MCA Ontario Newsletters

MCAO’s HR on Demand


An HR partner might not be a role that your business can support in-house. Most companies don’t add an HR person until they hit 50 people. In the meantime, if you have a question that relates to hiring, performance management, compensation, legislation, conflict, termination (and other human resources topics) it can be hard to know where to start.


We are introducing a potential solution for those of you without HR in-house. MCAO is partnering with Dee Pipher, CHRL to offer HR support. 


If you would like to set up a 30 minute chat with Dee for HR advice, fill in THIS FORM to give some context. You will then be sent a link from Dee to set up a time through calendly.com.


The cost of the 30 minute consult is covered by MCAO. More in depth consultations may need to be covered by the contractor organization. 


If your questions are of a legal nature, or are outside of the scope of HR, Dee may refer you to an employment lawyer. 



Mental Health Working Minds Course


Following the success of our recent mental health presentation, MCAO is proud to partner with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to offer Working Minds, a specialized mental health training program for construction industry managers.


The Working Minds course will be held on March 20, 2025, and is a one-day online course designed to help managers recognize mental health challenges, break down stigma, and foster open communication in the workplace. Participants will learn to:


  • Identify signs of good, declining, and poor mental health
  • Understand mental health as a continuum
  • Reduce stigma and barriers to care
  • Engage in supportive conversations
  • Apply stress management and self-care strategies
  • Strengthen team mental health using practical tools and resources


Participation is limited to 15 spots per session on a first-come, first-served basis, with an initial limit of one participant per member company. If demand is high, additional sessions will be offered.


For more details, visit the official Working Minds Website or contact our Operations Manager Dylan at dylan@mcao.org to secure your spot.


Negotiations have begun!


Negotiations for the next collective agreement have begun at the local level and are expected to progress to provincial level items beginning in March.


Reflecting on our discussions thus far, we are optimistic that our efforts will result in a strong agreement that benefits our industry.


MCAO will be providing periodic updates throughout the negotiation process, so be sure to watch for our 2025 Bargaining Update emails to stay informed.


Thank you for your continued support.


New IHSA Mentorship Guidelines


The Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA) has developed new guidelines to support health and safety mentorship in the construction industry. This resource provides guidance and templates to help workplaces implement a structured mentorship program that enhances safety awareness and reduces workplace incidents, particularly for new or inexperienced workers.

 

The guidelines offer a comprehensive and adaptable framework to assess and improve existing mentorship efforts, ensuring a tailored approach that meets the unique needs of each workplace. Additionally, structured evaluation tools for both mentors and mentees help track progress and identify areas for improvement.

 

Members can access the full guidelines and templates by downloading the PDF HERE!


MCA Ontario 2026 Conference!


A special thank you to all attendees for helping make our 2025 Annual General Meeting/Conference in the beautiful Riviera Maya, Mexico, such a success!  We appreciate your participation and enthusiasm. 


To access a copy of the MCAO 2024 Annual Report, please visit our website HERE!


We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

Danube River Cruise / AMA Waterways  - May 4-11, 2026


CultureAlly DEI Training Series


MCA Ontario is excited to continue our CultureAlly DEI Series, building on the success of our first session. This ongoing series, delivered in partnership with CultureAlly, provides engaging and impactful training designed to foster inclusive workplaces.

The next three sessions will explore key topics essential to strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion in your workplace:


Upcoming Sessions:


📅 Unconscious Bias – April 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET | Register Here!
📅
Inclusive Leadership – July 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET | Register Here!
📅
Cultural Competence – October 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET | Register Here!


About the Facilitators:


Each session will be led by experienced trainers from CultureAlly, using a first-voice co-facilitation approach. This ensures that individuals with lived experiences from marginalized communities are authentically represented while sharing the educational space with a co-facilitator from a different background.


There is no limit to the number of participants for these sessions, and we encourage all members to attend.


FedDev Grant for Southern Ontario - Receive up to $10M in Government Funding


Southern Ontario businesses seeking to scale operations, adopt innovative technologies, and enhance productivity can now access significant financial support through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Eligible companies may receive up to $10 million in interest-free, repayable contributions, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.


Key Details:


  • Funding: Covers up to 50% of eligible project costs.
  • Eligibility: Incorporated Businesses with a minimum of five employees and three years of operation history.
  • Activities Covered: Projects focused on adopting or adapting innovative technologies, improving productivity, expanding management capacity, scaling operations, and commercializing new products or services.


To apply, businesses must prepare a comprehensive application package, including a detailed business plan, financial statements for the past two years, and projected financials for the project's duration. There is no set deadline, and applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.


For more information click HERE!


Ontario Programs Supporting Women’s Development and Employment Opportunities


The Ontario government is investing in programs designed to help more women develop valuable skills, secure meaningful employment, and advance their careers. This initiative focuses on removing barriers in industries where women have been historically underrepresented, such as skilled trades and technology, fostering greater economic inclusion. Through targeted training, mentorship opportunities, and employer partnerships, these programs will continue equip women with the tools they need to succeed in today’s evolving workforce.

For more details, read the full announcement HERE!


Emerging Leaders Conference Now Open for Registration


Registration is open for the 2025 Emerging Leaders Conference, taking place from March 27-28, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. Hosted by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) and spearheaded by the association’s Future Leaders Advisory Council, attendees will take away valuable learning and networking connections.

 

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. 

More information about the conference, including registration information, is available HERE!


Bank of Canada Committed to 2% Inflation Target Despite Tariffs 


In a recent address, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem reaffirmed the central bank’s commitment to its 2% inflation target, even as proposed U.S. tariffs pose new economic challenges. He warned that these tariffs could lead to significant structural changes in Canada’s economy, including reduced investment and productivity. Macklem emphasized that monetary policy will remain focused on price stability. He also announced the launch of the Bank’s monetary policy framework renewal process to ensure it remains effective in guiding the economy through evolving conditions.


Read the full report HERE!

Looking for more?

Our intent is to make this a quarterly newsletter that is full of timely and valuable information for you. If you would like to see a specific topic or concern included in a future version please reach out to us at mcao@mcao.org. We welcome any feedback and/or questions you may have.

MCA Ontario Newsletters

December 18, 2024
Holiday Training Code Giveaway! – Waiting on Workplace Safety In honor of the holidays, we are thrilled to give away a large number of online BuildForce and Workplace Safety training courses to our members! All courses are self-paced, with BuildForce codes qualifying for gold seal certification credits. Courses include: BuildForce o Introduction to Construction Estimating o Construction Project Management Workplace Safety o Workplace Incident Investigation o Conflict Resolution If you would like to request any of the above codes, please contact our Operations Manager, Dylan, at dylan@mcao.org . Happy Holidays!
October 15, 2024
MCA Ontario 2025 Annual General Meeting/Conference
July 1, 2024
Artificial Intelligence Part 2 - Increasing Productivity In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries. For mechanical contracting businesses, AI offers innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve project outcomes. Here are some AI programs that are already beginning to transform the way mechanical contractors operate: OpenSpace is a reality capture program that utilizes automated 360-degree helmet cameras and AI-powered progress tracking to provide constant worksite updates. ClickUp Brain ’s AI-powered scheduling assistant simplifies scheduling by considering task dependencies, team availability, and project priorities. Field Wire is a data analysis program with sophisticated AI algorithms that provide insight into project trends and anomalies. PlanSwift is an AI-powered estimation tool that measures quantities and dimensions directly from digital floor layouts, streamlining the digital takeoff process. viAct is a safety program that employs a series of cameras to identify possible threats and plan deviations on site to avoid incidents. They boast 95% fewer accidents when used. Rhumbix offers an AI-based field data platform that improves labor productivity and project management through timekeeping and performance analytics. Other similar programs include Deepomatic , Timescapes , Buildots , Fusion 360 , and AVEVA , among many other innovative solutions that are continually being released and enhanced. Integrating AI into mechanical contracting enhances operational efficiency and provides a competitive edge in an industry that thrives on precision and productivity. By leveraging AI you can ensure your projects are executed flawlessly, on time, and within budget, ultimately leading to increased client satisfaction and business growth. Embracing AI today sets the foundation for a more innovative and successful future in the mechanical contracting industry.
May 1, 2024
Bill 149, Working for Workers Four Act On March 21, 2024, the "Working for Workers Four Act, 2023" received royal assent in Ontario.The bill amends various workplace laws, such as the Employment Standards Act, 2000, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Provisions of the act key to the construction industry include: Enabling additional "super indexing" increases to Workplace Safety and Insurance Boardbenefits. Requiring employers to disclose salary ranges in job postings and inform if AI is used inthe hiring process. Banning the requirement of Canadian experience in job postings. Enhancing oversight of how regulated professions assess international qualifications. Lowering the employment period for firefighters diagnosed with esophageal cancer toreceive compensation. See the full bill HERE!
January 1, 2024
2024 WSIB Premium Rates The WSIB has announced that average premium rates for Ontario businesses will remain steady for 2024. While most sectors have had slight fluctuations, G6 Non-Residential Building Construction was one of few sectors to retain their same average premium rate from2023 of $1.55 per $100 of insurable payroll. This stability, however, may be short lived dueto the WSIB’s announcement of a 6.5% cost of living increase to people receiving in comereplacement, as well as, the 2% super indexing included in Bill 149, which both signal that rates are likely to increase in the future. To access your individual 2024 premium rate statements, visit the WSIB website HERE!
December 1, 2023
Holiday Giveaway! MCA Ontario recently purchased a large number of Project Management and Estimating Courses from BuildForce Canada to be distributed to our members throughyour local MCA’s! To celebrate the holiday season, we kept 10 BuildForce course codes to offer to members who subscribe to our newsletter. (Limited to one per company). Please email our Operations Manager Dylan Knight at dylan@mcao.org with your zone andcompany name to request one.
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