In an effort to better understand our members, MCA Canada has embarked on a national survey of the membership in partnership with the provincial and zone MCAs. The survey is limited to six questions and requires only a check box in most instances, so it can be completed in under a minute. The information will only be used for association purposes and will not be given to anyone outside the association. We are asking all members to take just a minute and complete this very important project.

World Plumbing Day, held every March 11, was celebrated across the country and around the world. World Plumbing Day is recognized by the World Health Organization and was created to recognize the vital link between good-quality plumbing, health, environmental sustainability and, increasingly, economic prosperity. MCAs across the country, along with MCA Canada and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating, celebrated the day. Please drop us a note to tell us how you helped promote the day and plumbers around the country.

CCA chair Chris McNally says the association’s recently unveiled strategic plan will be more provocative and work harder to unite the industry. The 2018–2023 strategic plan sets out a new mission, vision and values as well as areas of focus that ultimately aim to “build a better Canada.”

The Canadian Construction Association is forming a task force to look at the role of technology in the industry, and a merger between CCA and CCInnovations is one of the factors being considered.

Industry leaders agree there were few surprises in this year’s federal budget and little mention of infrastructure spending, however, many lauded the government initiatives to expand the skilled trades workforce.

There has never been a better time to be a woman working in the construction industry. Having successfully developed an unenviable reputation for poor working practices and resistance to change, the sector is now beginning to improve, and quickly. That improvement is driven by the overwhelming economic need to drive productivity and efficiency into the built environment.

This month's MultiMedia Program is brought to you by Bibby-Ste-Croix - Bibby Ste-Croix is the premier domestic manufacturer of cast iron soil pipe, fittings and couplings for drain, waste and vent plumbing systems. Cast iron is truly a green plumbing choice as their products are manufactured by using ~100 percent recycled post-consumer scrap metal, and our products are 100 percent recyclable once taken out of service. For nearly a century Bibby has been providing quality cast iron products. When you choose cast iron, you know you are getting a safe and reliable system that will stand the test of time. Cast Iron – Tried and True. For more information please visit Bibby-Ste-Croix’s website at www.bibby-ste-croix.com or call 1-800-463-3480.

1602: Dutch East Indian Company forms.
1760: The Great Boston Fire of 1760 destroys 349 buildings.
1800: Alessandro Volta reports his discovery of the electric battery.
1852: Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" published in Boston.
1815: Napoleon enters Paris after escape from Elba, begins 100-day rule.
1915: Albert Einstein publishes his general theory of relativity.
1933: Dachau, the first Nazi concentration camp, is completed.
2016: Barack Obama becomes the first U.S. President to visit Cuba since 1928.

National wealth, the value of non-financial assets in the Canadian economy, rose 1.2 percent to $10,769 billion at the end of the fourth quarter, led by growth in the value of residential and commercial structures. Canada's net foreign asset position rose by $115.4 billion to $400.7 billion in the fourth quarter. Compared with the end of 2016, the net asset position nearly doubled in 2017 on the strength of foreign stock markets. National net worth, the sum of national wealth and Canada's net foreign asset position, increased by $243.5 billion to $11,169.7 billion at the end of the fourth quarter. On a per capita basis, national net worth increased from $296,200 in the third quarter to $302,300 in the fourth quarter.

The Paris-based economic think-tank is adjusting its Canadian growth projections for 2018 and 2019 upwards, but it warns that trade protectionism remains a key risk that could negatively affect confidence, investment and jobs.

We invite you to submit your seminar topic to be considered for The Buildings Show enhanced Seminar Program for November 28–30. Get ready for some big changes in 2018 as STONEX Canada joins World of Concrete Pavilion and HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo in the North building and Construct Canada and PM Expo expand in the South. Topics are due by April 30.

• March 21–23: CMPX Mechanical & Plumbing Exhibition, Toronto, ON
• March 25–29: MCA America Convention, San Antonio, TX
• April 4: NTCCC Prompt Payment Summit
• April 18: MCA Manitoba AGM, Winnipeg, MB
• April 22–29: MCA Ontario Conference, St. Lucia
• May 3–6: MCA British Columbia Conference, Whistler, BC
• May 7–9: MCA Canada Midyear Meetings, Ottawa, ON
• May 8: MCA Canada & CIPH Day on the Hill, Ottawa, ON
• May 31–June 3: MCA Alberta Conference & AGM, Kananaskis, AB
• June 4–5: 24th Skills Canada Competition, Edmonton, AB
• June 10–15: UA National Skills Competition, Edmonton, AB
• June 17–19: CIPH Annual Business Conference, Whistler, BC
• July 11: CEC Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser, Milton, ON
• September 7–9: MCA Toronto Conference & AGM, Muskoka, ON
• September 19–22: MCA Canada Annual National Conference, Whistler, BC

Membership Advantage Program partner Perkopolis Changes Login Process - Perkopolis has now simplified the login process for MCA Canada members. Simply go to the site at www.perkopolis.com. On the top right corner click 'Register.' Type in your email address and click submit. Please note that if MCA Canada does not have your email address, or the address of your staff wishing to use the discounts, simply send the email addresses to daryl@mcac.ca and they will be added to the site which will then allow you to set up your account. Perkopolis is an employee discount program that provides access to exclusive discounts on a number of products and services across Canada such as clothes, travel, entertainment, electronics and much more.

Only preferred clients of Mark’s Commercial get 25 percent off and can shop a day in advance of the public, Thursday only.

Always show your Company ID or Program Document when shopping at Mark’s.

Based in Canada, Operation Eyesight has brought sight-restoration and blindness-prevention treatment to millions of people since our founding in 1963. Today, our work is focused in Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, India and Nepal – places where blindness can be deadly, especially to those who are very young, old or poor. MCA Canada continues to be involved through the support of our offices and members. Every penny counts.