Sask. Construction Association president calls for projects to continue

The Saskatchewan Construction Association (SCA) is asking for public support from all levels of government to allow construction projects across the province to continue uninterrupted.

In a media release from the SCA on Thursday, president Mark Cooper reaffirmed his industry’s safety practices as worries from members grow.

“I’ve heard from many members that are deeply concerned that municipal infrastructure and private industry projects are being delayed or shut down due to escalating pandemic fear,” Cooper said in the media release.

“If this happens, it will be terrible for Saskatchewan’s economy, will be a major blow to the industry, and will hurt the 53,000 Saskatchewan construction workers and their families that depend on this income.”

The province designated residential and commercial construction as an essential service last week after announcing a series of mandatory closures across Saskatchewan.

Cooper believes construction is a “very safety-conscious industry” and that work can continue in a safe manner in compliance with directions from public health officials.

“In the non-residential construction world, nearly every site can be made reasonably safe, and contractors across the province are making all necessary adjustments to allow them to build on safely in the era of COVID-19,” Cooper said.

“The SCA agrees 100 percent with the province’s decisions to date and our industry graciously appreciates the support of the Premier and the provincial government on this matter.”

With those guidelines in mind, Cooper not only urged all projects to continue in the province for the benefit of the economy and its workers, but to expedite projects in both design and construction.

Cooper hopes messaging from government officials can help accomplish this.

“To support this, we call on the federal government to lift conditions for municipal infrastructure funding and flow the money now as a means of economic development and stimulus vitally needed for Saskatchewan,” he said.

“Finally, I am asking the provincial government to send a clear and public signal that wherever possible, construction projects – whether federal, provincial, municipal, or private – should continue at pace.”