b'PRESIDENTS MESSAGEBRAD MASON, MCAC President & Chair, 2024-2025MEETING THE MOMENT:The need for a strong mechanical sectorand unified industry voiceC anada is currently at a crossroads. As global trade dynamics shift, the threat of tariffs remain, and with an urgent need for critical infrastructure, now is the time to build a more resilient Canadian economy. The mechanical contracting sector is not only ready to meet this moment; we are essential to it.As 2025 has shown, Canada is not immune to the uncertainty that has been brought on this year. International trading relationships and the imposition of tariffs have influenced our economy and the Canadian construction industry. Our association recognized the impacts a trade war could have and was swift to respond by rallying allied associations to advocate for the exclusion of construction-related materials fromCanadian countermeasures. At the same time, our association recognized the need to strategize for a new normal. Thats why MCAC called on the federal government to Build Canada Now in the lead-up to this years federal election. This isnt just a sloganit is a call to action. Canada needs more housing, more infrastructure and more pathways to global markets, and Canadas mechanical contractors are at the heart of this effort. Our sector employs over 205,000 Canadians and contributes more than $30 billion to the economy. From clean water systems to energy infrastructure to essential community buildings, we build the critical systems that Canadians rely on every day.But if we are going to capitalize on this opportunity, we also need to work together. Thats why MCAC is championing the creation of a national dual-trade association, bringing together mechanical and electrical contractors under one unified banner. So many of our members are already actively engaged in the dual-trade space. By working together at a national level, we can break down the silos that have limited our collective impact. Aligning our advocacy, industry practices and strategic priorities can amplify the voice of this sector and better serve our members from coastto coast. This also applies to the challenge of workforce development and our sectors labour and productivity challenges. In response, MCAC has proposed targeted support for what we call the growth-critical tradesthe Red Seal trades that form the backbone of our industry. This includes tax incentives, immigration alignment and programming to recruit underrepresented groups, including women and newcomers.Weve also emphasized the need for predictable planning. As jurisdictions across Canada pursue nation-building projects, mechanical contractors must be equipped with the training, technology and workforce to deliver. That means long-term investment, not short-term fixes. It means recognizing our sector as a strategic partner in building Canadas future, and not just as a service provider.There can be no argument that the challenges we are facing, whether tariff-related or otherwise, are significant and real. But there are also opportunities that lie ahead. By strengthening our sector, collaborating with key stakeholders and advocating for a strong and vibrant mechanical contracting sector, we can ensure that our industry is leading the charge to build a stronger and more resilient Canadian economy.Lets meet the moment. Lets build Canada now.8 www.mcac.ca'