Two of the industry’s largest associations met with politicians in Ottawa to discuss industry issues recently.
The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) held their annual Parliamentary Day of Awareness May 7 and 8, meeting with politicians, NRCan and other officials.
Key issues included federal prompt payment legislation along with uniform and harmonized model codes and regulations for Canada and the United States.
On the prompt payment front, the industry has long struggled with payment delays that reduce cash flow, decrease efficiency, and hurt small businesses and their employees – and sometimes forces sub contractors to borrow from unconventional sources that can bring organized crime into construction.
Prompt payment has been stalled at the federal level as the Liberal government chose to bring in its own legislation rather than passing Bill S-224, introduced by Conservative Senator Don Plett, which has already been passed by the Senate.
The industry has long struggled with different regulations between Canada and the U.S., forcing manufacturers to provide different equipment for each jurisdiction. Manufacturers also face different requirements between provinces and municipalities, all of which adds complication and cost.
Plett sponsored the event, with more than 40 senior officials and government officials in attendance. Martin Luymes of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) also participated.
Some progress was made on these issues, reported Ralph Suppa, CIPH president and general manager. “The 2018 event resulted in new contacts, fresh, innovative ideas and tangible progress on several priority issues for CIPH and MCA Canada. It was an outstanding ‘Day on the Hill’!”
