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March 12, 2025

Hello,

The Canada-US trade dispute continues, and the situation is ever-evolving by the minute. On March 11, Trump confirmed the US is proceeding with a 25 percent tariff on steel, aluminum – not the fifty percent tariff. And, Ontario is suspending its promise to add a 25 percent surcharge on exports of electricity to some US states. MCABC is committed to keeping members up to date, read on for the latest developments.

Celebrate Women's History Month and join MCABC for an exclusive #coffeetalk on March 19. Engage with a panel of leaders and discuss how we can break down barriers and build a stronger, more inclusive future for the mechanical contracting industry. This session is exclusive and complimentary for members only — register now.

Lastly, we're excited to feature keynote speaker Jeff Butler, who'll be kicking off Day 2 of the 2025 Leadership Conference! A workplace strategist and author with global experience, Jeff specializes in navigating change across diverse workforces. Join MCABC on June 11-13 for an exciting lineup of speakers and panels. Early Bird pricing ends March 17 — get your tickets now.

Thanks for reading!

- Your MCABC team

On Tuesday, March 11, President Trump reversed his decision to increase tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent, just hours after initially announcing plans to double the 25 percent duties. This change followed Ontario's 25 percent tax on U.S. electricity exports. Trump confirmed the US is proceeding with 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum.

Here are the latest developments related to the Canada-US Trade Dispute:

• January 17: MCAC took the lead in writing a letter to Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, seeking exclusions on construction-related materials and goods from any retaliatory tariffs or Canadian countermeasures. The letter received support from and was cosigned by the Canadian Construction Association, the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, and the Canadian Water Quality Association.
• March 4: Canada imposed $30 billion in counter tariffs, with a second round of $125 billion delayed until April 2 for further negotiations with the U.S. The second round of tariffs could impact the construction industry and mechanical contracting sector; feedback is open until March 25, 2025.
• March 6: Just 48 hours after the US levied a 25 per cent tariff on all imports into the US, and the Canadian government responded with targeted counter tariffs, the Trump administration placed a pause on products that comply with the USMCA until April 2.
• March 6: The BC government introduced tariff-response legislation to provide the Province with new tools to defend B.C. jobs and businesses and respond to emerging challenges.
• March 7: The federal government is launching a more than $6-billion aid package for businesses impacted by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and relaxing some employment insurance (EI) rules to help workers.

MCABC continues to reinforce that now more than ever, as both Canada and the US grapple with infrastructure challenges, construction needs to thrive without unnecessary barriers such as tariffs.

Adaptable-dwelling, seismic provisions take effect March 10

As of Monday, March 10, 2025, New BC Building Code (BCBC) 2024 provisions for adaptable dwellings and seismic design have come into effect, with adaptable-dwelling requirements being gradually implemented.

After consulting the home-building community and recognizing current economic uncertainty, such as the recent U.S. tariff threat, the adaptable-dwelling requirements will be introduced in a phased approach, starting at 20% of units in large residential buildings, as opposed to the previously proposed 100%. This will help reduce potential costs associated with these changes, allowing for a balanced approach to phasing in adaptability requirements, while meeting the need for suitable, affordable housing.

To read the full release:

Last Chance! Join Our March 19th #coffeetalk on Women Leading Industry Change

This is your opportunity to engage with an insightful panel featuring Maddie Davidson (Davidson Bros. Mechanical), Helena Michelis (Entity Mechanical), and Brittany Manulak (Concept Mechanical Group). This #coffeetalk on March 19th will explore the unique challenges and opportunities that women or other underrepresented groups may face navigating a career in the trades. 

Together, we can break down barriers and build a stronger, more inclusive future for the mechanical contracting industry.

This session is exclusive and complimentary for MCABC members — share this #coffeetalk with your employees, team members, and colleagues! Click to learn more and join:

2025 Leadership Conference Speaker Spotlight: Jeff Butler

In his keynote, Redefining the Leader's Role: Driving Growth in a Rapidly Changing World, Jeff will dive into the roadmap that today's most disruptive companies use to empower leaders, navigate uncertainty, and drive growth in fast-evolving industries like mechanical contracting.

Don't miss out on Jeff's Keynote as well as our exciting lineup of speakers and panelists at the 2025 Leadership Conference happening June 11-13.

Thank you to our newest sponsors:

Mechanical Industrial Relations Association (MIRA)
The Home Depot Pro

Are you a MIRA member? Get your Conference registration covered!

Attention MIRA Members! The MIRA Board of Directors is pleased to offer MIRA members a significant subsidy that supports the registration and hotel stay for four employees per MIRA company to attend the MCABC Leadership Conference in Nanaimo from June 11 – 13th.

MIRA Members will have received an email on March 11 with further details.

Final Call! Early Bird Pricing Ends March 17 – Register Today

Secure your exclusive early bird tickets for MCABC's 2025 Leadership Conference NOW and save over 20% on your registration. This limited time offer is only available until Monday, March 17.

Tech Demo: The Galletti Cold Climate Heat Pump — April 17, 2025

Join ZEBx, MCABC, and BCIT for our tenth Tech Demo workshop at BCIT's Legendary High-Performance Building Lab in Burnaby.

As energy efficiency and carbon pollution become a standard consideration for new and existing buildings, the supply chain is responding with new products that make climate-friendly buildings more achievable than ever. One of the newest products that is now available to BC's building industry is the Galletti HTH HS line of electric air-to-water heat pumps, distributed by Riada Sales.

These heat pumps – which use lower GWP refrigerants – can generate 65°C (149°F) water at an ambient air temperature of -20°C, making them able to fully satisfy all space heating and/or domestic hot water requirements for new and existing large buildings across the province.

Early-bird tickets are just $20 until Thursday, April 3 by 11:59pm (Regular ticket price: $30). Don't miss out!

MCABC Staff Went Blue for World Plumbing Day

On World Plumbing Day (WPD), March 11, MCABC went "Blue for Plumbing" — bringing visibility to the essential work of our members!

WPD recognizes the critical role plumbing plays in safeguarding public health, fostering economic prosperity, and infrastructure development. From ensuring clean drinking water to supporting sustainable sanitation systems, plumbers are essential to our every day lives.

We celebrate the industry and the skilled tradespeople who deliver plumbing solutions for everyone! 

Next month is officially NextGen Month!

MCABC is excited to introduce NextGen Month, 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 - Surrey, BC

Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025

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

Mastering Blueprint Reading - Kelowna, BC

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025

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

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

Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025

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

#coffeetalk: A Conversation About Contracts

Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

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.

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