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February 26, 2025

Hello,

Tariffs are top of mind as US President Donald Trump says on March 4 he will go forward with a 25 per cent tariff on most imports from Canada. MCABC stands with our partners to reinforce that now more than ever, construction needs to thrive without unnecessary barriers such as tariffs. As the situation concerning the US tariffs continues to evolve, MCABC will provide updates – read on for more info.

The countdown is on — save over 20% by booking your conference passes early as early bird registration ends next week. This is your exclusive opportunity to connect with industry experts, learn insights, and help shape the future of the mechanical contracting industry. Don't miss out on savings – act fast to secure your spot and save.

Lastly, we're excited to introduce NextGen Month happening in April, brought to you by MCABC's NextGen Board. Throughout the month, the NextGen Board will host a series of events, educational sessions, exclusive content, and more, all aimed at spotlighting and bringing together emerging leaders shaping the future of mechanical contracting.

Thanks for reading!

- Your MCABC team

HSL Automation Ltd. is a privately-owned Western Canadian distributor, custom panel builder and service provider of electrical products, including AC and DC variable speed drives, soft starters, active and passive power quality products, electric motors, and motor control centres.

Crane Supply

Crane Supply is a national wholesale distributor of pipes, valves, fittings, and associated products with branches across Canada. They service industrial and commercial contractors, industrial maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), fabricators, engineering procurement and construction firms, and more.

Last Chance to Save: Early Bird Pricing Ends March 7

The countdown is on — save over 20% by booking your conference passes now. Early bird registration ends next week!

The MCABC 2025 Leadership Conference, Mechanical Contractors Speak Up: Keeping It On Point, is your exclusive opportunity to connect with industry experts, learn insights, and help shape the future of the mechanical contracting industry. Plus, early bird registration ends next week on March 7 – act fast to secure your spot and save.

Date: Wednesday, June 11th - Friday, June 13th, 2025

Location: Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 101 Gordon St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J8

On February 24, US President Donald Trump said he will go forward with a 25 per cent tariff on most imports from Canada next week and the federal government has crafted a plan to slap retaliatory tariffs on up to $155 billion worth of American goods.

According to the Business Council Of British Columbia (BCBC), BC isn't starting from a strong economic platform, but the government has a three-pronged approach to the threat of US tariffs: respond to the threat, strengthen the economy, and diversify export markets. To read the full report: Strengthening B.C.’s Economy Amid U.S. Tariff Threats.

MCABC reinforces MCAC’s statement on the recently imposed aluminum and steel tariffs – “Now more than ever, as both Canada and the United States continue to deal with infrastructure and housing challenges, construction needs to thrive without unnecessary barriers such as tariffs.”

As the situation concerning the US tariffs continues to evolve, MCAC has provided the following updates:

• Advocacy Updates – Responding to US Tariffs
• January 17 Letter to Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc
• Industry Practices Bulletin – Progress Payments on Material Deposits

Read more on the list of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs.

MCABC Introduces NextGen Month coming this April

MCABC is excited to introduce NextGen Month happening in April, brought to you by MCABC's NextGen Board.

Our NextGen Board is dedicated to helping young professionals in the mechanical contracting industry grow their network, advance their careers, and develop leadership skills.

Throughout April, the NextGen Board will host a series of events, educational sessions, exclusive content, and more, all aimed at spotlighting and bringing together emerging leaders shaping the future of mechanical contracting.

Take a sneak peak at what's happening in April:

Mastering Blueprint Reading — Essential for all Mechanical Contractors

In this workshop, attendees will learn about:

• The different types of Mechanical Drawings (plan view, elevation view, details, schedules, and isometric)
• Fundamentals and tips for reading Mechanical Drawings
• The Mechanical Scope information needed for Architectural, Structural, Electrical, Civil, and Landscape Drawings
• Mechanical design deliverables and milestones for Design-Build drawings (SD, DD, CD, IFC)

This course will be offered in two locations:

Surrey, BC

Date: Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 from 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Location: Simon Fraser University, Surrey Campus Room: SRYC3040 (Surrey Central Building), 13450 102nd Avenue

Kelowna, BC

Date: Thursday, April 10th, 2025 from 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Location: Okanagan College (Kelowna Campus) Room: HS301 1000 KLO Rd. Kelowna RC V1Y 4X8

Shaping the Future: Spotlighting the Next Generation of Mechanical Contractors

MCABC is excited to spotlight emerging NextGen professionals. Each week throughout the month of April, hear from four dynamic mechanical contracting professionals as they share their unique stories, experiences, and insights about their careers in the industry.

MCABC to be at Skills Canada BC Provincials Trades & Technology Competition in April

The team at MCABC is excited to return to the 2025 Skills Canada BC Provincial Trades & Technology Competition, where over 500+ competitors will compete in 50+ trades and technology competitions. MCABC is thrilled to participate in this valuable educational event as a Pathway sponsor and exhibitor. Learn more about the event here:

Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Location: Abbotsford Tradex (1190 Cornell St, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6H5)

We've got more exciting NextGen content and events underway —
stay tuned for more details!

Protect Your Business — Understanding the Risks of Owner-Sourced Materials

More owners and general contractors are taking the lead on sourcing equipment and materials for construction projects—are you prepared for the impact?

ECABC, MCABC and RCABC have partnered with Dr. Awad Hanna, one of North America’s premier educators in construction, to lead a virtual seminar of the risks of direct sourced materials for trade and subcontractors, and to share some mitigation techniques you can implement to reduce your exposure on these projects. 

Date: Friday, March 7, 2025

Time: 9:00 - 10:30 AM

Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

Save the Date July 31 — MCABC Okanagan Tee Off

Mark your calendars for July 31—MCABC is expanding its premier golf event to the Okanagan! Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting event, nestled in the heart of one of BC's most scenic regions. More details on registration to be shared soon.

More Spots Now Available — MCABC Bonspiel for Competition, Networking, and Fun

Great news: We've got more spots available for the MCABC Bonspiel! Don't miss out on this opportunity to compete and connect with fellow members.

Gather your team, bring your skills, and prepare to sweep the ice. Sign up today and secure your spot.

Date: Friday, March 21st - Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 

Location: Vernon Curling & Athletic Club, 3400 39 Ave, Vernon, BC V1T 6M4

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