June 2, 2023 – To make Ontario “the place where skilled trades professionals thrive”. That’s the overarching vision behind Skilled Trades Ontario’s first Strategic Plan, unveiled by STO’s CEO and registrar, Melissa Young, at the agency’s first-ever industry summit on apprenticeship. Attended by some 250 industry leaders, educators, and apprentices, the event was divided into morning and afternoon activities. The morning saw speakers from government, Young, and an industry panel. Monte McNaughton, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, delivered a few remark ..read more

June 2, 2023 – Statistics Canada reports investment in building construction declined 1.3% to $20.3 billion in March. The non-residential sector went up by 0.9% to $5.7 billion, but the residential sector fell 2.1% to $14.6 billion. Industrial construction investment increased for the 16th consecutive month, up 3.4% to $1.2 billion in March. Overall, eight provinces posted gains, led by Ontario (+5.0%, +$27.4 million). Institutional construction investment was up 0.7% to $1.4 billion in March. British Columbia continued to increase (+2.6%, +$5.4 million), with the construction of a new expans ..read more

June 2, 2023 – Skills Canada released the final medal results of its 2023 national competition in Winnipeg, where over 500 students and apprentices from across the country competed for the title of national champion in 45 Skill Areas. Congratulations to the following competitors in the realm of Electrical! Electrical Installations – Post-Secondary Level GOLD – Curtis Pettipas, Nova Scotia SILVER – Julia Rose, Newfoundland & Labrador BRONZE – Biagio Iannantuono, Ontario Electrical Installations – Secondary Level GOLD – Wilson Maclaren Sinclair, Ontario SILVER – Keegan Sturge, Alberta BRONZE ..read more

June 2, 2023 – The Electrical Contractors Association of Manitoba reports that Bill 38, The Builders’ Liens Amendment Act (Prompt Payment) has received royal assent. Congratulations! “Bill 38 is a significant step towards ensuring financial certainty for contractors and subcontractors, and promotes economic growth and investment in our province,” said James Teitsma, Minister of Consumer Protection and Government Services. A champion of the bill, Teitsma said “[…] we remain committed to moving forward towards the implementation of this legislation and are confident that it will have a very posi ..read more

June 1, 2023 – Through Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SREP) program, Saint John Energy in New Brunswick is receiving nearly $4 million for its Zero30 initiative. “Zero30 is one of the most important initiatives Saint John Energy has undertaken,” said Ryan Mitchell, president & CEO. “It will map a critical path forward to net-zero while helping our customers get there, too.” Natural Resources Canada says Zero30 includes developing a “comprehensive net-zero roadmap to drive down operational emissions while advancing affordability by providing ratepayers with more inn ..read more

June 1, 2023 – A buying group serving independent groundwater systems distributors for over 30 years—The Baron Group—intends to merge with AD, North America’s largest marketing/buying group for construction and industrial supplies. “We see great benefits for our distributors from this new relationship with AD,” said Matthew Beasley, general manager, The Baron Group. “AD has an impressive track record of growth and innovation. Our interactions with their team in this process have been tremendous, and our members cannot wait to begin working with the AD community to achieve success together.” AD ..read more

June 1, 2023 – Deloitte Canada announced the companies that have joined the ranks of Canada’s Best Managed Companies (2023), and updated its list of Best Managed, Gold Standard, and Platinum Club companies. “I am always amazed by the fortitude of our Best Managed Companies, who continue to act as global beacons for all of the talent and innovation Canada has to offer,” said Lorrie King, national co-leader of the program and partner with Deloitte Private (a division of Deloitte focused on serving private clients). Here at Electrical Business Magazine, we focus on companies carrying out electric ..read more

June 1, 2023 – Dino Alimonti has been promoted to vice-president, Sales, at Eaton Canada, effective July 1. He most recently served as national sales manager, Canada, overseeing the various sales districts. Prior to that, and over the course of his 28-year career with Eaton, he has held a variety of roles of increasing responsibility across Marketing, Operations, and Sales. In his new role, Alimonti will be responsible for leading, developing, and executing sales strategies across “key targeted industry segments”, and provide business and operational leadership to the sales teams and associate ..read more

June 1, 2023 – Statistics Canada reports the total monthly value of building permits in Canada advanced 11.3% in March to $11.8 billion, led by sharply increasing growth in the non-residential sector. The total monthly value of non-residential permits increased 32.0% to a record-high $5.2 billion, with 10 individual non-residential projects valued at over $100 million each. The largest project of the month was the new $570-million General Motors and POSCO Chemical cathode active materials facility in Bécancour, Que., which led the value of building permits in the industrial component to sharpl ..read more

June 1, 2023 – The Ontario Electrical League welcomed Michelle Barta as training and event coordinator. “I am looking forward to working with the members to provide them with tools needed to help them in running a successful business,” said Barta. Before she retired from corporate life in July 2022, Barta’s career as a marketer saw her working with manufacturers, agents, and distributors in the Electrical and Mechanical industries. Her last position was with Nedco as national marketing manager, Customer Loyalty and Promotions. It was during this time that she became acquainted with OEL, volunt ..read more