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.
