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MCABC

Apr 29
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MCAC Congratulates PM Carney and the Liberal Party on Election Victory

By Latest, News Releases

Ottawa, ON – The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) is extending congratulations to Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada on their election victory, as the association looks forward to working with all elected Members of Parliament to build a stronger and more resilient Canadian economy.

“First and foremost, Canada’s mechanical contracting industry would like to congratulate all elected MPs on their election last night,” said Tania Johnston, MCAC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Last night’s election and Parliamentary makeup demonstrates just how important it will be to work together with all stakeholders across the country to address the needs of the Canadian economy. Canada’s mechanical contractors are ready to be essential partners in this endeavour.”

In the lead-up to the federal election, MCAC launched the ‘Build Canada Now’ campaign, calling for targeted support for the mechanical contracting sector and its workforce. This included support for “Growth-Critical Trades” employed by mechanical contractors, and improving the business environment for trade contractors who are actively engaged in building the critical infrastructure and housing necessary for economic growth.

“There are two choices for this next government,” Johnston continued. “They can choose to support our essential industry, which is critical to the Canadian economy, or they can choose to allow conditions to worsen through inaction. Canada needs mechanical contractors to build a stronger and more resilient economy, and our sector needs a federal government who is prepared to ‘Build Canada Now.’”

The mechanical contracting sector in Canada is vital to the performance of the Canadian construction industry, employing more than 227,000 on- and off-site jobs across the country. In addition, the sector alone contributes more than $30 billion to the Canadian economy.

About the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada, established in 1895, is the unified voice of the mechanical contracting industry. Our members are contractors of all sizes engaged in such disciplines as plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, controls systems, medical gases, welding, and fire suppression primarily within the industrial, commercial, institutional and service sectors.

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

Mar 17
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Susie Makes a Splash – and Builds a Shed – in B.C.

By Latest, 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
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Statement from CEO Kim Barbero on BC’s Budget 2025

By Latest, Statements

Vancouver, B.C. – 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

Sep 25
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Statement from CEO Kim Barbero on Plumbing Trades Designation

By Latest, Statements

Vancouver, B.C. – We are pleased to share that STBC conveyed to MCABC on Sept 25th that the Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills has indicated that the Plumber trade will be included in the STC-designation process.

Read the full statement from MCABC CEO Kim Barbero:

We’ve been heard! Plumber trade to be included in STC trades designation process.

In response to our nomination, MCABC has been advised by STBC that the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills has indicted that the Plumber trade will be moving forward in the designation process. Also included from the mechanical trades will be: Sprinkler Fitter and Insulator (Heat & Frost). This would bring to seven the number of certified mechanical trades. Already STC certified are the following mechanical trades: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Gasfitter A & B, Steamfitter/Pipefitter and Sheet Metal Worker.

“This is an important and necessary advancement resulting from a loud call to action by MCABC’s Board of Directors prior to and as part of its nominations submission in June 2023. We look forward to being a part of the meaningful dialogue and planning that will be required to advance this to the next stage.”

No action is required at this time; when next steps and information have been shared by STBC, we will update industry.

We have your back, always.