Skills Training Attributed to Securing BC’s Future

Kim Barbero, MCABC CEO; Honourable Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance

MCABC CEO Kim Barbero was in Victoria for Budget 2026. While the province’s deficit was top of mind, as were the protection of investments for core services and cuts in government staffing, the below highlights subjects that have direct relevance to MCABC members in their capacity as owners and leaders in the mechanical contracting industry.

Highlights include $283 million in trades training funding over three years, the introduction of a temporary Manufacturing and Processing Investment Tax Credit effective April 1, a strong commitment to continued infrastructure development in the capital plan, and an expansion of PST to additional professional services. For full details and member implications, please kindly read the full update below.

FULL UPDATE

💡In the Industry Spotlight: MCABC 2026 Leadership Conference

MCABC 2026 Leadership Conference is shaping up to be the industry event of the year, bringing B.C.’s contractors, partners, and decision-makers together at a pivotal moment for the mechanical contracting sector.

🚨 Tradeshow exhibit space is nearly sold out, with sponsorships and Tech Tables going fast. Space is filling quickly.

Under the theme Build for What’s Next, this year’s conference tackles the forces reshaping the industry, with featured voices including fintech trailblazer Anna Sainsbury and veteran political journalist Keith Baldrey. A new feature on SiteNews offers a closer look at what attendees can expect and why this conversation matters right now

⚠️ Early-bird registration ends February 28, now just 10 days away. Preferred hotel rates at the Westin Bayshore are also limited.

FULL FEATURE

2026 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

MIRA Member Subsidy Available for Leadership Conference

MIRA members are encouraged to take advantage of a valuable subsidy for the MCABC Leadership Conference. The MIRA Board of Directors is supporting strong member participation by covering the Early Bird rate for up to five people per company — but the deadline is fast approaching.

What does the subsidy cover?

Up to $5,399 + GST (Early Bird Member Group of 5, per company)
$1,199 + GST per person (Early Bird Full Delegate Pass, for fewer than five attendees)

To qualify, register and pay online at the Early Bird rate and ensure all attendees sign in onsite. Early Bird pricing ends February 28. Please contact Kim Barbero, MIRA Manager, if you have any questions.

Register Now for Project Management in Mechanical Contracting — Early Bird Pricing Ends Soon

Developed in collaboration with MCAC, the University of Waterloo, and several top trainers in our industry, this program is designed to help professionals strengthen their planning, leadership, and project delivery skills.

Learn how to drive meaningful improvements in your company's project management processes, optimize project planning and control to positively impact your company's bottom line, and take ownership of projects from bid to completion with a business-first approach.

Includes a 10-Day Gold Seal Accredited Course, University of Waterloo Certificate, course manual, and lunch & beverages each day.

Don’t miss Early-Bird Pricing — available until March 2, 2026.

☕ Confused About Press Connect Fittings? We’re Brewing Answers at February's #CoffeeTalk

This month’s #CoffeeTalk takes a closer look at the uncertainty surrounding press connect fittings across B.C., with a focus on the municipal reality in Surrey and Kelowna. Representatives will outline current protocols, expectations, and approval pathways.

While MCABC continues to advocate on your behalf, this session is designed to provide practical, first-hand clarity you can use right now. Learn what is and isn’t acceptable, whether alternate solution pathways exist, and what timelines to expect for reviews and approvals.

👉 Free member-exclusive session. This is one you won’t want to miss.

📊 Member-Exclusive Webinar on Procurement

After analyzing thousands of businesses, Kojo, the construction procurement platform, identified a repeatable seven-step procurement process that keeps projects on time, on budget, and operating with lower overhead, even amid supply chain challenges.

In this member-exclusive webinar, Jeremy Taylor, Sales Manager at Kojo, will share insights drawn from conversations with over 2,000 contractors, including:

the complete seven-step procurement framework
why many companies still lack a formal process and how this impacts profitability
practical ways to reduce material costs and improve field productivity

💰Complimentary for members. Turn procurement into a competitive advantage.

Building Awareness for Tomorrow’s Mechanical Contractors

At the SD42 Skilled Trades Showcase in January, MCABC highlighted the 11 trades we represent, giving students and families a clearer picture of the opportunities shaping B.C.’s built environment.

Creating early awareness is critical to strengthening the skilled trades pipeline. Helping young people see the scope, technology, and career mobility within the mechanical contracting sector supports a diverse, skilled workforce ready to build and maintain the infrastructure our province depends on.

FULL RECAP