As we enter the new year, it will be our opportunity as an association to build on our successes from the previous year.
Our second annual Infrastructure Summit and Trade Show was bigger and better than the inaugural event that we had hosted in 2023.
The Summit included two full days of presentations on subjects that spoke to the future of our industry and how we, in Saskatchewan, can position ourselves to lead by adopting cutting edge technologies that will put us at forefront of our industry. The Summit was also a time for the industry to showcase some of that technology firsthand through our expanded trade show.
Building on the success of the 2024 Summit, we plan on having an even bigger event this year by viewing it through a global lens.
As we know, Saskatchewan had a provincial election in the fall of last year. While there were many changes to the names and faces that sit around the provincial cabinet table, the SHCA was pleased to welcome back the Honourable Minister David Marit to the portfolios of Highways and SaskBuilds and Procurement.
I am happy to say that we have already had productive discussions with Marit on the issues that impact our industry and look forward to keeping the dialogue going. Our message remains the same: When our industry benefits, the province benefits.
Looking ahead, we will continue to engage with the provincial and municipal governments on finding ways to deliver infrastructure projects to meet with the demand of growth in the province.
Last month, Saskatchewan hit yet another milestone for population growth having surpassed 1,246,000 residents for the first time ever. An expanding population means there is a demand for more infrastructure and maintaining our current assets.
New schools and hospitals cannot be built without new roads. New employees heading to their place of work can only arrive safely if the roads and bridges they travel on are safe. Good roads ensure that our economic wellbeing, as a centre of export to the world remains intact when we ship our goods across the globe.
Our industry is often ignored when government faces economic pressures. It is our duty to raise our voice to make sure that does not happen. This year will have its challenges, but I am optimistic that our strong and united voice will bring positive changes to how we do business here in Saskatchewan.
