| Significant accounting policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2018 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Basis of presentation | Basis of presentation These consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("US GAAP"). These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned, Canadian incorporated subsidiaries and via certain of its subsidiaries, the Company also holds investments in other Canadian corporations, partnerships and joint ventures. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation. The Company consolidates variable interest entities (“VIE”s) for which it is considered to be the primary beneficiary as well as voting interest entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. Ownership represented by other parties that do not control the entities are presented in the consolidated financial statements as activities and balances attributable to noncontrolling interests. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of VIEs for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. A VIE is a legal entity that does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or is structured such that equity investors lack the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights or do not substantively participate in the gains and losses of the entity. Upon inception or acquisition of a contractual agreement, the Company performs an assessment to determine whether the arrangement contains a variable interest in a legal entity and whether that legal entity is a VIE. The primary beneficiary has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Where it is concluded that the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company will consolidate the accounts of that VIE. The Company assesses all variable interests in the entity and uses its judgment when determining if it is the primary beneficiary. Other qualitative factors that are considered include decision-making responsibilities, the VIE capital structure, risk and rewards sharing, contractual agreements with the VIE, voting rights and level of involvement of other parties. The Company assesses the primary beneficiary determination for a VIE on an ongoing basis as changes occur in the facts and circumstances related to a VIE. Investees and joint ventures over which the Company exercises significant influence are accounted for using the equity method and are included in “investments in affiliates and joint ventures” within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company has elected to apply the provision available to entities operating within the construction industry to apply proportionate consolidation to unincorporated entities that would otherwise be accounted for using the equity method. For certain investments in the construction industry where the Company retains an undivided interest in assets and liabilities, the Company records its proportionate share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. If an entity is determined to not be a VIE, the voting interest entity model will be applied. Further discussion of the Company's investments is included in "note 13 - investments in affiliates and joint ventures". |
| Use of estimates | Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures reported in these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments made by management include: • the assessment of the percentage of completion on time-and-materials, unit-price, lump-sum and cost-plus contracts with defined scope (including estimated total costs and provisions for estimated losses) and the recognition of claims and change orders on revenue contracts; • the determination of whether an acquisition meets the definition of a business combination; • the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of an acquisition; • the evaluation of whether the Company consolidates entities in which it has a controlling financial interest based on either a VIE or voting interest model; • assumptions used in impairment testing; and • estimates and assumptions used in the determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts, the recoverability of deferred tax assets and the useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. The accuracy of the Company’s revenue and profit recognition in a given period is dependent on the accuracy of its estimates of the cost to complete for each project. Cost estimates for all significant projects use a detailed “bottom up” approach and the Company believes its experience allows it to provide reasonably dependable estimates. There are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in estimates of contract cost and profitability that are recognized in the period in which such adjustments are determined. The most significant of these include: • the completeness and accuracy of the original bid; • costs associated with added scope changes; • extended overhead due to owner, weather and other delays; • subcontractor performance issues; • changes in economic indices used for the determination of escalation or de-escalation for contractual rates on long-term contracts; • changes in productivity expectations; • site conditions that differ from those assumed in the original bid; • contract incentive and penalty provisions; • the availability and skill level of workers in the geographic location of the project; and • a change in the availability and proximity of equipment and materials. The foregoing factors as well as the mix of contracts at different margins may cause fluctuations in gross profit between periods. With many projects of varying levels of complexity and size in process at any given time, changes in estimates can offset each other without materially impacting the Company’s profitability. Major changes in cost estimates, particularly in larger, more complex projects, can have a significant effect on profitability. |
| Revenue recognition | g) Contract costs The Company occasionally incurs costs to obtain contracts (reimbursable bid costs) and to fulfill contracts (fulfillment costs). If these costs meet certain criteria, they are capitalized as contract costs, included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Capitalized costs are amortized based on the transfer of goods or services to which the assets relate and are included in project costs. Reimbursable bid costs meet the criteria for capitalization when these costs will be reimbursed by the owner regardless of the outcome of the bid. Generally, this occurs when the Company has been selected as the preferred bidder for a project. The Company recognizes reimbursable bid costs as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity would have otherwise recognized is one year or less. Costs to fulfill a contract meet the criteria for capitalization if they relate directly to a specifically identifiable contract, they generate or enhance resources that will be used to satisfy future performance obligations and if the costs are expected to be recovered. The costs that meet this criterion are often mobilization and site set-up costs. h) Remaining performance obligations Remaining performance obligation represents the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of the end of the reporting period. The Company's long term contracts typically allow customers to unilaterally reduce or eliminate the scope of the contracted work without cause. These long term contracts represent higher risk due to uncertainty of total contract value and estimated costs to complete; therefore, potentially impacting revenue recognition in future periods. Excluded from this disclosure are amounts where the Company recognizes revenue as-invoiced (note 19(e)) . i) Contract liabilities Contract liabilities consist of advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts. Revenue recognition The Company's revenue source falls into one of two categories: construction services or operations support. Construction services are related to mine development or expansion projects and are generally funded from customers' capital budgets. The Company provides construction services under lump-sum, unit-price, time-and materials and cost-plus contracts. When the commercial terms are lump-sum and unit-price, the contract scope and value is typically defined. Time-and-materials and cost-plus contracts are generally undefined in scope and total price. Operations support services revenue is mainly generated under long term site-services agreements with the customers (master service agreement and multiple use contracts). Such agreements typically do not include a commitment to the volume or scope of services over the life of the contract. Work under the agreement is instead awarded through shorter-term work authorizations under the general terms of the agreement. The Company generally provides operations support services under either time-and-materials or unit-price contracts depending on factors such as the degree of complexity, the completeness of engineering and the required schedule. Significant estimates are required in the revenue recognition process including assessment of the percentage of completion, identification of performance obligations, and estimation of variable consideration including the constraint. The Company’s invoicing frequency and payment terms are in accordance with negotiated customer contracts. Customer invoicing can range between daily and monthly and payment terms range between net 15 and net 60 days. The Company does not typically include extended payment terms in its contracts with customers. Under these payment terms, the customer pays progress payments based on actual work or milestones completed. When payment terms do not align with revenue recognition, the variance is recorded to either contract liabilities or contract assets, as appropriate. Customer contracts do not generally include a significant financing component because the Company does not expect the period between customer payment and transfer of control to exceed one year. The Company does not adjust consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if the period of time between the transfer of control and the customer payment is less than one year. The Company accounts for a contract when it has approval and commitments from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, the payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and the collectability of consideration is probable. Each contract is evaluated to determine if it includes more than one performance obligation. This evaluation requires significant judgement and the determination that the contract contains more than one performance obligation could change the amount of revenue and profit recorded in a given period. The majority of the Company's contracts with defined scope include a significant integration service, where the Company is responsible for ensuring the individual goods and services are incorporated into one combined output. Such contracts are accounted for as one performance obligation. When more than one distinct good or service is contracted, the contract is separated into more than one performance obligation and the total transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based upon stand-alone selling prices. When a stand-alone selling price is not observable, it is estimated using a suitable method. The total transaction price can be comprised of fixed consideration and variable consideration, such as profit incentives, discounts and performance bonuses or penalties. When a contract includes variable consideration, the amount included in the total transaction price is based on the expected value or the mostly likely amount, constrained to an amount that it is probable a significant reversal will not occur. Significant judgement is involved in determining if a variable consideration amount should be constrained. In applying this constraint, the Company considers both the likelihood of a revenue reversal arising from an uncertain future event and the magnitude of the revenue reversal if the uncertain event were to occur or fail to occur. The following circumstances are considered to be possible indicators of significant revenue reversals: • The amount of consideration is highly susceptible to factors outside the Company’s influence, such as judgement of actions of third parties and weather conditions; • The length of time between the recognition of revenue and the expected resolution; • The Company’s experience with similar circumstances and similar customers, specifically when such items have predictive value; • The Company’s history of resolution and whether that resolution includes price concessions or changing payment terms; and • The range of possible consideration amounts. The Company's performance obligations are typically satisfied by transferring control over time, for which revenue is recognized using the percentage of completion method, measured by the ratio of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs. For defined scope contracts, the cost-to-cost method faithfully depicts the Company’s performance because the transfer of the asset to the customer occurs as costs are incurred. The costs of items that do not relate to the performance obligation, particularly in the early stages of the contract, are excluded from costs incurred to date. Pre-construction activities, such as mobilization and site setup, are recognized as contract costs on the consolidated balance sheets and amortized over the life of the project. These costs are excluded from the cost-to cost calculation. The Company has elected to apply the ‘as-invoiced’ practical expedient to recognize revenue in the amount to which the Company has a right to invoice for all contracts in which the value of the performance completed to date directly corresponds with the right to consideration. This will be applied to all contracts, where applicable, and the majority of undefined scope work is expected to use this practical expedient. The length of the Company’s contracts varies from less than one year for typical contracts to several years for certain larger contracts. Project costs include all direct labour, material, subcontract and equipment costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance such as indirect labour and supplies. General and administrative expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in project performance, project conditions, and estimated profitability, including those arising from profit incentives, penalty provisions and final contract settlements, may result in revisions to costs and revenue that are recognized in the period in which such adjustments are determined. Once a project is underway, the Company will often experience changes in conditions, client requirements, specifications, designs, materials and work schedules. Generally, a “change order” will be negotiated with the customer to modify the original contract to approve both the scope and price of the change. Occasionally, disagreements arise regarding changes, their nature, measurement, timing and other characteristics that impact costs and revenue under the contract. When a change becomes a point of dispute between the Company and a customer, the Company will assess the legal enforceability of the change to determine if a contract modification exists. The Company considers a contract modification to exist when the modification either creates new or changes the existing enforceable rights and obligations. Most contract modifications are for goods and services that are not distinct from the existing contract due to the significant integration service provided in the context of the contract and are accounted for as part of the existing contract. Therefore, the effect of a contract modification on the transaction price and the Company's measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates is recognized as an adjustment to revenue on a cumulative catch-up basis. If a contract modification is approved in scope and not price, the associated revenue is treated as variable consideration, subject to constraint. This can lead to a situation where costs are recognized in one period and revenue is recognized when customer agreement is obtained or claim resolution occurs, which can be in subsequent periods. The Company’s long term contracts typically allow its customers to unilaterally reduce or eliminate the scope of the work as contracted without cause. These long term contracts represent higher risk due to uncertainty of total contract value and estimated costs to complete; therefore, potentially impacting revenue recognition in future periods. Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in the customer contract, and excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specified revenue producing transaction, that are collected by the Company for a customer, are excluded from revenue. |
| Balance sheet classification | Balance sheet classifications A one-year time period is typically used as the basis for classifying current assets and liabilities. However, included in current assets and liabilities are amounts receivable and payable under construction contracts (principally holdbacks) that may extend beyond one year. |
| Cash | Cash Cash includes cash on hand and bank balances net of outstanding cheques. |
| Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue | Accounts receivable and contract assets Accounts receivable are recorded when the Company has an unconditional right to consideration arising from performance of contracts with customers. Accounts receivable may be comprised of amounts billed to customers and amounts that have been earned but have not yet been billed. Such unbilled but earned amounts generally arise when a billing period ends prior to the end of the reporting period. When this occurs, revenue equal to the earned and unbilled amount is accrued. Such accruals are classified as accounts receivable on the balance sheet, even though they are not yet billed, as they represent consideration for work that has been completed prior to the period end where the Company has an unconditional right to consideration. Contract assets include unbilled amounts representing revenue recognized from work performed where the Company does not yet have an unconditional right to compensation. These balances generally relate to (i) revenue accruals on forecasted jobs where the percentage of completion method of revenue recognition requires an accrual over what has been billed and (ii) revenue recognized from variable consideration related to unpriced contract modifications. |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | Allowance for doubtful accounts The Company evaluates the probability of collection of accounts receivable and records an allowance for doubtful accounts, which reduces accounts receivable to the amount management reasonably believes will be collected. In determining the amount of the allowance, the following factors are considered: the length of time the receivable has been outstanding, specific knowledge of each customer’s financial condition and historical experience. |
| Inventories | Inventories Inventories are carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value, and consist primarily of spare tires, tracks, track frames, fuel and lubricants. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. |
| Property, plant and equipment | Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company capitalizes interest incurred on debt during the construction of assets for the Company’s own use. The capitalization period covers the duration of the activities required to get the asset ready for its intended use, provided that expenditures for the asset have been made and interest cost incurred. Interest capitalization continues as long as those activities and the incurrence of interest cost continue. Equipment under capital lease is recorded at the present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease. Major components of heavy construction equipment in use such as engines and drive trains are recorded separately. The capitalized interest is amortized at the same rate as the respective asset. Depreciation is not recorded until an asset is available for use. Depreciation is calculated based on the cost, net of the estimated residual value, over the estimated useful life of the assets on the following bases and rates: Assets Basis Rate Heavy equipment Units of production 3,000 - 120,000 hours Major component parts in use Units of production 3,000 - 50,000 hours Other equipment Straight-line 5 - 10 years Licensed motor vehicles Straight-line 5 - 10 years Office and computer equipment Straight-line 5 years Furnishings, fixtures and facilities Straight-line 10 - 30 years Buildings Straight-line 10 - 50 years Leasehold improvements Straight-line Over shorter of estimated useful life and lease term Land No depreciation No depreciation The costs for periodic repairs and maintenance are expensed to the extent the expenditures serve only to restore the assets to their normal operating condition without enhancing their service potential or extending their useful lives. |
| Intangible assets | Intangible assets Acquired intangible assets with finite lives are recorded at historical cost net of accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses, if any. The cost of intangible assets acquired in an asset acquisition are recorded at cost based upon relative fair value as at the acquisition date. Costs incurred to increase the future benefit of intangible assets are capitalized. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. The amortization period and method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future benefits embodied in the asset are accounted for by changing the amortization period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates. Estimated useful lives of definite lived intangible assets and corresponding amortization method are: Assets Basis Rate Internal-use software Straight-line 4 years Customer contracts Straight-line 1 - 2 years Favourable land lease Straight-line 27 years Assembled workforce Straight-line 5 years Partnership relationship Straight-line 5 years Brand Straight-line 5 years |
| Impairment of long-lived assets | Impairment of long-lived assets Long-lived assets or asset groups held and used including property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of an asset or group of assets is less than its carrying amount, it is considered to be impaired. The Company measures the impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or group of assets exceeds its fair value, which is charged to depreciation or amortization expense. In determining whether an impairment exists, the Company makes assumptions about the future cash flows expected from the use of its long-lived assets, such as: applicable industry performance and prospects; general business and economic conditions that prevail and are expected to prevail; expected growth; maintaining its customer base; and, achieving cost reductions. There can be no assurance that expected future cash flows will be realized, or will be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of long-lived assets. Furthermore, the process of determining fair values is subjective and requires management to exercise judgment in making assumptions about future results, including revenue and cash flow projections and discount rates. |
| Assets held for sale | Assets held for sale Long-lived assets are classified as held for sale when certain criteria are met, which include: • management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the assets; • the assets are available for immediate sale in their present condition; • an active program to locate buyers and other actions to sell the assets have been initiated; • the sale of the assets is probable and their transfer is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year ; • the assets are being actively marketed at reasonable prices in relation to their fair value; and • it is unlikely that significant changes will be made to the plan to sell the assets or that the plan will be withdrawn. A long-lived asset that is newly acquired and will be sold rather than held and used is classified as held for sale if the one year requirement is met and if the other requirements are expected to be met within a short period following the asset acquisition. Assets to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs to sell and are disclosed separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These assets are not depreciated. Equipment disposal decisions are made using an approach in which a target life is set for each type of equipment. The target life is based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the Company’s past experience in the various operating environments. Once a piece of equipment reaches its target life it is evaluated to determine if disposal is warranted based on its expected operating cost and reliability in its current state. If the expected operating cost exceeds the target operating cost for the fleet or if the expected reliability is lower than the target reliability of the fleet, the unit is considered for disposal. Expected operating costs and reliability are based on the past history of the unit and experience in the various operating environments. Once the Company has determined that the equipment will be disposed, and the criteria for assets held for sale are met, the unit is recorded in assets held for sale at the lower of depreciated cost or net realizable value. |
| Asset retirement obligations | Asset retirement obligations Asset retirement obligations are legal obligations associated with the retirement of property, plant and equipment that result from their acquisition, lease, construction, development or normal operations. The Company recognizes its contractual obligations for the retirement of certain tangible long-lived assets. The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is the amount at which that liability could be settled in a current transaction between willing parties. In the absence of observable market transactions, the fair value of the liability is determined as the present value of expected cash flows. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and then amortized using a systematic and rational method over its estimated useful life. In subsequent reporting periods, the liability is adjusted for the passage of time through an accretion charge and any changes in the amount or timing of the underlying future cash flows are recognized as an additional asset retirement cost. |
| Foreign currency translation | Foreign currency translation The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is Canadian Dollars. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange on the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities, denominated in foreign currencies, are translated into Canadian Dollars at the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Foreign exchange gains and losses are included in the determination of earnings. |
| Fair value measurement | Fair value measurement Fair value measurements are categorized using a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs used to measure fair value, which prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels. Fair values included in Level 1 are determined by reference to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Fair values included in Level 2 include valuations using inputs based on observable market data, either directly or indirectly other than the quoted prices. Level 3 valuations are based on inputs that are not based on observable market data. The classification of a fair value within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. |
| Income taxes | Income taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period of enactment. A valuation allowance is recorded against any deferred tax asset if it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not (greater than 50% ) of being sustained. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgement occurs. The Company accrues interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions in the period in which these uncertainties are identified. Interest and penalties are included in “General and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
| Stock-based compensation | Stock-based compensation The Company has a Share Option Plan which is described in note 22 (b). The Company accounts for all stock-based compensation payments that are settled by the issuance of equity instruments at fair value. Compensation cost is measured using the Black-Scholes model at the grant date and is expensed on a straight-line basis over the award’s vesting period, with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. Upon exercise of a stock option, share capital is recorded at the sum of proceeds received and the related amount of additional paid-in capital. The Company has a Restricted Share Unit (“RSU”) Plan which is described in note 22 (c). RSUs are generally granted effective July 1 of each fiscal year with respect to services to be provided in that fiscal year and the following two fiscal years. The RSUs generally vest at the end of the three -year term. The Company settles RSUs with common shares purchased on the open market through a trust arrangement. Compensation expense is calculated based on the number of vested RSUs multiplied by the fair value of each RSU as determined by the volume weighted average trading price of the Company’s common shares for the thirty trading days immediately preceding the day on which the fair market value was to be determined. The Company recognizes compensation cost over the three -year term in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. When dividends are paid on common shares, additional dividend equivalent RSUs are granted to all RSU holders as of the dividend payment date. The number of additional RSUs to be granted is determined by multiplying the dividend payment per common share by the number of outstanding RSUs, divided by the fair market value of the Company's common shares on the dividend payment date. Such additional RSUs are granted subject to the same service criteria as the underlying RSUs. The Company has a Performance Restricted Share Unit ("PSU") plan which is described in note 22 (d). The PSUs vest at the end of a three -year term and are subject to the performance criteria approved by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee at the date of the grant. Such performance criterion includes the passage of time and is based upon the improvement of total shareholder return ("TSR") as compared to a defined company Canadian peer group. TSR is calculated using the fair market values of voting common shares at the grant date, the fair market value of voting common shares at the vesting date and the total dividends declared and paid throughout the vesting period. The grants are measured at fair value on the grant date using the Monte Carlo model. At the maturity date, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee will assess actual performance against the performance criteria and determine the number of PSUs that have been earned. The Company intends to settle all PSUs with common shares purchased on the open market through a trust arrangement. The Company recognizes compensation cost over the three -year term of the PSU in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. The Company has a Deferred Stock Unit (“DSU”) Plan which is described in note 22 (e). The DSU plan enables directors and executives to receive all or a portion of their annual fee or annual executive bonus compensation in the form of DSUs and are settled in cash. Compensation expense is calculated based on the number of DSUs multiplied by the fair market value of each DSU as determined by the volume weighted average trading price of the Company’s common shares for the thirty trading days immediately preceding the day on which the fair market value is to be determined, with any changes in fair value recognized in general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Compensation costs related to DSUs are recognized in full upon the grant date as the units vest immediately. When dividends are paid on common shares, additional dividend equivalent DSUs are granted to all DSU holders as of the dividend payment date. The number of additional DSUs to be granted is determined by multiplying the dividend payment per common share by the number of outstanding DSUs, divided by the fair market value of the Company's common shares on the dividend payment date. Such additional DSUs are granted subject to the same service criteria as the underlying DSUs. As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures, based on historical experience. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. |
| Net income (loss) per share | Net income per share Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year (see note 18 (b)). Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year, adjusted for dilutive share amounts. The diluted per share amounts are calculated using the treasury stock method and the if-converted method. The treasury stock method increases the diluted weighted average shares outstanding to include additional shares from the assumed exercise of equity settled stock options, if dilutive. The number of additional shares determined using the treasury stock method is calculated by assuming outstanding in-the-money stock options were exercised and the proceeds from such exercises, including any unamortized stock-based compensation cost, were used to acquire shares of common stock at the average market price during the year. The if-converted method increases the diluted weighted average shares outstanding to include additional shares from the assumed conversion of convertible debentures, if dilutive. The number of additional shares is calculated by assuming the dilutive convertible shares would be outstanding for the entire period, or at the date of issuance, if later. If the convertible debentures are dilutive, the after tax interest expense related to the convertible debentures for the entire period, or from the date of issuance if later, is added back to the net income. |
| Leases | Leases Leases entered into by the Company in which substantially all the benefits and risks of ownership are transferred to the Company are recorded as obligations under capital leases and under the corresponding category of property, plant and equipment. Obligations under capital leases reflect the present value of future lease payments, discounted at an appropriate interest rate, and are reduced by rental payments net of imputed interest. All other leases are classified as operating leases and leasing costs, including any rent holidays, leasehold incentives, and rent concessions, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. |
| Deferred financing costs | Deferred financing costs Underwriting, legal and other direct costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are presented as deferred financing costs. Deferred financing costs related to the issuance of the Convertible Debentures and the Previous Term Loans are included within liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term to maturity. Deferred financing costs related to the Revolver, and the Previous Revolver, are included within other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized ratably over the term of the Credit Facility. |
| Equity method investments | Equity method investments The Company utilizes the equity method to account for its interests in affiliates and joint ventures that the Company does not control but over which it exerts significant influence. The equity method is typically used when it has an ownership interest of between 20% and 50% in an entity, provided the Company is able to exercise significant influence over the investee’s operations. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee. Under the equity method, the investment in an associate or a joint venture is initially recognized at cost. Transaction costs that are incremental and directly attributable to the investment in affiliates and joint ventures are included in the cost. The total initial cost of the investment is attributable to the net assets in the equity investee at fair value and additional assets acquired including intangible assets. The carrying amount of the investment is adjusted to recognize changes in the Company’s share of net assets of the associate or joint venture since the acquisition date. The Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income reflects the Company’s share of the results of operations of the associate or joint venture. In addition, when there has been a change recognized directly in the equity of the associate or joint venture, the Company recognizes its share of any changes, when applicable, in the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Company and the associate or joint venture are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the associate or joint venture. The aggregate of the Company’s share of profit or loss of an associate and a joint venture is shown on the face of the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income outside operating profit and represents profit or loss after tax and noncontrolling interests in the subsidiaries of the associate or joint venture. After application of the equity method, the Company determines whether it is necessary to recognize an impairment loss on its investment in its associate or joint venture. At each reporting date, the Company determines whether there is objective evidence that the investment in the associate or joint venture is impaired. If there is such evidence, the Company calculates the amount of impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate or joint venture and its carrying value, and then recognizes the loss within ‘Equity earnings in associates and joint ventures’ in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income. Upon loss of significant influence over the associate or joint control over the joint venture, the Company measures and recognizes any retained investment at its fair value. Any difference between the carrying amount of the associate or joint venture upon loss of significant influence or joint control and the fair value of the retained investment and proceeds from disposal is recognized in profit or loss. |
| New accounting pronouncements | Accounting pronouncements recently adopted a) Revenue from contracts with customers The Company adopted Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, with a date of initial application of January 1, 2018. The Company used the modified cumulative effect retrospective transition method by recognizing the cumulative effect as an adjustment to the opening balance of equity at January 1, 2018. The Company applied Topic 606 to contracts that were not completed at the time of transition and elected to not separately evaluate the effects of each contract modification prior to the date of adoption. Therefore, comparative financial information has not been adjusted and continues to be reported under the prior standard. The main impact of the application of this new standard reflected through the adjustment to the opening balance of equity at January 1, 2018 relates to the change in the treatment of mobilization costs which were previously considered a component of the contract. Mobilization costs are now considered a cost to fulfill the contract and not part of the performance obligation. This resulted in a reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized, which was offset by associated amortization expense. The net impact to opening deficit as at January 1, 2018 is $45 . Other adjustments include a reclassification of unconditional rights to consideration between contract assets and accounts receivable due to a change in presentation requirements for contract balances. The following table summarizes the effects of adopting the new revenue standard on the Company's consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2018 : (in thousands) As Reported Adjustments Balances without adoption of Topic 606 Assets Current assets Accounts receivable, net (notes 6 and 19(c)) $ 82,399 $ (9,809 ) $ 72,590 Contract assets (note 19(c)) 10,673 (10,673 ) — Unbilled revenue — 22,421 22,421 130,379 1,939 132,318 Other assets (note 10) 10,204 (1,636 ) 8,568 Investments in affiliates and joint ventures (note 13(a)) 11,788 168 11,956 $ 689,800 $ 471 $ 690,271 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities Contract liabilities $ 4,032 $ (4,032 ) $ — Billings in excess of costs incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts — 4,032 4,032 148,895 — 148,895 Deferred tax liabilities (note 11) 44,787 127 44,914 $ 539,585 $ 127 $ 539,712 Shareholders' Equity Deficit (113,917 ) 344 (113,573 ) $ 149,721 $ 344 $ 150,065 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 689,800 $ 471 $ 690,271 Amounts previously classified as unbilled revenue and billings in excess of costs incurred and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts are now classified as contract assets and contract liabilities, respectively. For consistency, these new classifications have been applied to amounts in comparative prior periods on the consolidated balance sheets and within the notes that follow. The following table summarizes the effects of adopting the new revenue standard on the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2018 : (in thousands) As Reported Adjustments Balances without adoption of Topic 606 Revenue (note 19) $ 410,061 $ 1,940 $ 412,001 Project costs 152,943 1,637 154,580 Gross profit $ 69,076 $ 303 $ 69,379 Operating income before the undernoted $ 29,980 $ 303 $ 30,283 Equity earnings in affiliates and joint ventures (note 13(a)) (60 ) (168 ) (228 ) Income before income taxes $ 21,417 $ 471 $ 21,888 Deferred income tax expense (note 11) 6,096 127 6,223 Net income and comprehensive income $ 15,321 $ 344 $ 15,665 The following table summarizes the effects of adopting the new revenue standard on the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018 : (in thousands) As Reported Adjustments Balances without adoption of Topic 606 Cash provided by (used in): Operating activities: Net income and comprehensive income $ 15,321 $ 344 $ 15,665 Deferred income tax expense (note 11) 6,096 127 6,223 Net changes in non-cash working capital (note 23(b)) 14,178 (471 ) 13,707 109,371 — 109,371 Decrease in cash $ 11,322 $ — $ 11,322 b) Statement of cash flows In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments). This accounting standard eliminates the diversity in practice related to the classification of certain cash receipts and payments for debt prepayments or extinguishment costs, the maturing of a zero coupon bond, the settlement of contingent liabilities arising from a business combination, proceeds from insurance settlements, distributions from certain equity method investees and beneficial interests obtained in a financial asset securitization. This standard was adopted January 1, 2018 and the adoption did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. c) Stock-based compensation In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718: Scope of Modification Accounting). This accounting standard update clarifies which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. This standard was adopted January 1, 2018 and the adoption did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. d) Definition of a business In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805). This accounting standard update clarifies the definition of a business and provides a screening test to determine when an integrated set of assets and activities is not considered a business and, thus, is accounted for as an asset acquisition as opposed to a business combination. The screening test requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not considered a business. This standard was adopted during the year ended December 31, 2018. As discussed in note 5 , the Company’s two acquisitions were both determined to be asset acquisitions. Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted a) Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), and subsequently issued several related ASUs to supersede the current leases accounting standard (Topic 840). The main difference between the new standard and the current standard is the requirement that lessees recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for leases classified as operating leases. Lessor accounting remains largely unchanged. Additionally, the standard requires that for a sale to occur in a sale-leaseback transaction, the transfer of assets must meet the requirements for a sale under the new revenue standard. The new lease standard will be effective for the Company for interim and annual reporting periods commencing January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The standard requires a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The new standard will result in recognition of right-of-use assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of adopting the standard on its financial statements and disclosure through its change management plan which guides the adoption of the standard. The Company has compiled an inventory of all leases and has analyzed individual contracts or groups of contracts to identify any significant differences and the impact on lease transactions as a result of adopting the new standard. Through this process, the Company is quantifying the impact on transactions as well as assess the Company’s policies, practices, procedures, controls, and systems for changes necessary to process and compile the information to meet the requirements of the new standard. b) Fair value measurement In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This accounting standard update was issued to improve the effectiveness of disclosure requirements on fair value measurement. This standard is effective January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company is assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. c) Internal-use software In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. This accounting standard update was issued to clarify the accounting for implementation costs in cloud computing arrangements. This standard is effective January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company is assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. d) Related party guidance for variable interest entities In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-17, Consolidation (Topic 810), Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities. This accounting standard update was issued to provide an update for determining whether a decision-making fee is a variable interest requiring reporting entities to consider indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportional basis rather than as the equivalent of a direct interest in its entirety. This standard is effective January 1, 2020. The Company is assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. e) Collaborative arrangements In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808), Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606. This accounting standard update was issued to clarify which transactions should be accounted for as revenue under Topic 606, and additional guidance added to Topic 808 to further align with Topic 606. This standard is effective January 1, 2020. The Company is assessing the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. |
