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December 21, 2023

As we bid farewell to 2023, MCABC takes a moment to celebrate a remarkable journey marked by advocacy milestones, industry recognitions, educational initiatives, and successful collaborations. Join us as we dive into the highlights that made 2023 a year to remember!

Kim Barbero, MCABC CEO Wins Leader Category

MCABC is always ahead of the curve and this year, we celebrate our CEO Kim Barbero who won in the Leader Category in BC Business Women of the Year Awards. Kim was recognized for her incredible dedication and passion to moving MCABC and the mechanical contracting industry forward. Since joining MCABC in 2019, Kim has led initiatives to address some of our biggest challenges such as labour shortages, climate change and emerging technologies. Congratulations Kim!

Advocating for Change

In 2023, MCABC represented the interests of mechanical contractors at all levels of government and influenced regulatory and policy changes. To kick off the year, MCABC, along with fellow Associations, visited the BC legislature for a Day at the Leg to raise industry issues such as Prompt Payment, Climate Action, and Trades Training. In May, MCABC joined fellow MCA Associations in Ottawa for Day on the Hill to highlight key industry challenges.

To wrap up the year, Kim Barbero, CEO, with members of the Board attended the Cabinet and Premier luncheon and had an opportunity to connect with Premier David Eby and Minister Andrew Mercier to discuss industry challenges and opportunities.

Education Tailored to the Industry

In 2023, MCABC delivered education and professional development programs that enabled high standards of professional practice for mechanical contractors. MCABC hosted a series of #coffeetalks - virtual power hours led by industry experts and strategic partners where MCABC members can engage in discussion with fellow members on key topics and subject matter such as Mental Health, TSBC’s Advertising Guidelines, Decarbonization on Buildings, Cybersecurity, and ESG.

MCABC held industry-specific courses and sessions such as Medical Gas Installation, Dispatcher Training, the Business Case for BIM, and Estimating, as well as workshops and seminars in partnership with ECABC and RCABC to bring awareness to our joint initiative, the Risky Clauses program. Our biggest educational showcase and the first of our signature events of the year, the MCABC Business Conference, took place in Whistler where the industry gathered for two and a half days of education, learning, and connecting.

A New Dawn with NextGen Board and MCABC Board of Directors

2023 was an eventful year for our Board of Directors and we introduced a Next Gen Board! From strategy sessions in Whistler to Governance Training, our Board of Directors and Next Gen Board helped to lead the change and make meaningful impact in the industry.

Bringing Awareness to the Skilled Trades

In 2023, MCABC promoted career paths in the mechanical trades because they are fulfilling, challenging and rewarding financially. Our team participated in a Trade Showcase to promote the skilled trades and the mechanical contracting industry for students, teachers, and parents at School District 42. MCABC members also met with HVAC and Refrigeration students for the BCIT Collaboration Day. The MCABC team and member volunteers attended the MOSAIC Job Fair (with over 4000 attendees) to educate job seekers about the opportunities and careers in mechanical contracting.

Collaboration and Networking

MCABC hosted gatherings for our members, partners, and industry peers to socialize, reconnect, and establish new connections. Our signature event, the Business Conference in Whistler, was a huge success! Other social events included a Texas Hold'em Tournament, Night at the Nat, Next Gen Industry Pub Night, Pool Tournament, and our 2nd Signature Event, the Golf Classic, where over 300 attendees spent a beautiful day on the courses.

Most recently, we kickstarted the holiday season with our 3rd Signature event, the Christmas Cocktail Lounge, where over 150 of our members and industry peers gathered for an evening of networking and fun.

MCABC is broadening its reach throughout BC

We're excited to see what's in store for MCABC in 2024!

Renew your membership today

2023 has been a significant year for MCABC! MCABC is your go-to Association for everything ‘mechanical contracting’ – advocacy, education, and camaraderie. We have your back!

Be a part of shaping the future and leading the change in the mechanical contracting industry.

The deadline to renew your membership is January 1, 2024.

For inquiries, please contact Cathleen Basco, Manager, Membership and Events at cbasco@mcabc.org.

From the team at MCABC

B.C. expanding use of mass timber in buildings

Proposed changes to the building code will expand the use of mass timber to build taller buildings and to make stronger communities.

These changes will allow buildings, such as schools, shopping centres and housing to be built faster, leading to a better environment and economy.

Mental-health, substance-use supports available during holiday season

These challenges can adversely affect people’s mental health. If you are struggling emotionally or if you know someone who is, please reach out for help. Crisis supports and resources are available online, over the phone and in person.

Investment in residential building up across Canada, B.C.

StatsCan recently released a report showing that investment in residential construction for Canada increased 3.9% in October compared to September 2023, with British Columbia up by 3.6%.

New changes for Businesses in 2024

The CRA has compiled a list of resources that will affect business taxes in 2024.

See what's happening at MCABC in 2024

Save the date! We've got exciting education and events underway for next year. Check out our upcoming Education and Events.