ECAS Members:    

We are pleased to introduce our seventh edition of our online newsletter.  Please share this within your organization by forwarding to colleagues, or go to the "Join our Mailing List" tab on the side bar link in the newsletter. 
Your comments are welcome.  Contact us at ecas@scaonline.ca
 



ECAS Logo
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF SASKATCHEWAN
 
The Conduit
Edition # 7
FALL 2015
In This Issue
 Upcoming Meetings
Board Meeting
September 30th  
9:00 - 12:00 
Davidson Town Hall

  
 All members  are welcome and encouraged to attend.

 
 Copper Sponsors
 

 
Quick Links

CECA Newsletter
 
ECAS Website
Executive Director's Report 
Your ECAS Board and staff have been very active in the past few months. It is very exciting to announce that we now have 112 members. This is a growth rate at almost 35% in the last 12 months. Please continue to support  ECAS  by promoting the Association to other contractors, suppliers, manufacturer agents and electrical engineers. Additional memberships is the lifeline of our Association and it promotes our influence on decision makers in the electrical industry.
 
This newsletter will provide details on current ECAS initiatives, as listed below. I encourage you to read the articles posted in the newsletter. Also, please feel free to contact the ECAS office at any time to further discuss the position ECAS should take in shaping the direction of the electrical industry in Saskatchewan.  
  • Bylaw renewal
  •  Relationship with local electrical associations 
  • Electrical Industry Golf Tournament held August 19 in Regina
  • Prompt Payment Committee (2)
    • Mechanical Contractors
    • Saskatchewan Construction Association
    • Mandatory Code Renewal Survey
    • Directors and Officers Liability Insurance
    • Members Benefit Program
    • Preferred Contractor Status - Permits
    • Website Upgrades
    • Education Program
    • Saskatchewan Electrical Industry fall meeting
    • ECAS September Board meeting
    • Committee to Discuss SaskPower Energy Efficiency Programs for Commercial Customers
 
We are still receiving complaints from members about non-licenced individuals advertising their services to do electrical work without taking a permit. Your Board is committed to dealing with this issue and encourage you to report any concerns to us and SaskPower Compliance Officers.
 
Please take a few minutes to review the entire newsletters for up-to-date announcements about the electrical industry. Also, a reminder that the ECAS Website; www.ecasask.ca
will provide you with minutes of ECAS Board and committee meetings.
 
Finally, a reminder that your ECAS membership will be coming due December 31/15. We look forward to serving electrical contractors in the coming year.
 
Sincerely,
 
Doug Folk / ECAS Executive Director
 
Electrical Inspections Regulations Input Requested
 
SaskPower is conducting a periodic review of the regulations under The Electrical Inspection Act, 1993.  As part of this review, we would appreciate any comments you may have regarding The Electrical Inspection Regulations, and in particular regarding their impact on your business.  The regulations may be accessed at the following link: http://www.publications.gov.sk.ca/details.cfm?p=1069.  Please provide any comments by October 2, 2015. 
ECAS announces new Scholarship!
Utilizing funds raised from special event holes at the TIN CUP golf tourney, the board and staff will be developing the criteria for an annual scholarship(s) at the upcoming  BOD meeting on September 30th.   The scholarship will be available for a current apprentice of an ECAS member company.  In addition Jim  Modjeski from Titan Marketing has offered a $1000.00 voucher for Klein Tools to accompany the scholarship.  Thank You to Jim as well as all those who participated in supporting the fundraisers at the golf tournament.   
Stay tuned for more details -- we will send out the information to all member companies in the near future. 
Canada Job Grants
Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant provides financial assistance to Saskatchewan employers to help workers get the training they need for available jobs.  Through this program, employers and government partner to fund training that will provide individuals with the skills needed by the employer in today's workforce.  The purpose of the grant is to support new investments in training and is not intended to replace an employer's existing investment in training.  
The employer invests one third of the training costs and gains the benefit of a worker who is skilled and ready to work.  The Job Grant will reimburse employers for the remaining two thirds of eligible training costs.  Employers may make multiple grant applications to a maximum of $250,00.00 annually with a maximum of $15,000.00 per trainee per year.  
ECAS is looking into programs and training opportunities that could be coordinated by our office to support your company needs, i.e Code training. This will be discussed at our upcoming Board Meeting -- more info to follow.  
For more information call the regional Ministry of the Economy office in your region or go to: www.economy.gov.sk.ca/job-grant
Website Photos
Send us your Photos!
A portion of our new website is  dedicated  to a photo gallery, therefore we encourage all members to send us photos of current  work sites  with  a  brief   description  of the site  and  if  available /desired the names of the employees.  We will post these on our site main page to create a great visual  representation  of our  industry   and  the  many  diverse projects  across  the province.   High quality resolution is the best although we can work with most formats.                         
Electrical Liaison Committee Report
The Electrical Liaison Committee meets quarterly with the Inspections Branch of Sask Power,  Licensing (Building Standards Department Ministry of Government  Relations) and Apprenticeship.   ECAS members represent you to address concerns, and changes or interpretations that affect contractors.  Topics discussed include: code updates, restricted licenses, new entry level training programs, and specific issues that affect contractors.  Agenda items for the upcoming meeting include: Mandatory Code Renewal
-Sask Power CLI program
-Preferred Contractors Status
-Apprenticeship Harmonization
If you have items, concerns or ideas for the committee, please forward to our office. We will add them to future agendas and report back directly to the sender and via the newsletter to all members.  Next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 8,2015. Minutes from  past meetings and the recent meeting on September 15th  will be posted on our website (members only section).
Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA)  Report
As a member of ECAS you are automatically entitled to membership with CECA. You can access the members' only section on their website for publications, conference information or training opportunities.  To register go to www.ceca.org  and click on the PUBLICATIONS Tab or call 1.800.387.3226 x 315 and they will set you up with a login and password. If you have any trouble getting set up please call us. We are working with them to ensure this is an easy process. Also, as a registered member you should be receiving regular updates and newsletters from CECA via email. 

Below are a few excerpts from the current newsletter for complete stories and much more  click here:  Current CECA Newsletter

GOLD SEAL ACCREDITED TRAINING WORKSHOPS FOR FALL & WINTER
For those who are interested in registering for ES Computer Training Gold Seal accredited training courses, here is a list of the workshops that they are offering:

Microsoft Project for Construction
2 days / 2 Gold Seal SIC

Microsoft Project for Construction

2 days / 2 Gold Seal SIC

Microsoft Excel (Novice) for Construction
1 day / 1 Gold Seal SIC

Microsoft Excel (Advanced) for Construction
1 day / 1 Gold Seal SIC

Social Networking for Construction
1 day / 1 Gold Seal SIC

Risk Management for Construction
1 day / 1 Gold Seal SIC

If you would like further information or are interested in scheduling a workshop, please feel free to contact Laureen at any time either via telephone at 1.866.630.6950 or via email at laureen@escomputertraining.com

CAF DEVELOPING NEW LABOUR MOBILITY TOOL
The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) is developing a new labour mobility tool that will help employers and apprentices ensure they have the proper documentation they need before moving from one jurisdiction to another.

CE CODE INTERACTIVE - PORTABLE AND POWERFUL
Understanding and applying the requirements of the 2015 CE Code helps ensure the safety of your electrical installations. CSA's new interactive format combines the CE Code, Part I and the CE Code handbook into a powerful eBook format.
 
Non Licensed Electricians 
This is a repeat from the last newsletter but very noteworthy as we continue to get reports from members about violations. The Board and the Liaison Committee have been discussing reports of non-licensed and in some cases non-journey persons posting ads in local publications and online, promoting their company/services. This is a direct violation of the Licensing Act and is a very big concern for our industry and the protection of the consumer.  The licensing division made a presentation at our last Liaison Committee meeting on January 14, 2015 and assured us complaints and reports will be actively pursued. If you are aware of any violators please contact the Compliance Officer Guy Brideau at 306.533.0922.  Please also report it to our office --we will be tracking this activity and lobbying legislators and enforcement divisions to end this practice.  
Membership Drive 2015
As our 2015 membership renewal and new members drive is coming to a close, thanks to all companies who have shown support for our industry by either renewing or becoming a new member.   We are continuing to grow evidenced by a 35% increase to date.  We now have a membership base over 115. This is critical as we have been striving to truly become the voice of the industry.   Our reputation with licensing, inspections, apprenticeship and other trade based organizations  is dramatically changing as they now see us as a legitimate representative voice for our industry.
Welcome to the following new members who joined us since our last newsletter:
Aurora Workplace Solutions -- Saskatoon
AECOM -- White City
Diverse Systems -- Regina
PWA Engineering -- Saskatoon
TITAN Marketing Ltd. -- Saskatoon
Vantera Industries -- Elie, MB
Watts Electric Co. Ltd. -- Craven 
FALL Board Meeting
The Board of Directors will be meeting on Wednesday, September 30th from 9:00-12:00 at the Davidson Town Hall.  All members are invited to attend.  If you want a copy of the agenda and attachments, contact our office.  Minutes of the meeting and future meeting dates will be posted on the ECAS website members only section.  
ECAS First Annual Golf Tourney
Congratulations to the Championship Team
Randy Lovegrove Board Member (left) presented the trophy to the Shermco Industries  team Kerry Heid, Mike Tate & Bret Meyers (missing from photo Mike Ryan). 
ECAS hosted our first annual Golf Tournament on Wednesday, August 26th at the Murray Golf Course in Regina. The "Tin Cup"  has been a very successful event  previously coordinated by the Electrical League of Saskatchewan. We had a great day hosting 132 golfers.  Thanks to all members and contractors who joined us for the day.  We netted slightly over $6000.00 for the association and more importantly $1700.00 for the new ECAS scholarship.  Congratulations to the winning team.  Mark your calendars for next year's event on August 17th -- Murray GC.  
Build Force Canada releases Annual Report
IT IS A TIME OF TRANSITION FOR CANADA'S
CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE INDUSTRY.
Across the country, the sector remains strong. While growth is moderating  as the big mining, oil and gas projects of the past decade wind down and  investment slows, the need to maintain the infrastructure that's been built  is contributing to growing labour demand. Lower oil and gas prices will also  give rise to a number of other new opportunities for the sector.
At the same time, the workforce continues to age. Of the more than
one million skilled tradespeople directly involved in construction and
maintenance, nearly one-quarter will retire in the next 10 years.
In total, the construction and maintenance industry must find approximately  330,000 new workers to replace those who are retiring and to meet the  increased demand for skilled labour over the next decade. 
With construction responsible for seven percent of Canada's GDP, recruitment  and training are essential not only for the long-term health of the sector,  but also for the economy as a whole.
Working with and for its industry partners, BuildForce Canada is committed  to building a strong and vital construction and maintenance workforce for  today and tomorrow.
For the complete Report click here
IAEI Prairie Chapter Conference 
The International Association of Electrical Inspectors IAEI Prairie Chapter will be hosting a conference on September 24-26 at the Turvey Center in Regina.  Conference sessions include: Electricity Fires, Code Updates, Alternative Energies and a Trade Show.  For more information and registration forms   click here     or call Scott McCorston @306.566.2516.