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December 15, 2023

Do you have questions about STC? Join January’s Coffee Talk!

Effective December 1, Skilled Trades Certification (STC) was implemented for four Mechanical Trades:

• Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic
• Steam fitter/Pipefitter
• Gasfitter A/Gasfitter B
• Sheet Metal Worker

With regulations now in effect, the STC Advisory Team wants to share an implementation update, answer your questions, and share information regarding support resources. 

Leading the conversation about STC supports and implementation for Skilled Trades BC is Craig Woods, Manager of External Relations and his colleague Shaun Cox, Manager of Skilled Trades Certification.

Craig Woods, Manager of External Relations

Shaun Cox, Manager of Skilled Trades Certification

Date: Thursday January 25th, 2024
Time:  8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Where: Virtual (via Zoom)

WorkSafe BC announces public consultation on washroom facilities 

Following the provincial government's new legal requirement to have flush toilets on all construction sites with 25 workers or more, WorkSafeBC will be holding a public consultation on a draft regulatory change related to the new mandate. The Ministry has requested that the amended regulation be in place by May 1, 2024.

In January and February 2024, WorkSafe BC will be hosting additional public consultations on seat belts, tower cranes, and risk management. 

The federal government announces new prompt payment legislation 

On December 12, 2023, Public Services and Procurement Canada announced new federal legislation, Prompt Payment for Construction Work Act, came into effect on December 9, 2023.

Prompt Payment Legislation is an important piece of legislation for Canada’s construction industry and will introduce timelines, rules and certainty for payment and liens in all construction industry sectors, ensuring contractors & subcontractors are paid on time.

MCABC is working with our provincial counterparts to ensure that similar legislation is enacted in British Columbia.

MCAC delivers the Change Order Protocol 

On December 7, 2023, MCAC hosted an online seminar to provide information on the recent release of their Change Order Protocol. The purpose of a Change Order Protocol is to provide a fair and reasonable process for the costing of and pricing of Change Orders.

Changes Orders on a project can occur often and can significantly impact the overall costs of a project, therefore, it makes sense to develop a system to manage these cost changes. The online seminar provided an outline of the protocol, guiding principles, change orders, the impact of costs, the effect of changes on contract time, pricing and productivity.

Access the Change Order Protocol Guide and watch the Zoom recording here:

We value your contribution! Make a difference, Join a Committee

Excited about collaboration and innovation? We want volunteers to join our operational committees! We value your input and you will make a huge difference in MCABC initiatives, events, and education. We're looking for volunteers to join the following committees:

• Advocacy
• Education
• 2024 Conference Committee

For any questions, please contact Cathleen, Manager, Memberships and Events at cbasco@mcabc.org.

Join MCAC at the Emerging Leaders Conference and Student Chapter Summit

Join MCAC in Toronto as they host the 10th Annual Student Chapter Summit and the Emerging Leaders Conference from January 25th-27th, 2024.

This conference aims to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge to lead the mechanical construction industry into the next generation. The summit will host students from across Canada will come together to learn about the future of the mechanical contracting industry, technological advancements, and career choices..

Emerging Leaders Conference: January 26 & 27, 2024

Student Chapter Summit: January 25-27, 2024

Registration is now open! Join the WiMC Virtual Leadership Development Program Series

The first session of the MCAC’s Women in Mechanical Contracting (WiMC) Committee four (4) part Leadership Development Program series will kickoff in January.

These two-hour virtual sessions are conducted through Zoom, upon successfully finishing all four (4) modules, you will be awarded a certificate at the end of the series.

Date: Thursday, January 18, 2024

Time: 8:00-10:00 AM PST

New return-to-work requirements for employers and workers starting January 1, 2024

Starting January 1, 2024, employers and workers will have a legal duty to cooperate with each other and with WorkSafeBC in a worker’s timely and safe return to work following an injury, and certain employers will have an obligation to return injured workers to work in specific circumstances.

Prioritizing the construction sector through the BC PNP

25 construction occupations will be prioritized through the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), which started on November 16, 2023.

Learn more about the prioritization (Dated: November 16, 2023)

New rebates make healthier home heating more affordable

Keeping warm during winter will have a lower effect on air quality in B.C. as more incentives and education on replacing wood stoves with cleaner, healthier heating options roll out.

MCABC Upcoming Office Closure