Prompt payment and harmonizing model codes and regulations are today’s themes when representatives of MCA Canada and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) meet with Members of Parliament, senators and senior policy advisors on Parliament Hill. The construction industry operates as an integrated system. The parts of that system must work together harmoniously to achieve efficiency. This is why MCAC and CIPH propose that the government work to address payment delays and the regulatory barrier of fragmented model codes that limit the use of emerging technologies and trade across borders. Stay tuned for updates as a result of these meetings.

The Mechanical Service Contractors of Canada (MSCC) is proud to welcome Trotter & Morton Facility Services Inc from Calgary, AB to the growing list of MSCC 'Gold Standard' contractors. This designation signifies your organization as an elite-level 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 the entire team at Trotter & Morton!

The Canadian Red Cross sent a special letter of thanks to MCA Canada for members' generous support of the Fort McMurray fire relief fund in 2016. Click through to read the letter from chief marketing officer Ronan Ryan.

Defence Construction Canada (DCC) is a federal Crown corporation that provides timely, effective and efficient project delivery and full lifecycle support for infrastructure and environmental assets required for the defence of Canada. DCC will hold its 2018 annual public meeting in Ottawa on June 7 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. This meeting is open to the public. Register by sending an email to APM-APA@dcc-cdc.gc.ca. Copies of DCC's most recent annual report are available at www.dcc-cdc.gc.ca.

As cultivators and consumers await the legalization of recreational marijuana in Canada late summer 2018, opportunities grow for HVAC contractors.

Amendments to Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations will roll out across product categories starting in 2019 as part of the Pan-Canadian Framework.

Starting in January 2019, Canadians will begin contributing towards an enhanced Canada Pension Plan (CPP). At that time, you and your employees will begin making slightly higher contributions to the CPP. These will gradually increase each year for the next seven years. The good news is the change won't add any extra administrative work to your busy schedule. You will withhold and report enhanced contributions in the same way you do now for the base CPP.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now open for the 14th Annual CEC Fundraising Golf Tournament at the Royal Ontario Golf Club in Milton, Ontario on July 11. All proceeds from the event go to support CEC’s ability to provide the mechanical contracting industry with innovative education programming. Learn more at CEC's website, or by contacting Tania Johnston at 613-232-5169 or tania@mcac.ca.

Since 1919, VICTAULIC has been the world's leading producer of grooved mechanical couplings and pipe-joining systems. Over the years, Victaulic has continued to develop innovative solutions focused on ensuring efficiency, reliability and safety. Learn more at victaulic.com.

The Doug Crawford Memorial Award recognizes an individual, individuals or company who has made a significant contribution to MCA Canada through long-standing voluntary participation, leadership and tireless commitment to ensuring the success of our associate members.

1429: Joan of Arc lifts the Siege of Orléans, turning the tide of the Hundred Years' War.
1604: Pierre de Monts arrives in Acadia with Samuel de Champlain to find a spot for a trading company
1620: Samuel de Champlain sails for Canada to administer New France
1813: U.S. troops depart to Fort Niagara after burning the Upper Canada Parliament Buildings. British retaliate a year later by burning the American capital.
1882: An Order-in-Council divides the North West Territory, acquired from the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1870, into Athabasca, Assiniboia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
1886: Pharmacist John Pemberton first sells a carbonated beverage named "Coca-Cola" as a medicine.
1945: End of the war at sea with Germany. Mackenzie King delivers VE Day Speech.
1980: The World Health Organization confirms the eradication of smallpox.
1982: Gilles Villeneuve, from Berthierville, Québec, dies in an accident while qualifying for the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix.
1987: Royal Canadian Mint unveils one-dollar coin to replace the paper dollar. The Loony is born.
1997: Bre-X Minerals files for bankruptcy after analysts found its Indonesian gold find was a fraud.
2005: Steve Nash of the NBA Phoenix Suns the 1st Canadian player to win the NBA's MVP Award.

Fifteen of 20 industrial sectors saw growth, after a slight pullback in January.

From the sold-out show floor to busy aisles all three days—and a full seminar schedule, CMPX 2018 will go down in the books as one of the most successful in recent history. CMPX 2018 saw a 7.5 percent jump in total visitors as the event hit the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this past March. Helping to keep the aisles humming with conversations, was the larger-than-ever number of wholesalers who ran customer social activities and bus trips to this year’s show. Those visitors were treated to a display of new product offerings on the way into the show, and countless displays on the show floor. Congratulations to everyone involved.

• May 8: MCA Canada & CIPH Day on the Hill, Ottawa, ON
• May 15: CanBIM Satellite Session, Dartmouth, NS
• May 31–June 3: MCA Alberta Conference & AGM, Kananaskis, AB
• June 4–5: 24th Skills Canada Competition, Edmonton, AB
• June 4–5: MCA Western Regional Meetings, Winnipeg, MB
• June 10–15: UA National Skills Competition, Edmonton, AB
• June 17–19: CIPH Annual Business Conference, Whistler, BC
• June 21–22: MCA Eastern Regional Meetings, Moncton, NB
• 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

MCA Canada and UniFirst have partnered to deliver members quality uniforms, Job-Fitted Work Clothes and other image and safety enhancing workwear to businesses of all sizes and types. From industrial work shirts and pants to work jackets and coveralls, and polos and executive wear to lab coats and food service smocks, UniFirst offers workwear for virtually every occupation. Beyond a complete selection of the best work uniforms available, UniFirst also provides accessories like gloves, hats and protective gear. We make "single source workwear solutions” more than just a marketing slogan. For more details, email maca@mcac.ca, call 613-232-0492 or visit www.mcac.ca.