By / Tristan Bertram • Director of Industry Affairs
825-522-4834 • tristan.bertram@tiac.ca
As we move into 2025, I am proud to share that TIAC continues to pursue innovative initiatives that align with our collective mission and vision. The upcoming months are poised to be the most transformative since I have joined TIAC, and I am excited to share why.
Our recent efforts have focused on leveraging provincial and federal grant programs to address critical challenges and opportunities within the industry. Over the past few months, TIAC has submitted two significant grant proposals that, if successful, will allow us to embark on groundbreaking projects. These initiatives are designed to tackle some of the most pressing issues our industry faces today, including labour shortages and the need for enhanced mechanical insulation standards, awareness, and compliance.
Addressing the Labour Demand
It’s no secret that the lack of skilled labour is the most significant challenge our industry and most other trades face. Data from BuildForce Canada’s Assessment of Construction Labour Markets (2024 to 2033) shows that the construction industry faces significant workforce challenges due to forecasted retirements among Baby Boomers. The report estimates 263,400 workers are expected to retire during this period, averaging between 25,000 to 28,000 workers annually. Considering the construction industry’s estimated growth demands of an additional 88,400 workers, this results in a cumulative hiring requirement of 351,800 workers by 2033. BuildForce Canada expects the industry to recruit 266,300 new entrants in that timeline, which leaves the sector to experience a shortfall of approximately 85,500 workers by 2033.
To address the skilled labour shortage, TIAC has proposed a project that leverages support from the Government of Alberta’s Industry Skills Grant. If selected for funding, the Building MI Sustainable Future program will see TIAC and the Thermal Insulation Association of Alberta (TIAA) develop a comprehensive pre-apprenticeship program. This initiative will combine online self-guided learning with in-person instruction and will be designed to equip Albertans with foundational mechanical insulation knowledge. The program’s dual purpose is to provide Albertans with the education needed to quickly secure well-paying jobs as Heat and Frost Insulators while creating a pool of pre-educated labour for TIAA contractor members. By opening doors for potential workers and supporting their long-term apprenticeship journey, we’re investing in the future of the industry.
What’s particularly exciting about this initiative is its potential for replication. The Building MI Sustainable Future program could serve as a model for other provinces and be adaptable to similar grant initiatives across Canada. I’m proud to support the development of the next generation of Heat and Frost Insulators and am eager to assist other provincial associations in implementing similar programs.
Introducing MIRA
The second proposal we’ve put forward is equally exciting and even more innovative. During our 62nd conference in St. John’s, NL, most attendees highlighted increased awareness and education for industry stakeholders as the most significant opportunity for growth in our industry. By leveraging Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Codes Acceleration Fund, TIAC aims to develop an AI-powered assistant designed to support code officials and construction professionals in navigating the complexities of mechanical insulation regulations and building code information. If brought to fruition, this tool could significantly improve code adoption and compliance rates across the industry. The Mechanical Insulation Regulatory Assistant (MIRA) has the potential to address the critical need to raise awareness and educate industry stakeholders in an easily digestible format. By providing instant and accurate answers to regulatory questions, MIRA will enhance knowledge transfer and improve the implementation of high-quality mechanical insulation systems across all areas of our industry.
While it’s important to note that these projects are still in the proposal stage and their implementation is not guaranteed, they represent the type of forward-thinking initiatives that TIAC is committed to pursuing. As we await the outcomes of these grant proposals, TIAC remains committed to exploring and pursuing opportunities that will benefit our members and the entire industry. We continue to focus on key areas such as Quality Assurance Certification programs, leveraging our Best Practices Guide, and fostering relationships with government bodies to enhance understanding and adoption of mechanical insulation.
As always, we value your support and participation, which enable us to work on these initiatives and create a better future for our world and industry. I look forward to updating you on the progress of these and other initiatives in the coming months. Please reach out anytime if there is anything I can help you with. ▪
