Discounted WSIB Professional Services Now Available!

MCAO is excited to announce two new preferred service partnerships designed to give members access to experienced professional support at preferred member rates.

Through our new partnerships with Corporate Workplace Injury Management (CWIM), led by Sheila Zsoldos, and L. A. Liversidge, LL.B., members can access trusted expertise across a wide range of workplace injury management, WSIB, and employment-related matters.

Services available to members include (but are not limited to):

• WSIB and WSIAT appeals
• Employer obligations and compliance
• Return-to-work assessments and support
• Second Injury and Enhancement Fund (SIEF) relief
• Transfer of costs
• Strategic WSIB advisory services
• Claim management, including communication with the WSIB and appeals
• Accident investigation support and claim cost mitigation strategies

In addition, members have access to experienced legal counsel and workplace advisory services from professionals who understand the unique challenges facing Ontario's unionized mechanical contracting industry.

Learn more about these exclusive member benefits please contact dylan@mcao.org

AI Corner - AI Isn't Replacing Expertise. It's Raising the Value of It!

One of the biggest misconceptions about artificial intelligence is that it replaces expertise. In reality, the opposite is often true.

Ask AI a vague question and you'll usually get a vague answer. Ask it a thoughtful question based on years of industry experience, and the results become far more valuable. AI doesn't think like an experienced project manager, estimator, or service manager. It relies on the knowledge and direction provided by the person using it.

That's why AI is becoming less of a technology discussion and more of a skills discussion.

The people seeing the greatest benefits aren't necessarily software experts. They're the professionals who know how to break down a problem, identify what's missing, recognize when something doesn't look right, and ask better follow-up questions. Their expertise allows them to get more from AI and, just as importantly, recognize when its answers need to be challenged.

This also changes how organizations should think about training. Learning to use AI effectively isn't about memorizing prompts or finding the perfect chatbot. It's about strengthening critical thinking, asking better questions, validating results, and understanding where human judgment remains essential.

As AI becomes part of everyday business, the companies that gain the greatest advantage won't simply be those with access to the latest technology. They'll be the ones with people who know how to use it to support, rather than replace, their expertise.

Free PMP Training - PROMEX Returns for 2026-2027!

MCAO, in partnership with ECAO and CLRAO, is pleased to announce the return of PROMEX – Project Management Skills for Construction Excellence.

Delivered in collaboration with the Schulich School of Business at York University, this fully funded program is available at no cost to eligible members and provides participants with the opportunity to earn a Master's Certificate in Project Management (MCPM) while developing practical leadership and project management skills tailored to the construction industry.

Over eight weeks, participants will complete live virtual training covering project planning, cost management, leadership, communication, risk management, and digital collaboration tools, including MS Project, Primavera, Generative AI, and Agentic AI. Participants will also receive exam preparation support and become eligible to write the PMP®, CAPM®, or PMI-CP® certification exams, with exam fees covered.

Employers will also receive a $2,500 wage reimbursement for each employee who successfully completes the program.

The first 2026 cohort begins September 15, 2026, with additional cohorts beginning January 12 and April 6, 2027. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

To view the program brochure, click HERE!
To register or learn more, please contact Cathy Fredrickson at cfrederickson@ecao.org.



Free Webinar: Practical AI Risk Issues for Mechanical Contractors

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday business, from estimating and document review to project management, HR, and client communications. As its use continues to grow, it's important to understand the legal and business risks that come with these powerful tools.

Join David J. Rose, Founder of Astor Nobel Law, for a free one-hour webinar designed specifically for MCAO Members. This practical, non-technical session will cover topics including:

• Confidentiality and privacy considerations when using AI
• The reliability and limitations of AI-generated work
• Managing liability and AI-related risks
• Contract clauses, vendor considerations, and subcontractor issues
• Practical internal policies for responsible AI use

Whether your company is already using AI or just beginning to explore its potential, you'll leave with practical guidance that can be applied immediately.

Date: Thursday, August 6
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

To register, please contact dylan@mcao.org.

TSSA BPV Committee Member Replacement
MCAO is pleased to announce that Jamie Webb of Anderson Webb, has been appointed to the TSSA Board of Directors, where he will represent the interests of MCAO members. We congratulate Jamie on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to his contributions in this new role.

As a result, MCAO is seeking a volunteer to represent the association on the TSSA Boiler and Pressure Vessels (BPV) Committee.

This is an opportunity to help ensure the voice of Ontario's mechanical contracting industry is heard on important regulatory matters. Committee members attend two meetings per year (in person or virtually) and work with TSSA and the Ministry on issues affecting the industry.

Responsibilities include:

• Representing MCAO members on regulatory and industry matters.
• Providing updates to the MCAO Board on key discussions and emerging issues.
• Bringing forward member concerns and proposed agenda items for committee discussion.
• Helping shape discussions on topics such as TSSA fees, engineering review timelines, modernization initiatives, emerging technologies, and other issues impacting the mechanical contracting industry.

As the largest stakeholder in TSSA's Boiler and Pressure Vessels Division, maintaining a strong MCAO presence on this committee is essential.

If you are interested in serving or would like to learn more, please contact dylan@mcao.org.

TSSA Releases New Guideline for the Alternate Piping Process

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has published a new guideline outlining the requirements for implementing the Alternate Process for Pressure Piping Inspection.

The Alternate Piping Process allows eligible companies to use their own TSSA-accepted Qualified Persons to inspect certain pressure piping systems in place of a TSSA Inspector, while maintaining regulatory oversight through audits and technical reviews.

The new guideline provides detailed direction on obtaining a Certificate of Authorization (COA), qualifying and appointing Qualified Persons, notifying TSSA of Alternate Piping Process jobs, submitting the required Alternate Piping Data Form, and annual audit requirements. It also includes updated requirements for submitting work orders, with revisions to Section 7 (Alteration Piping Work Orders) and Section 8 (Work Order Requirements) that certificate holders should review carefully.

Members participating in, or considering, the Alternate Piping Process are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new guideline to ensure compliance with the updated requirements.

Read the guideline HERE!

Save on Energy Retrofit Program (Grant)

MCA Ontario encourages members planning facility improvements to explore the Save on Energy Retrofit Program. The program provides financial incentives to help businesses offset the cost of energy-efficient upgrades that reduce electricity consumption and is particularly well suited to upgrades at offices, fabrication shops, warehouses, and service facilities. Depending on the project, eligible businesses may receive up to 50% of project costs.

Eligible projects include:

·        HVAC equipment replacements

·        Building automation systems

·        High-efficiency pumps and motors

·        Variable speed drives (VFDs)

·        Air conditioning systems

·        Solar photovoltaic (PV) installations

·        Other custom energy-saving retrofits.

The program offers both Prescriptive and Custom funding streams, allowing businesses to apply for common equipment upgrades or larger projects based on verified energy savings. It is important to note that applications must be approved before equipment is purchased or installation begins.

To learn more, click HERE!

WSIB Proposes Changes to Income Replacement Benefits

The Ontario government has announced proposed changes to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act that would increase Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Loss-of-Earnings (LOE) benefits for injured workers for the first time in nearly 30 years.

If passed, injured workers would receive 90% of their net earnings, up from the current 85%, providing additional financial support while recovering from a workplace injury. According to the province, a worker earning $60,000 annually would receive approximately $2,400 more in benefits over the course of a year.

The proposed legislation would also modernize the system for older workers by allowing eligible individuals who planned to continue working beyond age 65 to remain eligible for LOE benefits after turning 65. Under the current legislation, those benefits generally end at age 65 regardless of the worker's intended retirement plans.

MCAO will continue monitoring the progress of this legislation and provide updates to members as more information becomes available.

For more information click HERE!

WSIB Launches Modernized First Aid Program

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has launched a modernized First Aid Program to improve the consistency and accessibility of workplace first aid training across Ontario. The updated program aligns with the national CSA Z1210:24 standard while maintaining employers' existing obligations under First Aid Regulation 1101.

Key changes include:

• More training options: Employers can choose from a network of 65 WSIB-approved training providers across Ontario.
• Greater flexibility: Workers can renew eligible first aid certificates through any WSIB-approved provider.
• New course names: Standard First Aid is now Intermediate First Aid, and Emergency First Aid is now Basic First Aid.
• No immediate impact on current certifications: First aid certificates issued before June 22, 2026, remain valid until their expiry date.

Members are encouraged to review the updated program when planning future first aid training to ensure they are using a WSIB-approved provider and meeting the latest requirements.



To learn more click HERE!

IHSA Resources Available to Support Compliance Campaigns

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development's 2026–2027 compliance campaigns are now underway. To help employers prepare, the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) has developed a range of practical resources covering the inspection topics most relevant to Ontario construction projects.

This year's construction campaign will focus on high-risk activities including working at heights, equipment and material movement, scaffolding, stairs and handrails, ladders, excavations and trenches, and housekeeping. Inspectors will also review whether employers are providing appropriate information, instruction, and supervision to workers.

IHSA Resources:

• Working at heights
• Equipment and material movement
• Scaffolding
• Stairs and handrails
• Ladders
• Excavations and trenches
• Housekeeping

Members are encouraged to take advantage of IHSA's guidance documents, checklists, and training resources to help prepare their workplaces for inspection.

MLITDS Seeking Feedback on Proposed Rope Access Regulation

The Ontario government is seeking feedback on a proposed province-wide regulation that would establish consistent requirements for rope access work under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). If adopted, the regulation would permit the use of rope access techniques on construction projects while introducing standardized safety requirements aligned with national and international practices.

The proposal includes requirements for worker certification, formal safety plans, qualified supervision, equipment standards, and advance notification to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development before rope access work begins.

As rope access continues to be used for inspection, maintenance, and specialized construction work, MCAO members may wish to review the proposal and comment on how the new requirements could affect their operations. The consultation is open until Friday, August 21, 2026.

Learn more and provide feedback, click  HERE!