Greetings fellow MCA members. As we near the end of the second quarter of 2021 there is reason for optimism and concern regarding the construction industry. Optimism because it looks like the re-open Saskatchewan plan is going according to schedule and vaccinations are proceeding at breakneck pace. We hope this means a return to “normal” and we get to enjoy our summer and adjust our businesses back to a closer to pre Covid stance. Concern because the industry is being hit with an unprecedented disruption in our supply chains. I am sure everyone has experienced drastic price increases, inability of suppliers to hold pricing and delayed delivery of materials which all cause great issues for existing contracts and tenders in the middle of a 60-day award period. MCA Sask and MCA Canada have been working with other associations to come up with some guidelines and potential tools to deal with the supply chain disruptions, please contact Carolyn for more information.
Over the past number of months, we have seen the move of Gas and Electrical inspections to TSASK and anticipate the move of plumbing from Health to TSASK before the end of 2021. MCA has been working closely with TSASK, providing input and suggestions and I think we have all been pleasantly surprised at how smooth the transition has gone. There is more work to do to ensure that MCA’s vision of a “one stop” model for permitting, licensing. inspections and enforcement across our disciplines is realized and the bureaucratic load on contractors is lessened.
Training and upgrading courses have been well received and well attended in 2021 and we are looking forward to very busy year in education and training. Kudos to the MCA staff for a job well done!
As always, your MCA Saskatchewan Board and committees are working hard on several initiatives and lobbying efforts in order to better our industry and our members. I encourage all members to write or call the MCA office or board members to voice their concerns and let us know what advocacy items you would like to see pursued.
I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all members to review and use the many advantage programs and training courses that MCA offers to maximize your benefits of being a member. Also keep your calendars open for some of the upcoming social activities (golf tournaments etc.) that allow us to network and brainstorm together to make our businesses and industry better. I look forward to seeing everyone again in person and meeting those I have not met yet over the course of my term as President.
Regards,
Ken Swann
President MCA Saskatchewan