Advocacy Archives - Mechanical Contractors Association of BC

Jul 14

Help Drive Change: Join the MCABC Advocacy Committee

By Wiwanto, Lya Advocacy, Latest

Are you passionate about strengthening the mechanical contracting industry—securing and growing its labour force and modernizing skilled trades training? Are you keen to move prompt payment past the start line?

If making a positive impact and advocating for the issues that matter most to our industry is important to you, consider joining a group of industry changemakers working to move these priorities forward.

MCABC’s Advocacy Committee is seeking enthusiastic member volunteers to help influence direction and drive meaningful change. As part of the committee, you’ll collaborate with Board Directors, staff, and our Advocacy Pillar Partner, Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services, contributing to discussions, initiatives, and actions that support and strengthen the industry.

Through this work, you’ll play a role in advancing key priorities and ensuring the perspectives of mechanical contractors are represented where it matters most.

To be considered, please contact CEO Kim Barbero at kbarbero@mcabc.org

Recent Advocacy Updates

Advocacy

MCABC Releases Industry Response to Prompt Payment Discussion Paper

Recap: 2026 Leadership Conference

Update from CEO Kim Barbero to 2026 Standing Committee

Prompt Payment Discussion Paper Released—Consultation Period Begins

From Ottawa to Victoria: MCABC Advances Industry Priorities with Coordinated Advocacy

Advocacy Update: Changes Anticipated to Recent Plumbing Permit Fee Increases in Burnaby

Skills Training Attributed to Securing BC’s Future

The Unintended Consequences of Increased Plumbing Permit Fees in Burnaby

MCABC Hosts Skilled Trades Roundtable With the Honourable Minister Sunner

Prompt Payment Becomes Law: Key Takeaways and What’s Next

MCABC Statement on the Province’s Trades Training Investment

Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services is MCABC’s Advocacy Pillar Partner

MCABC Statement on the Introduction of Prompt Payment Legislation

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

Kim Barbero
CEO

kbarbero@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Jul 08

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MCABC Releases Industry Response to Prompt Payment Discussion Paper

By MCABC Advocacy, Latest, News Releases, Statements

Vancouver, B.C. — Leaders from across B.C. and Canada’s mechanical contracting industry have come together to influence B.C.’s prompt payment regulations, culminating in a formal response to the Prompt Payment Discussion Paper.

Informed by six weeks of consultation with members and strategic partners, the final submission was endorsed by the MCABC Board of Directors, MCABC members, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC), and related industry associations.

“The strength of the regulations will determine the Act’s ultimate effectiveness,” says MCABC CEO, Kim Barbero.

“Given the size, scope, and significant contributions of the mechanical contracting industry within B.C.’s construction sector, our members’ perspective is critical to ensuring the regulations are clear, fair, practical, and deliver on the promises made by the Act.”

Key highlights from MCABC’s formal recommendations to Government include:

No Exceptions: the Act should apply universally across B.C.’s construction industry.
No Phased Approach: the Act should come into force in its entirety at one time.
Clear Definitions: invoices should be considered given on the date they are electronically transmitted and payments should be considered made on the date they become available in the recipient’s bank account.
No Loopholes: parties should not be allowed to contract out of or otherwise circumvent the invoicing and payment rules set out by the regulations.
Meaningful Interest: rates should be adopted from the established CCA/CCDC model, to ensure late payments are properly penalized.
Efficient Adjudication: timely, transparent, and affordable dispute resolution based on the proven Ontario model.
Supported Implementation: comprehensive education, resources, supports, and ongoing engagement to enable a smooth transition.

Click the button to read MCABC’s full response to the Prompt Payment Discussion Paper.

Read MCABC's Full Response

About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of 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

Jun 23

Love0

Recap: 2026 Leadership Conference

By MCABC Advocacy, Education, Events, Latest, Skilled Trades

Vancouver, B.C. — Making its Vancouver debut at the Westin Bayshore on June 10–11, the 2026 MCABC Leadership Conference brought B.C.’s mechanical contracting industry together for a day-and-a-half of expert insight, high-impact networking, and forward-looking conversation.

A pre-Conference Profitability Bootcamp set the tone with a focused, practical exploration of the fundamentals of running a stronger business—from risk management and financial controls to HR practices, performance management, and navigating contract changes and delay claims.

That momentum carried straight into the Opening Night Reception. An immersive tradeshow, food stations from around the world, and an interactive Games Night—including a crowd-favourite giant Jenga setup that rarely sat idle—ensured the evening struck a strong balance between high-energy entertainment and meaningful connection.

Day two promised the meat and potatoes of this year’s standout educational agenda—and it did not disappoint. Bridging big-picture thinking and actionable takeaways, a future-forward approach was reflected not only in the topics explored, but in the voices leading the discussion.

The morning kicked off with opening keynote Anna Sainsbury (GeoComply), one of two globally recognized Vancouverites bookending Thursday’s sessions. Anna cut through the hype around AI, reframing it as a practical tool every business can leverage to drive performance, before moderating an industry panel where the emphasis was on real-world applications and success stories.

From there, the focus widened to the broader forces shaping the industry. Linda Nazareth (Macdonald-Laurier Institute) provided clarity on navigating economic uncertainty while Laura Lurz (SkilledTradesBC) outlined what B.C.’s recent $241M trades training investment means for the future workforce. Keith Baldrey (Global BC) added clear-eyed political context, followed by a timely session with representatives from the Ministries of Infrastructure and Attorney General on the Prompt Payment Discussion Paper and how industry can help shape the Act’s regulations.

During breaks, attendees could be found deep in conversation while MC Adam conducted live interviews with Tradeshow and Tech Table exhibitors, helping attendees discover innovative solutions, emerging technologies, and new ideas shaping the future of the industry. Meanwhile, champion soccer freestyler Grayson Allen helped maintain a lively atmosphere throughout the day.

Opportunity was the throughline post-lunch, with Jacqueline Spray (BC Hydro) leading a session on how evolving capital and energy plans are opening doors for mechanical contractors. This same lens carried into the discussion on workforce development, where Lucy Griffith (Vancouver Community College)’s presentation and panel explored modernised apprenticeship pathways and industry’s role in shaping a more responsive, future-ready training system.

The Conference came to a powerful close with Mark Brand (Upward Kitchens), who brought the focus back to people in a way that felt both timeless and urgent. His reflections on leadership, community, and radical collaboration made it clear that prioritizing people isn’t just an effective leadership strategy—it’s part of how our industry can solve its workforce challenges. The standing ovation that followed spoke to how Mark’s simple but impactful message truly hit home.

A sense of connection carried naturally into the Closing Reception, where conversations continued, new ones began, and the energy of the past day-and-a-half lingered into the evening. It was a fitting finish—one that reflected not just what was discussed on stage, but what’s required to turn ideas into action and Build for What’s Next.

The conversations, connections, and momentum are already carrying forward. If this year’s debut in Vancouver is any indication, the MCABC Leadership Conference will only continue to grow in impact, energy, and influence.

We’ll see you in 2027… back in Vancouver!

Full Photo Gallery

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The 2026 MCABC Leadership Conference was made possible through the support of our sponsors. Thank you for your continued investment in our industry and for helping bring this event to life.

Presenting Sponsor

Brought to you by:

Keynote Sponsors

Speaker Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Breakfast Sponsor

Lunch Sponsor

Coffee Break Sponsors

Interview Suite Sponsor

Lanyard Sponsor

Hot Desk Lounge Sponsor

Gifting Sponsors

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About MCABC

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Jun 06

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Update from CEO Kim Barbero to 2026 Standing Committee

By Wiwanto, Lya Advocacy, Latest, Statements

Vancouver, B.C. — Yesterday, MCABC presented to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services—bringing forward the priorities our industry needs to build B.C.’s future.

In our presentation, we emphasized how critical the Mechanical Contracting Industry is in meeting the province’s housing, healthcare, and infrastructure goals. From growing the skilled trades workforce to advancing prompt payment and investing in productivity, we made clear where government action is needed.

🎥 Watch the full update to hear our key recommendations

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A post shared by Mechanical Contractors Association of BC (@mcabcofficial)

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About MCABC

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

May 27

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Prompt Payment Discussion Paper Released—Consultation Period Begins

By MCABC Advocacy, Latest, News Releases

Vancouver, B.C. — Yesterday afternoon, the Ministry of Infrastructure released the Construction Prompt Payment Act (CPPA) Discussion Paper, along with a formal invitation to consult. This process will inform the development of the regulations. Consultation topics listed in the Discussion Paper include:

Application and coming into force
When a record is given or issued or a payment is made
Calculation of days
Interest rates on late payments
Adjudicators qualifications and fees
Industry readiness and support

At MCABC’s Day on the Leg on April 27, MCABC Board Directors and staff met with the Honourable Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure, and ministry staff to reinforce the importance of prompt payment legislation and of MCABC’s active role in the regulatory process. The collaborative process has since continued and another discussion was held with staff last week.

In the coming days and weeks, as MCABC continues to represent the mechanical contracting industry’s interests, we will be collaborating with ECABC, BCCA, and other construction industry stakeholders to assess the Discussion Paper. We encourage our members’ input as we prepare a coordinated response. Please send all comments to CEO Kim Barbero: kbarbero@mcabc.org.

MCABC looks forward to collaborating with our partners in government and industry to ensure the regulations are practical, enforceable, and best represent our members’ interests.

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UPDATE | June 29, 2026

As MCABC prepares to submit our formal recommendations to Government, we are asking all members to show their support and provide their signatures so we can append them to our written response.

We understand the number of signatures appended to a response will play a significant role in how seriously Government considers certain recommendations. The collection of signatures is critical to ensure our industry’s voice is heard and regulations are fair, practical, and effective.

To help give MCABC’s formal response the greatest weight possible, head to the MCABC Member Hub, click ‘Sign Prompt Payment Response’, and help us strengthen our collective voice when it matters most.

Resources

About MCABC

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Apr 28

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From Ottawa to Victoria: MCABC Advances Industry Priorities with Coordinated Advocacy

By Wiwanto, Lya Advocacy, Latest, News Releases, Skilled Trades

Victoria, B.C. — Advocacy is taking centre stage this spring — with MCABC’s integrated government relations strategy in full flight.

After our recent successful engagement with the City of Burnaby, the focus turned this past week to the provincial and federal levels, with MCABC leaders advancing industry priorities at MCAC’s Day on the Hill in Ottawa and MCABC’s Day on the Leg in Victoria.

Federal Advocacy: MCAC’s Day on the Hill

Collaboration was front and centre on Tuesday, April 21, as MCAs from across Canada gathered in Ottawa for MCAC’s Day on Parliament Hill, with industry leaders participating in more than 50 meetings with federal decision‑makers.

These meetings brought mechanical contractors together with Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senators, and senior staff — including the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure; the Honourable Duncan Wilson, Senator; Jenny Kwan, MP; and Parm Bains, MP — to reinforce the industry’s shared priorities at the national level.

MCABC leaders played an active role throughout the day, bringing a strong British Columbian perspective to federal discussions on the evolving needs of the industry. MCABC was represented by CEO Kim Barbero; Board Chair and MCAC Director, Kyle Wisniewski; Board Vice-Chair, Brittany Manulak; and Board Director and MCAC Women in Canadian Contracting Chair, Maddie Davidson.

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Provincial Advocacy: MCABC’s Day on the Leg

Building on this federal momentum, MCABC returned to Victoria for its annual Day on the B.C. Legislature on Monday, April 27, engaging directly with provincial leaders on the policies and priorities shaping B.C.’s mechanical contracting industry.

The MCABC delegation included CEO Kim Barbero and Manager of Communications & Stakeholder Engagement, Conor Dunne, alongside Board Chair, Kyle Wisniewski; Vice‑Chairs Keith Pearce and Brittany Manulak; and Board Directors Steve Robinson and Simon Miller.

A Collaborative Start: BC NDP Government Breakfast

The day began with MCABC hosting a BC NDP Government Breakfast, providing an opportunity to engage directly with government cabinet ministers in a collaborative, solutions‑focused setting. In attendance were the Honourable Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure; the Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour; the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions; the Honourable Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction; Jennifer Blatherwick, MLA, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity; Sunita Dhir, MLA, Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials; and a number of ministry staff.

Addressing attendees, CEO Kim Barbero highlighted the essential role mechanical contractors play in British Columbia’s economy and communities. She noted that the industry accounts for more than 53,000 jobs, employs more than 25,000 skilled tradespeople, is responsible for $3 billion in wages, and contributes, directly and indirectly, $10 billion to the province’s GDP — over a quarter of construction’s total contribution — all while delivering the systems that ensure clean air and water; energy efficiency; and safe, comfortable, functional buildings across the province.

Discussions throughout the morning reflected a shared understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing the industry, with Ministers and MLAs expressing strong interest in continued collaboration to strengthen workforce capacity, uphold trade standards, and support delivery of the province’s infrastructure priorities.

Focused Ministerial Engagement

Following the breakfast, the MCABC delegation took part in a series of targeted meetings with Ministers and senior ministry staff, allowing for deeper discussion on specific policy and workforce issues impacting B.C.’s mechanical contracting industry.

During a meeting with the Honourable Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure, the focus was on prompt payment and MCABC’s active role in shaping regulations that are practical, enforceable, and aligned with industry realities.

The delegation also met with the Honourable Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, as well as the Ministry of Post‑Secondary Education and Future Skills, where the emphasis was on modernizing skilled trades training, upholding trade certification scopes and standards, and workforce development solutions.

Across all meetings, there was a shared understanding of the critical role mechanical contractors play in delivering British Columbia’s housing, healthcare, and infrastructure priorities — and the need for action that supports the industry’s ability to meet growing demand.

Recognition in the Legislative Assembly

Later in the day, the MCABC delegation was formally introduced in the Legislative Assembly by the Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour, further recognizing the essential role mechanical contractors play in British Columbia’s communities and economy.

Overall, this year’s Day on the Leg was marked by a strong, collaborative tone. Ministers, MLAs, and ministry staff demonstrated a clear understanding of the mechanical contracting industry’s importance and a shared interest in working together to address workforce and policy challenges.

As demand for housing, healthcare, and infrastructure continues to grow across the province, MCABC remains committed to engaging with all levels of government, sharing industry expertise, and contributing to practical, long‑term solutions that support both the industry and all British Columbians.

We would like to thank the Government of B.C. for their continued engagement and collaboration, as well as our Advocacy Pillar Partner, Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services, who supports our powerful advocacy program and integrated government relations strategy.

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About MCABC

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Mar 03

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Advocacy Update: Changes Anticipated to Recent Plumbing Permit Fee Increases in Burnaby

By MCABC Advocacy, Latest

Burnaby, B.C. – In early February, MCABC met with Mayor Mike Hurley and City of Burnaby staff to discuss the unintended consequences of plumbing permit fee increases that had taken effect on January 1, 2026.

During the meeting, representatives from MCABC illustrated how projects priced and tendered under previous fee structures were now exposed to substantial cost increases – increases that could not have been accounted for at the time of bid.

Stuart Morrison, Principal, Northland Mechanical Contracting; Kim Barbero, MCABC CEO; City of Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley; and Trevor Hildebrand, MCABC Past Chair/Secretary Treasurer and President, Phase Mechanical

Following the meeting, City of Burnaby staff prepared and brought forward an Administrative Report for Burnaby City Council’s consideration on February 24, 2026. The Report, ‘Burnaby Consolidated Fees and Charges Bylaw – Plumbing Permit Fees Amendment’, includes the following proposals:

1. a six-month grace period for plumbing permits (non-residential R1) issued on or before June 30, 2026, such that these permits will be subject to 2025 permit fees plus a CPI increase of 3.79%

2. refund availability for plumbing permits (non-residential R1) issued between January 1, 2026 and March 10, 2026, such that these permits will be subject to 2025 permit fees plus a CPI increase of 3.79%

It is anticipated that Council will grant final adoption to the amended Fees and Charges Bylaw on March 10, 2026. In this case, the grace period and refund availability options could be effective as of March 11, 2026.

This ongoing engagement with the City of Burnaby offers yet another example of MCABC’s powerful advocacy program in action – working with members, partners, and key government stakeholders to solve real industry issues.

Thank you, Mayor Mike Hurley, Burnaby City Council, and City of Burnaby staff, for your collaboration on – and attentiveness to – this issue.

Read the full Administrative Report

See the Report being brought before Burnaby City Council

About

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Feb 17

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Skills Training Attributed to Securing BC’s Future

By Wiwanto, Lya Advocacy, Latest, Statements

Victoria, B.C. – MCABC CEO Kim Barbero was in Victoria for today’s 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.

Skills training attributed to securing B.C.’s future

“Construction continues across the province,” says Minister of Finance Brenda Bailey,

When it comes to planning for the future, skilled trades secured strong recognition in the 2026 provincial budget, following health care, education, and public safety. While the government’s focus on skilled trades wasn’t new “news” for the mechanical contracting industry – the announcement of a $241M injection into skilled trades training pre-empted the budget with its own announcement in November 2025 – its high standing in the budget reinforced their impact throughout BC.

What today’s budget offered the mechanical contracting industry is clarity. It has also introduced considerations important for business owners:

$283 million in trades training funding over three years – this includes:
- the $241 noted announced in November which is anticipated to create up to 5,000 seats
- $12 million to enhance the employer training grant
- $30 million to upskill highly qualified professionals by adding specialized streams to existing programs, including engineering, geology, computer science, biology and aerospace
Effective April 1, a new temporary Manufacturing and Processing Investment Tax Credit for investing in new buildings, machinery and equipment;
A strong commitment to continued infrastructure development in the capital plan, including, but not limited to, funding to support construction on: 17 major hospitals and acute care facilities, 66 K-12 school additions and improvements, and key transit and transportation expansions; a continued focus on housing investments (and a noted $1.4 billion reallocation of the fiscal plan); and an increase in investment in the maintenance, repair and renewal of provincially-owned infrastructure.
PST has been expanded for services including, but not limited to: accounting and bookkeeping; architectural; engineering and geoscience; rental property and strata management. Note: The PST on architectural, engineering, and geoscience services will apply to 30 per cent of the purchase price of the services subject to the tax.

Read the government’s announcement here.

See the full budget and highlights here.

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About

Media Contact

Kim Barbero

Chief Executive Officer

kbarbero@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Feb 02

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The Unintended Consequences of Increased Plumbing Permit Fees in Burnaby

By Wiwanto, Lya Advocacy, Latest

Burnaby, B.C. – Today, MCABC welcomed the opportunity to meet with Mayor Mike Hurley and City of Burnaby staff to highlight the critical role the mechanical contracting industry plays in Burnaby and across British Columbia. The discussion focused primarily on the significant impact of 2026 plumbing permit fee increases on projects that were previously tendered.

Effective January 1, 2026, the City of Burnaby implemented increases to plumbing permit fees intended to align with those of other municipalities. However, for mechanical contractors, these changes have created unintended consequences. Projects priced and tendered under previous fee structures are now exposed to substantial, unanticipated cost increases that were not—and could not have been—accounted for at the time of bid.

During the meeting, Kim Barbero, MCABC CEO; Trevor Hildebrand, MCABC Past Chair/Secretary Treasurer and President, Phase Mechanical; and Stuart Morrison, MCABC member and Principal, Northland Mechanical Contracting, illustrated the magnitude of the issue, citing one project that experienced an 80% increase in permit costs between December 2025 and early January. Such sudden and significant increases place an extraordinary burden on Contractors.

Stuart Morrison, Principal, Northland Mechanical Contracting; Kim Barbero, MCABC CEO; City of Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley; and Trevor Hildebrand, MCABC Past Chair/Secretary Treasurer and President, Phase Mechanical

The Mayor and City staff were receptive to MCABC’s input and expressed appreciation for the practical example provided. MCABC and the City of Burnaby have committed to ongoing collaboration, particularly around improving communication and ensuring that future policy changes consider downstream impacts on industry stakeholders.

This engagement with the City of Burnaby is another example of MCABC’s integrated government relations strategy in action—advocating on behalf of the mechanical contracting industry at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels to support fair, predictable, and transparent regulatory frameworks.

About

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Dec 12

Love0

MCABC Hosts Skilled Trades Roundtable With the Honourable Minister Sunner

By Dunne, Conor Brendan Advocacy, Latest, Skilled Trades

Vancouver, B.C. – Yesterday we welcomed the Honourable Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, to the MCABC office for a forward-looking roundtable focused on expanding and modernizing skilled trades training in B.C.

Following the Province’s recent announcement of a $241-million investment to boost trades training, the roundtable brought together representatives from the Mechanical Contractors Association of BC (MCABC), BC Food and Beverage (BCFB), New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDABC), Core Education & Fine Arts Early Learning Centre (CEFA), Concrete BC, the Minister and her staff, and MCABC’s strategic partner, Bluestone Government Relations, who moderated the meeting.

The session kicked off an important dialogue, with industry leaders sharing their challenges regarding skilled trades shortages, and the Minister seeking input on how her Ministry can most effectively deploy this landmark investment.

Despite the diversity of associations present, several common themes emerged, including the need for workforce development reform, the shift from traditional worksites and practices to high-tech ones, and the concern that inaction will exacerbate the current productivity and affordability crises.

MCABC Board Chair Kyle Wisniewski, Past Chair/Secretary Treasurer Trevor Hildebrand, and CEO Kim Barbero reiterated the same key asks we made of the Honourable Premier Eby when we toured him around a cutting-edge mechanical job site in September.

Kyle stressed the need to modernize trades training – both the curriculum, to keep pace with industry advancements, and its delivery, to embrace opportunities for online learning. He also reaffirmed MCABC’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Ministry to help develop and support the necessary reforms.

Trevor emphasized the importance of upholding trade certification standards, such as the Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic (RACM) trade, to ensure safe, efficient, and durable installations. He proposed strengthening upskilling pathways as a partial solution to the ongoing labour shortage, thus leveraging the skilled trades expertise already available within the province.

Kim called attention to the critical role of mechanical contractors, noting that improving access and training is essential if the Province wants to meet its future infrastructure goals and provide stable, well-paid careers for British Columbians.

Minister Sunner welcomed MCABC’s collaboration and noted alignment with a number of her Ministry’s priorities, including:

increasing per-seat funding and clearing waitlists
rebuilding the skilled trades certification system
strengthening retraining and upskilling pathways
exposing more young people to the trades
integrating new technologies and AI
continuing consultation with industry stakeholders

The roundtable reinforced the power of cross-industry collaboration and the shared commitment to building a stronger, more resilient workforce.

MCABC will continue working alongside our government and industry partners to support the expansion and modernization of trades training – helping deliver the skilled mechanical workforce B.C. needs for the decade ahead.

Thank you, Minister Sunner, for your continued interest in our industry. We are encouraged by yesterday’s roundtable and look forward to furthering this important work together.

About

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058