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March 5, 2025

Hello,

On March 4, Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs took effect on most imports from Canada and the federal government responded with retaliatory tariffs on up to $155 billion worth of American goods. As both Canada and the United States are grappling with infrastructure and housing challenges, construction needs to thrive without unnecessary barriers such as tariffs.

Also on March 4, the BC Government released the Budget 2025 and Fiscal Plan. Brenda Bailey’s first budget as Finance Minister, focused on job protection, public services, healthcare, education, safety and social services. While it’s by no means a “splashy” budget, it is a conservative deficit budget compounded by the uncertainty of tariffs. Read MCABC CEO Kim Barbero's full statement below.

MCABC is excited to host a panel for this month's member-exclusive #coffeetalk in recognition of Women in Construction Week (March 2-8), International Women's Day (March 8), and Women's History Month. Don't miss out on this insightful session where we discuss how to break down barriers and build a stronger, more inclusive future for the mechanical contracting industry.

Thanks for reading!

- Your MCABC team

On March 4, Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs took effect on most imports from Canada and the federal government responded with retaliatory tariffs on up to $155 billion worth of American goods - $30 billion beginning today and $125 billion to follow.

MCABC reinforces that now more than ever, as both Canada and the United States are grappling with infrastructure and housing challenges, construction needs to thrive without unnecessary barriers such as tariffs. Tariffs will further degrade housing affordability and contribute to inflation on both sides of the border.

The BC government’s response to the Trump tariffs is focused on growing a strong economy, finding new trade partners, protecting core services, and defending workers and businesses. Read more on the list of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs.

MCABC CEO Kim Barbero in Victoria for BC 2025 Budget

(Top photo: MCABC CEO Kim Barbero, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix/Left to Right: Honourable Premier David Eby, Minister of Environment and Parks Tamara Davidson, Minister of Health Josie Osborne, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Diana Gibson)

MCABC's CEO, Kim Barbero, had an opportunity to talk about our industry with provincial leaders, the Honourable Premier David Eby, Minister of Health Josie Osborne, Minister of Environment and Parks Tamara Davidson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Diana Gibson, and Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix to emphasize the critical role the Mechanical Contracting industry plays in BC's economy prosperity and the delivery of critical infrastructure projects.

In her discussion with Premier David Eby, Kim emphasized the industry's urgent need for more skilled tradespeople and the importance of MCABC's involvement to modernize trades training in BC.

BC Budget 2025 Update & MCABC CEO Statement

Read the full statement below:

Prompt Payment — Send a Letter to your MLA

(Source: BC Construction Association - LinkedIn)

On behalf of Mechanical contractors in BC and in collaboration with the BC Construction Association (BCCA) and the Electrical Contractors Association of BC (ECABC), MCABC continues to advocate for Prompt Payment legislation in BC.

BCCA’s NEW Prompt Payment Campaign encourages everyone to get involved to by sending a letter to your local MLA.

Meet the Women Leading the Change in the Industry — Join March's #coffeetalk

Join MCABC for an insightful panel featuring Maddie Davidson (Davidson Bros. Mechanical), Helena Michelis (Entity Mechanical), and Brittany Manulak (Concept Mechanical Group). This #coffeetalk 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.

Early Bird ends IN TWO DAYS! Grab your tickets now!

It's your last chance to save on tickets for the 2025 Leadership Conference — Early Bird pricing officially ends this March 7.

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.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Vaughan Ventures
Concept Mechanical Group
Victaulic

Registration closes March 6 at 12pm — Understanding the Risks of Owner-Sourced Materials

Date: Friday, March 7, 2025 from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

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 - Surrey, BC

Date: Wednesday, April 9th, 2025

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

Mastering Blueprint Reading - Kelowna, BC

Date: Thursday, April 10th, 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.

Milwaukee Tool, founded in 1924, is a global leader in innovative solutions for professional construction trades, enhancing productivity, durability, and safety. Known for its world-leading cordless systems, Milwaukee offers cutting-edge jobsite lighting, safety solutions, hand tools, accessories, and more.

Live updates as Canada fights against 25% U.S. tariffs and braces for economic pain

Premier’s statement on tariffs imposed by the U.S.

B.C. takes aim at subsidized U.S. diesel flooding provincial market

Kelowna's Development Future In Jeopardy Due To Insufficient Electrical Capacity