The MCAM Connector
 
June 23, 2020 In This Issue
INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS
MCAM IN ACTION
MEMBERS CONNECTING
MEMBERSHIP ADVANTAGE
INDUSTRY INNOVATION & ASSISTANCE
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS
INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS
  
By Chris Lorenc, B.A., LL.B.,
President, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association
 
As our governments focused this spring on protecting Manitobans from the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, few would have considered our industries “front-line” workers. But we were out there – your members in mechanical contracting and ours, ensuring critical core infrastructure continued to work.
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The Global Pandemic has impacted many aspects of the Construction Industry. Everyone, including inspectors faced reinventing how they went about routine tasks. Inspections across Canada were a hot button topic. During the first stages of the Pandemic, Manitoba Hydro Inspections Team were quick to respond to MCAM queries.
 
MCAM received this Message from Darren Martens, Gas Utilization and Inspections Supervisor from Manitoba Hydro.
 
"...Speaking for our Gas Inspections Group I would like to inform contractors for commercial inspections and residential gas unlocks we will continue to work with installers to ensure critical inspections can be performed where covid-19 safety protocols can be applied. I attribute this to the strong work ethic and dedication our gas inspectors have demonstrated during this time to maintain operations as “normal “ as possible. Since the beginning of this new work model I have not heard of any major commercial/industrial related issues our commercial gas inspectors could not overcome and on behalf of our Gas Inspections Group would like to thank the contractors for their patience and positive attitude during this challenging time. Going forward we will see further gas inspections opening up hopefully within the next few weeks. "
 
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Bibby-Ste-Croix
MASMAHC - The Manitoba Association of Sheet Metal
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.
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MCAM IN ACTION
  
MCAM’s annual AGM took place virtually for the first time due the current COVID-19 restrictions on July 17 at 3 p.m. The Executive Committee were  onsite at MCAM’s Boardroom and Educational Center, while 25 members that consisted of the Board of Directors, Contractor Members and Associates logged in smoothly.
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MEMBERS CONNECTING
  
Save the date as more information becomes available regarding this highly anticipated event that sells out every year! August 13, 2020 has been confirmed "fore" a great time on the course networking with industry partners at Breezy Bend golf Course.
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On Thursday, July 18 at 4 p.m., The Next Gen Committee hosted their first "Thirsty Thursday Happy Hour" virtual style to comply with the current COVID-19 restrictions. Members from DMS Industrial, Johnson Controls, BPL and Thermo Applicators logged in to chat and get to know each other and their businesses in a casual non-formal setting. 
 
To join in on the conversation contact Illyssa Dzama at illyssa@mcamb.ca 
 
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MEMBERSHIP ADVANTAGE
  
In this, the centennial year for Federated Insurance in Canada, we reflect with pride on our long-standing relationships with the Mechanical Contractors Associations. As a Winnipeg-based insurer, our connection to the Mechanical Contractors Association of Manitoba has been especially strong. We’re delighted by the mutual support we’ve been able to provide each other over so many years and we wish continued success and safety for all MCAM members.
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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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INDUSTRY INNOVATION & ASSISTANCE
  
By Reza Kamrani
Account Representative, Associations, Federated Insurance
 
During a pandemic, there are a number of things business owners need to think about, ranging from the safety of their employees to their bottom line. But one area of risk, that you may overlook, is cybercrime.
 
 
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INDUSTRY IN FOCUS
  
Dear Wise Wayne,
 
The Pandemic presented a Business Reality we did not plan for. My brother and I run a 2nd generation Mechanical Contracting Business focused on Commercial and Light Industrial contracting. On our service side, we have carved out a niche in servicing historical homes. We hear how Manitoba was insulated from extremes, how both the Federal and Provincial Governments are investing in Infrastructure as an economic stimulus, we are aware of the Government Programs designed to support business and employees. We have participated in every Webinar Resource MCAM has made available to us
What we are missing is how have our fellow contractors been impacted? Have their contracts been delayed or cancelled? How is their efficiency? Are projects being retendered due to additional Pandemic related costs? Are their employees scared to work? Unmotivated to work? Or continuing without pause? Have they followed the Safety Guideline developed by MCAM, Manitoba Building Trades and CLRAM? Has their cash flow been impacted? Do they see the light at the end of the tunnel? Is there a Silver Lining to this cloud? Have they reinvented how they are doing business? Is this a disruption that will change and improve how we do business? It would be great to hear from our Industry Peers………….
 
Sincerely,
A Brother and Sister in Mechanical Contracting
 
 
Dear Brother and Sister in Mechanical Contracting,
 
The Pandemic has created an environment where we are certainly isolated from our Industry Partners.  Association events and meetings have been cancelled or moved to online forums.  Peer to peer experience and support are vital in times of disruption.  I have reached out to some of your fellow contractors to share their reality.  I've also included an update from the Association highlighting Industry networking and educational events.  
 
Sincerely,
 
Wise Wayne
 
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The Office of the Fire Commissioner has transitioned from a Special Operating Agency into core government. This clarifies its relationship to the Department of Municipal Relations but does not change the overall function and mandate of the organization which will be organized into the Inspections and Technical Services Branch and the Office of the Fire Commissioner Branch.
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Leaders in wide range of sectors will identify opportunities for unleashing
private-sector capital, creating jobs in rebound from pandemic: Pallister.
The provincial government has established the new Premier’s Economic Opportunities Advisory
Board to chart Manitoba’s course for reopening its economy and renewing its growth in order to
move the province forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, Premier Brian Pallister announced
today.
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