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November 23, 2023

Fall Economic Statement Moves to Address Canadian Doubts About Housing Supply

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) released their Fall Economic Statement Update this week, revealing that the government's focus on addressing the housing crisis and costs are a top priority.

STC Mandatory for Four Mechanical Trades Dec 1

(Source: Skilled Trades BC)

Starting December 1st, 2023, Skilled Trades Certification will be 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.

MCAC and Stakeholders Urge Cost Reduction for Female-specific PPE

As PPE continues to post a safety issue to women in the trades, MCABC’s national organization, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) and key industry stakeholders are urging the federal government to explore initiatives that lower the expense of female-specific personal protective equipment (PPE).

On November 10, a pre-budget request was sent on behalf of the MCAC, its Women in Mechanical Contracting Committee, Canada’s Building Trades Unions, and the Canadian Construction Association.

World Toilet Day Raising Awareness for Global Sanitation

November 19th was #WorldToiletDay. The industry plays a pivotal role in accelerating change and creating innovative solutions to meet sanitation standards and needs.

Nov 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

MCABC is proud to support the Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA-BC) as our chosen charitable organization.

EVA-BC does valuable collaborative work to improve prevention and response systems that support communities impacted by gender-based violence, harassment, and hate.

Upcoming MCAC Webinar: Change Order Protocol

Changes to the scope of a project are almost inevitable and can occur on any construction project. The scale and number of these changes can significantly impact productivity and costs, and, if handled improperly, can lead to disputes or even litigation.

Join MCAC for a free webinar on the Change Order Protocol as well as more information to consider when dealing with Changes. MCABC was pleased to join its colleagues across Canada on development of this Change Order Protocol.

Date: December 7th, 2023

Time: 10-11 AM PST

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

Last Call to Purchase Tickets for MCABC's Christmas Cocktail Lounge

Kickstart the holiday season with MCABC and join a festive evening filled with delicious food, entertainment, and fun camaraderie. Bring your loved ones, your colleagues, or rally your entire team for a joyous celebration that brings industry peers together. ✨

Date: Wednesday, November 29th, 2023

Location: The Loft at Earls Yaletown, Vancouver, BC

Time: 5:30-8:30 PM

Growing a Mo this month? Show off your 'Staches in support of Movember at our upcoming Cocktail Lounge!

Registration closes Friday, November 24th @ 4:00 PM

Thank you to our sponsors!

Supporting Sponsor:

Entertainment Sponsor:

Bar Sponsors:

Save the Date for MCABC's 2024 Business Conference

You're Invited to Join the UA Local 170 Open House

Join for an afternoon of industry speakers, entertainment, and food.

When: December 13, 2023

Time: 12:00-4:00 PM

Mandatory certification program for Asbestos training

The BC government has introduced a mandatory certification for asbestos abatement workers and those likely to encounter asbestos in the construction industry.

Workers in British Columbia must acquire their asbestos abatement certification to work on sites with asbestos, while asbestos abatement contractors must ensure their workers are certified and licensed by WorkSafeBC by January 1, 2024.

Apprentices benefit employers in B.C.: study

People in British Columbia and employers will learn the economic value of apprenticeships, thanks to a study funded by the B.C. government and Canadian Apprenticeship Forum - Forum Canadien sur l’Apprentissage (CAF-FCA).

Municipalities can be held legally responsible for accidents on construction sites

Canada's Supreme Court new ruling has declared that municipalities may bear legal responsibility for construction site accidents, even without direct control over workers or the workplace. This ruling has made waves in the health and safety industry, sparking calls for a reassessment of due diligence practices.

CAF-FCA secures funding to advance women in the skilled trades

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA) has announced new partnership and funding that will play a pivotal role in accelerating CAF-FCA's DEI mandate to create more inclusive workplaces and ensure equitable opportunities in the trades for traditionally underrepresented individuals.

Parliamentary secretary's statement on Multiculturalism Week

Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives, has released the following statement in celebration of Multiculturalism Week, Nov. 19-25, 2023:

“In the third week of November, people throughout British Columbia celebrate Multiculturalism Week. This is a chance for us to come together and recognize the diverse cultures that have contributed to making B.C. the vibrant community it is today."

MCABC Upcoming Office Closure