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, to become 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.
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. We, as an industry, continue to advocate for long-term strategic funding for infrastructure which guarantees good jobs, safe roads and economic growth.
As the newly elected federal government begins to take shape, the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (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.
