15 NATIONAL BULLETIN | Issue 2, 2025 skilled labour workforce, preference for Canadian mechanical contractors and suppliers for public projects, and support for Canadian businesses impacted by tariffs and Canadian countermeasures. Since taking office, the Liberal Party of Canada have made meaningful strides towards progressing those goals, including the implementation of four federal announcements aligned with the BCN campaign. In 2025, MCAC also developed a report entitled The Economic Impact of Mechanical and Electrical Construction in Canada, which was an addition to the importance of mechanical contracting position shared with the federal government in 2024. Highlighted in the BCN position, this report determined that mechanical contracting employs more than 227,000 Canadians, contributes more than $30 billion to the Canadian economy and accounts for more than $18 billion in wages to hard- working Canadians. Formation of the Federal Major Projects Office In August 2025, MCAC sent a letter of support to the federal government after the announcement of the formation of the Major Projects Office. The letter also indicated MCAC was “looking forward to working with the government to ensure Canada’s ‘growth-critical’ trade contractors are actively engaged in the efficient delivery of infrastructure projects across the country.” For more than five years, MCAC has advocated for a federal construction body to deal with challenges in the construction area including skilled labour, permitting and project delivery. This new office is a commitment to collaboration and coordination with groups like MCAC and creates a vehicle to determine new practices in project delivery. Skilled Trades Must Adapt to Economic Needs In April 2025, MCAC forwarded a statement to all federal parties, encouraged by their support for growing skilled trades and funding to train apprentices. This is vitally important considering the large construction projects that the federal and provincial governments are embarking on to meet environmental targets. This statement also addressed the need for training facilities and allowing for labour mobility, as well as funding for businesses hiring and training apprentices. It also stated that when elected, political leaders must follow through with their trades commitment and work with construction associations to ensure that the necessary dollars are spent on trades. Coalition on Tariffs and Countermeasures In 2025, MCAC led a coalition of associations in communication with Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc concerning the Trump tariffs and requesting a reprieve from Canadian countermeasures for construction materials. MCAC also provided members with best practices and other measures to deal with the challenges of the trade war with the U.S., including concerns over suppliers increasing prices without explaining that the higher prices are a result of the trade war tariffs. Labour Markets According to BuildForce Canada, national construction industry employment increased by 66,400 workers or 4.1 per cent by June 2025. Ontario, B.C. and Alberta led the way with double-digit increases, while the other provinces had increases in the single digits. Despite the weakening residential demand, non-residential activity has held strong because of public sector investments in hospitals, seniors care, educational facilities and the renovation and expansion of government buildings. The latest data from StatsCan in May 2025 shows an increase in permit value nationally of 4.6 per cent compared to May 2024, which usually trends towards an increase in employment. Building permit values are up 5.1 per cent compared to the same period in 2024, which suggests a better first half of the year in 2025. Actual permits, however, are down 5.5 per cent in part due to investor uncertainty related to cross-border trade disruptions. Provincial construction unemployment rates in June 2025 varied from 2.5 per cent in Saskatchewan to 10.6 per cent in Newfoundland and Labrador. All other provinces had rates of 6.6 per cent or below, except for New Brunswick at 8.5 per cent. Industry Advancement The Women in Mechanical Contracting Committee recently approved a name change to take in a wider vision of the group. The group will now be known as Women in Canadian Trade Contracting (WiCTC). The Susie’s Shed children’s book has been a huge success with more than 3,000 copies sold worldwide and a second book has already been introduced. MCAC is also developing a Susie Ambassador program to help members promote the book, as well as provide toolkits to schools and other learning institutions. Building on that momentum, WiCTC introduced Susie’s Marvelous World of ME at the 2025 MCAC Annual National Conference – a delightful adventure in which Susie explores the vital role of mechanical and electrical components in Canada’s infrastructure. Complementing these adventures, the new A Colourful Build colouring book invites children to explore mechanical contracting in a hands-on way, combining creativity with learning. Innovation In 2026, MCAC will be introducing a new publication entitled Innovation Insights. A bi-annual publication, this communication piece will share innovation case studies between contractors and supplier members. Other Notables • MCAC CEO Tania Johnston has been named one of Construction’s Most Influential People for 2025 by SiteNews. “Her 25 years of dedication to the mechanical contracting industry exemplify her tireless commitment to supporting members and our sector,” says Brad Mason, president and chair of MCAC. Construction’s Most Influential People was launched by SiteNews in 2024. • MCAC proudly recognized retiring Senator Don Plett with the MCAC Life Member Award in May 2025 for his outstanding contributions to the mechanical contracting industry, including his sponsorship of the Canada Prompt Payment Act in 2017. • The MCAC McMaster University Student Chapter won first place in the 2025 Mechanical Contractors of America (MCAA) Student Chapter competition.
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