Building Futures: Encouraging Youth in Construction
The key to success in the construction industry is a skilled workforce, which can only be achieved by encouraging Saskatchewan’s youth to pursue careers in construction. According to BuildForce Canada, an alarming 23% of the Saskatchewan construction workforce is forecasted to retire over the next decade. This statistic raises concerns not only about the loss of physical capacity but also about the invaluable experience and knowledge that will be lost as seasoned professionals exit the industry.
To ensure stability and sustainability for the future, it is essential for our industry, in partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan, to strategize collectively. By collaborating, we can raise awareness among youth about the career opportunities in construction that may otherwise be overlooked.
Government-Industry Partnership: Advancing Construction Success
The construction sector is a vital engine of economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation within our communities. According to the Government of Saskatchewan, last year, the construction industry saw a remarkable 13.6% growth in real GDP, bringing the sector’s real GDP to $6 billion. Currently, over 43,000 (seasonally adjusted) individuals are employed in the province’s construction industry, highlighting its significance as one of the most important sectors for job creation in Saskatchewan.
To sustainably advance our industry and effectively deliver infrastructure in our province, it is crucial to cultivate strong partnerships between government entities and industry stakeholders.
PST on Construction
In April 2017, Saskatchewan expanded its Provincial Sales Tax (PST) to include construction services, with the Ministry of Finance projecting an annual revenue of $350M to $400M. However, a 2019 Economic Impact Study by Praxis Consulting revealed significant negative impacts on the province’s economy, construction industry, and overall competitiveness.
By 2023, the construction sector’s real GDP grew by 13.6 percent, reaching $6 billion, showcasing the industry’s ability to drive productivity and meet demand. Given this positive shift, removing PST on construction services would not only attract further investment but also help reduce rising construction costs.
As Saskatchewan approaches a provincial election, we urge all political parties to acknowledge the negative effects of PST on construction and support its removal.
Election Cycle 2024: Key Dates for Saskatchewan Construction Association Members
This fall, Saskatchewan will see both Provincial and Municipal elections, making it a busy season for voters. Here are the important dates to keep in mind:
Provincial Election
October 28 – Election Day: The final day to vote during Voting Week. Polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October 22-26 – Early Voting Days: Vote during any of these five early voting days from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.There are 7 registered political parties in Saskatchewan:
- Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan (BPSK)
- New Democratic Party, Sask. Section (New Democratic Party (N.D.P.))
- Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan (PC Party of Saskatchewan)
- Saskatchewan Green Party (SGP)
- Saskatchewan Party (Saskatchewan Party)
- Saskatchewan Progress Party (Sask Progress)
- Saskatchewan United Party (Sask United Party)
For more information on the Provincial Election, visit Elections Saskatchewan.
Municipal Elections
- November 13, 2024 – Municipal Election Day: Voters will elect mayors and councillors in urban municipalities (cities, towns, villages) and elect reeves and councillors representing odd-number divisions in rural municipalities.
Make sure to mark these dates in your calendar and participate in shaping the future of our province!
