Construction associations are calling for an emergency COVID-19 construction cost relief program to be established to help contractors with the financial implications of project shutdowns, delays, and losses of productivity due to the pandemic. The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) and the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) have both called for a relief fund.
“As with industries across Canada, the construction industry and the mechanical contracting sector have been faced with unforeseen challenges and issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dave Holek, president and chair of MCAC. “Whether it is the necessary but added costs of health and safety to protect workers, losses in productivity as we adapt to the changing requirements for jobsites, supply chain and repayment problems as a result of shutdowns or delays, the COVID-19 pandemic has already proven to have far-reaching consequences. Our association supports any measure to help contractors access liquidity or financial support to help contractors work through this crisis.”
On March 30 MCAC sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noting the ways the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted mechanical contractors. Among other requests, MCAC asked that the federal government provide financial support for those construction firms affected by the closure of construction sites.
“To request to establish an emergency COVID-19 construction cost relief program reinforces the fact that contractors across Canada are facing unprecedented challenges,” said Holek. “We are pleased to see any efforts that will help our members through this crisis and beyond.”
