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Joseph Remai has been in the construction business since he was 15 years old, when his older brother John paid him 90 cents per hour. After six decades in the industry, he’s investing in its future with a $5 million gift to Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

The donation is the largest in the school’s history.

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On Wednesday, after the gift was revealed, Saskatchewan Polytechnic renamed the school of construction to honour its benefactor; it will now be known as the Joseph A. Remai School of Construction.

Joseph Remai, one of 10 Remai siblings who grew up on a farm near Carrot River, is one of the three Remai brothers who made their careers in the construction industry.

Photo by Matt Smith / Saskatoon StarPhoenix

He sees construction as one of the most competitive industries, made increasingly challenging by new technology, complex projects and higher environmental and safety standards, he said.

Learning on the job is no longer a reality, he added.