MCAT Pipeline. Fall 2006 
(click here for full magazine in Adobe pdf format)

President's Message: The 43rd MCA Toronto Annual General Meeting Was a Great Success.  180 contractors and associate members attended.  It is my sincere hope that this event will continue to be a favourite of our members and that it will evolve into a platform for discussing the pressing industry issues that continue to affect us all.  Read more...

Calendar (November 6, 2006 - June 8, 2007) - Read more... 

MCAA Introduces ModelHexavalent Chromium Compliance Program
The Mechanical Contractors Association of America’s (MCAA) new Model Hexavalent Chromium Compliance Program was developed by the Safety and Health Committee in response to OSHA’s Hexavalent Chromium Standard, which came into effect, for larger employers, in November.
Hexavalent Chromium is a heavy metal component of stainless steel that can increase the risk of lung cancer in humans if inhaled in significant concentrations. Hexavalent Chromium is sometimes referred to as Chromium (VI) or hex chrome. The major concern in the mechanical construction industry is over exposure to hexavalent chromium from fumes created by welding or torch cutting on stainless steel pipe and ducts. Read more...

Plumbing & Mechanical Professionals of Ontario Members Assist Child Find
To join the P&MP in the search for missing children, contractors will need to consult with their clients. Once the go ahead has been given, Digital North will arrange to have the signs delivered.
The goal is to erect a sign in each MCA Zone. The organization is asking P&MP contractors to place these re-usable billboards on active jobsites to help out a worthy charity.
To date, Child Find Ontario has recovered more than 600 children. In 2003, the success rate for cases registered with Child Find was 95 per cent and over 100 per cent in 2004.  Read more...

 

Mesothelioma Research Program
By BRENDA O’SULLIVAN, Research Coordinator, Mesothelioma Research Program, University Health Network
Following is an update of the progress which has been made over the past six months in the Mesothelioma Research Program at the Princess Margaret Hospital/University Health Network. Three distinct but inter-related projects are encompassed within the program. Progress in each of these will be summarized individually. Read more...

 

New Anti-Smoking Law
Fighting the primary cause of avoidable death and disease in Ontario
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act came into force in May 2006. Smoking inside any enclosed workplace is now illegal.
HOW THE LAW AFFECTS CONSTRUCTION? Read more...

 

Fair Wage Policies – Not a Union / Non-Union Issue
By KATHERINE JACOBS, Director of Research, Ontario Construction Secretariat
The Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) recently released a report entitled Impact of Fair Wage Policies on the Construction Industry. This report examined the historical evolution of Fair Wage Policies in Canada and Ontario, and further explored the relationship between fair wage policies and construction costs. The information contained in the report is intended to help dispel some of the misconceptions about fair wages and to provide the necessary information to promote the implementation of modern fair wage policies at the provincial and municipal level.  Read more...

 

Construction Liens and Bankruptcy: How Contractors Can Protect Themselves
By JOSEPH COSENTINO, Goodmans LLP
It is an unfortunate reality in the construction industry that bankruptcies can, and do, occur. An owner, general contractor or subcontractor may become insolvent and be unable to meet its financial obligations. In those circumstances, contractors need to know how you can best protect your rights and minimize potential losses. This article explains some of the rights and remedies available to contractors under insolvency legislation and under the (itals)Construction Lien Act (enditals) of Ontario when you are confronted with the troublesome situation of a bankruptcy of someone in the construction pyramid.  Read more...

 

Zero is the Only Acceptable Number of Workplace Injuries and Fatalities
WSIB Launches Public Awareness Campaign
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s (WSIB) has launched its boldest social marketing campaign ever. The campaign theme – There Really Are No Accidents – drives home the message that workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities are unacceptable, intolerable and 100 per cent preventable.
“We don’t want to be overly harsh, but we need to shock people into understanding the staggering number of workplace injuries and fatalities,” said Steve Mahoney, WSIB chair. “This is not going to be a feel good campaign. We won’t feel good until workplace injury and fatality numbers start to decrease.”  Read more...

 

MCA Ontario Reaches Out To Students
The Mechanical Contractors Association of Ontario (MCAO) has taken a pro-active – and innovative – approach to attract young people into the management side of the mechanical contracting business by establishing student chapters in three cities. What makes it innovative is that the focus is on recruiting for the business management side of the industry, and not just for skilled workers.
Steve Colemen, executive vice president of MCAO, said that the industry has traditionally focused its attention on promoting careers in the skilled trades. However, there is a realization that time and effort need to be invested to recruit college and university graduates into the positions of estimators and project managers. Read more... 

 

 

MCAT 2006/2007 - Small Contractors Committee - Read more...