MCAC November 2023 Update

November 14, 2023

MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
November 2023 Update

MCAC ELECTS CHARLIE WEBB AS PRESIDENT AND CHAIR

At its 2023 Annual General Meeting, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) elected Charlie Webb, President and CEO of Anderson Webb Limited in Sarnia, Ontario, as President and Chair of the MCAC Board of Directors for 2023-2024. He is preceded by Derek Ermen of Moncton, New Brunswick.

"I am very excited to be stepping into the role of MCAC President during this busy and transformative time for the mechanical contracting sector in Canada," said Webb. "Across the country our industry is dealing with unique challenges alongside exciting opportunities. Our sector has an essential part to play for a healthy Canadian economy, and our association is well-positioned to maximize that role on behalf of our members."

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MCAC APPROVES A POLICY STATEMENT ON THE CREDENTIALING OF TRADESPEOPLE
In response to a concerning trend to propose rapid training and accreditation programs to build workforce capacity, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada Board of Directors approved and adopted the following policy statement:

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada endorses and supports the existing training and accreditation regime in Canada for skilled tradespeople employed in the mechanical trades, believing that the introduction of any micro-credential should augment existing trade tickets, and not serve as an eligible substitute for a trade ticket in the Place of the Work.

The association would recommend contacting MCAC staff for any additional clarification on the policy statement as presented.

MCAC GARNERS MULTI-STAKEHOLDER SUPPORT FOR WOMEN-PPE RECOMMENDATION

During the Department of Finance's most recent prebudget consultation process, MCAC recommended that the federal government implement a tax incentive program - modeled after the tradespersons' tools deduction - to support women and businesses in offsetting the higher costs of gender-specific PPE for women.

Most recently, MCAC circulated an additional letter to several government departments outlining this ask, with support from the following organizations:

• Canada's Building Trades Unions
• Canadian Construction Association
• Canadian Association of Women in Construction
• Canadian Roofing Contractors Association
• Ontario General Contractors Association

Please do not hesitate to reach out to MCAC to receive a copy of the letter, or if you are interested in further supporting this initiative.

MCAC PROVIDING SECTOR REPRESENTATION ON BUILDFORCE CANADA IMMIGRATION REPORT

As Canada's construction industry continues to grapple with acute labour shortages, immigration is often viewed as a potential solution to address capacity issues. The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada, together with several like-minded associations, is providing a sectoral viewpoint to BuildForce Canada as it develops a new report on the state of immigration with respect to the Canadian construction industry.

The purpose of this report is to explore the current state of immigration as it applies to the construction sector, including immigration as a solution to demographic challenges across Canadian labour markets, labour-market outcomes for immigrants who work in construction in Canada, and pathways into the Canadian construction sector from abroad. The report will seek to provide recommendations to the government that are aimed at addressing systemic weaknesses and closing gaps in the current immigration system.

PLANNING UNDERWAY FOR 2024 EMERGING LEADERS/STUDENT CHAPTER SUMMIT

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada is looking forward to opening registration in the next 7-14 days for the 2024 Emerging Leaders Conference/Student Chapter Summit, being held in Toronto January 26-27, 2024.

For the first time, these two events will be held at the same time, providing opportunities for the future leaders to engage with current and emerging leaders in the mechanical contracting sector.

NEW TASK FORCES AT THE MCAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The MCAC Board of Directors agreed to strike three new task forces to deal with the following topics, with the listed individuals as members:

• MCAC Change Order Protocol Education and Toolkit
  • Brad Mason, Manitoba; Derek Ermen, New Brunswick; Carolyn Bagnell, Saskatchewan; Staff Liaison - Ken Lancastle
• A Guide to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance Policies) in Procurement
  • Eric Niemi, Ontario; Nadine Fullarton, New Brunswick; Staff Liaison - Ken Lancastle
• Industry Partnerships/Collaboration
  • Brad Mason, Manitoba; Joe Givens, Ontario; Ramona Coey, Manitoba; Charles Savoie, Nova Scotia; Staff Liaison - Tania Johnston

MCAC BOARD PLEDGES CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR 988 SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE

With the anticipated rollout in late-November of the 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline, MCAC has developed materials that can be shared across the country and with members to help promote the phone line. The MCAC Board has approved the material, and more information will be sent out on how to order or utilize the marketing material.

DAVE HOLEK HONOURED AS MCAC LIFE MEMBER

During the Opening Breakfast of its 2023 Annual National Conference, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada announced Dave Holek as the newest recipient of the Life Member Award with the Association. Holek, having served as MCAC Chair for two consecutive terms during the pandemic, was recognized for his ongoing commitment to his local, provincial and national associations.

 

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