Skilled Trades Ontario Streamlining Apprenticeship Service

As of April 2, 2025, Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is now the primary point of contact for apprenticeship registrations, completions, and certification exams, simplifying the process for both apprentices and sponsors.

This change is part of a broader effort to reduce bureaucracy and improve the apprenticeship system for everyone involved.  STO will now:

•       Register training agreements directly and authorize sponsors

•       Issue Certificates of Apprenticeship

•       Manage all aspects of certification exams, including scheduling and administration

STO has been establishing exam locations across Ontario to ensure continued access to offsite testing. Furthermore, a new online booking system will make it easier for apprentices to schedule exams at their convenience.

For more details click HERE!

Upcoming Changes to Payments of Holdbacks

The Ontario government has amended the Construction Act to mandate the annual release of holdback funds, aiming to improve cash flow and reduce administrative burdens in the construction industry.

Key Changes:

• Annual Release Requirement: Owners are now obligated to release accrued holdback amounts annually, irrespective of the contract's size. This replaces the previous optional system and applies to all construction projects in Ontario.
• Notice and Payment Timeline: Owners must publish a notice of annual release of holdback within 14 days following each contract anniversary. Subsequently, the holdback must be released within 14 days after the lien period expires, provided no liens have been preserved or perfected.
• Elimination of Holdback Set-Offs: The repeal of Section 27.1 removes the provision that allowed owners to withhold holdback funds through set-off claims, facilitating smoother payment processes.​
• Transition Period: For contracts entered into before the amendments take effect, the first mandatory holdback release is scheduled on the second anniversary of the contract date following the enactment of the amendments.​

These changes will take effect on a date to be proclaimed by the Lieutenant Governor and represent a significant shift in Ontario's construction law. They are part of the government's efforts to ensure timely payments and reduce financial strain on contractors and subcontractors.

For more information, please refer to section 26 of the Construction Act HERE!

Student Chapter Winners

Congratulation the students from McMaster University for their first place finish in the at the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) 2025 Student Chapter Competition.
 

MCA Ontario’s executive team had the pleasure of witnessing this incredible event firsthand to cheer on McMaster University as they earned their well-deserved victory.
 
The students from McMaster are supported by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Hamilton Niagara. Thanks to the guidance of Professor Stephen Veldhuis and contractor advisor Kyle Getty, they have consistently performed well, including four consecutive top four placements.

McMaster students Erin Chillingworth, Jared Montgomery, Michael Holden, Nour Abdallah, Ryan Neudorf, Puisand Lai, and Professor Veldhuis with UA Director of Canadian Affairs, Terry Snooks.

Upcoming Webinar – BIM in Action - Enhancing Collaboration Through Building Information Modelling

MCAO is happy to host a one-hour Lunch and Learn session exploring how Building Information Modeling (BIM) enhances collaboration across all stakeholders involved in a construction project.

This informative webinar will be held on May 15, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. It will be led by George Brown Professor Magdalena Ordyniec and will walk through the full project lifecycle, highlighting how BIM improves communication, coordination, and overall project outcomes. We’ll also address a common question: Is BIM a process or a tool?

Topics include:

• How BIM is used from start to finish in a construction project
• Key software tools such as Revit and Navisworks
• The benefits of BIM for owners, designers, contractors, and other stakeholders
• How BIM contributes to time and cost savings across the board

Whether you're new to BIM or looking to better understand its collaborative potential, this session will offer valuable insights and practical takeaways.

Don’t miss out! Email our operations manager at dylan@mcao.org to reserve your spot!

Second Round of WSIB Surplus Distribution Totals $2 Billion

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced a second surplus distribution, returning an additional $2 billion to safe, Schedule 1 businesses later this spring. This follows the successful completion of the first 2024 distribution in March, which initially returned $2 billion to approximately 280,000 businesses.

In addition to financial relief, WSIB is also now offering free access to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety’s (CCOHS) business safety portal for all WSIB-registered businesses, a value of up to $1,700 annually. The resources include customizable templates, how-to guides, and other practical tools to support workplace health and safety. Simply log in at wsib.ca to access these materials.

For more information on WSIB’s recent and upcoming surplus distribution, click HERE!



Updated Quality Control Manual Has Been Released

MCAO has recently completed a comprehensive review and revision of our Quality Control Manual in collaboration with TSSA to ensure it aligns with current standards.

 If your organization has recently undergone an audit and/or manual update with the TSSA, it is likely that no further action is required, as your documentation should already be compliant. However, if your Quality Control Manual has not been updated recently, we recommend using the newly revised version as a foundation for bringing your manual into compliance.

 If you are a participant in our Quality Control Manual Program and have not received the document, or if you would like to join the program, please email us at mcao@mcao.org

Free IHSA Tools and Training for Your Small Business

The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) provides free training and resources to help small businesses strengthen workplace health and safety.

From working at heights to occupational health awareness, IHSA’s no-cost programs are designed to support small employers in meeting their safety obligations and building a strong safety culture. These resources include in-person and online training, safety talks, and step-by-step guides tailored to high-risk industries.

To Explore the full range of free supports available, click HERE!