Vancouver, B.C. — Today, September 18, the Mechanical Contractors Association of British Columbia (MCABC) is pleased to share several significant provincial and federal announcements affecting our industry.
The updates include the Province’s decision to pause the planned expansion of the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) to professional services, new supports for businesses affected by U.S. tariffs, and a federal announcement on skilled trades workforce development and apprenticeships through the Team Canada Strong initiative.
B.C. Pauses Planned PST Expansion to Professional Services
Premier David Eby at UBCM.
MCABC CEO Kim Barbero attended this week’s Union of BC Municipalities Convention (UBCM) in Vancouver and was present today for Premier David Eby’s address and important announcements regarding a “pause” of the planned October expansion of the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) to professional services and new supports for businesses affected by U.S. tariffs.
“MCABC applauds the provincial government’s decision to pause the planned October expansion of the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) to professional services,” says Barbero. “The speed with which the business environment is changing is swift, and the pressure on our business owners to pivot is significant during this time of escalating trade and economic uncertainty.”
B.C. Announces New Supports for Businesses Affected by U.S. Tariffs
The provincial government has also announced new supports for businesses and communities affected by U.S. tariffs, including additional funding for existing programs and access to free business advisory services.
The measures include:
- An additional $30 million for the renewed BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to help businesses invest in equipment, technology, infrastructure, productivity improvements, local supply chains, and market expansion.
- An additional $30 million for the Integrated Marketplace initiative to help B.C. technology companies commercialize innovations and bring new technologies to market.
- An additional $15 million for the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program to support regional economic infrastructure that attracts investment and creates jobs.
- $15 million to expand the BuyBC program beyond agriculture and help more B.C. products reach non-U.S. markets through increased international promotion.
Business owners are encouraged to contact the Province’s advisory services at Business.Advisors@gov.bc.ca for guidance on available programs and supports.
Team Canada Strong: New Investments in Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships
Representatives from the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) were invited to attend today’s federal Team Canada Strong announcement and discuss the program with The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, alongside Parliamentary Secretary Leslie Church, who hosted MCAC‘s Day on the Hill Reception in April.
In addition to supporting the Team Canada Strong initiative and the promotion of Red Seal trades, particularly “growth-critical” mechanical trades, MCAC reiterated its support for the Productivity Mega Deduction announced earlier this week.
The following are some of the key details from the announcement:
- Beginning in early 2027, young Canadians will be able to access paid job placements of up to four months to gain hands-on experience and explore careers in the trades. The government has announced an $880 million investment over five years to support this program.
- Tradespeople who complete an apprenticeship and earn certification in one of the eligible Red Seal trades designated within their province or territory will be able to apply for a $5,000 completion bonus later this fall. The bonus will also be available to those who received their certification on or after April 1, 2025.
- The Build Canada Apprenticeship Service, launching later this fall, will help connect apprentices with jobs at small and medium-sized employers. Employers who hire a first-year apprentice in an eligible Red Seal trade can receive up to $10,000 to support their hiring and help apprentices continue their training.
- The Apprenticeship Training Grant, expected to launch in spring 2027, will provide eligible apprentices attending mandatory in-class technical training with a $400 weekly top-up in addition to Employment Insurance. This support will help apprentices reduce the financial pressures that can come with attending technical training, so they can complete their training and transition into permanent jobs. The grant will apply to eligible weeks of technical training that begin on or after January 3, 2027.
Also of note, discussions are underway with provinces and territories on new bilateral agreements that will provide $2 billion in federal funding to expand access to pre-apprenticeship and technical training.
As part of the announcement, MCAC CEO Tania Johnston and COO Ken Lancastle met with the Minister to share their support for the federal government’s initiatives. They also raised questions regarding how the proposed four-month job placement program will address compulsory trades and the provincial authorization requirements that are necessary to work in those trades.
With Parliament set to resume on Monday and Liberal caucus meetings taking place over the weekend, MCAC continues to advance advocacy efforts on behalf of the mechanical contracting industry while engaging federal decision-makers on workforce development and skilled trades priorities.
About MCABC
The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the only dedicated representative for the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia—the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.
Media Contact
Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058
