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Aug 25
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Canada’s Response to the Ongoing Trade Dispute

By Advocacy, Latest, Statements

Vancouver, B.C. — Today’s announcement from the federal government marked Canada’s economic response to the breakdown of trade negotiations between Canada and the United States last Friday. Given the potential impacts on our industry, we wanted to share the information below, including a summary of the announcement, available business supports, and a statement from the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC).

Effective September 8, 2026, Canada will be moving forward with reciprocal tariffs of 15, 25, and 50 per cent on incoming U.S. products, with individual product rates based on the matching U.S. rate for the same goods.

These counter tariffs will apply to products covering $27.6 billion in imports, focusing heavily on the steel, electronics, agricultural equipment and appliance industries. Of importance as well, announced from Minister of Finance and National Revenue, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne this morning, is that the remissions framework will remain available to assess requests for exceptional relief.

In terms of the list of products where counter tariffs will apply, the federal government is maintaining a similar approach to what it had adopted last year; largely consumer-driven products where a Canadian or other alternative are generally available, in order to mitigate the impact on Canadian consumers and support “Buy Canadian” efforts.

A full list of products is available online:

FULL LIST OF PRODUCTS

In addition to announcing today’s counter tariffs, the government also announced a $7.5 billion support package, including, but not limited to:

Supports for Businesses

Expanded Regional Tariff Response Initiative

  • Cap on non repayable contributions will increase from $1 million to $3 million.
  • Liquidity support will be available for up to $2 million, in addition to existing support for pivot or capital investment plans.
  • Program delivery through Regional Development Agencies.

Business Development Bank of Canada Pivot to Grow

  • Second $500m liquidity stream providing working capital to businesses facing cashflow shortfalls.
  • Will be available to companies directly impacted by tariffs, regardless of sector.
  • Loans range from $250,000 to $5 million, with interest only payments over 36 months.
  • Annual revenue requirements for applicants lowered to $1 million.

Canada Strong Diversification Fund

  • New stream of Strategic Response Fund, with an additional $2 billion in funding, expanded flexibility to support tariff impacted companies with shovel ready projects that support ongoing capital maintenance.

Expanding Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility

  • Providing the flexible liquidity needed to bridge large employers by:
    • Increasing the size of liquidity supports from 24 to 36 months of liquidity needs
    • Increasing maximum loan term from 10 to 15 years

Other

Employees

  • Extending the temporary measures to:
    • Waive the one-week waiting period
    • Allow receipt of benefits without first using up separation payments by one year
  • Extending the temporary measure that provides an extra 20 weeks of regular benefits for long tenured workers by 8 months.
  • Introducing a one-year measure allowing workers who have voluntarily left jobs are no longer penalized when they want to access EI (as long as their most recent job loss is through no fault of their own).

Employers

  • Introducing new Workforce Retention and Retraining program, combining existing EI Work-Sharing program and Worker Retention Grant into a single streamlined program. Employers will be eligible for additional funds to cover training and administrative costs (up to $1,000 per participant).

More information on these supports is available here:

AVAILABLE SUPPORT

MCAC Statement

With today’s announcement, MCAC has offered the following statement:

In the face of an escalating trade conflict, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) recognizes the need to take a principled stand in the face of aggressive trade practices, and we remain committed to supporting a strong and resilient Canadian economy through the hard work of Canada’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contracting sector. At the same time, MCAC recognizes that any ongoing trade conflict will only serve to reduce investment in the North American economy through supply chain challenges and ongoing economic uncertainty, and the association remains supportive of efforts to end trade hostilities between Canada and the United States.

As an association, we will continue to advocate for the best interests of our members and our sector as the country faces economic headwinds because of this ongoing trade dispute.

Next Steps

As we work through this continuing process, MCAC and MCABC encourage members to get in touch with our office to share any concerns there may be about any particular product categories. The more information we have to support advocacy efforts in the weeks ahead, the better positioned our associations will be.

If you have questions or concerns regarding how these measures may impact your business, please contact the MCABC team.

As always, if there is anything else we can provide in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

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

Aug 24
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NextGen in Focus: Ahtlen & Dawson Ell

By Latest, Skilled Trades

MCABC’s NextGen in Focus series highlights rising leaders across B.C.’s mechanical contracting industry—those building their careers through hands-on experience, mentorship, and a commitment to continuous growth.

Ahtlen Ell, 17, Apprentice Plumber | Dawson Ell, 26, Plumbing Supervisor

For this instalment, Conor caught up with Dawson and Ahtlen Ell, two brothers employed by MCABC member Four Lakes Mechanical.

Fresh off an evening at the SD43 Trades Expo, the brothers had been busy engaging with students and showcasing careers in the mechanical trades through MCABC’s Youth Engagement Program.

Ahtlen and Dawson interacting with students at the SD43 Skilled Trades Expo at Centennial Secondary School, Coquitlam.

The brothers shared their stories, advice for young people considering a career in the trades, their vision for the future of our industry, and more.

Read the full interview below!

 

What drew you to a career in the trades?


Dawson: I never saw myself in an office. I’ve always been a hands-on person. I also knew there was a lot of room for growth in the trades and that, if you work hard, you can make a really good living for you and your family.

Ahtlen: Yeah, absolutely. I love working with my hands—not sitting at a desk in front of a screen, just being out there doing it. It’s real life, you know? It also helped a lot to have Dawson go before me. I saw the path he was on and I was like, “Yeah, this is definitely for me.”

 

Why the mechanical trades? Why plumbing?


Dawson: Actually, I had my heart set on welding initially. For a couple of years I was dead-set on being a welder and had plans to take the foundations program after graduation. Then I started dating my now-wife and her father convinced me to try plumbing.

He said, “Dawson, just come and try it for three months. If you don’t like it, so be it. But if you like it, I’ll give you a job myself and pay for your schooling.” I figured there was no reason not to give it a go. So I did, and I never looked back.

Ahtlen: I never wanted to be a welder, ha! I was just fascinated by mechanical systems—how everything fits and works together, from heating to cooling systems and everything in-between. I just thought it was super interesting, and I wanted to learn more.

 

What do you enjoy most about your job and/or our industry?


Ahtlen: Hands down, the variety. Both in terms of what you’re doing and where you’re doing it. One week, you’re doing groundwork on an industrial project way up North outside Bella Coola, the next you’re down in the Lower Mainland working on a commercial tower, the week after that you’re in a remote village at the top of Harrison Lake working on an Indigenous community centre. Every day is different; it never gets boring. Not every Plumber is travelling around that much, but the opportunities are there if you want.

 

How did you get to where you are now?


Dawson: Honestly, it’s not complicated. In an industry like ours, there’s tonnes of opportunity to advance your career. It comes down to being on time, being eager to learn, and having the right attitude. Be early, be ready to work, apply yourself. I genuinely enjoy the work and always give 100% to whatever I’m working on. My employers saw that potential in me and kept giving me more responsibility, more opportunities to prove myself. And it just kept building from there. That’s the attitude I’ve had since I was a Level 1 Apprentice.

 

Speaking of apprenticeship, is there anything you’d like to see changed about how we currently train apprentices in B.C.?


Dawson: One area for improvement I see is around soft skills, things like emotional intelligence and learning how to communicate with other trades and workers. Every apprentice should be learning those things in school; they’re so important for on-site safety and performance.

Another one is around the foundations programs. I’d love to see more of an emphasis on actually working in the trade while you’re still in high school. You might enjoy it in a classroom or a workshop, but when you’re five-foot deep in a hole and it’s dark and two degrees and pouring rain—that’s when you find out if it’s really for you.

I’m a big advocate for work-based trades programs in high school because they allow you to really try it out and start building the skills before you even begin your apprenticeship. They set you up for success and you get more out of your apprenticeship because of it.

 

Ahtlen, you’re in one of these programs, aren’t you? Can you tell us about it?


Ahtlen: Yeah, it’s called the Work in Trades program. I went to my school’s guidance counsellor and told her I wanted to do an apprenticeship after graduating, and she told me about the program. Right now I’m going to school two days a week and the rest of the week I’m working as a Plumber. It sets you up really well because by the time you finish school and start your apprenticeship, you’ve already built up a lot of experience.

Dawson: If I can just add to that, I had about 800 hours before I started my Level 1. I’m not saying everyone needs to do that many hours before starting an apprenticeship, but it absolutely made me a better Plumber. When you have the practical knowledge first, and then add the theory in, it gives you a better overall understanding of the trade. It’s much harder to learn the other way around.

 

What do you wish more young people understood about the trades?


Ahtlen: It’s starting to change, but a lot of people still think they’re “too good” for the trades, as if the trades are for people who don’t have other career options. The trades take a lot of skill and discipline to be successful, and they’re one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs out there. They’re probably one of the only jobs that are safe from AI, too.

Dawson: Yeah, a lot of people think, “Oh, I’m failing school, I’ll just go into the trades.” It doesn’t work that way. You can fail in the trades too. Being a tradesperson is a demanding career and the industry is moving so fast, you have no choice but to be a lifelong learner in the trades. You’re not learning out of a textbook, but trust me—you’re always learning.

 

You guys are part of our industry’s next generation. One day, no doubt, you’ll be leading it. What’s your vision for the future?


Dawson: I’d like to see more collaboration between consultants, engineers, and the trades. There’s often a mismatch between what works on paper and real job-site conditions. Looking at lines on a drawing or even a 3D model is completely different from actually installing the systems and dealing with obstacles on-site. I’d love to work more hand-in-hand with mechanical engineers, so we can educate one another and, at the end of the day, make everyone’s life easier and deliver better solutions. I often wonder if engineers shouldn’t do part of their training with us so they understand the realities on the ground, and vice-versa for the tradespeople.

Ahtlen: For me it’s better communication and collaboration between the trades themselves. Just understanding how each other works and having respect for each other. More camaraderie too. We all have the same goal: show up, do a good job, finish the project on time and on budget, and go home safely. We’re all on the same team.

 

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About

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

Aug 19
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Advocacy Update: Budget 2027 Consultation Report

By Advocacy, Latest, Statements

Vancouver, B.C. — On June 4, MCABC presented to B.C.’s Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, calling for targeted investments in Budget 2027 that support skilled workforce development and industry productivity and modernization.

Underscoring our industry’s pivotal role in B.C.’s present and future prosperity, we made three primary recommendations to the Committee:

On August 11, the Committee released its Consultation Report, which featured 81 recommendations to the Legislative Assembly ahead of Budget 2027. The Report reflects several MCABC priorities and includes two direct references to our recommendations regarding prompt payment regulations (p. 63) and productivity and modernization (p. 63).

These references represent meaningful recognition of two of MCABC’s three key asks. They point to the fact that MCABC was not merely listed as a consultation participant, but that our recommendations informed the Committee’s substantive discussion on the future of B.C.’s construction sector.

Of the Committee’s 81 official recommendations to Government, four speak directly to our industry’s priorities and interests:

Recommendation #45

“Publish and regularly update a ten-year infrastructure plan, including information on new capital projects, capital maintenance projects, and funding status.” (p. 66)

A regularly updated infrastructure plan would provide mechanical contractors with greater visibility into the Province’s capital pipeline, enabling better-informed decisions around workforce planning and development and investments in technology and innovation.

Recommendation #47

“Review BC’s business tax and regulatory framework, and reduce the small business tax rate to improve the competitiveness of small- and medium-sized enterprises…” (p. 66)

While the Committee did not specifically recommend MCABC’s proposed tax incentives, it did expressly record our proposal in the Report and subsequently recommended a review of B.C.’s business tax framework, laying a strong foundation for continued advocacy.

Recommendation #62

“Prioritize funding to support post-secondary institutions to meet local and regional workforce development priorities.” (p. 85)

This recommendation directly supports MCABC’s workforce development advocacy. In its discussions, the Committee specifically highlighted the skilled trades as a high-priority workforce and discussed ways to incentivize employers to take on apprentices.

Recommendation #63

“Advocate to the federal government to accelerate visa processing times and provide greater flexibility regarding Provincial Attestation Letters to help address labour shortages in high-priority sectors across the province.” (p. 85)

While framed primarily around visa processing and PALs, this recommendation reflects the Committee’s broader recognition that immigration policy will play an important role in addressing workforce challenges in high-priority industries such as ours.

Overall, the Report represents a favourable outcome for B.C.’s mechanical contracting industry. MCABC is named twice in the Report, two of our three recommendations are specifically referenced, and four of the Committee’s final recommendations to Government provide meaningful support for our industry’s advocacy priorities.

As we move closer to Budget 2027, MCABC will continue to engage with government to ensure the Province’s capital and development plans support our industry’s current and future needs and enable our members’ long-term business success.

READ BUDGET 2027 CONSULTATION REPORT

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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

Aug 19
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Recap: Softball Social 2026

By Events, Latest

Surrey, B.C. — On Saturday, August 15, the mechanical contracting community showed up and showed out for the first-ever MCABC NextGen Softball Social.

Hosted by MCABC’s NextGen Board, the family-friendly event brought together owners and apprentices, office and field staff, and friends and furry companions for a day of spirited competition and camaraderie.

Eight teams took to the field to square off for the coveted NextGen Cup:

  1. Burners (RAM Mechanical)
  2. DIV15 (Division 15 Mechanical)
  3. Davidson Dingers (Davidson Bros. Mechanical)
  4. The Johnson Control (Johnson Controls)
  5. Polar Pete’s Sluggers (Fraser Valley Refrigeration)
  6. Team Vaughan Ventures (Vaughan Ventures)
  7. Victaulic (Victaulic)
  8. Wrench Warmers (Phase Mechanical)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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From the first pitch to the final inning, teams battled through a schedule of back-to-back games, with plenty of dugout banter and memorable plays along the way.

While there was plenty of action on the field, the atmosphere off the field was every bit as exciting. Family and friends cheered their loved ones on from the bleachers. Rival teams chirped their competitors from the clubhouse patio. And Body Energy Club kept everyone refreshed and energized throughout the day with smoothie and electrolyte samples.

A special thank you goes out to our sponsors for helping make this inaugural event possible:

Diamond Sponsor

  • The Home Depot Pro

Dugout Sponsors

  • Fraser Valley Refrigeration
  • Vaughan Ventures
  • Victaulic

As the tournament drew to a close, a well-oiled Victaulic squad secured a showdown with the dangerous Davidson Dingers in a championship final for the ages.

The crowd of family, friends, and other teams who had stuck around were left on the edge of their seats as they were treated to an exhibition of incredible diving catches, clutch double-plays, and multiple out-of-the-park home runs.

In the end, it was Victaulic who edged out their worthy opponents in a thrilling game to become the first-ever MCABC NextGen Softball Social champions. Congratulations to the Victaulic Team, captained by the NextGen Director Tayler Hinger!

Victaulic lifting the first-ever NextGen Cup!

However, not every award was decided by what happened on the scoreboard. The Best Dressed Team Award went to Polar Pete’s Sluggers (Fraser Valley Refrigeration), whose custom-designed logo, matching hats, and bucketloads of personality turned heads throughout the tournament.

Polar Pete’s Sluggers (Fraser Valley Refrigeration) taking home the title of Best Dressed Team!

Thank you to everyone who came out to play, cheer, and support the event. The strong turnout, energy, and atmosphere made for a fantastic first year, and we couldn’t have asked for a better start to the NextGen Softball Social legacy.

We look forward to seeing everyone back on the diamond next year!

FULL PHOTO GALLERY

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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

Aug 12
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Inside the Golf Classic: Mic’d Up with Bobby Braze

By Events, Latest

If you were at last Thursday’s MCABC Golf Classic, you no doubt saw Bobby Braze out and about on the course. Armed with questionable audio equipment and plenty of curiosity, he caught up with golfers and sponsors for some memorable conversations.

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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

Aug 12
Love0

Recap: Golf Classic 2026

By Events, Latest

Surrey, B.C. — The 2026 MCABC Golf Classic got off to a lively start long before the first tee shot. New for this year, a pre-game party gave players the chance to catch up with industry peers over a casual lunch and enjoy a high-energy atmosphere set by DJ Ev O’Reilly on the decks.

Around the clubhouse, players shared laughs, compared superhero-themed outfits, and stopped by the Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA-BC) booth to buy mulligans, enter the lucky draw, and learn more about EVA-BC’s important work. Nearby, Body Energy Club kept golfers refreshed with complimentary smoothies.

The stage was set for an epic day ahead.

Before we dive into the highlights from this year, let’s first give a huge shoutout to our sponsors. From on-course activities and refreshments to contests, prizes, and interactive experiences, our sponsors make this event what it is:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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One of the day’s first crowd-pleasers came just before the shotgun start, when golfers were led through a group warm-up by personal trainer Rosie Yapp. The jury’s still out on whether it made for longer drives, but it certainly got folks loosened up!

The fun continued with the Mega Putt challenge, where players stood in two massive circles around the practice greens and simultaneously putted dozens of golf balls toward the same hole. Naturally, it was the best kind of chaos.

Out on course, our hole sponsors kept the energy high with games, contests, refreshments, and creative activations that added a fun twist to the round. Bobby Braze was also out and about—stopping teams and sponsors for interviews and capturing some of the stories, personalities, and friendly rivalries that unfolded along the way.

The hero theme was a hit, with many golfers clearly bring their A-Game. From subtle touches to full-blown costumes, the theme added an extra layer of fun and plenty of great photo opportunities to the day.

This year’s tournament also produced one of golf’s most special moments.

On the 11th hole on the Ridge, Monre Bester, Risk Manager at PCL Construction and guest of MCABC member Division 15 Mechanical, scored an incredible Hole in One. Even more incredible, this was his group’s starting hole and Monre’s first shot of the day!

Congratulations, Monre, on this extraordinary achievement.

After a memorable afternoon on the course, players gathered for the evening reception, where the new format proved to be a crowd favourite. With attendees free to move around the room, grab a bite, catch up with their peers, and swap stories from the fairways, the energy remained high well into the evening.

We were pleased to welcome Ninu Kang, Executive Director of EVA-BC, and Jamie Taras, former BC Lion and EVA-BC ambassador, to help us present some prizes and speak to the important work the organization does to tackle gender-based violence in B.C.

Congratulations to the many contest, raffle, and prize winners—and a special shoutout to our tournament champions this year:

Ridge: Brittany Manulak (Concept Mechanical Group), Jay Manulak (Concept Mechanical Group), Mark Macaulay (Summit Brooke Construction), Jon Brandt (Summit Brooke Construction)

Canal: Mark Gamache (Milwaukee Tool), Matt Funk (Milwaukee Tool), Hogan Steiss (Spitfire Controls), Kevin Kyle (Progressive Safety)

Whether it was the pre-game party, the great conversations, the hearty laughs, or the memorable golf shots—one thing’s for certain: the 2026 MCABC Golf Classic delivered a day to remember both on and off the course.

FULL PHOTO GALLERY

Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors:

Recovery Zone Sponsor
Fortify Wellness

Reception & Awards Sponsor
Air System Supplies

Pre-Game Lunch Sponsor
UA Local 170

Golf Ball Sponsor
Noble British Columbia

Refreshment Carts Sponsor
Concept Mechanical Group

Flag Sponsor
Mechanical Industrial Relations Association

Par-Tee Games Sponsor
Charlotte Pipe and Foundry

Signature Hole Sponsors

  • Bibby-Ste-Croix
  • E.H. Price Solutions
  • Engineered Air
  • Genesis Building Controls
  • HSL Automation Ltd.
  • Hudson Sales
  • KD Engineering
  • Nitro Pipe Freeze Inc.
  • Pace Solutions
  • Thermo 2000
  • Vancouver Mechanical Supply
  • Vibra-Sonic
  • Wilson M. Beck Insurance
  • XRadar

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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

Aug 04
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3 Questions, 3 Answers: Jack Hole on a Stronger Industry Voice

By Latest

As part of our ongoing Three Questions, Three Answers series, we heard from Jack Hole, Managing Partner at Haakon Mechanical Services and newly elected MCABC Board Director.

In this episode, Jack shares his goals as a Board Director, why a stronger industry voice matters, and how MCABC’s advocacy work is making a real impact for member businesses. 

Interested in taking part? Reach out to Conor at cdunne@mcabc.org.

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

Jul 21
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Collaboration Wins! Connecting with Industry Partners and Stakeholders

By Collaboration, Latest

It’s been a busy week of connection, conversation, and collaboration for MCABC!

Bryan Wallner, CEO, RCABC; Kim Barbero, CEO, MCABC.

From touring the RCABC training facility with Bryan Wallner, CEO, Roofing Contractors Association of BC (RCABC) to participating in important discussions on the future of construction at VRCA’s Build Lower Mainland Campaign breakfast with Mayor Ken Sim, City of Vancouver, and Mayor Mike Hurley, City of Burnaby, these moments reinforce one of MCABC’s six pillars: Collaboration. 

Mayor Ken Sim, City of Vancouver; Mayor Mike Hurley, City of Burnaby

Along the way, it was a pleasure to connect with Matt McInnis, President, Electrical Contractors Association of BC (ECABC); Caroline Andrewes, President & CEO, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – BC (ACEC-BC); Nikki Keith, Principal, Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services—MCABC’s Advocacy Pillar Partner—and Rick Wagner, Maxwell Floors.

Matt McInnis, President, ECABC; Kim Barbero, CEO, MCABC

A special shout-out to Jeannine Martin and Craig Larkins for kicking off conversations that matter in advance of municipal elections on October 17. 

Conor Dunne, Manager, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, MCABC; Kim Barbero, CEO, MCABC; Nikki Keith, Principal, Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services; Rick Wagner, President, Maxwell Floors.

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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

Jul 21
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MCABC’s 2026-27 Board Grows in Size, Broadens Industry Representation

By Latest, News Releases

Vancouver, B.C. — The Mechanical Contractors Association of British Columbia (MCABC) has announced its 2026–27 Board of Directors elected at the Association’s AGM on July 15, along with its Executive Officers elected at the first Board meeting immediately after the AGM.

Following a member-approved governance change last year to increase capacity, the MCABC Board is welcoming additional leaders from across the mechanical contracting community. The expanded Board reflects MCABC’s continued commitment to strong industry leadership, broadened sector representation, and engaged regional perspectives from across B.C.—further enhancing the Association’s ability to serve members and advance industry priorities.

“Our Board embodies the strength, diversity, and breadth of the mechanical contracting industry,” said Chair Kyle Wisniewski.

“Together, we are committed to ensuring MCABC continues to deliver value for members, champions industry priorities, and helps advance and shape a prosperous future for our industry.”

2026–27 Executive Officers

The following Directors were elected Officers for the coming year:

  • Chair: Kyle Wisniewski, Black & McDonald Ltd.
  • Vice Chair: Brittany Manulak, Concept Mechanical
  • Vice Chair: Keith Pearce, Kal-West Mechanical Systems
  • Past Chair/Secretary-Treasurer: Trevor Hildebrand, Phase Mechanical Systems

New Directors Join the Board

MCABC is pleased to welcome four new representatives whose expertise and perspectives across key sectors and regions further strengthen the Board’s composition:

  • Jack Hole, Haakon Mechanical Services
  • Scott Kenward, Trotter & Morton Building Technologies
  • Brad Popoff, Equity Plumbing & Heating
  • Eddie Vaughan, Vaughan Ventures (NextGen Liaison)

Returning Directors Re-Elected

The following Directors were elected to one- and two-year terms:

  • Maddie Davidson, Davidson Bros. Mechanical
  • Trevor Hildebrand, Phase Mechanical Systems
  • Blaire Masztalar, Fraser Valley Refrigeration
  • Simon Miller, Porcupine Mechanical
  • Steve Robinson, Pitt Meadows Plumbing & Mechanical Systems
  • Kelly Taylor, MNP
  • Kyle Wisniewski, Black & McDonald Ltd.
  • MIRA Appointee (TBC)

Recognizing Dedicated Industry Leadership

Chair Kyle Wisniewski recognized the contributions of two departing Board members whose leadership has helped shape both MCABC and the mechanical contracting industry.

Special appreciation was extended to long-serving Board Director and MIRA Appointee, Mike Vesterbeck, National Hydronics, as well as Brian Sullivan, Sullivan Mechanical, for their dedicated service, industry advocacy, and commitment to advancing the Association’s mission.

Positioned for the Future

With an expanded Board that blends experience, geographic diversity, and sector expertise, MCABC enters 2026–27 well-positioned to seize new opportunities and address emerging challenges.

Supported by its engaged and forward-thinking NextGen Board, the Association remains focused on strengthening the mechanical contracting industry, advancing workforce development, advocating on behalf of members, and contributing to a strong and prosperous B.C.

To learn more about the year in review, read Kim Barbero’s CEO Report.

Congratulations to our newly-elected 2026-27 MCABC Board Directors!

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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

Jul 21
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3 Questions, 3 Answers: Eddie Vaughan on Raising the Bar

By Latest

As part of our ongoing Three Questions, Three Answers series, we heard from Eddie Vaughan, Head of Operations at Vaughan Ventures Ltd. and Chair of MCABC’s NextGen Board.

In this episode, Eddie discusses how his background in sports led him to an industry built on collaboration, why he joined the NextGen Board, and what he would say to contractors who are on the fence about joining MCABC.

Watch the full video to hear Eddie’s perspective, and keep an eye out for more conversations in our Three Questions, Three Answers series.

Interested in taking part? Reach out to Conor at cdunne@mcabc.org.

 

About

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