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December 7, 2023

MCABC Reinforces Industry Needs with Premier & Workforce Development Minister

Labour shortages, immigration, climate action and affordable housing were MCABC's focus at today's BC Chamber of Commerce Premier & Cabinet Luncheon at the Fairmont Waterfront. Members of MCABC’s Board of Directors and Advocacy Committee had an opportunity to raise awareness of the industry, the challenges and opportunities with Premier David Eby and Workforce Development Minister Andrew Mercier.

It was a pleasure to meet and join representatives from the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME), the Kamloops & District, Comox Valley and South Surrey and White Rock Chambers of Commerce and Minister Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture & Food.

L-R: Steve Robinson (Board of Director, MCABC), Premier David Eby, Kim Barbero (CEO, MCABC), Simon Miller (Board of Director/Vice Chair, MCABC)

L-R: Kim Barbero (CEO, MCABC), Workforce Development Minister Andrew Mercier, Simon Miller (Board of Director/Vice Chair, MCABC), Summer Nicholl (Board of Director, MCABC), Steve Robinson (Board of Director, MCABC)

Payment Certainty for Contractors an MCABC priority

MCABC, in collaboration with ECABC, BCCA and key industry stakeholders, is elevating action on the prompt payment file. As a result of our joint communication in October, consultative workshops are again underway and we are optimistic the engagement will lead to the introduction of legislation in BC.

Thank you to BCCA for supporting the development of the Cross-Jurisdictional Analysis.

Make a difference, Join a Committee

Excited about collaboration and innovation? We want volunteers to join our operational committees. Your participation is instrumental in making a difference for our organization's initiatives, events, and education dedicated to the industry. We have the following committees available:

• Advocacy
• Education
• 2024 Conference Committee

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

Have you renewed your membership yet?

We've made significant strides in advocacy, driving industry direction, and gaining recognition as collaborative partners. This year's focus included addressing labor shortages, advancing trades training, supporting modernized construction sites, and championing innovation.

Be a part of shaping the future of the industry by renewing your membership for 2024. Benefit from tailored education and professional development, industry networking events, and advocacy to improve the standards of industry practices. We want to ensure our collective success in driving excellence together, and we look forward to another year of 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.

Canada Launches New 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline

In the industry, we recognize the significance of mental health support and safety. The new 988 number will provide immediate, 24/7 support via call or text to individuals facing mental health crises.

MCAC will soon have a toolkit made available to share to help raise awareness on this important initiative.

We've officially kickstarted the holiday season!

Thank you to everyone who attended the MCABC Christmas Cocktail Lounge Nov 29 at the Loft in Yaletown. The near sell-out crowd raised over $8,700 for the Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA-BC) and our sponsors pulled out all stops to make it a memorable and magical event.

Thank you to our sponsors

Supporting Sponsor: Skilled Trades BC
Entertainment Sponsor: Fortify Wellness Administered by ICBA Benefits
Bar Sponsors: Sierra Distributors Ltd. and Victaulic
Door Prize Sponsor: Bibby Ste-Croix

STC Now Mandatory for Four Mechanical Trades

(Source: Skilled Trades BC on LinkedIn)

Skilled Trades Certification is now mandatory for seven trades, including four mechanical trades. If you're a worker or employer in the mechanical trades, learn how this implementation can impact you.

Secure your spot at the MCAC Emerging Leaders Conference

Professionals under 40 can engage in face-to-face interactions and acquire valuable skills from industry leaders and experts. This conference aims to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge to lead the mechanical construction industry into the next generation.

Date: January 26 & 27, 2024

WiMC: Virtual Leadership Development Program Series

Mark your calendars! Registration will open soon for MCA Canada’s Women in Mechanical Contracting Committee four (4) part Leadership Development Program series.

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.

The first session will begin in January 2024:

Date: Thursday, January 18, 2024

Time: 8:00-10:00 AM PST

New subcontract available on the Member Hub

Through MCABC's Risky Clauses program run jointly with ECABC (Electrical Contractors Association of BC) and RCABC (Roofing Contractors Association of BC), MCABC members have access to sample contracts that have been analyzed by lawyers.

Do you have a contract you would like to be vetted? MCABC works on this joint initiative with ECABC and RCABC to protect the interests of its members.

Changes to Technical Safety BC advertising guidelines for Licensed contractors

Members are encouraged to review Technical Safety BC's regulation changes to advertising for licensed contractors.

Three reappointments made to WorkSafeBC board

Three directors have been reappointed to WorkSafeBC’s governance board. The WorkSafeBC board of directors serves as steward of WorkSafeBC and the workers’ compensation system.

Public review on proposed changes to 2020 National Model Codes

The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes invites code users and the public to participate in the national fall public review of proposed changes to the 2025 National Model Codes until December 18, 2023.

New code will make buildings safer, more accessible and resilient to climate change

The Province adopted the British Columbia Building and Fire Codes (BC Codes 2024) to provide people with a greater level of building safety and to make new buildings more sustainable, resilient and accessible.

Premier’s statement on National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women 

Premier David Eby issued on December 6th the following statement on National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

MCABC Upcoming Office Closure