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.

It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of one of our Old Timers and dedicated member of our industry. Barry Thomas William Cousins passed away peacefully on March 16 at the age of 78 years.

If you cannot pay the full amount you owe now, you may qualify for a payment arrangement or ask for taxpayer relief. Take action by contacting the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) right away. Ignoring your debt does not make it go away.

An end-to-end digital filing experience from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is now available. With Express NOA, you can get your notice of assessment right after you file your tax return. Express NOA is a secure CRA service that allows individuals and authorized representatives to get a notice of assessment (NOA) right after filing a return.

For example, CCA's Indigenous Engagement Guide was developed to help you engage more effectively with Indigenous companies and communities in Canada.

The social value of infrastructure is the infrastructure. Ken Gibson, executive director of the Alberta Construction Association, made that statement during an animated discussion pertaining to community benefits at the Industry Advocacy and Regulatory Affairs Committee meeting held recently during the CCA's 100th annual conference in Banff.

As the construction industry nears the third decade of the 21st century, it has begun to transition toward prefabrication and other manufacturing techniques—not only to circumvent labor shortages but also to build faster, more cost effectively, and with fewer materials.

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.

The country’s annual pace of inflation sped up to 2.2 percent last month for its fastest pace in more than three years as the rate moved above the central bank’s ideal bull’s-eye of 2 percent.

1794: The U.S. Congress authorized the creation of the U.S. Navy.
1836: In Goliad, TX, about 350 Texan prisoners, including their commander James Fannin, were executed under orders from Gen. Antonio López de Santa Anna. An estimated 30 Texans escaped execution.
1860: The corkscrew was patented by M.L. Byrn.
1884: The first long-distance telephone call was made from Boston to New York.
1899: The first international radio transmission between England and France was achieved by the Italian inventor G. Marconi.
1917: The Seattle Metropolitans, of the Pacific Coast League of Canada, defeated the Montreal Canadiens and became the first U.S. hockey team to win the Stanley Cup.
1958: Nikita Khrushchev became the chairman of the Soviet Council of Ministers in addition to First Secretary of the Communist Party.
1958: The U.S. announced a plan to explore space near the moon.
1998: In the U.S., the FDA approved the prescription drug Viagra. It was the first pill for male impotence.
2004: NASA successfully launched an unpiloted X-43A jet that hit Mach 7 (about 5,000 mph).
2007: NFL owners voted to make instant replay a permanent officiating tool.

• 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.

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.