I would like to offer my thanks for all the contributions that everyone has made to MCA Canada’s successes this year. We have achieved more than ever before and have an incredibly motivated and growing membership of nearly 1,000 companies.

Since becoming your association president last year, I’ve traveled across Canada and made several stops in the U.S. meeting members and industry stakeholders. Throughout my travels, I’ve made many new friends, and I look forward to catching up with them in the coming year.

We accomplished a lot last year. Let me highlight just a few successes.

We saw great progress toward the implementation of prompt payment legislation—nationally and in several provinces. We spearheaded the creation of a new national standard for pipefitting and steamfitting. The new Red Seal Occupational Standard for plumbing has been drafted. We helped convince the federal government to require general contractors to name their major subcontractors at the time of tender closing. We developed new and updated policy statements for the association, and we approved and implemented a new strategic plan.

I’m sure I speak for everyone when I commend the exceptional training programs and services provided by our Construction Education Council. Also noteworthy was the work done by the Mechanical Service Contractors of Canada to, among other things, secure a national partnership with the Building Owners and Managers Association to promote our certified members’ skills and professionalism. None of this would have been attainable without the support and ongoing efforts of many hardworking volunteers.

Our 75th Annual National Conference was a one-of-a-kind event with insightful educational content, terrific guest speakers and fabulous social events. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next year in Maui, Hawaii. Mark November 6-9 in your calendars.

In closing, I want to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers across the country who are working on your behalf to make the industry and this association better for everyone. I would especially like to thank all the MCA Canada members, our executive committee, our board of directors, our association managers across the country and their staff, and, of course, the staff at MCA Canada national office for their hard work and support. I look forward to working with you all next year to keep this train rolling. I would also like to thank two of our exceptional volunteers who just completed their terms on the national board: Don Capotosto from Ontario and Dean Loewen from British Columbia/Alberta.

To every one of you, I extend my family's warmest wishes for this festive season. Have a very Merry Christmas, and a safe, happy and prosperous new year.