By / Jessica Kirby Editor, Sheet Metal Journal
In a thrilling drama of showpersonship and trash-talking, Canada has survived another federal election. On the lips of every candidate this past October were several typically Canadian topics: 1. the energy sector, 2. climate change, 3. infrastructure, and 4. all the skeletons waving from the other candidates’ closets. Yet, voters plowed through the rhetoric and cast their votes with an also typically-Canadian ferocity at around 64% eligible voter turnout, down three percent from last time. Despite stern warnings from the international community that Canada must take a strong stand on at least the first three of these issues, as a country we came together in our favourite place: the middle.
We proved we are aware of and in support of mitigating climate change, but not so much to vote outside the main party lines. We waved banners for economic development and supporting the energy sector but not enough to change the government completely. We showed support for infrastructure development and addressing the deficit, but also that any of the more-or-less-identical platforms on these subjects would do. And when it was all over we were left with a government that campaigns to the left and makes policies to the right, claiming the centrists’ throne in a country that shines internationally as peacekeepers who balance the congeniality of a treehugger with the brute resilience of a hockey centreman. We were left, above all else, true Canadians.
This means several great things for construction moving forward. It likely means a growing deficit that will spur growth in housing and infrastructure. It means the future of the energy sector as we know it might be a crapshoot for now, but this opens up intriguing possibilities about what might come next. It means anything you can do to green your projects, businesses, and homes will be a step forward for the entire global community, and will probably make or at least save you some dough. And most importantly, it means the stage for those willing to stand out with new ideas, fresh technology, and game-changing innovation is still clear and taking auditions on an on-going basis. What will you do to step forward into the limelight?
This issue of Sheet Metal Journal reviews another fabulous year at the SMACNA-BC Annual Golf Classic. Anyone who questions the legitimacy of golfing as a business activity need only look at the smiling faces (and shenanigans) in the photos beginning on page 6 to see there is no better way to connect with others than in the spirit of relaxation and friendly competition. Congratulations to this year’s raffle and skill winners, and I hope to see you at next year’s event.
Did you know that only about a quarter of young people thinking about their life-long working options are well- informed about a career in sheet metal? The rest are at the mercy of misinformation and agenda-driven advice, but our syndicated writer from Partners in Progress (pinp.org) sets the record straight in her article about Myths and Realties of a Sheet Metal Career on page 10.
The Sheet Metal Worker’s Training Centre and the Sheet Metal Industry Training Board celebrated monumental anniversaries in September, coinciding with the SMWTC’s launch of the UTIP program, which brings cutting edge training technology to the Centre. Read more on page 14 about how the event paid tribute to the past, present, and future of sheet metal.
And finally, we take a look at how industry can build stronger intergenerational partnerships and leverage the best of all worlds. Check out page 18 to see how experience, know-how, and an emotionally driven workforce can create great things.
Though you wouldn’t know if from looking outside, the end of the year is near. This is the last issue of Sheet Metal Journal-BC you will read in 2019, and I want to acknowledge the support we continue to receive from our advertisers, the sources who inform our articles, partnerships with other publications, and last but far from least, SMACNA-BC. These industry and community relationships continue to inspire our success and forward movement, and we appreciate each and every person who contributes.
Before the end of November, I will be asking our friends at SMACNA-BC to distribute the link to our third annual construction outlook survey for the sheet metal industry. The survey takes five minutes to complete (less if you don’t add comments), and it is the only local and specialized means by which we garner information about your interests, challenges, and successes. The results are tallied, and I report on them in the winter issue, providing readers with a sense of what contractors are thinking as we move into 2020. Your answers also form the basis of our editorial calendar as I strive to cover the issues most important to you. Why bother, you ask? Because it is the fair, right, and Canadian thing to do.
As the season changes and the holidays descend, we at Point One Media wish you a warm and happy season with much love, happiness, and prosperity moving into the new year. ■