Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) and Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) recently released a new policy document and list of recommendations outlining how the mechanical contracting industry can contribute to Canada’s economic recovery post-COVID-19.
The document, entitled Investment in Retrofits: Key to Canada’s Green Recovery Post-Crisis sets out recommendations for the government, including:
- Federal investment of $20 billion over five years in retrofit projects
- The introduction of innovative retrofit financial instruments to spur private-sector investment
- Work closely with provincial governments to expend existing retrofit programs
- Investment in training opportunities to upskill trade workers and retrain workers from other sectors
- Invest $1.25 billion in workforce development for training programs related to energy efficiency
- Earmark promotional funding to specifically target underrepresented groups in the skilled trades
“The document is intended to showcase how the mechanical contracting sector can not only contribute to economic recovery, but also how it can play a key role in meeting the government’s own objectives with respect to greenhouse gas emissions and job creation,” the organizations said in a news release.
It is critical that Canada implements a robust plan for recovery and long-term prosperity, including a strong national strategy for building, home retrofits and supporting the skilled trades. Investments in retrofits, with a focus on mechanical systems, insulation, heat sources and plumbing will strengthen the economy and create jobs post-crisis.
In the report, the organizations urge a “comprehensive national approach, including innovative investments in retrofits, regulatory harmonization and support for skilled trades, will not only spur the economy post-pandemic but also lead to immense environmental and health benefits.”
A National Retrofit Strategy would encourage the federal government to:
- include home and building retrofits as part of the $100 billion recovery fund.
- invest $20 billion over five years in retrofit projects, including federal buildings, to stimulate the economy post-pandemic.
- work with the private sector to introduce innovative retrofit financial instruments such as the ESPA™.
- implement a low-cost retrofit loan program to make retrofits more affordable and more accessible for Canadian homeowners and landlords.
- work with provinces and territories to broaden and expand the scale and scope of existing provincial, territorial and municipal retrofit projects.
The document notes that for every $1 million invested in energy efficiency, 16-30 net jobs could be created, while contributing to the overall energy efficiency objectives outlined by the government.
“With additional support from the Government of Canada, the mechanical, plumbing and heating sector are poised to make significant contributions to the economic recovery and work to build back a stronger, more resilient Canada,” the report concludes.