry can at times be challenging, we want to ensure every worker on a crew is given the best information and guidance to do the job right. Our industry’s investments in training programs and partnerships with educational institutions help address the demand for skilled workers. With the proper guidance and training, our industry workers will show their true grit in getting the job done.

Built on Grit is more than a slogan. It lets people know there is a face behind the infrastructure we take for granted every day. It is also an acknowledgment of the toughness and resilience that define our industry and the people who make it work.

I encourage you to check out our Built on Grit campaign and let us know what you think. 

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

From Summer Projects to Fall Planning

Shantel Lipp

Looking at summer in the rearview mirror gives our industry time to reflect on how much work was done in the province during construction season. SHCA members were busy throughout the summer, working on projects in all corners of Saskatchewan to ensure that our roads and travel paths remained serviceable and safe.  

SHCA remained busy over the summer, hosting and preparing for our fall events. We were pleased to hold our Northern Golf Tournament at the Dakota Dune Resort in Whitecap Dakota First Nation in September. The golf tournament gave us the opportunity to socialize and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Dakota Dunes Resort. It also gave us the time to discuss the industry’s future in Saskatchewan and how best to tackle issues that impact heavy construction.  

Our engagement with the government steadily continues to keep the Ministry of Highways informed about issues impacting the industry. At the end of August, the Ministry of Highways released the fall tender plan for new highway construction projects. SHCA has received feedback from several of its members, and it will ask the entire membership for their opinions and concerns regarding the plan. This will help us bring forward to the government any issues and concerns with the plan that impact our heavy construction industry.  

Engagement update

As previously noted, SHCA held its Northern Golf Tournament last month and had the honour of hosting David Marit, Minister of Highways, for a portion of the event. This was an opportunity for our members to speak directly with Marit about their businesses and the industry’s current state, and offer suggestions on ways to strengthen heavy construction in Saskatchewan.  

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, SHCA will again host its annual MLA Reception at the Legislative Building in Regina. All MLAs from the government and the opposition are invited to attend our brief presentation and then enjoy the reception. This event is always an excellent opportunity for us to talk to government members and share our success stories.  

SHCA will also co-host an industry-government mixer with Merit Contractors in Saskatoon on Friday, Nov. 7.

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Built on Grit

Shantel Lipp

As we approach fall, our minds start to adjust to a regular routine. School begins again, vacationers return from the cottage and our city streets start to get a little more crowded. For our industry, the routine does not change. It has been working hard throughout the season to ensure that road and infrastructure building and maintenance projects are done before winter. 

Our industry goes through many ebbs and flows throughout a construction season depending on what level of work and resources have been approved. However, one factor we have little to no control of is the weather. Working through inhospitable conditions is something the heavy construction industry must do to get the job done. Our working timeframes have always been set by mother nature. Our industry relies on many factors to succeed, but the one that remains essential is the grit that heavy construction workers possess. 

That is why the SHCA has recently launched a campaign called “Built on Grit.” The campaign highlights the work done by our industry and celebrates those who do the work. Built on Grit shows our industry is resilient and tough. The campaign also touts the benefits of considering a career in the heavy construction industry. 

Working in the heavy construction industry is a choice for many, and SHCA, working with our members, makes sure that our workforce is prepared and ready. Even though jobs in our industry can at times be challenging, we want to make sure every worker on a crew is given the best information and guidance to do the job right. Our industry’s investments in training programs and partnerships with educational institutions help address the demand for skilled workers. With the proper guidance and training, our industry workers will show their true grit in getting the job done. 

Built on Grit is more than a slogan. It lets people know there is a face behind building the infrastructure that we take for granted every day. It is also an acknowledgment of the toughness and resilience that defines our industry and the people who make it work. 

I encourage you to check out our Built on Grit campaign and let us know what you think. 

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Funding for Road Infrastructure Must Increase

Shantel Lipp

A goal in life for many people is to become a homeowner. People save for years to achieve homeownership and once there, it is a great feeling. Not only did you buy something to keep you secure, but you also made an investment in your future. 

Unfortunately, homeownership today has become a difficult goal to reach as demand far outpaces supply, and those fortunate enough to be a homeowner know that in order to preserve what they own they have to maintain it or they lose their investment to decay and disrepair.  

The same can be said about our infrastructure. Without meeting the demand of new infrastructure from a growing population and economy, investment in the province starts to falter. Without proper upkeep, the roads and bridges that help move our province forward will become broken and nonfunctional. 

This past month, our friends at the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association (ARHCA) raised the alarm that there is a financial disaster looming for road infrastructure. In their estimation, provincial funding cuts to highways and municipalities, and the impact from inflation, has resulted in a 50 per cent decrease to infrastructure budgets in Alberta. 

This is something that is happening across all jurisdictions in Canada, and Saskatchewan in not immune. 

The current level of funding for road infrastructure projects versus the level required to meet the demands of growth needs to be properly addressed. Saskatchewan’s population has been growing steadily since 2021, with the most recent estimates showing a population of 1,253,569 as of April 1, 2025. That number reflects an increase of 121,064 people added to the province since 2021.  

That number also showcases an increased demand on our highway infrastructure as there are more drivers using our roads and highways year over year. If our roads are not properly maintained from increased usage, then the cost shifts from road rehabilitation to road reconstruction, which is significantly greater. This also puts additional pressure on government to ensure that road-building and maintenance budgets remain consistent with the demand. 

The ARHCA also pointed out that cuts to the highway budget have a profound impact on the industry as a whole. By not reaching proper levels of funding, construction projects are deferred, which causes the industry to shed workers. Once projects pick up, those workers are no longer available as they have moved on to other jobs and industries.  

This also adds additional pressure to our industry, as companies have to invest in the training of employees who are new to heavy construction. Maintaining an experienced workforce is a challenge for many SHCA members. Keeping a road-building budget in line with the pace of growth will go a long way toward worker retention. 

Whether you are a new homeowner, business owner or a province keeping up to growth, the fact remains that investing in the future requires commitment.

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Common Sense Practices Help Keep Our Workers Safe

Shantel Lipp

Construction season is once again upon us. For Saskatchewan, that means we must concentrate our efforts on building and maintaining our infrastructure through a limited window. That usually means it’s all hands on deck when it comes to the workforce needed to start and complete projects.

A road construction project is a busy place. Anyone who has driven on a Saskatchewan highway over the years would attest to this. Co-ordinating the flow of ongoing traffic while manoeuvring a piece of heavy equipment is a carefully choreographed process. One wrong move can mean the difference between life and death.

When it comes to safety, our industry is at the forefront of delivering the necessary training to ensure that anyone in the heavy construction industry can expect to work in a safe environment. It is often external factors that limit the industry’s ability to guarantee an accident-free work site.

In 2012, a young woman was working as a flag person on a road construction crew in the southeast corner of Saskatchewan. Her name was Ashley Dawn Richards, and she was 18 years old. She had just started work on the highway project, when a driver sped through the construction zone driving 90 to 100 kilometres an hour. The driver hit and killed Ashley.

Ashley’s death was completely avoidable, had the reckless driver adhered to the rules of driving through a construction zone. While additional safety measures have been put in place since Ashley’s death, there is still work to be done to educate and remind drivers that they need to slow down and be safe.

That is why our industry continues to advocate with stakeholders and partners to inform the general public on the importance of understanding and practicing road safety.

Adopting common sense practices when behind the wheel, such as slowing down in a construction zone, being aware of your surroundings, and paying attention to the road and not your phone, will create a safer workplace for highway construction workers.

Avoiding a life-changing tragedy by simply slowing down and paying attention should be the easiest decision any driver makes.

Have a safe summer.

Election Canada voters registration cards for federal elections
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

The Federal Election is Over – What’s Next?

Election Canada voters registration cards for federal elections
osarieme/123rf

The dust has settled on the April federal election and now is the time for our elected representatives to get to work. The campaign saw many issues discussed by party leaders and their candidates with varying opinions from all sides of the political spectrum. All campaigns experience competing interests and some voices are heard over others.

The heavy construction industry was one of those voices. Much like the Canadian electorate, our industry is at a crossroads. Will the future of Canadian infrastructure expand for the economy to grow? What does the result of the federal election mean for projects in Western Canada and, more importantly, for Saskatchewan?

During the campaign, there were many discussions on ways to advance the Canadian economy while, at the same time, becoming less reliant on the United States. The ebbs and flows of the tariff threats continue to have an impact on how we do business across the country and here in Saskatchewan.

hand drops a ballot in a ballot box with Canada flag in the background

As an industry, we continue to advocate for long-term strategic funding for infrastructure that guarantees good jobs, safe roads and economic growth.

Rather than looking south, Canada has started to look east and west to create opportunities by removing barriers that create stagnation in economic growth. All sectors are looking at ways to create solutions that bring mobility across the country on vital projects required to keep our economy on track.

Our industry adapts to change quickly, and the challenges facing it due to the tariff issue was one that we took on. The heavy construction industry here in Saskatchewan has been very vocal with all levels of government on action that needs to be taken to ensure our industry remains economically healthy. As an industry, we continue to advocate for long-term strategic funding for infrastructure that guarantees good jobs, safe roads and economic growth.

As the newly elected federal government begins to take shape, SHCA will be looking intently at what direction it takes with respect to the future of infrastructure funding. Hopefully, lessons have been learned and the misguided notion of not funding future projects of infrastructure that are tied to road building have been tossed into the dumpster of bad ideas.

As an advocate for the heavy construction industry, the SHCA will always put our members’ interests first and let governments know when they have been right and when they have been wrong. 

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Nation-Building Begins with Us

Shantel Lipp

With the busy season for construction underway and no elections on the horizon, we turn our sites to what the federal and provincial governments have in mind with respect to infrastructure funding. 

It was encouraging to hear the results of the Western Premiers’ Conference that recently took place in Yellowknife, N.W.T. The premiers indicated that they had received consensus on ways to identify, plan and develop new economic corridors to connect provincial resources to international markets. This is something our industry has been advocating for a very long time. 

In a joint statement, the premiers wrote, “Nation-building infrastructure in Western Canada, such as highways, railways, ports, airports, pipelines, nuclear projects and electricity transmission systems, are crucial for driving Canadian productivity growth, energy security and economic competitiveness.”  

SHCA could not agree more.

The premiers also advocated for the west to become the economic engine for the country. They said that the only thing holding Western Canada back is the lack of infrastructure required to transport our resources to new markets. 

These statements are encouraging for our industry. Building the means to get our products to market around the globe is key to economic success in the face of the ongoing tariff fight. The premiers also called on the federal government to ensure that Western Canada receives its fair share of funding toward infrastructure and economic development projects and flexible, predictable and long-term federal infrastructure funding from the federal government. 

On the heels of this meeting, the Prime Minister and provincial premiers met in Saskatoon on June 2 to hold a First Ministers’ meeting, the first in Saskatchewan in over 40 years. The premiers brought with them a list of nation-building projects for consideration that could be funded to help build some economic resilience for the country in the face of economic challenges. The order of the day is to get Canada back to building its economy, which cannot be done without proper investment in infrastructure. For more than a decade, we have been working toward this goal, and hopefully, it is not too late. 

While these words by the Prime Minister and the premiers are music to our ears, it is incumbent upon the industry to follow through and keep the pressure on our elected officials to ensure that these pronouncements go beyond the paper that they are written on.