April 2020
ASSOCIATION NEWS
I t continues to be a whirlwind of change as we navigate the COVID-19 public health emergency. As you are aware, many jurisdictions, including Ontario, Quebec and several large US cities, have significantly limited or shut down construction operations. We are fortunate that here in Alberta, we have been identified by the Alberta Government as an essential service and remain operational. However for that to continue, we need to be absolutely certain that all employees, trades and contractors who work for and with your companies are all following COVID-19 safety protocols on an ongoing basis . MCA Canada has provided this document to help contractors do just that.
MCA Health and Safety Guidelines for Mechanical Contractors
This Guidance Document outlines the recommended best practices for mechanical contractors to maintain the health and safety of their workers, and other individuals who may be impacted by their work, while performing their necessary duties during the current SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic.

Read full document here


ASSOCIATION SHARED RESOURCES

WCS AWWA ON CCC Certification Status Update

Given the current preventative measures against COVID-19, institutions are not providing training at this time. Testers whose certification expires during this time will not be required to take the full certification course. Testers are expected to take the next available re certification course once courses are offered again.
See full details here

Correction from last email. Dylan's contact details in Edmonton are:


For a list of contacts for all cities. Click here

PANDEMIC PLANNING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY – A GUIDE

As we as an industry approach the current situation and attempt to maintain business continuity we are pleased to share the most current information in our new Version 3.0 document.
Please note that the following is provided merely as a guide. The policies and procedures are presented in order to share the practices in place and inform those who are implementing their own measures.

Read full document here
GOVERNMENT UPDATES
Canada Emergency Response Benefit applications now open

Monday April 6 the applications were open for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Dedicated log in days have been assigned based on your birth month. To find out all information Apply here

Alberta Announces Temporary Changes to Employment Standards Rules Amid Covid-19 Crisis

As COVID-19 continues to impact workplaces across the province, the Alberta Government announced, on April 6, 2020, temporary changes to the province’s employment standards. The temporary rules, which take effect immediately, are aimed at providing job protection for workers and flexibility for employers. Temporary lay offs go from 60 to 120 days.

Read full article here 

Provincial and territorial governments have used their emergency powers to limit non-essential business operations in their respective jurisdictions . 
To date, most Canadian provinces/territories have passed legislation which names essential services which are permitted to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other business must either adapt operations to meet provincial public health officials’ requirements (which vary by province) or close. 
Read Alberta's h ere

LEGAL ADVICE
FAQ’s: COVID-19 and the Workplace – Updated April 6/20

The following provides general guidance to employers in dealing with the potential impacts of COVID-19 on the workplace.   

Read full FAQ's here
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Thank you for joining us yesterday for our
WEBINAR- Q&A with Construction Legal Panel.
A big thank you to Goodfellow and Schuett Law for discussing current contractual obligations, future contracts, HR requirements and answering the many questions from our members.
It was very informative.

 For those of you who could not attend and are looking for the slides please see a PDF attachment here
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
E-Learning & Webinars

If you are looking at  E-learning  MCA Canada has courses that are self-guided instruction, allowing members to take the training at a place and time that suits them best.
Courses like Intro to Estimating, BIM, Industry ethics and more.
For list please click  here

If there is a topic that you would find helpful please contact Lisa@mca-ab.com
CITY UPDATES
April 6 Newsletter
The City of Calgary is changing several planning, development approvals and building safety processes as a public safety measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also remain focused on efforts that will improve service delivery. Here are updates covering both.
Click here
Tips from Calgary Police Services
As many businesses are temporarily closing their doors until further notice, we wish to share important information with you concerning additional steps to be taken in order to ensure the security of your Premises, in addition to your Tenant space inspections. As such, we invite you to consult the attached flyer put forth by Calgary Police Services , in which they highlight important crime reduction tips for business owners.

See flyer here
SAFETY
Certificate of Recognition (COR) Update

Alberta Labour and Immigration, Certifying Partners (CPs) and the WCB have made significant temporary changes to the COR program. This will help Alberta employers maintain their CORs and auditors maintain auditor certification status during the pandemic.
A s ummary of temporary measures are listed in this document here
HEALTH & BENEFITS
Hour Bank Group Insurance – MCA Employee Benefit Plan
MCA Alberta is pleased to offer hour bank group insurance to our members through our MCA Employee Benefit Plan.
C overage includes: Life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, disability insurance, health care (including eye exam, prescription drug and paramedical services coverage), travel insurance and dental care.

For more information or a free, no obligation proposal for a plan that will best suit your company, please contact Vicky at 403-250-7237 or Vicky@mca-ab.com
Homewood Health TM EFAP is pleased to release the April 2020 edition of our Life Lines newsletter," Managing the Impact " You have been given this handout as an aide to support yourself, other employees and family members as a result of the questions and possible anxiety that has arisen from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click here to read

This one was created especially for front line workers and may be useful to print for your field staff.
Click here
Check out our Member Discount Programs
today! Click HERE
HR CORNER
We’re in challenging times, with the overall marketplace changing daily due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. One thing remains the same, however: 
Taking care of you is our top priority .

Mental Health programs and services
Now more than ever it is key to keep communication open and honest with your employees. Metal health issues are bound to spike during these unprecedented times. Make sure your employees know where to get the help they need.

Homewood Health  for members covered by equitable can visit  h omewoodhealth.com
Homewood has this n ewsletter  on Managing Stress & anxiety.

HeadsUpGuys i s a depression resource that provides guys with information and practical tips to manage and prevent depression in men. HeadsUpGuys is a depression resource that provides guys with information and practical tips to manage and prevent depression in men.
Click  here  for more info.

Anxiety Canada  i s an online resource providing self-help information, community programs and workshops
Click   here  for website