After 27 years at the helm of MCA Canada, our CEO Richard McKeagan has announced his retirement. Synonymous with the national association and having served for nearly three decades, Richard will step down officially on July 31, 2018.

Since Richard assumed the role of President and COO, MCA Canada has transformed into a national force within the construction industry launching several divisions, engaging with the federal government, liaising with national and international organizations and leading a long list of successful major projects. Richard has spearheaded the creation of a national education council, initiated a new manufacturers and wholesalers membership category, created a national division for service contractors and led the way in the creation of the National Trade Contractors Coalition of Canada—to name a just a few initiatives.

Richard has worked hand in hand with 17 national chairmen, guiding them through relationships with the Canadian Construction Association, Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating, MCA America, International Alliance of MCAs and a myriad of federal government departments, committees and members of parliament. Since taking over in March 1990, Richard has held fast to a vision that sees MCA Canada as a leader in all aspects of the industry, particularly defending the rights of contractors and presenting a strong and unified voice in the construction industry. As Chief Operating Officer of MCA Canada, Richard has maintained that vision while laying a solid foundation from which the association can only grow and succeed moving forward. The industry, and the entire world has changed significantly in the last 27 years, and we are fortunate to have had a steady and adaptive hand at our helm.

Saying “thank you” hardly seems to be enough to acknowledge the work of such a committed and professional leader. Enjoy your retirement, Richard. You’ve earned the rest!

MSCC Chairman John Warnica is proud to announce the new MSCC board of governors. They are: chairman, John Warnica, Lowe Mechanical Services; directors: Wayne Davidson, Davidson Brothers Mechanical Contractors; Tim Padfield, Pad-Car Mechanical Ltd.; Ryan Tynning, Swift Plumbing & Heating Ltd.; Serge Robert, S & R Mechanical; Derek Ermen, Ermen Plbg & Heating Ltd.; Associates Council representative, Mike Miller, Taco Canada; MCA Canada president, Dave Flamand, Peak Mechanical Partnership; MCA Canada CEO, Richard McKeagan, and MSCC executive director, Daryl Sharkey.

Long-awaited reforms to Ontario’s Construction Lien Act are an important step closer to enactment, construction stakeholders learned at the CEO Breakfast panel event held as part of the Construct Canada show that took place in Toronto recently.

Dr. Linda Goldenhar, an expert in the safety culture and climate of construction workplaces, was in Toronto recently to discuss the research that led her team to develop a workbook to help strengthen jobsite safety and an online tool that assesses a workplace’s safety climate maturity.

Women Building Futures hopes the new “You Got This” campaign will help spark a conversation. It features inspirational videos that will air on TV, radio, before movies at Cineplex theatres and, of course, online.

The third installment of this six-part series, based on CCA’s recently-published corporate social responsibility (CSR) guide, talks about what sole operators can do in terms of CSR.

What makes you different from the other contractors in town? Is it because you have better techs? You have more experience? Because you offer better pricing? Isn’t that what your competitors are saying? Join us for a free one-hour webinar on December 13 to truly differentiate your company, particularly your service company! Read more in this information brochure and register via the CEC website.

The internet of things and sensor-based technology can be used to create huge advantages on construction sites related to worker safety, cost reduction and predictive maintenance.

The MCAC Associates Council is pleased to welcome its new chairman for 2017–19: Mike Miller from Taco Canada. Mike was born and raised near Stuttgart, Germany where he served a four-year apprenticeship program in the HVAC trade. After working as a journeyman for two years, he immigrated to Canada. He spent two years working for a HVAC contractor in BC then joined an independent wholesaler in Red Deer, AB where he focused on hydronic heating. Mike eventually landed with a manufacturer becoming the regional sales manager in radiant flooring, plumbing and fire safety systems. He joined Taco Canada Ltd. in 2014 as director of commercial sales and is a certified professional manager.

1484: Pope Innocent VIII issues a papal bull that deputizes inquisitors to root out witchcraft in Germany.
1700: Severe influenza epidemic hits the people of Montréal.
1775: U.S. generals Benedict Arnold & Richard Montgomery begin their siege of Quebec.
1837: Upper Canada Rebellion breaks out as Mackenzie leads 800 rebels to Toronto.
1848: In a message to the U.S. Congress, President James Polk confirms large amounts of gold in California.
1967: Dunton and Laurendeau issue First Report of Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism.
2003: Reform Party and Progressive Conservatives vote 95 percent to found the Conservative Party of Canada.

More and more of the average Canadian's day is devoted to work, with both commute times and time spent at work on the rise.

The big story in Canada for 2016 was unexpectedly strong economic and jobs performance, but a look at this list shows most Canadians depend on lower-wage, higher risk employment.

The Hannover Messe is one of the world's largest trade fairs. It will be held from April 23 to 27 on the Hanover Fairground in Hanover, Germany. Typically, there are about 6,500 exhibitors and 250,000 visitors. From individual components to the complete intelligent factory, as well as topical trends such as energy efficiency, lightweight construction and additive manufacturing, you’ll get a complete picture of the worldwide industrial value-adding chain under one roof.

• December 13: CEC webinar: Get out of the Truck and Go Online to Own Your Customers

Brad Diggens, chairman of MCA Canada’s charity Operation Eyesight, would like to thank MCA America for its generous donation of $5,000 presented at this year’s National Conference in Maui, Hawaii. Thanks to the commitment of leaders like MCA America, we hope to someday see the eradication of preventable diseases typically caused by a lack of access to clean water. MCA of America has contributed to this worthwhile charity for many years and is an inspiration to all of us.