On December 5, Ontario passed legislation to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the construction sector. The Construction Lien Amendment Act, 2017 includes new prompt payment rules to ensure Ontario construction businesses and workers get paid on time for the work they do. The changes will also modernize the lien and holdback process, help protect creditors and set out a new adjudication process to resolve payment disputes faster.

MSCC is proud to welcome Conestogo Mechanical Inc., from Kitchener, ON to the growing list of MSCC Gold Standard Contractors. This designation signifies your organization as an elite contractor in Canada. It verifies your company implements industry leading, best-business practices in specific key competencies including technical excellence, safety, training, documentation, security, customer service and business acumen. Congratulations to Wes Quickfall and the entire team at Conestogo Mechanical Inc!

The legalization of recreational marijuana in Canada came closer to reality on April 13 when the federal government introduced its Cannabis Act. Recreational cannabis use is set to become legal by July 1, 2018, pending the passing of the bill. While pot users across the country have applauded the move, business owners, particularly in our industry, have significant concerns. Fit for duty with safety-sensitive jobs is a huge issue for mechanical contractors. The bill will allow possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana for recreational purposes, but is silent on intoxication at work. MCA Canada is gathering information, statistics, sample policies and procedures along with any other relevant information to assist our members with this pending issue. If you have any information, please contact daryl@mcac.ca or fax it to 613-235-2793.

Thomas Edward Shainline (past president of MCA Toronto and past board member of MCA Ontario & MCA Canada) passed away peacefully at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital on December 6 at the age of 69 years. Tom Shainline of Orillia, formerly of Scarborough, loving husband and travel companion of Penny (nee Gummerson). Loving father of Stacey Shainline (Steve Wheeler) of Uxbridge, Colin (Jennifer) Shainline of Pembroke and Amanda (Jason) Taylor of Guelph. Cherished papa of Evan, Rachel and Megan Wheeler, Grayson and Rylee Shainline. Dear brother of Adele (Alastair) Scott Anthony of Scarborough. Tom will be sadly missed by his nieces, nephews and their families and much loved "Partners in Crime," Wendy and Bob Owens. If desired, memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com.

As the Government of Canada solicits for ideas from the industry on how to make Canada run more efficiently, CIPH has responded by demonstrating how harmonized codes, across the country, would be beneficial to our industry, trades mobility and ultimately positively impact how we do business and deliver timely products to the marketplace.

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. But hurry. The webinar is tomorrow.

The Construction Education Council (CEC) proudly presents the exclusive Gold Seal and Blue Seal Accredited Project Management Program. The highly acclaimed program is offered in partnership with the University of Waterloo. The program takes place over a 10-day period and is split into two five-day sessions. This will mark the 40th session offered with nearly 900 industry managers graduating from the program.

In a discovery that could heat up the nascent solar window market, NREL scientists have built a thermochromic photovoltaic device that is transparent when inactive, but tints as it converts sunlight to electricity, making it far more efficient than past designs.

At its most recent meeting, the MCAC Associates Council agreed to a $25-increase in its annual dues. The money will be allocated to a brand new "Associates Scholarship" to be awarded annually. The dues increase will apply to your next renewal. The full details of the scholarship are yet to be determined, but it will be in place for the 2018 National Conference. In addition, several associate member companies have agreed to create and award their own scholarships including: Taco, Bradford White, Victaulic, Masco and Oakville Stamping & Bending (OS&B). If you would like to find out how your company can award a national scholarship, please contact Daryl Sharkey via email at daryl@mcac.ca or call 613-232-0492.

1787: Pennsylvania becomes the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, five days after Delaware.
1800: Washington, D.C., established as the capital of the United States of America.
1858: Province of Canada issues 1¢, 5¢, 10¢ and 20¢ pieces.
1831: William Lyon Mackenzie is expelled from the Upper Canada Assembly by a Tory majority vote of 24 to 15 after he called the assembly a “sycophantic office” in his newspaper, The Colonial Advocate. A mob of several hundred then entered the assembly, demanding that Governor Colborne dissolve parliament; he refused. Mackenzie is later re-elected in a by-election on January 2, 1832, by 119 votes to one.
1901: Italian scientist and engineer Guglielmo Marconi receives the first transatlantic radio message on Signal Hill, from 3,200 km away across the Atlantic Ocean from Poldhu, Cornwall.
1904: Eaton's installs Toronto's first escalator in the Queen Street West store.
1933: Ace Bailey collides with Bruins player Eddie Shore and ends up with a fractured skull; ends playing career after seven seasons in the NHL.
1981: Edmonton Oilers’ Wayne Gretzky scores his 50th goal of the season in just 39 games.
2003: Paul Martin sworn in as Canada’s 21st Prime Minister.

The Bank of Canada is sticking with its trend-setting interest rate—but it’s sending out fresh, yet cautious, warnings that increases are likely on the way.

Scheduled for May 30–31, Energy Summit 2018 brings together Canada’s energy efficiency experts to grow momentum for your business. Energy management is crucial to maximize profitability and combat climate change. This conference offers customer connections that will give you the power to save. Learn about realistic, turnkey solutions to help your organization thrive in today’s competitive environment.

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

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.