b'ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE WITH SKILLED TRADES AND NEW TECHNOLOGIESI n August, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canadaneed to be undertaken to mitigate climate change and to adapt and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating sub- to its effects will be heavily dependent on the ability of skilled mitted a pre-budget submission to the federal governmenttradespeople, particular in our industry. in advance of the federal election and the release of the 2020Skilled tradespeople will install new water heating and cooling Federal Budget.products in office buildings and retail spaces. Skilled tradespeople In it, both organizations outlined the importance of skilled tradeswill help industries deliver new, more efficient processing and and new technologies as key to addressing climate change.manufacturing systems based on new technologies. Skilled The following outlines the joint submission: tradespeople will ensure millions of homes across Canada are able to take advantage of new water heating and climate control Ensuring Canada has an adequate supply of skilled tradespeopleprograms that will be essential to reducing the carbon footprint who are regularly updating their skills and certifications is anof the built environment. essential component of addressing the climate emergency.For decades, the skilled trades have suffered from negative The climate emergency is an incredibly pressing issue thatperceptions regarding the aptitude required to be a tradesperson will require a coordinated effort from all levels of government,and the opportunities that result from choosing a career in the the private sector and non-profit stakeholders to address. Thetrades. That stigma is quickly eroding as more Canadians learn sense of urgency among the public and institutions has risen,about the high income-earning opportunities presented by the but clarity is lacking on which tradeoffs are most essential andskilled trades. Rapid technological developments and innovation which changes should be made most immediate. The federalhave also resulted in many trades becoming exceptionally government will play a central role in the transition to a low- challenging. The skilled trades present one of the best returns carbon economy, and ensuring Canadian businesses have theon investment in education and training for individuals in a skilled workers they need to adapt should be a key goal constantly evolving landscape of lifelong learning.for government.The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada and The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) andCanadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating recommend: the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC)1.That the federal government invest in apprenticeship stand as partners to assist the federal government, and its provincial partners, in realizing that goal. Collectively, ourtraining and completion incentives to encourage replacement association members employ over 70,000 Canadians, withof the skilled trade workforce essential to climate change the majority being tradespeople. Small businessesincludingmitigation and adaptation. We recommend doubling the annual maximum tax contractors, suppliers, wholesalers and manufacturersdependa. on each other to ensure the construction, maintenance andcredit per year, per apprentice in the Apprenticeship upgrading needs of Canadians are met in the built environment.Job Creation Tax Credit from the current level of Our members are constantly innovating through research and$2,000 to $4,000. development, and commercializing new technologies thatb.improve efficiency and limit volumes of water used; better skilledWe recommend the government consider increasing trades availability will significantly improve market access forthe proportion of salaries that are eligible for the tax these products.credit from 10 to 20 per cent. 2.That the federal government increase the budget for To address the climate emergency, Canadian households and industries will need to become more energy efficient while usingprograms promoting careers in the skilled trades with an newer, sustainable fuel sources. At the same time, economicemphasis on trades that will play an important role in growth should be encouraged to preserve quality of life, and theaddressing the climate emergency. scientific progress that will help us adapt to the new realities ofa.We recommend increasing the investment for a skilledthe 21st century. Of Canadas total greenhouse gas emissions,trades promotion program from $6 million over two 17 per cent comes from buildings, and largely from climateyears to $6 million per year over the next five years, for control, as well as heating and cooling water. The activities thata total investment of $30 million.22 www.mcac.ca'