By Jeremy Hallman,
Executive Director, SMACNA-BC
As we move further into 2025, uncertainty continues to shape the Canadian business landscape. Shifting economic conditions, evolving tariffs and counter-tariffs, and industry-specific pressures continue to challenge companies to adapt quickly. At SMACNA-BC, we remain committed to supporting our members in any way that we can.
Negotiations have been ongoing with SMART Local Union No. 280. We met five times throughout February and March and have two more meetings scheduled for April. We know how important stability and clarity are for both contractors and workers, and we are working diligently toward an agreement that reflects the needs and priorities of all parties. Updates will be issued to contractor members once we have more information.
I’m also pleased to announce that we have been working with our industry partners on prompt payment in BC. There was a short hiatus just before and after the election, but it feels like we are closer than ever before. I would encourage every person interested in supporting this cause to complete the form at promptpayment.ca, which will mail a letter to your local MLA notifying them of your support. I completed one myself and can assure you that it took less than a minute to complete. If you have any questions on this or would like any updates, please feel free to reach out to me in the SMACNA-BC office.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to be planning the 2025 SMACNA-BC AGM & Convention in beautiful Whistler, BC, taking place May 8–11. The Annual General Meeting will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 10. Please make every effort to attend the meeting or send in your proxy vote to ensure your voice is heard.
Leanne has some great events planned for everyone on Friday including a variety of exciting activities designed to help you unwind, connect with fellow members, and enjoy the best of Whistler. Attendees can choose one of the following experiences:
Zipline Tour
Soar above the trees and take in stunning views on a high-adrenaline zipline tour through Whistler’s breathtaking landscape. A perfect pick for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
Axe Throwing & Pizza Party
Prefer something a little more grounded? Test your aim in a fun axe-throwing competition, then relax and refuel with hot pizza and great company. It’s all about laughs, friendly rivalry, and good vibes.
Golf at Big Sky in Pemberton
Hit the fairway with fellow golf enthusiasts at one of BC’s top courses. Big Sky Golf Club offers world-class play and unforgettable mountain views—ideal for a day of networking and friendly competition.
Walking Lunch Tour
Food lovers can indulge in a guided culinary tour through Whistler Village, sampling creative dishes and local BC wines at a series of top restaurants. A delicious way to explore the town on foot.
No matter which experience you choose, it’s a great way to make memories and connect with fellow SMACNA-BC members in a laid-back, scenic setting.
Recent Events
SMACNA-BC Membership Dinner Meeting – March 20, 2025
SMACNA-BC recently hosted an informative dinner session with Dal Dhatt and Benjamin Pearson from Skilled Trades BC. They provided valuable insights into the Skilled Trades Certification process and the Employer Workforce Submission, highlighting how these updates impact contractors, tradespeople, and employers.
The evening wrapped up with a lively Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to ask specific questions and raise concerns. If you were unable to attend and would like more info, please feel free to call me at the SMACNA-BC office.
SMACNA-BC Membership Dinner Meeting – April 17, 2025
In April, SMACNA-BC members attended an exclusive ChatGPT Workshop hosted by Emerson Academy on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Civic Hotel in Surrey, BC. This hands-on event explored how artificial intelligence—specifically ChatGPT—can enhance productivity across operations, project management, business development, and fieldwork.
Highlights included:
- A 30- to 45-minute introductory session on ChatGPT basics, tailored to the sheet metal industry
- Live demos on project schedule optimization and spec and legal document summarization
- Open Q&A and personalized support for real business scenarios
Attendees also gained insights into AI-powered copywriting, email drafting, research assistance, image generation, and data analysis. This workshop was presented by Emerson Academy, a leader in AI education for business professionals.
SMACNA-BC AGM & Convention – May 8-11, 2025, Westin Resort & Spa Whistler
SMACNA National Convention – October 26-29, 2025, Maui, HI
Looking ahead, the SMACNA National Convention will be held in October in Maui at the Grand Wailea Hotel. Registration for the convention is set to open April 24 at 9:00 am Pacific time. This year, contractors will be registering themselves and not going through SMACNA-BC. That said, if you have any questions, or need any help from us, please contact us in the SMACNA-BC office at 604-585-4641.
Chapter night for this event will be held with the Western Washington and Southwest Washington chapters at the Four Seasons Hotel. Based on past events with Julie and her team, this night should be sure to please.
SMACNA-BC Membership Dinner Meeting – June 19, 2025
Unfortunately, our June Dinner Meeting needed to be cancelled again this year due to scheduling conflicts.
SMACNA-BC Membership Dinner Meeting – September 18, 2025
SMACNA-BC is pleased to welcome Vincent Belokopytov and the technical team from E.H. Price, who will be presenting on life safety damper systems—with a focus on fire dampers, smoke dampers, and combination fire/smoke dampers. This presentation will cover application-specific guidance, code compliance (NFPA, UL, ULC), installation best practices, and emerging innovations in damper technology.
These sessions are highly interactive and designed to help contractors, engineers, and estimators stay current with life safety damper requirements. Attendees are encouraged to bring technical questions and field challenges to discuss with the E.H. Price experts.
For a full list of upcoming SMACNA-BC events please visit our website at business.smacna-bc.org/events ■
