…news / information all members should be aware of…
MCA Ontario's Standard Provincial Welding Procedures Program
The MCAO Standard Provincial Welding Procedures Program (SPWPP) offers a wide range of Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel and Copper Brazing Procedures that are recognized by the TSSA. This program is of great value to our members as it allows them to access work across the province without the need for retesting. Joining this program is FREE to all UA affiliated MCAO Members! Just have a signatory complete the Participant Declaration Form included with this report and fax it to: 905 856-0385.
Through our Welding Test Fund (WTF), MCAO also covers the costs associated with the testing requirements in relation to Carbon Steel Procedure MCAO F3F4-07. This time-saving program ensures consistency and quality among the participating welders.
For further details on the Standard Welding Procedures Program please contact our office at
905 856-0342.
Confidential Salary Survey- Recently Completed
MCAO's 2009 Confidential Salary Survey has now been completed and distributed to all participants. The survey was originally conducted in 1998 and again in 2002 and has proven to be extremely valuable to all members, as it relates directly to key personnel positions within the Mechanical Contracting Industry.
The information provided by our participants was collected by PricewaterhouseCoopers and kept strictly confidential. Only the results were published and distributed to members who participated in completing the survey.
Some 32 firms across Ontario participated in the 2009 survey- which will again be conducted in late 2011/early 2012.
MCA Canada Launches New Mechanical Service Contractors of Canada (MSCC) Division.
MSCC is dedicated to mechanical service, repair and retrofit contractors. Membership offers you the opportunity to benefit from an array of programs developed specifically to enhance your corporate management and profitability in the service sector.
MSCC provides advanced training programs, an expanding catalogue of resources, national information and communication avenues, and exceptional events to bring your face-to-face with other leaders in the service community.
As a MSCC member, you’ll have the opportunity to build lasting, beneficial relationships with your peers while acquiring the business knowledge and tools to keep your company successful.
Still not convinced MSCC can help your business? Here are just a few of the educational courses being offered this summer: How To Determine Charge Out Rates, Thriving As A Service Contractor, Small Project Management, and Electrical Troubleshooting for HVAC Service - Level 1 & 2.
Want even more good news??? Membership is available, at no cost, to all MCA Ontario Members!!! Simply fill out the attached application form and fax it back to MCA Ontario- 905 856-0385.
It’s that easy!
Provincial Licensing For Master Plumbers/Mechanical Contractors
MCA Ontario is involved in an ongoing effort to achieve Province Wide Licensing of Master Plumbers/Mechanical Contractors. We are lobbying the Provincial Government for a system of Self-regulation for the Mechanical Industry in Ontario. This initiative will streamline the Master Plumber Licensing Program across Ontario, improve public safety and ensure direct input on decisions affecting our industry.
Currently MCAO has created an Industry Steering Committee for this initiative that is in the process of gathering information and preparing to pursue formal establishment of a Mechanical Industry Regulatory Agency by the Ontario Government.
Please look for updates in your next MCA Ontario Report.
CCA Guide #61 Sample Letter
Please see the attached Sample Letter which is intended as a guide when communicating with owners and/or their agents, general contractors, etc. in regards to the pre-purchasing of equipment.
Les Liversidge Legal Services
MCAO has enlisted Les Liversidge, principal of L.A. Liversidge, Barristers and Solicitors as our legal advisor on matters relating to WSIB. Les's firm offers a variety of services that the MCAO endorses such as "WSIB related advise, guidance, and advocacy assistance". Please see the attached document for further background and information.
Please also note the attached survey. This survey outlines topics potentially of importance/ interest to you and your firm. Please take the time to select the subjects of interest and return the survey to cbarnett@laliversidge.com. Based on the feedback provided by this survey, Les's team will organize Information Seminars aimed at educating Member Firms on specific WSIB matters; and related legal rights.
Modern Niagara Appeal Dismissed
On October 28, 2000, a personal injury incident occurred in the mechanical room of the First Canadian Place office Tower. This incident resulted in four charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act against Modern Niagara Toronto Inc. In September of 2003, three of these charges were dismissed and the 4th was withdrawn by the Crown (representing the injured workers).
However, the Crown was not satisfied with this decision and decided to appeal. The 2003 appeal resulted in a conviction and fines against Modern Niagara. Unhappy with the verdict, Modern Niagara chose to appeal the decision to the Ontario Court of Appeal, which set aside all findings of guilt.
The Crown representing the injured workers, was unsatisfied with the overture and asked Justice Bruno Cavion to review the case in hopes of convicting Modern Niagara once again.
Justice Cavion began reviewing the case in January 2008 and MCAO was asked to formally intervene. We are pleased to announce that the Ontario Court of Justice reviewed all the facts and has dismissed the appeal clearing Modern Niagara of all charges and fines.
Canadian Healthcare Construction Course
The Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society (CHES) in conjunction with the American Society of Healthcare Engineers (ASHE) is offering the only course in Canada designed to meet the unique needs of healthcare construction professionals. If you are a construction professional either working in the healthcare market or looking to expand into this market, the information provided by this course will give you and your company a competitive edge when negotiating contracts with healthcare facilities.
This 2- DAY Course focuses on: PDC Process, Building and Fire Codes, Infection Control, Mechanical and Plumbing Systems, Medical Gas Systems, Electrical Systems, and Emergency Preparedness.
Successful participants will receive a certificate documenting your participation.
TORONTO October 27-28, 2009
Registration Fees are as follows:
CHES Member (1) |
$765 + GST |
Non-member (1) |
$895 + GST |
Special Offer (2) |
$885 + GST |
Colony East Room (2nd floor)
89 Chestnut University of Toronto
89 Chestnut Street
Toronto ON M5G 1R1
(1) includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, course materials.
(2) includes course registration at the member rate plus CHES membership for current year ($120 value)
Please visit www.chesconference.com/CHCC/Registration.htm for more information and to register.
NTCCC News Update
MCA Ontario, through MCA Canada, is a proud member and supporter of the National Trade Contractors Coalition of Canada (NTCCC). This organization is currently involved in the development and promotion of several trades' initiatives. A recent key area of NTCCC activities included the development of a guide to assist in the understanding and completion of standard contract forms.
This guide focuses on the Canadian Construction Association's stipulated price subcontract (CCA 1); has a page on one side of a binder corresponding with a page from CCA 1 on the other side. Its purpose is to break down the CCA 1 information into simple understandable terms.
An NTCCC representative explains, "We feel this is the best way in effectively connecting the subcontractor with the guide and the actual document, they can easily go from one side to the other." Hard copies of the guide will be sent to all members via MCA Canada.
NTCCC is also very active in urging Federal Politicians to create Prompt Payment Legislation to alleviate some of the pressures from the current down turn in economy. Please see the attachment for further information on their recent efforts regarding this.
Likewise, this organization has developed an informative DVD entitled "Getting Paid", which is designed to help NTCCC members do things appropriately to ensure they get paid. The "tongue in cheek" DVD features a subcontractor, played by actor Bill Carr, who happens to do everything wrong and is dealing with a difficult general contractor.
Please contact NTCCC for more information or visit www.ntccc.ca to view the video under the "Getting Paid" tab.
MCA Hamilton- McMaster University Student Chapter Leads Canadian Initiative
Congratulations to MCA Hamilton on becoming the second Canadian Local MCA with a Student Chapter!!! This Chapter allows first to forth year students from the Department of Mechanical Engineering to experience the Mechanical Contracting Industry first hand and apply classroom knowledge to the workforce.
In partnership with the MCA Hamilton Education committee, the Student Chapter takes part in a variety of activities including: site tours, attending local networking events, and participation in annual competitions. This exciting initiative enhances the student's abilities while at the same time promoting internships and graduate employment.
Along with this achievement, McMaster has just established a Heavy Construction Chair at the University, the first such Chair in Canada! The Chair's Key duties are to provide leadership in advancing innovation in the heavy-construction sector, attracting and developing talent, and contributing to the advancement of a modern and durable infrastructure in Ontario.
Congratulations once again to Hamilton on these exciting initiatives!
News & Views ...
As always, MCA Ontario welcomes your feedback on any articles appearing in the MCA Ontario Report. We also encourage your input/suggestions with respect to future topics you feel should be addressed in this newsletter/you feel would be of importance/interest to all Members. Please contact Christina Nardiello in this regard at 905 856-0342; and be sure to check out the latest updates on our website: www.mcao.org!!! |
The MCAO Report will be published about every other month or so. Please come