The MCAM Connector
 
February 2020 In This Issue
INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS
MCAM IN ACTION
MEMBERS CONNECTING
MEMBERSHIP ADVANTAGE
INDUSTRY INNOVATION & ASSISTANCE
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS
INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS
  
Manitoba’s construction demands were bolstered in 2019 by higher major project requirements, including peak levels of activity reached on the Keeyask dam. However, overall construction employment growth was held back by declines in new-housing construction market.  
 
Read the complete report by clicking below.
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Section 17 of the Winnipeg Building By-law No. 4555/87 has been amended to identify an additional mechanical contractor’s licence – M-Prime. This designation acknowledges those mechanical contractors who oversee the mechanical scope of work on a project but subcontract that work to licenced M1 or M2 contractors rather than have licenced contractors on staff. The new designation enables such a person or company to obtain the necessary M1 or M2 permits and be the prime contact for the mechanical inspections branch.
 
The building by-law includes the following definition:
 
A Prime Mechanical Contractor means an individual, partnership, firm, corporation or government department contracted to undertake mechanical work that may or may not hold a valid Mechanical Contractor’s Licence “M1” or Mechanical Contractor’s Licence “M2” issued in accordance with this by-law.
 
What Does This Mean?
 
This means someone who isn’t a licensed M1 or M2 Mechanical Contractor may acquire an M-Prime Mechanical Contractor’s Licence and be issued an M1 or M2 Mechanical Permit under the condition that a licenced M1 or M2 contractor – as applicable – is identified as performing the work. M1 and M2 permit applications made by M-Prime contractors will not be processed if a licenced M1 or M2 contractor is not identified.
 
When a permit application is made by a licenced M-Prime contractor, the licenced M1 and M2 contractor they identify on that application will receive an email indicating they’ve been identified on a permit application. The email will include instructions and contact information for what steps to take if they have been incorrectly identified on a project. M-Prime contractors should be aware that if they incorrectly identify a licenced M1 or M2 contractor on a permit application form, the permit or application will be immediately cancelled with a non-refundable administration fee being withheld, and re-application necessary, before the permit will proceed.
 
Mechanical Permit application forms have been revised to accommodate these changes. There are no changes to types of mechanical permit applications. The M-Prime licence simply allows a wider range of entities to obtain a mechanical M1 or M2 permit.
 
A separate M-Prime Mechanical Contractor’s Licence application form has been created. Like other mechanical contractor licences, no exam is required. Apply now by clicking below.
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The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) would like to extend its gratitude and thanks to Pierre Boucher, who is departing the association as CEO on Feb. 28, 2020.  
 
A new leadership team will serve the Industry. Learn more by clicking below.
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Bibby-Ste-Croix
Your first choice for architectural and structural services
Westland Construction Ltd.
For over 40 years, Westland Construction Ltd. has proudly been the first choice for providing subcontractor services to many MCAM members. Facility upgrades and expansions that are primarily mechanical/electrical in nature often still require certain architectural and structural components. Westland provides an array of subcontractor services such as structural and concrete work, manufacturing plant upgrades, utilities construction, civil work and more to ensure your project is a success. Building a better way – Westland Construction.
Learn More
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MCAM IN ACTION
 

Industry experts have created a critical lineup of course offerings providing local contractors to Build Capacity from Within.

MCAM Spring Education Week, May 25 - 29, will feature sessions created by Dr. Awad Hanna geared at taking your front-line Industry staff to the level within your team.

Hanna is a professor and chair of the construction engineering and management program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Dr. Hanna holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Penn State University, and he is a registered professional engineer in the U.S. and Canada. Awad has been an involved construction practitioner, educator and researcher for over 35 years, 10 years of which has been as a design engineer and project manager.

Do you have a journeyman you would like to promote to foreman?  Foreman to project manager, or project manager to C-level management? Do not miss this opportunity to prepare your staff and tap into their peek efficiency! Classes will be geared specifically to the three employee groups.

The Manitoba Construction industry is not isolated from BIM! As owners, constructors and service contractors realize the benefits to Building Information Modeling (BIM), Manitoba contractors will not be left behind. Jeff Sample of e-sub will provide a half day session on Industry Technology; Concept to Implementation.  Following the session, attendees will have the opportunity to pre-register for one-on-one 30-minute sessions with Jeff. Identify your next steps in the world of construction technology.

MASMAHC - The Manitoba Association of Sheet Metal
MEMBERS CONNECTING
  
On February 5, MCAM marked its third-annual Speed Interviewing Session at Torque Brewery. MCAM student chapter members, engineering students from the University of Manitoba and MCAM Contractor and Associate members participated in a series of 10-minute interviews.  
 
Through student chapter participation, members gained critical skills to better understand the complexities of the mechanical contracting industry and have established the foundation for meaningful stakeholder relationship.  
 
See event photos by clicking below (more will be added and can be requested by emailing illyssa@mcamb.ca).
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MCA Hamilton-Niagara hosted their educational forum January 30 to February 1, 2020.

This year’s program took aim at looking into the future of the construction industry, technological advancements and career choices. It also provided the opportunity to collaborate with fellow attendees in a mini competition. This year’s Team Sponsor was WESCAN.
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MCAM’s Joint Services Contractors & Associates Advisory Councils held the first Lunch and Learn for 2020 on February 6. Thank you to Presenting Sponosr CARM.
 
The event featured speakers David McCutcheon, Executive Director, and Dan Speechley, Trades Qualification Assessor of Apprenticeship Manitoba, followed by Paul Shack, Operating Manager with Nor-Tec Group. Attendees heard about updates with Apprenticeship Manitoba, including supervision ratios, consultation, gasfitter training changes, the trades qualification program and an overview of the new world of BIM (Building Information Modeling).  
 
Picture from left to right are Dan Speechley (AM), Ramona Coey (MCAM), Dave McCutcheon (AM), Rick Korving (Randall Plumbing).
 
Click below to see more event photos!
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This event is growing in popularity each year! MCAM’s Next Gen Committee will be hosting the second-annual Industry networking Ice Fishing Derby on March 5 at Matlock Manitoba.
 
Join next-gen contractors, associate members and MCAM board members for a full guided ice fishing day conducted by Winnipeg’s popular Todd Longley from City Cats and his professional guides. The event includes a delicious fish fry lunch on the ice!
 
Cory Ball of Mikkelsen-Coward states, “Last year's derby allowed us to network on a different level – one of my favorites, and MCAM does a fantastic job on providing different approaches to help the membership connect.”
 
Cost per person is $225.00 plus GST.
 
Register by emailing illyssa@mcamb.ca or clicking below!
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MEMBERSHIP ADVANTAGE
  
During the October 2019 meetings in Nashville, MCAC confirmed agreement with American Express to provide exclusive member discounts, as well as an enhanced sign-up offer for their Small Business or Corporate Card solutions.
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VALET INDOOR PARKING

Just two minutes from the Winnipeg International Airport, Park’N Fly Valet Indoor Parking offers your employees the convenience of coming home to a warm vehicle. Plus, Valet’s Drop’N Go service takes parking out of the equation. Your employees simply drop their vehicle, register inside the Valet facility and go. We park, you fly. It’s that simple.
 
• Secure indoor facility safety and protection from the weather all year round
• 24/7 complimentary shuttle - enjoy the speed and comfort of the 24/7 shuttle bus service
• Self service kiosk - easy-to-use automated self-service kiosk makes check-in and out quick and easy
• Our team of friendly customer service representatives will be happy to assist
• Luggage assistance - kind and courteous bus drivers will assist with luggage
• Park’N Fly Rewards - earn Park’N Fly Rewards points redeemable for free parking on every stay
• Earn even more with Aeroplan Miles
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Increasing value of MCAM membership is a top priority of MCAM. The Board of Directors believes supporting local businesses and offering membership premium discounts and preferred rates is another great reason to be an MCAM member.
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SMS Engineering
Ipex Inc.
INDUSTRY INNOVATION & ASSISTANCE
  
The Met School program follows the Big Picture Learning Network’s “One Student at a Time” philosophy based on the premise that students learn best when they are doing something they are passionate about, in the real world, and actively participate in their own education. The Met Schools work with community partners, businesses, professionals and organizations to provide opportunities for students to explore their interests and career goals directly with mentors in the real world.
 
The school is looking to book small group (4-10 students, with 1 teacher) tours to 1-2 of members' facilities.
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INDUSTRY IN FOCUS
OTTAWA (December 18, 2019) — The National Trade Contractors Council of Canada (NTCCC) stands with contractors in the province of British Columbia against the recent short-sighted Supreme Court of Canada ruling that dismissed the appeal by contractor J. Cote & Son Excavating.
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This year, Team Mouseratti went the distance for teamwork and communication, achieving nearly 200 feet in the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Mouse Trap-Powered Car Race held annually at Red River College.  
 
The two decade-old competition challenges MET student teams to compete against each other by designing, building and driving a race car using only the spring from a mouse trap for propulsion.   
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Dear Wise Wayne,
 
I have been working in the plumbing Industry for over 10 year, outside of Canada. I am confident in my abilities to function safely and independantly in all aspects of the plumbing scope. I am not a member of your apprenticeship system. How do I have my experience and training recognized in Manitoba?
 
Signed, 
Qualified
 
 
Dear Qualified,
 
You are not alone! Given Manitoba's influx of newcomers and a number of trades being non-compulsory. The Apprenticeship System recognizes qualified trades people exist without formal recognition of their skills.  
 
Apprenticeship Manitoba provides opportunity for tradespeople to overcome this potential barrier through the Trade Qualification Program.  

If you are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, a landed immigrant or have work experience from a country outside Canada and currently reside in Manitoba, you may be eligible to apply to challenge the Certificate of Qualification.
 
Eligibility Requirements:
 
• Demonstrated minimum number of years working in the trade
• Demonstrated minimum number of hours working in the trade
• Demonstrated experience in at least 70% scope of the trade
 
Signed,
 
Wise Wayne
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