AIRWAVES - AUGUST EDITION | | Stay tuned – and stay informed – with Air Waves. | | |
The ORAC Negotiations Committee is pleased to share that both signatory commercial contractors and employees have ratified the amended collective agreement, finalizing the updated wage schedule as of May 1, 2025.
ICI / Non-ICI Rate Scale Sheets and Labour Burden Calculations are available on the ORAC website for your reference.
View Here
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BRAND NEW *QUALIFIED* FIRST-YEAR APPRENTICE CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE READY-TO-HIRE LIST AUG 1!
The ORAC Apprentice Intake program aims to build a top-tier workforce for UA 787 contractors.
All candidates on the Ready to Hire List:
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Completed Grade 12 English, Grade 12 Math, Grade 11/12 Physics or Chemistry
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Hold a valid G class Drivers License
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Passed testing on Math, Science, and Mechanical Aptitude
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Interviewed by a fellow contractor volunteer and checked to ensure they are hirable
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In addition, over 89% of candidates on the list hold a Gas 3 license or higher
| | Ready to Hire a First-Year Apprentice? | | Thank you to our Contactor Volunteers for helping us complete Summer Intake Interviews! | |
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Danny Silvano - Modern Niagara
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Sean Southern - Modern Niagara
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Paul Klak - Modern Niagara
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Dave Taylor - Modern Niagara
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Dan Brown - Modern Niagara
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Brandon Raine - State Group
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John Long- Smith & Long
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Stefan Semeraro - Smith & Long
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Gary Merkler - Smith & Long
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Andre Regalado - Smith & Long
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Keith Lobo - J.L Refrigeration
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Kasia Lipien - Dael
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Cassandra Molasy - Carrier
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Alexandra Solovieff - Carrier
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Jeff Fertile - Pure Mechanical
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Tyler Allen - Cool Check
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Gary Gautreau - Black and McDonald
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Conrad Cousineau - ES Fox
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Madonna Abdo - Climatech
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Brett Irwin - Xtra Mechanical
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Adam Cormier - Xtra Mechanical
| | Please join us in giving a warm ORAC Welcome to
David Butt - External Sales Representative at ProKontrol! | | For over 40 years, ProKontrol has been the leading distributor of commercial control systems for HVAC, combustion and steam systems, panel building and related solutions in Canada. Our team includes specialists whose complimentary skills allow us to provide unmatched technical expertise with a complete and enhanced offering. ProKontrol assists and advises our diverse clientele in achieving all their strategies and needs, from the simplest to the most complex | |  | |
David Butt
External Sales Representative david.butt@prokontrol.com
905-288-4752
| | This years ORAC Charity Golf Event was a hole in one! Your presence, generosity, and enthusiasm helped make the day an incredible success. | Together, ORAC has proudly donated over $260,000 in support of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, an organization that changes lives by providing specially trained dog guides to Canadians with medical or physical disabilities. | Congratulations to our Winners! | Low Score Foursome | Brock Horton, Don Baran, Dolores Hickey, Chris Piatek | Carrier Enterprise | |
Longest Drive (M) | Brock Horton | Carrier Enterprise
Longest Drive (W) | Nicola Madonia | Trane
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Closest to the pin (M) | Chris Salmon | Black & McDonald
Closest to the pin (W) | Dolores Hickey | Carrier Enterprise
| Most Honest Foursome | Andrew Tarr, Ian Frost, Nick Pontrelli , John Homiak | UA 787 | Putting Contest | Craig Perrin, Kevin Cinel, Dwayne Wallace, Jason Krehl | Carrier Enterprise, Dafco Filtration group, Master | | Thank you to our Sponsors: | |
Diamond | Master
Platinum | Yorkland Controls
Silver | Kilmer Environmental, Armstrong
| Hole Sponsors | Bitzer, Copeland, Opus Mechanical, Smith & Long, Keeprite, Springbank, Yorktowne Air, ProKontrol, Refplus, Black & McDonald, Xtra Mechanical, Ofiice Central x Kenshaw, E.S.Fox | This incredible achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support, participation, and donations from everyone involved. Thank you for being a part of something truly meaningful.
| | More photos coming soon! Stay tuned for our next issue. | | |
ORAC Education Symposium
October 2, 2025 | Copper Creek Golf Club, Kleinberg
8:00am - 2:00pm
Registration Opening Soon!
Tony Chapman, Branding Expert and Podcast Host of Chatter that Matters: "Stop Telling Your Story. Become Part of Theirs."
David Colleto - Abacus Data: "From Scarcity to Precarity: How a Changing Mindset is Impacting Your Work and Business"
Wayne Lee, Hall of Fame Speaker, Hypnotist and Peak Performance expert: "A.C.E. Your Day"
Mini Tradeshow with ORAC Associate Members
Lunch & Networking
| Associate Members: Email awhite@orac.ca to sign up for a booth at the mini tradeshow | |
Fall Forum
November 6, 2025 | Woodbine Racetrack, Etobicoke
Holiday Toy Drive
December 12, 2025 | ORAC Office, Vaughan
CMPX Tradeshow
March 25 - 27, 2026 | Metro Toronto Convention Centre
ORAC's 59th AGM
May 14 - 17, 2026 | Quebec City, Chateau Frontenac
| | ORAC's Scholarship Program is now OPEN ! | |
45 x $1,000 Scholarships Available to Children and Grandchildren of Contractor Members
We are supporting employees of our member companies by providing children, wards, and grandchildren of full-time, salaried workers with the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to assist with their costs associated with attending post-secondary school.
Applicants must be planning to attend University or College in Fall of 2025 or January 2026.
The scholarships will be awarded to qualified students enrolled in a course leading to a University degree or Community College diploma. The award will be based on academic achievement in the previous academic year, extracurricular activity, work experience, employment, completeness of the application and supporting material. Course of study will also be an important aspect of selection, with preference being given to those showing interest in the construction industry.
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Deadline to Apply: August 31, 2025
Recipients Notified: September 26, 2025
Application Link
| | Upcoming Brazing Dates:
September 11th 2025 | October 16th 2025
Registration opening soon | |
Ontario termination clause case law can change "at any time" | Two recent decisions in Ontario cast doubt on earlier rulings that the words "at any time" will void an employment agreement termination clause.
In February 2025 we published an update (More termination clause drama in Ontario) that highlighted a troubling trend in Ontario termination clause case law – that the words “at any time” might render a clause unenforceable: | | | | PFAS and the HVACR Industry: Preparing for Future Regulatory Changes | | |
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” break down very slowly and can accumulate in people, animals, and the environment. Some are known to harm human health and ecosystems. In HVAC systems, PFAS may be found in wire coatings, gaskets, communications equipment, and certain refrigerants.
Many governments, including Canada's, have announced plans to regulate the production or use of PFAS chemicals. This action could impact the HVACR industry in various ways; regulation could restrict, for example, how some refrigerants and parts could be handled, stored, and transported.
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In Canada, proposed federal PFAS regulations may eventually include restrictions on refrigerants. Consultations on this are not expected until 2027 or later.
HRAI has formed a member-led PFAS working group to voice industry concerns to Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada.
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Members have raised key concerns, including:
- The need for regulations to be based on peer-reviewed science
- Risk of undermining progress made through ozone and climate regulations
- Support for using existing programs to manage PFAS safely
- The importance of focusing enforcement on higher-risk PFAS products
| | Since this is an area that could have a significant impact on an industry which is already going through significant transition due to regulatory change, HRAI is highly engaged in proposed regulation of PFAS chemicals. | |
GAS TECHNICIAN 1 (G1)
WEEKENDS or MODIFIED
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MODIFIED (2 sessions p/ course)
2025
Session 1: September 6 - September 14
Session 2: September 27- October 5
Session 1: October 18 - October 26
Session 2: November 8 - November 16
2026
Session 1: January 17 - January 25
Session 2: February 21 - March 1
Session 1: March 21 - March 29
Session 2: April 18 - April 26
WEEKENDS
Dates: January 10, 2026 - May 24, 2026
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GAS TECHNICIAN 2 (G2)
EVENINGS or MODIFIED
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EVENINGS
Dates: September 2, 2025 - April 26, 2026
MODIFIED (4 sessions)
Session 1: December 6 - December 14, 2025
Session 2: January 3 - January 11, 2026
Session 3: January 31 - February 8, 2026
Session 4: March 7 - March 15, 2026
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GAS TECHNICIAN 3 (G3)
WEEKENDS
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Date: September 6, 2025 - February 1, 2026
Date: January 10, 2026 - May 24, 2026
| | Click Here for more Information | | |
October 7th 2025 | October 8th 2025
8:30 am to 4:00 pm | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Location: MCA Toronto Office in Vaughan, Ontario
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Module 1: The Dispatcher and the Service Organization
Module 2: Communication Skills for the Dispatcher
Module 3: Partnering with the Service Technician
Module 4: Servicing the Customer
Module 5: Managing the Service Manager
Module 6: Working with the Rest of the Team
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$550 per person
Includes :
• 2-Day Dispatcher Training
• Course Booklet
• Certificate of Completion
• Lunch each day
• Special Note: For those with allergies & dietary restrictions we will notify the caterer, but we cannot guarantee that we can accommodate all request
| | September 27th 2025 | 8:00am to 2:00pm Location: 145 Sherwood Drive, Brantford, Ontario | This event is the perfect opportunity to enhance your knowledge of advanced technology and innovation while connecting with some of Canada’s most experienced industry leaders | Free online training, funded through December 2025.
Supports inclusive workplaces for Indigenous tradespeople. Part of the ITC Project, it offers tailored versions for both tradespeople and leaders. | |
2.5-hour online course with baseline and post-training surveys
Gift certificate incentives for participants
Custom impact reports for contractors
Post-training reinforcement tools
Promotes a more inclusive workplace culture
| | RECAP WEBINAR - Building a Safety Culture with Small Teams | | RECAP WEBINAR - R32 Fact or Fiction | | ORAC - Your Voice in Bargaining | | | |
ORAC’s Labour Relations Committee plays a vital role in representing our contractors' interests at the bargaining table. Every three years, this committee leads negotiations with UA Local 787 to establish the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The CBA outlines wages, benefits, working conditions, and more directly impacting your business. ORAC negotiates on behalf of all signatory contractors, ensuring your voice is heard and your priorities are reflected in the final agreement.
Questions about the CBA or how to get involved in future bargaining input? Reach out to us for more information.
| | Paul Wrigley - Managing Director | | |
Aimee White - Manager, Programs & Communications
(E) awhite@orac.ca
(P) 905.670.0010 x 103
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Taborah Campbell- Apprentice Intake Coordinator
(E) tcampbell@orac.ca
(P) 905.670.0010 x 106
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Natalia Pacholczyk- Events & Marketing Coordinator
(E) npacho@orac.ca
(P) 905.670.0010 x 101
| | Have suggestions or ideas for topics you'd like to see in future issues? We'd love to hear from you! Email Natalia at npacho@orac.ca with your feedback. | | Know someone who'd like to receive this newsletter? Send an email to contact@orac.ca to get added on the distribution list | | |
ORAC Association - Air Waves
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