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October 2, 2024

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On September 25th, SkilledTradesBC (STBC) conveyed to MCABC that the Plumber trade will be included in the Skilled Trades Certification (STC)-designation process. This follows a submission put forward by the MCABC Board of Directors in 2023. Read the full statement from CEO Kim Barbero.

Calling all women in mechanical contracting — Get involved and join MCAC's Women in Mechanical Contracting, a group dedicated to empowering women in the industry. WiMC is designed to support women in mechanical contracting through mentorship and professional development opportunities. Join now.

What steps are you taking to make your workplace healthier? This month is Healthy Workplace Month in Canada and MCABC invites you to join the challenge. Read on for activity ideas you can implement as a team to foster a healthy workplace.

Thanks for reading!

- Your MCABC team

A Statement from MCABC CEO Kim Barbero: Plumber trade to be included in Skilled Trades Certification

Get Involved — Join MCAC's Women in Mechanical Contracting (WiMC) Group

Are you looking to connect with fellow women in the mechanical contracting industry? Join the MCAC Women in Mechanical Contracting (WiMC) group—a vibrant community dedicated to empowering women in the field. WiMC is designed to support women in mechanical contracting through mentorship and professional development opportunities.

Why Join?

• Professional Development: Gain access to workshops, training, and resources tailored to help you succeed in your career.
• Mentorship: Benefit from the guidance and support of experienced professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by women in our field.
• Advocacy: Join us in advocating for greater representation and recognition of women in mechanical contracting.

Subscribe and join the Women in Mechanical Contracting group here:

WorkSafe BC Update & Resources: Washroom facilities at construction sites

The provincial government has announced changes to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation relating to washroom facilities at construction sites with 25 or more workers, effective October 1, 2024. The official wording of the changes can be found on the province’s website here. 

MCABC’s Board of Directors was pleased to be at the table for this discussion and landmark decision. This follows WorkSafeBC’s consultation with employers, construction-sector associations, unions, and workers.

Over the coming months, WorkSafeBC will continue to work with construction companies to ensure they are aware of the changes and able to implement the requirements. MCABC will continue to monitor and keep members updated. For more information and resources:

Update & Resources: Notice of Project – Tower Crane

As of October 1, 2024, every employer responsible for crane activity must submit a Notice of Project – Tower Crane (NOP-TC) to WorkSafeBC at least two weeks before crane activity begins. “Crane activity” includes erecting, climbing, repositioning, or dismantling a tower crane and must be done under the direction of a qualified supervisor.

In collaboration with BC Crane Safety, WorkSafeBC developed site binder templates to ensure compliance with the Notice of Project – Tower Crane (NOP-TC). For more information and resources:

October is Healthy Workplace Month in Canada

What steps are you taking to make your workplace healthier?

This October, we're committed to promoting the prioritization of health and well-being in the workplace. A healthy workplace, boosts morale, enhances productivity, and fosters a positive culture.

Send us a picture of your team participating in a Healthy Workplace activity for a chance to be featured in the Informer this month!

Check out the list of activities and resources to use in your workplace:

MCABC Members! Get ready to vote on October 19th

(Source: Elections BC - 2024 Provincial Election)

MCABC members – get ready for the upcoming provincial election. The 2024 BC election has been called. Final Voting Day is October 19, 2024.

If you need more information related to voting, check out Elections BC:

FREE ZebX Webinar: How Demand Response Can Support Electrification (with BC Hydro)

This one-hour webinar will focus on demand response, load shifting, generation and energy storage systems. Hear from BC Hydro as they share cost-effective solutions that organizations can implement to enable more electrification in their commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. Learn about existing programs that can help clients get rebates for battery and solar PV.

Date: Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

Time: 12-1 PM PDT

Location: Virtual

Recording: The Federal Plastics Registry – What Mechanical Contractors Should Know

In this webinar brought together by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada and McMillan LLP, lawyers from McMillan provided an overview on the Plastics Registry, considerations and potential implications for mechanical contractors.

MCAC Webinar recording now available

Watch Optimizing Shop Flow - New Industries and Markets for Mechanical Contractors Webinar on YouTube.

This webinar, featuring MCABC Director Steve Robinson, discusses the innovation and the progressive approach taken by a Canadian mechanical contractor using a collaborative welding robot.

Join our AI Workshop & Social, tailored for the industry!

Want to streamline your operations, improve your documentation and reporting, or enhance your business sales with the power of AI?

MCABC's NextGen Board is hosting its FIRST-ever AI educational workshop and social at one of Port Moody's vibrant bars, Rewind Beer Co. Dive into the world of AI and how to integrate ChatGPT by OpenAI in your workflow as a mechanical contractor.

Discover how to leverage ChatGPT by OpenAI through interactive demos and an engaging workshop session with Eduardo Garza, Founder and AI educator.

In this workshop, learn:

• The relevance of ChatGPT to the mechanical contracting industry
• Streamlining operations with ChatGPT
• Enhancing sales and marketing efforts in your business
• Improving documentation and reporting
• HR and Policy Management
• Advanced applications and projecting future trends

Whether you’re an AI pro or just looking to improve your workflow as a mechanical contractor, this is a great opportunity to gain knowledge and insights to AI tools.

This event is sponsored by:

Date: Tuesday, October 29th, 2024

Time: 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Rewind Beer Co., 2809 Murray St, Port Moody, BC V3H 1X3

Your ticket includes:

• Two (2) drink tickets + pizza
• Access to a customized AI workshop

Is your workplace ready for upcoming changes to the OHS Regulations? Learn more in our webinar with WorkSafeBC

Starting November 1, 2024, significant changes to British Columbia's Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Regulations pertaining to occupational first aid (OFA) will come into effect.

If you're an employer, HR professional, safety professional, or a mechanical contractor, find out what this means for you in our member-exclusive webinar with WorkSafeBC.

Date: Wednesday, October 16th, 2024

Time: 8:30 - 9:30 AM

Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

Master Project Success with Project Accounting for Contractors: Cost Control & Financial Reporting

Are you a Project Manager, Project Coordinator, Estimator, HR professional, or Business owner?

Unlock techniques to enhance project outcomes using accounting practices, cost controls, and financial reports with this three-day Gold Seal-Accredited course. Customized for mechanical contractors, don't miss out on this opportunity to gain project accounting essentials.

Upon completion, you can earn 4 Gold Seal Credits.

Date: Tuesday, October 22nd-Thursday, October 24th, 2024

Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Virtual

Gain key insights about Crane Safety at our November #coffeetalk

A growing number of crane incidents, including four earlier this year and one fatal incident, have prompted the industry to take action to improve crane safety. Join Jen Mutas, Field OHS Advisor at BC Crane Safety, to discuss crane safety and to learn more about how the team supports crane stakeholders, employers, and workers in BC.

This #coffeetalk is sponsored by Eagle West Crane & Rigging.

Date: Wednesday, November 6th, 2024

Time: 8:00 - 9:00 AM

Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

Eby pledges more training spaces for skilled trades in B.C.

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Rustad proposes local power generation plan for northwest B.C.

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