MCA Alberta Office Update:
Its been just over a week since COVID-19 become very real in Alberta. Through the week we have all been adapting to the new and very fluid reality of what a global pandemic will mean to us as individuals and to your businesses. I want to assure you that the MCA office remains open (not physically but virtually) and the MCA staff are available to assist your businesses.
The MCA Staff are aware that information is coming at you a pace never before experienced. We don’t want to be part of the noise so we are sorting through information and resources to only forward what we think will be relevant to your businesses. Information that you are not likely to receive from multiple sources.
With that said, if you have questions or need specific information to assist you through a situation or foresee information you will need as this current situation evolves, please don’t hesitate to ask your association for help. It is very likely others, your peers, have the same concerns.
This morning, I sat in on an industry conference call with CCA:
Crew safety concerns: Employees are expressing concerns regarding their safety on the worksite. It is very important that employers and safety officers have conversations with crews regarding the safety programs you are implementing to reduce their risks. Subsequently, employers must ensure that all new safety protocols have been implemented, are being adhered to and evaluated for effectiveness.
Construction site shutdowns: While there is no imminent decision, that we know of, that construction sites will be shut down, it would be prudent that you have plans in place on how you will proceed with an orderly shutdown of the sites you are working on.
While mechanical contractors across North America are reporting labour shortage anywhere from 10% to 50%, and worksite slowdowns are inevitable, ensuring crew safety and reducing crew anxiety (addressing the mental health issues around possible exposure to Covid-19) will help to ensure that jobsites remain open and those who can and want to continue working, have that opportunity.
Western Region MCA Managers: We are collaborating to develop resources that will be available beyond the current day to day crisis management.
ATCC: has provided input to ACA’s lobby position bringing forward contractor concerns. The following has been included in an ACA letter to the Premier:
- In regard to priorities for government bailout dollars, in a prolonged industry shutdown where projects are delayed or worse, cancelled due to COVID-19, there will be significant financial burden for materials purchased and enroute to project installation that cannot yet be billed. The solution for materials destined to projects that are ultimately delayed may be access to low/no interest government loans or guarantees. Solutions for materials on hand (ie: inventory or possibly unique to the project manufactured products) for a cancelled project, will be more difficult to determine.
Again, your association is here to support you. Please don’t hesitate to contact any one of us to assist.
Russ Evans
Executive Director
C 403-863-5158 P 403-250-7237
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COVID-19 support for employers and employees
Measures to protect employers and employees from the economic disruption of COVID-19 and position Alberta for recovery. The Alberta government will provide immediate funding and supportive measures to support local businesses, employers and employees.
COVID-19 Federal Economic Relief Measures
Earlier this week, the Federal Government announced they would be providing an $82 billion emergency response package for Canadians and Canadian businesses. The package includes $27 billion in direct support and another $55 billion in tax deferrals, intended to help with business liquidity in the short term.
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Planning & Development Services Update
As of March 18, 2020, newsletter covers:
- Applications and Business Continuity
- Meetings with City Staff
- Growth, Funding and Policy Work
- Building Safety
Temporary closure of the Third Floor, Municipal Building
We are temporarily closing the front counter and accepting applications only by drop-off, or through our online systems. We are still operating normal business hours and confident we can continue service through drop-off and online.
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City of Edmonton - Field Inspections
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Inspection Update Effective March 20
Inspection services in relation to occupied residences will only be conducted as required for interruptions to Utility services(Power, Water, Natural Gas) or pending Occupancy (eg; new Secondary Suite).
Please continue to practice
social distancing
and hazard assessment protocols through all your dail
y activities.
All inspections where contractors/customers/citizens are present shall begin with asking: "In recognizing the safety of staff and citizens please confirm if anyone at the referenced location is quarantined, sick or returned from out of the country in the last 14 days"
Where the answer is NO
, inspection activities may continue as per established procedures.
Where the answer is YES,
please advise the customer the inspection will not occur and to
reschedule. Identify this in your notes.
As with any inspection, if you are unable to confirm your initial site hazard review in
accordance with hazard assessments and established protocol, you will be
supported in not conducting the inspection. Please ensure appropriate notes are entered on the permit records.
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All Face to face events have been cancelled
.
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.
For list please click
here
Get Instant Access To 8 Coronavirus Focused Conversations For Business Leaders Navigating These Turbulent Times
Dirk Beveridge hosted a series of 20 minute video conversations with leaders and subject matter experts to give you the insight you need to proceed forward with confidence as the days to come are unknown.
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Site Safety
On all construction sites, either under a GC or where you are prime contractor, you must do everything possible to follow the advice of Health Officials.
- Social Distancing: This will require some guidance and practice and there may be elements where you just can’t achieve that, but remember you may be monitored by others and may be impacted by their decisions if they feel you pose a threat.
- Hand Sanitizers: On new construction sites GCs are working to ensure sinks are being installed as hand sanitizer is not available. Where you are prime contractor, you will need a strategy to ensue workers have an option to ensure you are supporting the governments mandate to keep your workers safe. click here for a chart on making your own)
COVID-19 SELF-ASSESSMENT
U
se this self-assessment tool to help determine whether you should be tested for COVID-19. You can complete this assessment for yourself or on behalf of someone else, if they are not able.
Self assessment found
here
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About the MCAA
Since the early 1900's, Alberta's plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, gasfitters and mechanical contractors have utilized the united voice, programs, information, service and social network of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Alberta (MCAA).
Today, the MCAA strives to create value for its members by identifying and mitigating issues that affect the industry, the development and delivery of high-quality education programs, providing a competitive group health insurance benefit plan, facilitating member benefit programs and services, and providing opportunity for social and professional networking.
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