May 11, 2020
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Contractor Alert – Escalating Insurance Deductibles

Due to escalating size and frequency of water damage losses in the Canadian insurance industry the last couple of years, along with the challenges the insurance marketplace is facing in general, we have seen many insurers place significant water damage deductibles on project insurance. These deductibles can have a huge impact on a mechanical contractor.
Over the last couple of years, we have seen these deductibles begin to rise to a level that has become alarming. The increasing deductibles are being placed on Wrap-Up Liability policies, project insurance protecting all parties to the contract, against third party liability losses. They can also be included in Builders’ Risk policies, policies put in place to protect all parties to the contract, against losses caused directly to the project itself. In many cases we are seeing water damage deductible up to and exceeding $500,000!! Obviously, a mechanical contractor needs to be aware what the deductibles are within the two policies placed for the project, as these policies are legally the primary insurance, and are the ones that will be called upon to pay in the event of a loss.

Read full article here
MLA advocacy campaign

ATCC and partners have reached an impasse with Alberta Infrastructure and need to elevate industry concerns about the Government Of Alberta's lack of addressing COVID cost and / or schedule impacts in current projects and future procurement's.
The Alberta Trade Contractors Coalition, ACA and the General Contractor's Alliance have co-signed the attached letter addressed to Finance Minister Toews and cc'd to the Infrastructure Minister and Premier. We wanted you to be aware of this letter before it is sent later today.
We will be sending you an email later to ask for your assistance in calling and writing letters to your MLA and Premier.

Read full letter here

MCA Alberta launches new Website

After overcoming a few technical roadblocks, MCA is excited to launch our new website. It has been upgraded with new features to improve your user experience and make your participation easier. Click here to visit now. You will now be able to pay online for all events and education with a credit card, which allows you to receive immediate confirmation receipts and tickets. You can also sign up for our newsletter and look through our photo gallery to check out past MCA events.
 
If you have any questions or need help navigating, please let us know.
MCA WEBINAR

Thank you to our MFAP Provider; Homewood Health for providing MCA members with a webinar this week on Supporting Yourself and Others through COVID .
Running during Mental Health Awareness Week was timed perfect. We learned to create distance from negative thoughts, stop and observe. Participants were given all the resources to wade through these times.

Our next webinar will be "Take Control of your Business" on May 21 where business leaders will learn 3 simple and essential tools that will help them take more control of their businesses right now. More information here
SHARED RESOURCES

Draft revision to CCA 1 Subcontract form

The Canadian Construction Association has released a draft revision to the CCA 1 Subcontract form to try to bring it up to speed with the changes made to CCDC 2. They are asking for comments by May 21, which unfortunately is a tight turnaround. On the opening page of this file, there are some specific questions for reviewers they are seeking feedback on, in addition to any other comments we may have on the contract form.
Click the PDF to view

Liquidated damages in new tenders

MCA has received numerous inquires over the past weeks regarding the inclusion of contract language in new tenders that can address the risk associated with unexpected delays. This schedule was developed by the City of Winnipeg and provides a straightforward, simple language contractors should be looking for going forward.
Please note this does not replace legal advice.

Read here

Insurance Coverage Project Shutdown checklist

This checklist and Link created by Aon may be helpful for members as you communicate with your own insurance and bonding agents during these times.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Alberta Relaunch: COVID-19 Workplace Guidance for Business Owners

On April 30, 2020, the provincial government announced Alberta’s three stage relaunch strategy . With some businesses having resumed operations on May 4, 2020, and a number of additional businesses set to re-open on May 14, 2020, the provincial government has released updated guidelines for non-health care businesses to follow when re-opening or continuing operation.
The Guidelines outline criteria that should be addressed in new COVID-19 policies, and provide additional resources for certain industries.

Click here to read full document

Update on premium relief for employers
The Government of Alberta announced premium relief measures for private sector employers. 
Eligible employers should receive their cheques in May. We issued refund cheques automatically to any employer who paid more than $100 on their 2020 premiums. If you paid less than $100 and wish to receive a refund cheque, please call 1-866-922-9221 or email us .
More information is available in our   premium relief fact sheet .

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

When you apply for the Canada Employment Wage Subsidy (CEWS), you will be asked to enter amounts such as the number of eligible employees and gross payroll. To get ready, you can determine these amounts and preview your subsidy claim now, based on information you enter. The calculator is a tool to help you estimate the amount of your wage subsidy. Click here to calculate your subsidy amount.
Before you calculate your subsidy, make sure you are eligible to apply .
Employers may apply using the CRA’s My Business Account or a separate online application form.


Canada Emergency Business Account

The Canada Emergency Business Account provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits to help cover operating costs during periods when revenues have been temporarily reduced.

  • To qualify, organization must demonstrate they paid between $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019.
  • Business owners can apply through their banks and credit unions

For more information click here


INDUSTRY

WHO HAS INTEREST IN MEDI – GAS INSTALLATION TRAINING?


NAIT has completed a blended delivery of the Medi – Gas Installation training. This blended course includes 32 hours of theory delivered online and 4 hours of practical lab delivered face-to-face on NAIT campus .
This course is a prerequisite to write the CSA Medical Gas Piping Installer exam with CSA.
We can organize a private MCA class but would need 12 student to run with NAIT. I have a few companies interested please let me know if you have anyone that could take in the next 4 – 8 weeks.

Please contact Lisa at Lisa@mca-ab,com

CIPH Calgary Region – AGM

Date: May 15, 2020
Time: 11:30 am
Registration Fee: Free

Register here




T he following STANDATA that applies to building, fire, plumbing, gas and electrical disciplines is now available.

 
To view all Building STANDATA click here .
To view all Fire STANDATA click here .
To view all Gas STANDATA click here.
To view all Plumbing STANDATA click here .
To view all Electrical STANDATA click here .
 

Gas Notice Update is now available

EDUCATION & TRAINING
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
MCA Alberta has decided to pivot to online training for immediate future. As such, you can now upgrade your knowledge and skills by engaging in live webinars, self paced online learning and virtual Instructor-led online training.

May 13: Live Webinar – Recharge Revenue Generation through your Field Technicians. Register here
May 13: Product Technical Training Webinar – Tankless Water Heaters . Register here
May 14: Virtual Instructor led Training – Getting Paid & Managing Cash flow.
Register here
May 19: Product Technical Training Webinar – Flow, Head, CV & You. Register here
May 20: Virtual Instructor led Training – Managing Change in Construction. Register here
May 21: Live Webinar – Take Control of Your Business. Register here
May 22: Virtual Instructor led Training – CCA Subcontracts 101 . Register here
May 26: V irtual Instructor led Training – Field Productivity 101 . Register here
May 26: Product Technical Training Webinar – Design Hydronic Heat Pump Systems
Register here

If you are looking at  E-learning   MCAC is proud to partner with BuildForce Canada and their E-Learning Centre to offer its members access to first-class online courses. Courses are self-guided instruction , allowing members to take the training at a place and time that suits them best. Courses available are:

 Construction Project Management – Course outline here .
Construction Law – Course outline here .
Communication, Negotiation & Conflict Resolution – Course outline here .
Intro to Estimating- – Course outline here .
Intro to BIM – Course outline here .

View full course outlines and register here.

If there is a topic that you would find helpful please contact Lisa@mca-ab.com
NEW MEMBERS
Event Horizon Systems Ltd
94 River Heights Green
Cochrane, Alberta
T4C 0Y4
403-479-1726
Lorcan DeBarra

CITY UPDATES
City Council approved further supports for businesses in Calgary
 


As part of this support, Planning & Development is deferring and/or waiving fee payments in 2020, specifically enhancing flexibility on building permits. This means financial flexibility to manage cash flow through projects, and align fees closer to when revenues are being realized, as well as extensions on any upcoming expiry windows by six months. This will ensure approvals do not expire while businesses deal with the impacts of COVID-19.
As of May 1, the following fee changes will be in effect:

Read full article here

New application intake process in May
Planning & Development remains committed to processing development applications during the State of Emergency. We want you to know how much we appreciate your flexibility to adapt to the changes we've been implementing since mid-March.
 
We've introduced a new digital intake process for large scale development permits, land use amendment applications and outline plans. To submit these application types online, call the Planning Services Centre at (403) 268-5343 and work directly with an agent to complete the intake process. 
 
Read full article here
SAFETY
COR Changes

The COR program has temporarily restricted audits to documentation-only. This allowed auditing to safely continue while respecting physical distancing and has been adopted by all certifying partners.
Documentation-only audits processed for COR certification or maintenance purposes will be eligible for PIR refunds from WCB-Alberta for 2020.

For more information contact your Certifying Partner

O H&S important information for Employers

The Government of Alberta created a code of practice for Respiratory Protective Equipment.(RPE) see form here

Companies selling hand sanitizer (Health Canada and FDA approved)

Chemfax see flyer here

Minhas Brewery has new sanitizer information found 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 May 2020 edition of our Vitality newsletter, “Cannabis in the Workplace”.

Click here to read full article
Check out our Member Discount Programs
today! Click HERE
HR CORNER

Employment Standards
Temporary workplace rules are in effect as of March 17, 2020, to help employers and employees manage rapidly changing conditions. These changes will be in place as long as government determines they are needed and the public health emergency order remains due to COVID-19.


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.