April 5, 2025—OTTAWA – The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCA Canada) is issuing the following statement following party commitments to grow the skilled trades:

“Mechanical contractors across Canada are glad to see all federal parties stepping up to show their support for workers in the skilled trades. Funding to train apprentices will help grow the workforce we need to keep Canada’s economy moving forward. New investments in capital for college and industry training facilities  will alleviate bottlenecks in the talent pipeline. Ensuring labour mobility will help our workforce respond to economic needs throughout Canada. Investments to support businesses hiring and training apprentices on-the-job will be a boon to employers who will be hit hard by rising costs of supplies and equipment over the years ahead. These commitments are all positive, and we need our leaders to follow through, when elected.

At the same time, MCA Canada calls on all parties to commit to working with associations in the construction sector to ensure investments are going to the trades that are most in-demand in Canada’s labour force, including the ‘growth-critical’ trades employed by MCA Canada members. Building a new Canadian economy will require strategic investments in the ten Red Seal trades employed by our sector, as well as capacity-building for those sectors that are critical to our country’s economic growth and productivity.”

Tania Johnston, CEO
Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada

-30-

Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada recommends policies so mechanical contractors can build a stronger Canada

OTTAWA, March 31, 2025 – In the lead-up to the Canadian federal election on April 28, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) is calling on federal political parties to “Build Canada Now,” and to implement policies that will help the mechanical contracting sector build a stronger Canada.

“Our industry is a significant contributor to the Canadian economy and to the livelihoods of Canadians,” said Tania Johnston, MCAC Chief Executive Officer. “If we are going to build the strong Canada for the next generations, it is critical that political parties implement policies to support the mechanical contracting sector and ultimately remove impediments for our industry.”

The mechanical contracting sector in Canada is a workhorse for the Canadian economy. From the clean water and sanitation Canadians rely on each day, the essential systems that control indoor living environments, or the industrial facilities that ensure critical resources can make it to market, mechanical contractors and their employees are fundamental to Canadians’ wellbeing and way of life.

In addition to the critical work done by mechanical contractors across Canada, the sector is also a sizeable employer and overall contributor to Canada’s gross domestic product. The sector employs more than 227,000 Canadians, contributes more than $30 billion to the Canadian economy, and accounts for $18 billion in wages paid to hard-working Canadians.

“For our members across the country, this federal election is building a stronger Canada, no matter who is elected on April 28,” Johnston continued. “Our industry is ready to ‘Build Canada Now,’ and to work with the federal government to ensure we are building a stronger Canada for decades to come.”

For more information about the recommendations posed by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada, visit www.buildcanadanow.com.

-30-

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.

“On behalf of MCAC, we would like to extend congratulations to Prime Minister Carney,” said Tania Johnston, MCAC Chief Executive Officer. “As we all know, this is a tumultuous time for our country, and we would encourage he and his government to engage actively with the industries that form the backbone of our economy. Collaboration and strategic partnerships will be critical as we address the challenges the country is facing in the years ahead.”

The mechanical contracting sector in Canada plays an essential role in the Canadian economy and the day-to-day lives of Canadians. As the country seeks to build more housing, enhance trade-enabling infrastructure, build more industrial capacity to broaden trading partnerships, or build the critical infrastructure necessary for a growing population, the mechanical contracting sector will have an important role to play.

“Our industry is integral to the development and maintenance of essential infrastructure, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, and fire protection systems,” Johnston added. “These services are vital for the safety, health, and well-being of Canadians and for the efficient operation of businesses across the country. MCAC stands ready to work with Prime Minister Carney and his government to drive economic progress and enhance the wellbeing of Canadians.”

About the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada – www.mcac.ca

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

Every year on March 11, communities around the world recognize World Plumbing Day to celebrate the critical role that plumbing plays in our daily lives. From delivering clean water to protecting public health, plumbing is essential—but it’s so much more.

The theme for 2025, “Plumbing is More,” highlights how plumbing supports economies, improves sustainability, and helps build stronger, healthier communities. While often taken for granted, plumbing is behind many of the conveniences and protections people rely on every day.

This year, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) have brought Canada’s plumbing supply chain together – contractors, manufactures, wholesalers, and manufacturers agents – to help Canadians celebrate #PlumbingIsMore on #WorldPlumbingDay:

More Than a Job — The plumbing industry plays a direct role in addressing water quality and conservation, improving lives, and preventing diseases. This is why plumbing is such a compelling career choice, because of the opportunities to make a lasting impact.

More Than Pipes and Fixtures — A well-functioning plumbing system also supports families. Every dollar invested in water and sanitation also returns more in economic benefits. Skilled trades and plumbing engineers are problem-solvers, ensuring that water systems meet the needs of Canadians.

More Than Conservation — Plumbing professionals are working hard to advance sustainability through new technologies and smarter water management that not only conserve natural resources but also ensure safe water access for future generations.

Quotes

“Canada’s plumbing professionals are at the forefront of advancing water conservation, energy efficiency, and modernized infrastructure”, said Tania Johnston, CEO of MCAC. “To those in the plumbing industry who work tirelessly to keep our water systems safe and sustainable – thank you!”

“World Plumbing Day allows us to highlight the incredible work of Canada’s plumbing industry”, said Satinder Chera, CEO of CIPH. “As this year’s theme reminds us, we have so much more to do, both here in Canada, and around the world”.

About the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating – www.ciph.com

Founded in 1933, the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating represents over 250 companies, employing thousands of Canadians to help provide a safe, healthy and sustainable quality of life for our citizens. Our members manufacturer and distribute products and services, nationwide, ensuring access to innovative plumbing and heating solutions.

About the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada – www.mcac.ca

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

“It is an incredible accomplishment to participate in the Student Chapter Competition, and an even greater feat to win,” said Tania Johnston, MCA Canada Chief Executive Officer. “We are so proud of the students and what they were able to do at this year’s competition. It is a testament to the commitment of the students, the faculty, and the members who support the team.”

The Student Chapter Competition takes place each year, and invites students to create and present a bid package for an actual construction project. The final four teams are invited to present their package in front of a panel of judges and a live audience. Led by Professor Stephen Veldhuis and supported by the Mechanical Contractors Association Hamilton Niagara, the McMaster University Student Chapter has been a consistent participant at the annual event.

“I couldn’t think of a more deserving group to win this award,” said Kyle Getty, contractor advisor for the student chapter and General Manager at Sutherland-Schultz Ltd. “Their dedication to this competition was clear from the outset and there is a tremendous amount of pride for the hard work they’ve put into this process.”

In addition to McMaster University, Canadian schools were well represented at this year’s competition. The University of Manitoba and Mechanical Contractors Association of Manitoba received an Award of Merit for their own submittal. This marked the first year the university participated in the competition.

OTTAWA, December 18, 2024 – Spearheaded by the association’s Future Leaders Advisory Council, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) announced today that registration is now open for the 2025 Emerging Leaders Conference, taking place from March 27-28, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. The conference is once again presented by Procore.

“We are very excited to be hosting this event and look forward to building on the excitement after last year’s inaugural conference,” said Kyle Getty, Chair of the MCAC Future Leaders Advisory Council. “MCAC has made a strong commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders in our industry. The conference program looks at several industry issues that are relevant to our sector, alongside the opportunity to network with peers and colleagues from across Canada.”

Sessions for the 2025 Emerging Leaders Conference address a variety of topics, including mental health in the workplace, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology and project management, contract and industry practice issues, and interactive sessions around Lean and Pull Planning.

“When we put together the program for this year’s event, we really tried to strike a balance between more traditional education sessions alongside interactive and engaging workshops,” Getty added. “Given the range of topics covered over the two-day program, there really is something for everyone.”

The conference also features a keynote presentation from author and motivational speaker Mandy Gill. Her session will focus on some of the messages from her newest book, “Reset with Resilience: A Guide to Greatness When Your Goals Go Sideways“, which is set to be released in January 2025.

More information about the conference, including registration information, is available at: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/EmergingLeaders2025/home/

At its 81st Annual National Conference, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) recognized five outstanding individuals for their contributions to the association and the mechanical contracting sector.

“We are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated group of volunteers and industry leaders who step up to support the association and our sector,” said Tania Johnston, MCAC Chief Executive Officer. “MCA Canada is a stronger association because of their contributions and commitment to this industry. We look forward each year to recognizing some of those individuals at our conference.”

This year MCAC recognized the following individuals:

• John Makarchuk – the Gary Greig Award recognizes Associate Member representatives for their contributions to the Associate Member category and to MCAC
• Geza Banfai – the Lloyd Maclean Memorial Award is given to individuals for their volunteer contributions to MCAC and the industry
• Kyle Getty – the MCAC Next Gen Award is given to an individual for their outstanding commitment and dedication to the next generation of the mechanical contracting sector
• Jack Bavis & Del Pawliuk – the MCAC Life Membership Award is given to individuals who have given back to MCAC through their volunteer work and service at the association level

“We want to congratulate these individuals once again for their incredible support of MCAC and this sector,” Johnston added.

MCAC President Charlie Webb (front row – right) and ECAM Vice-President Paul Shack (front row – left) signed a strategic MOU between both associations along side (from left to right) MCAC Incoming Chair Brad Mason, MCAM/ECAM Executive Director Ramona Coey, MCAC Vice-President Eastern Ian Arbuckle, MCAC Secretary/Treasurer Derek Ermen, MCAC CEO Tania Johnston, MCAC Vice-President Central Joe Givens

AUSTIN, NOVEMBER 28, 2024 – At their 81st Annual National Conference, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC), together with representatives from the Electrical Contractors Association of Manitoba (ECAM), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a collaborative framework between both organizations to collaborate on the development of a dual-trade, federated, and integrated national association.

“We are extremely proud to be signing this MOU with our counterparts at the Electrical Contractors Association of Manitoba,” explained Charlie Webb, 2023/2024 President and Chair of MCAC. “The MOU is a reflection of the many shared objectives our associations have, and the recognition that a shared and collaborative approach has the potential to create a stronger national voice for our respective sectors.”

“The Electrical Contractors Association of Manitoba is committed to ensuring our members receive value for association membership,” said Paul Shack, ECAM Vice-President and Partner at Nor-tec Group. “This MOU represents that commitment. Great things are achieved when we collaborate with liked-minded stakeholders. We look forward to exploring options with MCAC in representing the pan-Canadian mechanical and electrical contracting sector.”

As part of the MOU, both parties have agreed to work together to assess the feasibility of an integrated and federated membership structure for both electrical and mechanical contractors. The agreement also extends an invitation for ECAM members to take part in MCAC activities moving forward, including the MCAC Day on the Hill, Emerging Leaders Conference, and MCAC Annual National Conference, among others.

“As the associations representing these sectors in our respective jurisdictions, we share a common belief in advancing the best interests of our members, advocating for and on behalf of our sector, and promoting industry best practices,” explained Brad Mason, incoming MCAC President and Chair. “At MCAC, we recognize the potential this has to create one of the strongest associations in Canada’s construction industry. On job sites across the country our tradespeople are closely aligned; it only makes sense that our associations do the same.”

Among the many benefits outlined, the MOU also identifies several key areas where a dual-trade national association could benefit members across the country. These include enhanced advocacy initiatives, increased member engagement, a stronger voice on industry practice issues, and more support for the growth and development of each sector in Canada’s construction industry.

With the MOU now signed, MCAC and ECAM representatives will begin engaging on a national working group, as well as dialogue with other interested associations looking to also take part in these discussions.

-30-

AUSTIN, November 28, 2024 – As the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) kicked off their 81st Annual National Conference, the association and its Women in Mechanical Contracting Committee (WiMC) used the opportunity to announce the publication of their first children’s book showcasing the trades to young women and girls. The idea to publish the book was first put forward by WiMC Chair Judy-Lynn Mason as a way to reach out to the next generation.

“We were so excited to announce and launch ‘Susie’s Shed’ in front of our conference delegation this morning,” said Mason. “This book has been a goal of our committee, and it is wonderful to see it come to fruition. It is a beautifully illustrated book that tells a fun story about girls undertaking the exciting trades on a construction project.”

The book, for sale through Amazon and through MCA Canada, was written by Ken Lancastle, Chief Operating Officer of MCAC, and illustrated by Michael Roy. It is the first in a series of books the association intends to publish, as well as colouring books and other interactive elements featuring the Susie character.

“One of the main messages that we wanted to share with ‘Susie’s Shed,’ and with future projects, is that girls can do anything they set their minds to,” Mason continued. “Susie is one way that we are showcasing to girls and parents – as well as teachers and counsellors – that the construction sector is an exciting career opportunity for anybody.”

In addition to MCAC, the development of the book was supported by Mechanical Contractor Associations across the country. MCAC will be dedicating the sales of the project to supporting future Women in Mechanical Contracting initiatives.

“The MCA community was extremely enthusiastic to support this initiative,” explained Charlie Webb, Chair of MCA Canada. “Once the ball started rolling on the project, our partner associations across Canada were ready to step up to see the book come to fruition.”

For more information about Susie’s Shed, please visit www.susiebuilds.ca.

“A significant majority of mechanical contracting firms in Canada are considered small- or medium-sized companies, or SMEs. As a trade contractor association, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) is concerned with any taxation policy that would negatively impact its members, as well as the potential to attract new individuals and investment to the mechanical contracting industry. The Canadian economy is faced with many challenges in the years ahead that will require a strong and robust mechanical contracting sector. It is as important as ever to ensure a business environment exists that allows mechanical contractors to thrive so that we can continue to build the Canada of tomorrow.”