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.
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.
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.
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
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
