MCA Ontario Newsletters

MCA Ontario 2024 Annual General Meeting/Conference


Our 2024 Annual General Meeting/Conference is on the horizon! Join MCA Ontario as we explore the city of London April 11-19. Click the photo below to view some of the exciting tours and dinners we have planned for our conference.


We hope to see you there!


Registration opening soon!


The WSIAT is Updating it's Pre-Hearing Process


Starting November 6th, 2023, the Workers' Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) is implementing a new pre-hearing process. The aim of this new process is to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and timely adjudication across the board. Notable changes designed to streamline the appeals process include:

  • Navigation services for self-represented parties.
  • Elimination of certain notice periods.
  • Revised disclosure period.
  • More efficient process for handling abandoned appeals.
  • Revised notice of appeal form.
  • New “Hearing Ready” and “Not Ready for Hearing” forms.


The WSIAT will be holding information sessions on the new process in the fall and we have provided links to their new workflow diagram and information sheet for your convenience.


Unprescendented WSIB Payment Error


The WSIB is attempting to rectify an unprecedented error that resulted in many claimants being underpaid over the past 20 years. Between January 1998 and December 2017, their payment system did not always adjust earnings correctly. This miscalculation only affected roughly two percent of claims during this period but the amount of moneythat workers have been short changed totals $42 million.  The average miscalculation amounts to under $70 but in extreme situations could total as much as $40,000. The WSIB has recently sent out letters to the affected workers, who once they sign into the WSIB portal and confirm their identity, will receive their back payment within six weeks.


For more information click HERE!


Few Spots Left in the CEC Porject Management Program!


The Construction Education Council (CEC) proudly presents the exclusive Gold Seal and Blue Seal Accredited Project Management Program. This highly acclaimed program is offered in partnership with the University of Waterloo. The program takes place over a 10-day period and is split into two 5-day sessions. Part of what is unique in this Project Management offering is that over the 10-day period you will be introduced to 8 different instructors who are all experts in their field of knowledge. You will learn from the best!

  • Dates: Week 1 = November 16-20, 2023 | Week 2 = December 14-18, 2023
  • Location: Waterloo, Ontario
  • Cost for MCA Member: $3,500.00


For more information about the course and to register, click
HERE!



CEC Dispatcher Training program


The Construction Education Council is pleased to present this exclusive 2-Day Dispatcher Training Program. Acontracting firm’s dispatchers serve as the nerve center of the entire company. The more knowledgeable and capable they are at serving customers and communicating with field personnel, the better they can contribute to the success ofthe business. The training is designed to enhance your dispatcher’s skill set through group exercises, self-assessment tools and discussion groups.

  • Dates: December 5-6, 2023
  • Location: MCA Toronto - 595 Cityview Blvd. Unit 7, Vaughan, Ontario
  • Cost for MCA Members: $475


For more information about the program and to register, click
HERE!


New IHSA Sanitary Washroom Regulations


Due to a combination of Covid 19 and outdated policies, the IHSA has created new on-site hygiene regulations for the entire construction industry.  By maintaining proper hygiene procedures and facilities you can help to prevent the spread of infectious diseases onthe worksite. This can be very difficult, often forcing workers to have to deal with unsanitary toilets and cleaning facilities. The new regulations, designed to address these issues, came into effect July 1st, 2023, and will be required under Ontario health and safety laws.



For more information visit IHSA.ca or review the “Sanitary Conditions on Construction Sites” document HERE!


Ontario Investing in Free Training for Women and Young People


The Ontario government has committed $3.6 million in funding to back three groundbreaking initiatives.  Spearheaded by the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario (PBCTCO), these initiatives aimto assist more than 2,200 women and young individuals prepare for a rewarding and high paying career in theconstruction trades. The free program will focus on enhancing female representation within the sector, delivering accessible online training resources and employment opportunities to job seekers, and giving grade 12 students animmersive glimpse into the construction industry.

Read more about it HERE!


Minister McNaughton's Sudden Departure


Ontario Minister of Labour Monte McNaughton has left the Progressive Conservative caucus. McNaughton released a statement in late September stepping down from his duties and resigning within a week. In his statement, McNaughton said that “he’s exiting politics to take a job in the private sector” and that his decision was completely unrelated to the recent greenbelt development events.


Former environment minister David Piccini has been chosen as McNaughton’s replacement and we look forward to forging a new relationship with him soon!


We would also like to wish Minister McNaughton the best of luck in the private sector!


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 atmcao@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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