Here's a quick update from us.

WINTER 2022 | Edition #33

Executive Director Report

As 2022 draws to a close, our wish is that you enjoyed a prosperous year and 2023 continues to be positive for your companies. There will be bumps along the way, especially in the areas of supply chain and human resource disruptions. Our hope is that you are managing through these bumps and your company remains busy throughout the next year and beyond.

Our 2023 Membership initiative will begin in mid-January. You will receive more information about this process early in 2023. We hope you find value in your ECA of SK membership. Our mission at ECA of SK is to be the voice of the electrical industry in the province. Our goal is that you benefit from our organization through the advocacy, education and affinity programs which enhance the electrical sector throughout Saskatchewan.

Also in the New Year, there will be some changes at ECA of SK. I am retiring from the role of Executive Director. Drew Tiefenbach will be the new Executive Director. Drew has many years of experience in the electrical industry in Saskatchewan. Please join me in welcoming Drew to our association as the new Executive Director.

Thank you for your ongoing support. We wish you all the best throughout the Holiday Season and into the New Year!

Ken Meredith

Extending the Sickness Benefit from 15 to 26 weeks

Canada’s federal government committed to improving the current EI program in the 2021 budget. For many years, there have been proposals to change EI. The COVID-19 epidemic underscored the need for a change in policy even more.

What is happening to Sickness Benefits?

The government has announced that the EI Sickness Benefit will be extended from 15 to 26 weeks beginning in 2022. This means an authorized absence may be prolonged up to a full 26 weeks under the modified program.

Does this affect the PRP (Premium Reduction Program)?

EI has a Premium Reduction Program (“PRP”) for plan sponsors that provide private short-term benefits to their workers. As an incentive to manage absences outside of EI, the PRP offers sponsors and employees a premium reduction.

There are currently planning consultations to improve the PRP for Plan Sponsors. These discussions will continue indefinitely. If you are already receiving the PRP, you will be able to continue doing so after the EI modifications take effect.

Electrical Injury Awareness

The Canadian electrical industry as set aside October 6 as “Electrical Injury Day of Recognition”. October 6, 2022 was the very first day of recognition. This year’s campaign included distribution of an informational poster with links to the CECA website that contained information related to electrical injury. Annually, we will continue to recognize October 6 as the day we raise awareness on the long-term consequences of electrical shock exposure.

7 Tips

on the Preventative Maintenance to get for Your Car This Winter

Driving is dangerous at any time of the year, but it’s especially so in the winter. That’s why it’s important to be extra cautious during the winter and make sure you’ve taken every precaution possible before hitting the roads. Preventative maintenance for your car and company cars is an easy way to help you do that.

Click Here for seven suggestions of things you can check in your car and company cars before someone gets behind the wheel.

COPPER SPONSORS

ECAS Awards Scholarships

ECAS offers two $500.00 scholarships annually. One each presented to a 3rd and 4th year apprentice of an ECAS member employee who has done exceptionally well in apprenticeship courses. In addition, each recipient receives a $500.00 Klein's tool voucher sponsored by The Titan Group. The Candidates are selected in consultation with the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.

Congratulations to Gavin Walz (Level 4 recipient from Aim Electric Ltd. in Saskatoon) and to Brett Snelling (Level 3 recipient from Alliance Energy in Regina).

ECAR Awards Scholarships

ECAR awards 3 scholarships in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in the electrical apprenticeship program, The $250.00 scholarships are sponsored by EECOL Electric.

Congratulations to Owen Wahl from Humboldt Electric, Shayvonne Allin from Alliance Energy, and Ryan Mayer from Alliance Energy who are the 2022 scholarship recipients.

l-r Jason Hrenyk (EECOL Electric), Owen Wahl, Shayvonne Allin, Ryan Mayer, Brad Ross (ECAR President), Ken Meredith (ECAS)

SECA Award Scholarships

SECA awards 4 scholarships of $500.00 each to apprentices who demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge. Congratulations to this year's recipients:

Level 1 - Bradley MacDonald (Canem Systems)

Level 2 - Dane Smith (Impact Energy)

Level 3 - Kaden Hilts (Humboldt Electric)

Level 4 - Gavin Walz (Aim Electric)

Did you know that Mryglod Steel & Metals (https://mryglodsteel.com) offers ECAS members top dollar for all metal recycling? Incorporated in 1957, Mryglod Steel & Metals is a 4th generation family owned and operated business with scrap metal yards in Regina, Weyburn and Estevan. Mryglod Steel & Metals offers a variety of options that benefit electrical contractors including free jobsite scrap metal bin service (lockable) for ECAS members, and a large fleet of trucks and trailers ranging from flat decks, low beds, end dumps and Super-B for even the largest loads of wire.

We take pride in contributing to a better environment through scrap metal recycling, saving energy, and conserving natural resources. Reducing landfill waste and using the latest technology, we make our environment cleaner. For more information contact Shawn Pollock - Director of Business Development (306) 533-4057 at Mryglod Steel & Metals.

Apprentice Success Enhancement Strategy Looks to Improve Apprenticeship Completion Rates

Supporting apprentices and trade qualifiers in their certification journey is a central mandate of the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC). In response to declining Red Seal exam pass rates, the SATCC has developed a strategy to increase support for apprentices struggling to advance in their education.

SCSA UPDATE - Prepare for a Safe Year Ahead

Get the Training You Need This Winter

Winter is a great time to think about safety training and plan ahead to gain the skills and knowledge needed to do quality work and come home safe every day, all year round. Take advantage of the SCSA’s wide range of instructor led training courses, available online from the comfort of your home, office or site – no travel necessary.