January 2018
 
The voice of the 
mechanical contractors 
industry in Alberta.
Association News
Happy New Year!

May all your endeavours be met with huge success and appreciation. Happy New Year from all of us at MCA Alberta.

Hopefully by now you have received our renewal packages in the mail. Your decision to continue supporting MCA through your annual dues commitment, your individual and staff participation at programs and events makes the MCA a great organization.

Please take the time to review, renew and let us know if you have any questions.
Edmonton member meeting

Plan to attend this complimentary member meeting. Rob Roach is a director of insight with ATB Financials Economics and Research Team, who will be our guest speaker to discuss two topics. 

In his two part presentation, Rob will provide us with an economic update as he discusses current trends shaping Alberta's economy in the months and years ahead.  Then Rob will explore a selection of adaptive traits that can help us not only survive, but thrive, when unwanted change comes our way.

Bring your colleagues and join us at the Nova Hotel on January 17, from 3-5 p.m. Register here.
2018 MCA provincial conference

Save these dates: May 30 to June 3, 2018. The MCA provincial conference is back in Alberta this year, at the Delta Kananaskis Lodge with dates that have been pushed back until the end of May. 

There will be some great learning opportunities with an emphasis on mentoring and networking. It will also be a fresh start to the golf season at the all new Kananaskis Country Golf Course. 

Plan to come out and join your industry colleagues at this great venue and event.
Education and Training
December review

December was a busy month leading up to the holidays. MCA had a great seminar on coaching and mentoring where our enthusiastic instructor taught students how to communicate with their team. Reinforcing the idea that not everyone is the same, so the same methods don't work on the entire team.

Continue reading about the lean principles seminar and our Gastite product specific training.
Learning Opportunities
January 19: Conflict resolution seminar. Conflict, arguments and change are natural parts of our lives. Conflict resolution is a way for two or more parties to find a peaceful solution to a disagreement among them. When a dispute arises, often the best course of action is negotiation to resolve the disagreement. Click here for all information and registration.
February 1 & 2: Construction project management course. The course is designed for construction owners, managers, estimators, supervisors and staff. Participants will develop skills and knowledge of how to manage a construction project. Participants will gain an understanding of the project processes and constraints encountered by project managers and how to successfully manage a complex project.  Click here for all information and registration.
February 7: Communications and email etiquette seminar. Participants will learn how to get their messages across clearly, so they get the results they want, no matter what modes you use (email, phone or face-to-face). Click here for all information and registration.
February 21: Product specific pumps. Click here for all information and registration.
February 23: Communications: Not just talking and listening anymore. Click here for all information and registration.
Save the Date
January 11-14: Annual curling bonspiel. Learn more.
January 17: Edmonton member meeting on an economic update and successfully adapting to unwanted change. Learn more. 
May 31-June 3: MCA 2018 Conference at Delta Kananaskis. Learn more.
Industry News
Occupational heath and safety changes

After a comprehensive review of the OHS system that was completed in the fall, the Alberta government has introduced new legislation under Bill 30, most of which came into effect January 1, 2018.

The changes are comprehensive and far reaching. Please familiarize yourself with the  changes  to protect your employees and your business.  
Workers Compensation Act updated

The Workers Compensation Act has not been reviewed in over 15 years. After a consultation process and an industry survey, the Alberta government included amendments to the Act in Bill 30. The changes take place this month - details on how this will impact your business can be found here.
Environmental Safety
STANDATA updates

The following STANDATA are now available on the Municipal Affairs website. Follow the links below to view or print copies.

Interpretation:
14-BCI-012 Minimum thickness of footings.
14-BCI-013 Determination of grade.
14-BCI-014 Retaining walls.
14-BCI-015 Barrier-free access to stages.
14-BCI-016 Photoluminescent exit signs.
14-BCI-017 Soil gas vent termination (Joint building/plumbing).

Variance:
14-BCV-014 Lowered workspaces in service garages.
14-BCV-015 Multi-level storage racking systems.
14-BCV-016 Manufactured structural components in the construction of one-family and two-family dwellings.

Bulletin:
14-BCB-003 Radon/soil gas pipe labeling (Joint building/plumbing).

To view all Building Code STANDATA click here.
Health and Benefits
Benefits

MCA has a plan that is competitive, flexible and comprehensive. If your rates keep skyrocketing where you currently are now, contact Vicky for a no obligation quote today.

Call Vicky at (403)250-7237 or email [email protected].
Homewood Health newsletter

Homewood Health EFAP is pleased to release the January 2018 edition of their Life Lines newsletter, "Preparing for the New Year: Maintaining Your Mental Health". This article gives you tips on setting realistic goals, re-engaging with family and friends, and being realistic with the coming year's motivations.
Discount program

Mark's Work Wearhouse gives MCA members and employees 10 per cent off of specified items for both employees and family members. 

If you need discount cards for your employees, please contact us or click here.
Important Links
MCA Alberta

MCA Canada

Construction Education Council

MSCC - Service contractors

MCA-AB - Contractor membership

MCA-AB - Associate membership (wholesale and suppliers)

MCA-AB - Affiliate membership (construction trade)

Provincial and zone MCA's

MCAC Canada coming events

MCA Canada's charity

Ontario Prompt Payment

National Trade Contractors Coalition of Canada NTCCC
About the MCAA

Since the early 1900's, Alberta's plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, gasfitters and mechanical contractors have utilized the united voice, programs, information, service and social network of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Alberta (MCAA).

Today, the MCAA strives to create value for its members by identifying and mitigating  issues that affect the industry, the development and delivery of high-quality education programs, providing a competitive group health insurance benefit plan, facilitating member benefit programs and services, and providing opportunity for social and professional networking.