(CityLab.com)

The government could be much better at making these decision, whether it’s at the local, state or federal level. That’s the conclusion of a new report from the Economic Policy Institute that explores ways for policymakers to tighten up the process. The report sees three ways that government is falling down on the job—and one big-picture solution for making infrastructure projects work better for everyone.

(Daily Commercial News)

After over two decades as Canadian Construction Association president, Michael Atkinson says the growth of the association’s integrity and professionalism is what he looks back on most fondly during his tenure at the helm. "I think one of the things I would be most proud about is the professionalism, credibility, integrity that the association's name has been able to achieve," said Atkinson, who will stay on with the CCA as president emeritus until 2019.

(Journal of Commerce)

Manitoba and the Atlantic provinces are partnering to develop a shared apprenticeship management system that will improve and modernize online services, Manitoba Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart announced this month.

(Journal of Commerce)

The following article describes three women who are immersed in the construction industry through their careers as engineers and architects. The profiles describe why they decided to embark on their careers and the fulfilment they get out of their jobs.

(Lean Construction Institute)

Lean Construction Institute of Canada’s one-page infographic explains Lean, Lean Construction, its benefits and how to engage with it in a fun, visual format.

MCAC members are invited to attend two free webinars to learn how to create online customer service that will help you earn new customers and keep existing customers around for a long time.

CEC is pleased to announce dates for the following training programs. Click the course name for a full description, dates and registration information. Or click through to the CEC programs page for a list of all the courses.

Dispatcher Training Program – Toronto, ON – October 25-26
Agile Construction Program – Toronto, ON – November 29–30

(Journal of Commerce)

The way projects are presented and pitched to the public may be deeply flawed. Mario Canseco, vice-president of public affairs for Insights West, explained at the CanaData West conference in Vancouver that how proponents inform people about projects like the Site C Dam and the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion doesn't always match up with survey data.

(Construction Junkie)

Modular building makes a lot of sense: build repetitive structures in a controlled, factory-like setting and transport to the project site and assemble. It should be a more efficient and less expensive way to construct a building, but the truth is, it’s a lot harder than it looks. There’s also no written standard for doing it.

(On-Site)

Harbr, a start-up company based in Halifax, represents two predominantly male industries: technology and construction; however, through its hiring process, the company is working to change that by employing a diversified team. Currently, the ratio of men-women staff is nearing 50-50 with four men and three women employed, and once gender equilibrium is reached, Harbr’s company culture wants to remain at that ratio.

(Daily Commercial News)

Adding diversity to the workplace is not only the right thing to do to reflect the faces of modern Canada, but it’s essential if the sector is going to deal with labour shortages.

(Daily Commerical News)

A new report from the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP) argues the proven benefits of the P3 procurement model are translatable to the bundling of projects, so there is a strong case for accelerating P3 project bundling across Canada.

(CIPH)

The 2017 edition of the CIPHEX Roadshow was a hit with exhibitors and visitors attracting contractors, wholesalers, engineers and other industry members to the one-day events held in Edmonton (AB), Regina (SK) and St. John’s (NL) this fall.

Wolseley Canada is the country's leading national distributor of plumbing, hydronic, HVAC/R and PVF products and solutions to professional contractors, retailers, and industrial users. With a network of over 220 branches coast to coast, and a national team of sales and service specialist, the Wolseley team is known for the knowledge and expertise that customers have come to rely on for their ever-changing needs.

The Bank of Canada left its benchmark interest rate unchanged after raising it twice since the summer—but it signalled that future hikes are likely on the horizon.

834: First All Hallows Eve (Halloween) observed to honor the saints
1517: Luther posts 95 theses on Wittenberg church-Protestant Reformation
1541: Michelangelo Buonarroti's paints "last judgement" in Sistine Chapel
1846: Donner party, unable to cross the Donner Pass, construct a winter camp
1864: Nevada admitted as 36th state
1888: John Boyd Dunlop patents pneumatic bicycle tire
1918: Spanish flu-virus kills 21,000 in U.S. in one week
1922: Benito Mussolini (Il Duce) becomes premier of Italy
1941: Mount Rushmore is completed
1952: First thermonuclear bomb detonated - Marshall Islands
1989: U.S. performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
1991: Palestinians attend U.S. mideast peace talks in Madrid
2006: Bob Barker, from The Price is Right, retires after 35 years as host
2012: The New York Stock Exchange is reopened after a two-day closure due to Hurricane Sandy; this was the market's first weather-related two-day closure since the late 19th century

• November 6-9: MCA Canada’s 76th National Conference, Maui, Hawaii
• November 22: CEC webinar: Increase Your Revenue by Clobbering the Competition
• December 13: CEC webinar: Get out of the Truck and Go Online to Own Your Customers

MCA Canada is proud to offer our members an update to the corporate rate when using Choice Hotels. Choice Hotels includes Comfort, Quality, Clarion and a few others like the upscale Ascend Hotel Collection. There are over 325 Choice locations across Canada, and more than 6,300 worldwide. Hotels are conveniently located near major airports, key highways and business districts. You'll also be able to connect easily with colleagues using free high-speed Internet, and jump-start your day with free breakfast at most locations. Contact the MCAC office for your discount code by emailing daryl@mcac.ca, calling 613-232-0492 or visiting www.mcac.ca.

With the holiday season soon upon us, Operation Eyesight is saying "thank you” to everyone who has contributed to this very important cause. Learn more about some of the people in the developing world whose lives your donations have changed. And as we start to look ahead to the holiday season, please consider making Operation Eyesight your charity of choice—as it is ours.