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Mar 17
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Susie makes a splash – and builds a shed – in BC

By News Releases

Vancouver, B.C. – Inspiring everyone to consider careers in the trades, in particular the mechanical contracting trades, the Mechanical Contactors Association of B.C. (MCABC) today announced the official launch of Susie’s Shed in B.C. as part of its BUY BOOKS for KIDS challenge.

Susie’s Shed, a Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) Women in Mechanical Contracting (WiMC) initiative, debunks the myth that girls don’t build, and shows the younger generations that construction is for everyone who enjoys working with their hands.

“Susie’s Shed is a colourful, joyful and inspiring story that overshadows stereotypes and creates excitement about an industry that is often not understood at an early age unless a parent is involved in one of the 10 mechanical trades,” says Kim Barbero, MCABC CEO. “Susie, through her bold, curious confidence, brings to life what is possible for those who work in the trades and the importance of their work in our everyday lives.”

MCABC is challenging Mechanical Contractors in B.C. to promote their trades and the industry by purchasing and sponsoring books for schools and youth organizations throughout B.C. MCABC will distribute the books and, in collaboration with interested schools and community groups, will organize readings.

Board Director and WiMC member, Maddie Davidson, kicked off the challenge by hosting a reading of Susie’s Shed at Davidson Bros. Mechanical in Burnaby.

“The BUY BOOKS for KIDS challenge will put copies of Susie’s Shed into the hands of the younger generations, introducing them to the possibilities within the skilled trades,” says Davidson. “I grew up in the industry so was fortunate to have a head start. Susie provides us an opportunity, together with parents, teachers, counselors and those working in the trades, to inspire the next generation.”

Help inspire the future of BC’s workforce – one book at a time:

About WiMC
MCAC’s Women in Mechanical Contracting is a forum through which women who work in mechanical construction share experiences, seize opportunities and learn skills that will help them advance their careers. It provides networking, education, mentoring and professional-development programs specifically dedicated to helping women in mechanical construction build long and productive careers in the industry.

About MCABC
The Mechanical Contractors Association of BC is the connection to industry excellence, delivering education and professional development programs and services that enable high standards of professional practice and business growth for mechanical contractors and their sub-trades.  Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, MCABC influences policy discussion and development in a sector that comprises the largest percentage of the construction industry’s skilled trades workforce. MCABC also represents suppliers and affiliates associated with the mechanical trades and maintains strong alliances with manufacturers to the industry.

Media Contact
Kim Barbero, CEO
604 205 5058
info@mcabc.org

News Release: Susie Makes a Splash – and Builds a Shed – in B.C.

Mar 14
Love0

A Statement from CEO Kim Barbero on BC’s Budget 2025

By Statements

Budget 2025, Brenda Bailey’s first budget as Finance Minister, focused on job protection, public services, healthcare, education, safety and social services. While it’s by no means a “splashy” budget, it is a conservative deficit budget compounded by the uncertainty of tariffs.

While the message was clear, for the mechanical contracting industry in BC it was somewhat sobering as the status quo budget did not respond to the importance of investment in the skilled trades workforce. It did, however, identify an annual contingency fund of $4 billion, providing an indication that the government may be open to new opportunities over the next three years.

“Trades training, certification and recruitment are a priority for MCABC, our member company owners and leaders. We need a pipeline of qualified skilled trades workers who can perform our province’s very important work,” said Kim Barbero, MCABC CEO.

“Mechanical contractors in BC make all builds work – hospitals, schools, homes and businesses. We touch every person in every community throughout BC. Without an investment in developing and advancing our industry’s skilled trades with improved and modernized training systems and clear and encouraged pathways for high school students, projects will continue to be delayed and exceed anticipated budgets.”

Budget 2025 did reinforce the government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of climate change reducing BC’s reliance on fossil fuels with a two-year, $100-million commitment for additional rebate programming for electric heat pumps for low and moderate income households.

To read the full BC budget summary: 2025 Budget and Fiscal Plan

Mar 04
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Register Now for the Mechanical Contracting Event of the Year

By Uncategorized

Vancouver, B.C. –  The mechanical contracting industry in B.C. will take center stage at this year’s Leadership Conference, June 11 – 13, in Nanaimo. MCABC annually presents the industry’s most in-depth education program delving into the pressing challenges affecting mechanical contractors.

“As the leaders of construction’s 10 primary trades, our industry’s company owners, senior and middle managers, as well as our project stakeholders, will lead the discussions on timely and relevant subjects of key importance to our industry,” said Kim Barbero. “We are broadening our focus this year to include the engineering, general contracting and development communities – all of whom are either a touchpoint or instrumental to the lifecycle of mechanical projects.”

This year’s theme is Mechanical Contractors Speak Up: Keeping It on Point. Industry leaders will host engaging and dynamic panels that explore best practices and share insights that enable the mechanical contracting industry and its stakeholders to continue to strengthen relationships and collaboration while advancing technological competencies and product development.

In addition to case studies and actionable takeaways, political correspondent Keith Baldrey will provide a political outlook and engage in a candid conversation, and author and speaker Mandy Gill will address how to reset with resilience.

As the conference’s educational programming continues to evolve, a welcome and gala event are being organized, along with customized sporting packages.

Early bird deadline is March 7. To learn more and register, visit: https://conference.mcabc.org/.

About MCABC
The Mechanical Contractors Association of BC is the connection to industry excellence, delivering education and professional development programs and services that enable high standards of professional practice and business growth for mechanical contractors and their sub-trades.  Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, MCABC influences policy discussion and development in a sector that comprises the largest percentage of the construction industry’s skilled trades workforce. MCABC also represents suppliers and affiliates associated with the mechanical trades and maintains strong alliances with manufacturers to the industry.

Media Contact
Sarah Kanakos
Manager, Marketing Communications
604 205 5058
info@mcabc.org

News Release: Register Now for the Mechanical Contracting Event of the Year