�ȵ����

OTTAWA  – While the (MCAC) is welcoming news of the creation of a Housing and Construction Workforce Alliance, it is also stressing the importance of engaging with the mechanical and building systems contracting sector.

“This announcement comes at a critical juncture for Canada’s construction sector,” said Tania Johnston, MCAC Chief Executive Officer, in a statement. “Existing challenges are being felt more acutely as demand for construction continues to grow, while labour shortages and trade pressures persist. MCAC stands ready to help the government deliver on its homebuilding and infrastructure agenda, but this will only be possible through a proactive, all-hands-on-deck approach that aligns workforce planning, procurement policy, and regulatory frameworks with on-the-ground realities.”

While details are still being fully hashed out, the government states this alliance will tackle workforce needs for nation building projects with a focus on residential construction and affordable housing. It will include employers, unions, industry groups, post-secondary educational institutions and Indigenous partners in residential, commercial and public infrastructure projects.

The MCAC states it is eager to engage with the Housing and Construction Workforce Alliance and bring forward member perspectives on items including procurement reform, interprovincial regulatory harmonization, labour and contractor mobility, training capacity and productivity.

“Mechanical and building systems contractors account for approximately 40 per cent of construction activity in Canada, and these systems further represent roughly 50 per cent of a building’s long-term maintenance and lifecycle costs,” added Johnston. “Put simply, if we hope to reach the targets set out through initiatives such as the Major Projects Office and Build Canada Homes, it is critical that the mechanical and building systems sector is at the table.

“We welcome further details on the alliance and opportunities for participation in the weeks ahead.”