Free Access MCAA Resources

Did you know that as an MCAO member, you also have access to a wide range of resources through the Mechanical Contractors Association of America? Through MCAO/MCAC’s connection with MCAA, members can tap into hundreds of online tools, guides, and industry resources.

The MCAA Resource Center includes materials on a variety of relevant topics, including mental health and suicide prevention, tariffs, cybersecurity, workforce development, and more. The resources are designed to support contractors in managing operations, navigating industry challenges, and strengthening their businesses.

Access is simple. Members can request login credentials by reaching out to the MCAA administration team and mentioning their MCAO and MCAC membership.

To explore the MCAA Resource Center, click HERE!

TSSA Updates

TSSA Fee Increase

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has announced fee adjustments effective May 1, 2026, following its annual review process and cost recovery model as a not-for-profit safety regulator. A 2.4% inflationary increase will apply to select program areas, including Fuels and Boilers and Pressure Vessels inspections and engineering services, to support continued service delivery while maintaining regulatory oversight and safety standards.

It is important to note that no additional increase will apply to the BPV Certificate of Inspection program on May 1, 2026. A separate adjustment for this program was already implemented earlier this year to address cost recovery requirements.

MCAO encourages members to review these changes and consider any potential impacts on project costing, inspections, and compliance planning.

To learn more about the increase click HERE!

Access More TSSA Services Online Starting March 2026 

Effective March 16, 2026, TSSA expanded the range of services available through its Client Portal, moving more processes online as part of its ongoing modernization efforts.

This update means that key services, including engineering submissions and exam and certification services, will now be completed through the Client Portal. The goal is to provide a more streamlined, centralized experience for users, allowing members to submit applications, track status updates in real time, and access important documents more efficiently.

For members, particularly those involved in Boilers and Pressure Vessels and other regulated work, this shift will impact how applications, certifications, and engineering reviews are managed. The move to online services is expected to improve turnaround times and reduce incomplete submissions by guiding users through required steps and documentation.

New services available through the Client Portal include:

• Engineering submissions across regulated industries, including BPV
• Certification and exam services, including applications, renewals, reinstatements, and out-of-province certifications
• Online exam scheduling, with computer-based testing at designated centres

Members can continue to use the portal to view inspection reports, permits, licences, and certificates, update account information, and manage invoicing preferences.

OCS Releases Contractor Survey

The Ontario Construction Secretariat has released its 2026 Contractor Survey, offering a snapshot of current conditions across Ontario’s ICI construction sector.

The survey shows a sector that remains busy, with many contractors operating at or near capacity. However, outlook remains mixed, with ongoing concerns around project timelines, costs, and labour availability.

Contractors continue to report project delays and cancellations, driven by rising material costs, financing challenges, and broader economic uncertainty. Labour shortages also remain a key issue, impacting scheduling and delivery across projects.

Key Takeaways for Members:

• Strong workloads continue, but timeline uncertainty is increasing
• Labour shortages remain a challenge across the sector
• Cost pressures and financing issues are affecting project starts
• Ongoing investment in apprenticeship and workforce development is critical

To access the 2026 OCS Contractor Survey, click HERE!

MCAC/MCAO Partnership: Upcoming Webinar with Craftify AI 

MCA Ontario is pleased to highlight a new MCAC partnership with Craftify.ai, providing members with access to practical tools designed to support marketing, sales, and day-to-day operations. As an MCAO member, you are eligible for preferred pricing through MCAC, including 40% off an annual Craftify subscription in your first year.

Craftify AI is an all-in-one platform built for local service businesses. It enables users to manage contacts, create social media and email content, run automations, and update advertising campaigns from a single dashboard.

MCAC will also be hosting an upcoming webinar with Craftify focused on how members can leverage AI in 2026 to generate leads, improve sales communication, and streamline operations. The session will feature real-world examples, practical workflows, and clear guidance on where AI can deliver value in your business.

• CLICK HERE to register for the upcoming MCAC webinar
• CLICK HERE to access Craftify resources available on the MCAO training page
• CLICK HERE to join Craftify’s free weekly webinars, held every Thursday at 4:00 p.m. (EST), covering lead generation strategies, marketing workflows, and live Q&A sessions

To access your member discount, visit www.craftify.ai/mca and use code MCA40 at checkoutree Virtual IHSA COR® 2020 Orientation Sessions. 

WSIB 2026 Premium Rate Manual Now Available for MCAO Members

We are pleased to share that the WSIB 2026 Premium Rate Manual is now available to MCAO members. As many are aware, this document is no longer produced or distributed on a regular basis, and MCAO worked directly with WSIB to obtain a current version to support our membership.

The manual provides important information on premium rates, classifications, and cost components that directly impact employers. For members reviewing rates, planning budgets, or validating classifications, this resource remains a valuable reference.

To help members navigate the document more efficiently, the following sections may be of particular interest:

• Pages 78–89: Tables of risk band rates by class/subclass
• Page 117: 2026 class/subclass rate modifiers (OHSA & SWA and Mine Rescue)
• Page 125: 2026 class/subclass premium rate components (rate per $100 of insurable earnings)
• Pages 138–143: Breakdown of administrative costs

We encourage members to review the manual and familiarize themselves with the updated rate structures and components as part of their financial and operational planning.

To access the WSIB 2026 Premium Rate Manual, click HERE!

MCAO Member Access to MCAT Training Courses

MCAO is pleased to announce a new training partnership with MCA Toronto, providing members with access to a range of high-quality construction training courses!

Through this partnership, MCAO members can now participate in MCAT courses starting at $500 (MCAT members will continue to receive their standard member pricing and completion discounts). This collaboration opens the door to additional learning opportunities and supports ongoing professional development across our membership.

Upcoming courses include:

• Microsoft Project Training (Virtual) – April 10, 17, 24 & May 1, 2026 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
• Art of Construction Management (Virtual) – May 8 & 15, 2026 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
• Introduction to Construction (Virtual) – May 22, 29 & June 5, 2026 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)

For more information or to register, please contact our operations manager Dylan, at dylan@mcao.org

MCAO Training

AI in Construction Webinar with Appello

MCA Ontario is happy to partner with Appello to offer an upcoming AI in Construction session, taking place on April 16 at 12:00 p.m.

As artificial intelligence continues to gain traction across the construction industry, many contractors are looking to understand where it can deliver real value. This session is designed to provide a practical, contractor-focused overview of AI, cutting through the hype to show how these tools can support estimating, project delivery, and day-to-day operations.

Led by an industry expert with both construction and technology experience, the session will explore how AI has evolved and what it means for contractors today. Participants will also see real-world examples of how AI can be applied on projects, including automating reporting, streamlining RFIs, and supporting change order processes.

Registration details will be available soon!

Stress Management Training

MCAO is partnering with the Canadian Mental Health Association to bring you an important Coping with Stress training session, taking place on June 4 at 12:00 p.m.

This workshop is designed to help participants better understand the causes and impacts of stress, while providing practical strategies to manage stress in both personal and professional settings. Attendees will learn techniques to build resilience, improve well-being, and maintain focus in demanding work environments.

This session is a valuable opportunity for members and their teams to support mental health and strengthen overall workplace performance.

Registration details will be available soon!

Labour Ops Master Class with RIVET

MCA Ontario is partnering with RIVET to host a virtual Labor Operations Masterclass on May 28 at 1:00 p.m., designed to help contractors better manage one of their most critical and variable assets: labour.

This session hosted by Rivet will feature Brendan Myers, Vice President at DILFO Mechanical, will join as a co-presenter, bringing hands-on expertise leading labor operations at one of Ottawa's most-established mechanical contractors.

Built on research from hundreds of MEP contractors, the session will focus on aligning manpower forecasting with project scheduling to improve productivity and protect margins.

Participants will gain practical strategies to develop effective labour plans, identify early signs of project risk, and avoid common challenges such as labour profit fade and project saturation. The session is particularly valuable for operations leaders, project managers, and field supervisors, though all members will benefit from the discussion.

To register, click HERE!

WSIB Rebates & Due Diligence with 4S Consulting

MCA Ontario is pleased to partner again with 4S Consulting to deliver an upcoming webinar focused on Maximizing WSIB Rebates While Strengthening Compliance and Due Diligence.

Taking place on March 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., this will be a practical, results-driven session on how Ontario employers can leverage the WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program (HSEP) to improve compliance, strengthen due diligence, and earn meaningful rebates. 

The webinar will provide a clear breakdown of:

• Overview of the WSIB Excellence Program
• How structured systems drive measurable safety outcomes
• Common compliance gaps that limit rebate potential
• How 4S supports employers in streamlining the process and maximizing rebate eligibility
• The role of documentation, training, and leadership in demonstrating due diligence

 To register for the webinar, please click HERE!