Belonging to the SHCA means many things to its members. Whether it is finding training opportunities for their employees, attending events to learn about the industry’s future or tapping into an industry-based benefit package for workers, SHCA members receive great value for their membership.
However, when it comes to maximizing the return on membership costs, SHCA advocacy delivers results through its effective and strategic advocacy efforts when engaging with the government.
“Our industry is no stranger to experiencing challenges caused by government action,” said Shantel Lipp, SHCA president. “Any decision that impacts the heavy construction industry negatively has to be countered and corrected; otherwise, the voice of the industry goes silent and our members have no say in determining the future of their companies.”
The SHCA has always approached advocacy as an opportunity to communicate with government, develop those relationships and, most importantly, ensure that industry interests are heard and acted upon. Advocacy on behalf of SHCA members is a proactive measure to help the industry avoid unforeseen government actions and educate decision-makers on what works to ensure the success of heavy construction.
A few years ago, the Alberta government introduced legislation that would have had a negative financial impact on the agriculture industry. Without consultation with stakeholders, the government announced new legislation as a fait accompli. The government decided what was best for the industry without talking to the industry. The government also underestimated the backlash their actions would receive. Rather than extending the conversation with the industry before proceeding to legislation, the government failed at governing 101: Talk before taking action.
“Our advocacy involves productive discussions with government, but also lets them know when they are on the wrong side of an issue.”
Shantel Lipp, SHCA
The SHCA, through its advocacy efforts, has fostered a healthy relationship with all levels of government. If changes were to be made that would impact the heavy construction industry, the SHCA would be included in the discussion before any action is taken. Years of building relationships with the government means the SHCA has a seat at the table when changes to the industry are being considered.
“Our advocacy involves productive discussions with government, but also lets them know when they are on the wrong side of an issue,” said Lipp. “Our track record has been strong when it comes to having the government move on our issues. We keep the conversations going and we always put our members’ interests first.”
However, the association’s advocacy does not stop there. SHCA has addressed numerous issues head-on to ensure they do not become barriers to its members. Worker retention, negotiating rates with the government and creating safer work environments are a few recent actions SHCA has successfully tackled. SHCA advocates for the industry as a whole. When SHCA negotiates with the government, it speaks on behalf of all heavy construction workers in Saskatchewan, not just its members. However, an SHCA membership has its perks, and when it comes to advocating for industry interests to the government, member companies have a say on what is ultimately decided.
“It is common for our association to receive enquiries from our members on a daily basis who have an issue that needs a quick resolution,” said Lipp. “Our decades-long relationship with the decision-makers gives us the ability to pick up the phone and speak directly to the government to find a solution to an issue brought forward by one of our members. Our association has the ability to react quickly to issues brought forward as well as to strategically approach solutions to long-running problems that impact the industry.”
Back in the ’80s, American Express coined the phrase, “Membership has its privileges,” as a slogan to sell its credit card to customers. That phrase still carries weight; an SHCA membership does have its privileges – the most important being that your voice is heard.
Martin Charlton Communications is the largest public relations company in Saskatchewan and one of the largest in western Canada.