Saskatchewan is recognizing the contributions of infrastructure workers by declaring May 18 to 24 as National Public Works Week in the province.
Observed across Canada and the United States during the third week of May, the event celebrates the efforts of engineers, managers, and frontline workers who maintain and improve essential public systems. These include roads, water treatment and supply, solid waste, and public facilities.
"It is important to recognize the critical role of public works and how the profession has been a key contributor to our province's success," SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said in a release. "We all depend on public works professionals to not only serve, but to make critical decisions and rise to challenges for Saskatchewan's benefit."
This year marks the 65th anniversary of National Public Works Week in Canada. The 2025 theme, People, Purpose, Presence, emphasizes how public works employees not only perform essential daily services, but also step in as first responders during emergencies such as natural disasters.
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"This year's National Public Works Week celebrates how public works professionals keep our communities safe, vibrant and liveable. We are your neighbours, working behind the scenes to keep everything running," said Stewart Schafer, president of the Saskatchewan Public Works Association.
"You may not see us, but when things go wrong, we are there, clearing roads, restoring power, collecting waste and answering the call. As a friend once said, 'When the public calls 911, and 911 needs help, they call public works.'"
The Saskatchewan chapter of the Canadian Public Works Association is part of a wider North American network. It supports ongoing education and promotes best practices among professionals in the field.
While public works professionals often work out of sight, government officials say their impact is visible in the livability and resilience of communities across the province.