Last Friday, MCA Canada took part in a government-industry roundtable focused on addressing the barriers for business to achieving Canada's net-zero emissions objective. The roundtable was an opportunity to talk about the potential growth of our industry as consumer and business demands increase for more efficient products and systems. Participants from government highlighted the need for industry to provide insights on new technologies and the need for collaboration to ensure a strong workforce is available to support retrofits and new construction of more energy efficient buildings.
MCAC shared the perspective that departments need to do more collaborating and break down silos between programs and policies. Where one department invests in new retrofits, another needs to ensure workforce development is prioritized. When new building codes are implemented and environmental targets are set, it is important that other departments are considering the knock-on effects for businesses.
We also delivered the message that more needs to be done to invest in the skilled trades, and promoting careers at an earlier stage in life. That allowed MCAC to encourage the federal government to work more closely with provinces that carry most of the responsibility for education and training in Canada.
We anticipate follow-up meetings with more members on May 9 in Ottawa, and look forward to our next meetings with government on May 10 with elected officials and political staff as part of our Day on The Hill.