Bill 37 – Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act
It’s Official! A monumental achievement, Bill 37 passed 3rd reading on November 24th, 2020. Your association has chased this ace for long time, committed countless hours of Director volunteer time and investment of the members financial contributions toward achieving this outcome.
The updated (and newly renamed) Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act introduces a 28-7-7-7 payment timeline, similar to what Ontario has; introduces mandatory adjudication to help resolve issues of non-payment; and extends lien periods from 45 to 60 days (90 days for concrete).
MCA Alberta is pleased with the legislation as written and will be working with government as regulations are written, adjudication rules outlined and authorized adjudicator Nominating Authorities are confirmed over the next 5 months in anticipation of the legislation being enacted on July 01, 2020.
There is lots of work left to do to make this an effective tool for our industry and, like any new tool, there will be a considerable learning curve required to use this new tool to its fullest capacity, Stay tuned.
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2021 MCA Membership Renewal
You will soon receive an invoice for your company’s 2021 MCA Alberta / MCA Canada membership. We distribute the invoices early so you may choose to pay early if this works better for your company. Otherwise, your membership is due on or before February 1, 2021. Please forward the invoice to your accounting department if required.
We have expanded the dues payment options to include: Cash, Cheque, Debit, Visa/MC when paid in full or you may set up EFT quarterly or monthly installments (Please contact the MCA office for EFT arrangements if this suits your business).
Also attached for your review is the 2020 MCA member update:
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If you would like to know more about your associations role in prompt payment legislation, click here
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If you would like to know how the MCA employee benefits plan is saving your business and employees money, click here
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If you want to learn more about the MCA education programs, click here
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If you want more information on MCA’s 2020 advocacy initiatives, click here
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If you would like to receive a $100 discount on your annual membership dues, click here
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If you want to find out what MCA Alberta and NASA have in common, click here
In so many ways, 2020 has been a monumental year. May the festivities of season upon us, bring a greater appreciation for those most important to us and the opportunities the lie ahead.
Best wishes and thank you for your sustaining support of MCA Alberta. We look forward working with you in 2021.
Sincerely
Russ Evans
Executive Director
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Ventilation and air filtration play a key role in preventing the spread of COVID-19 indoors
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers provides outside air ventilation standards for commercial buildings, including schools, day cares, computer labs and woodshops. These minimum ventilation rates vary depending on the type of activity occurring in the room. Outdoor air dilutes contaminants produced by the occupants and by the building itself, so rates are based on both the maximum number of people the room is designed to hold and the size of the room. A woodshop for example, has a higher recommendation compared with a classroom based on activities like sanding or cutting wood.
Read the whole interesting article here
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WCW 2021 Premium rates
With continued economic uncertainty and the rise of a global pandemic, 2020 was a difficult year for all Albertans. Employers welcomed the premium relief measures that were introduced by the government, providing a deferral of 2020 premiums to 2021 for private sector employers, and a 50% premium waiver for small- and medium-sized private businesses. We know that 2021 will continue to look different for many Alberta businesses adapting to this new landscape, and that’s why we will to continue to provide as much support for employers as we can.
See premium rates highlight sheet here
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Building Blocks information and discussion series.
Join us for the December session of the City’s monthly Building Blocks information and discussion series.
Date: December 16, 2020
Time: 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm
Location: Online webinar via Google Meet
Our speaker for the December session is Lucas Coletta from Natural Resources Canada who will share NRCan's Cost Benefit Analysis Tool (CBAT). The Cost Benefit Analysis Tool helps the user determine the most cost effective combination of energy conservation measures to incorporate into the design of a building to meet a given energy performance level generated from thousands of HOT2000 simulations.
HVAC and Gas Permit Changes to Support Remote Video Inspection
With the transition to video-based inspections, changes to permit application requirements are being made to support efficient review and inspection of furnace replacements, basement developments, and new gas appliances. Documentation for heating and ventilation and gas permits that was previously collected at the time of physical inspection is now required to be provided by the applicant at time of permit application
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Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.
For all details click here
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Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
- As of December 4, 2020, CEBA loans for eligible businesses will increase from $40,000 to $60,000.
- Applicants who have received the $40,000 CEBA loan may apply for the $20,000 expansion, which provides eligible businesses with an additional $20,000 in financing.
- All applicants have until March 31, 2021, to apply for $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion.
If you have already applied for CEBA and have questions, please contact the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201.
For all details click here
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ERA $55 million for Energy Savings for Business Program Opportunity
O n November 2 the Government of Alberta announced up to $55 million in funding for Emission Reduction Alberta’s (ERA) new Energy Savings for Business Program. This program will help accelerate the uptake of commercially available energy efficiency technologies, leading to operational efficiencies and cost reductions for small and medium-sized industrial and commercial facilities. The program objectives are to stimulate investment, create jobs and address longer-term environmental sustainability priorities.
Through this program, businesses such as manufacturing facilities, agricultural operations, office buildings and fabrication shops can cut costs and reduce emissions by adopting modern building systems and updating facility operations, enabling smarter energy use and less waste. The projects in this program will re-invigorate the economy, helping businesses become more competitive, hire more staff, and grow their operations.
The projects will also rely on local contractors and a skilled workforce, including HVAC businesses, insulation companies, solar installers and electricians, to name a few. Applications are expected to open in January 2021 for businesses to submit their eligible projects for pre-approval.
Find out more about receiving incentives through the program or becoming an eligible contractor by:
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FEATURED AFFINITY PROGRAM |
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MCA Canada is pleased to provide you with your NEW Mark’s Work Wearhouse Discount Card. This program gives 10% discount off and is available to all member companies and includes your staff and even family members.
Call the office today to place your order.
Call the office today to place your order.
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CSTS FREE TILL END OF YEAR!
CSTS 2020 is comprised of nine standard modules grouped together and called CSTS 2020 Fundamentals and optional Add-on Modules. On its own, CSTS Fundamentals serves as a general construction site orientation for workers new to the construction industry. It is supported by a number of job-specific Add-on Modules to help employers customize CSTS training to fit specific site requirements.
ACSA is offering CSTS 2020 course free until end of December. Click here for all details
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LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Upgrade your knowledge and skills by engaging in live webinars, self-paced online learning and virtual Instructor-led online training.
Virtual Instructor led training (live)
December 14 & 15: Construction Law. Register here
December 17: Managing Shop Drawings, Samples and Submittals. Register here.
January 4: Medical Gas Installation Training. Register here
January 5: Getting Paid & Managing Cash Flow. Register here
January 6: CCA Subcontracts 101. Register here
Product Technical Training Webinar
December 9: Domestic hot water recirculation. Register here
E-learning (self guided)
All E-Learning is self paced and online. We have a variety of courses for all details click here
Featuring: CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Participants will learn how to improve the management and business systems of their construction company.
The course includes 10 video modules with 8 hours of expert instruction and material.
2 Gold seal credits upon successful completion
View full events calendar here
If there is a topic that you would find helpful please contact Lisa@mca-ab.com.
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TRAINING EXCELLENCE AWARDS
MCA Alberta tracks the annual utilization of our education courses by small, medium, and large sized member companies and recognize those who show extraordinary leadership toward education and training of their team members.
The MCA 2020 Training Excellence Award winners are:
Medium sized company with 5 courses and 11 employees trained is:
ROLLISON MECHANICAL
Large sized company with 7 courses and 20 employees trained is:
CONVERGINT TECHNOLOGIES
X-Large sized company with 9 courses and 35 employees trained is:
CENTURION MECHANICAL
Congratulations from all of us at MCA on your achievement.
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Congratulations!
It is with great pleasure that MCA Alberta and the Mechanical Service Contractors of Canada and recognizes
Ye Olde Plumber Ltd. for achieving their MCA ‘Gold Standard’ Contractor designation.
For more information on Gold Standard click here
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Retro Mechanical Inc
409 – Forge Road SE
Calgary, AB
T2H0S9
Steve Robinson
403—512-7462
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MJB Mechanical Ltd
57 Everglen Crescent SW
Calgary, AB T2Y 0G4
T2Y 0G4
Malcolm Brown
403-875-5172
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Rinnai Canada
16 Bonin Place
Leduc, AB
T9E 6H6
Kerrie Light
780-720-4655
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JNL Mechanical
11979 40th St. SE Suite 108, Calgary, Alberta, T2Z 4M3
Jeremy Ness
780-720-4655
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SAFETY TALKS
Do you need ideas for tool box meetings? Here we will list different topics each month that you can take and use at your company.
Welding/Brazing
What’s at Stake?
Hot work / Welding is any work that produces fire or sparks or hot material which has the potential and to cause fires or explosion. This includes riveting, flame, cutting, soldering, brazing, grinding, using an electric tool in a hazardous area.
Learn how to protect yourself here
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SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS
Slips, trips and falls are frequent injuries at all Alberta work sites. These resources include focused information for employers, supervisors and workers.
Information employers and supervisors can use to help prevent slip, trip and fall injuries. Click here
I nformation workers can use to help prevent slip, trip and fall injuries. Click here
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A Guide for Employers : An Essential Guide for Health and Safety in Alberta
In Alberta, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, Regulation and Code govern the health and safety requirements of provincially-regulated businesses. Employers must comply with this legislation by doing everything reasonably possible to protect their workers from hazards in the workplace.
Click here for full document |
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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.
Coverage 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.
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LET’S
TALK
SUICIDE
BRINGING HOPE
If you know someone struggling with thoughts of suicide—or have wrestled with suicidal thoughts yourself—you’re not alone. Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16% among 25-44 year olds in Canada.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from adolescence to middle age. The mortality rate due to suicide among men is four times the rate among women.
Contrary to what many may believe, suicide is preventable. You just need to read the signs, which can include:
•Talking about wanting to die
•Looking for ways to take your life, such as researching online or buying a weapon
•Talking or feeling hopeless, trapped, in pain or like a burden on others
•Using alcohol or drugs more frequently
•Sleeping too little or too much
•Withdrawing from others
•Experiencing mood swings
•Engaging in self-harm
HELP IS AVAILABLE
If you are having thoughts of suicide, or are worried someone may be thinking of suicide, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 833-456-4566 to speak with a trained counselor 24/7 or text 45645.
KidsHelpPhone Ages 20 Years and Under in Canada 1-800-668-6868 (Online or on the Phone). First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness 24/7 Help Line 1-855-242-3310
Print this poster and put up in your lunch room. We will provide a new topic each month for you to promote.
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Homewood HealthTM EFAP is pleased to release the December 2020 edition of our Vitality newsletter, “Staying Connected to Combat Loneliness and Isolation During the Holidays”.
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Check out our Member Discount Programs
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Top HR issues and what you need to know
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Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) All you need to know here
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Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS): All You Need to Know here
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Employer Advice on Managing Annual Leave Backlog- here
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Importance of a Lay-off Clause in an Employment Contract here
These HR Issues are brought to you by Peninsula
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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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