WINTER 2021 | Edition #29
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Executive Director Report |
As 2021 enters the last weeks, our wish is that you have had a prosperous and healthy 2021. There were definitely ups and downs to the year 2021. We saw some glimpses of the return to activities pre-pandemic, like our annual golf tournaments in Saskatoon and Regina. We also have seen many companies struggle to maintain momentum due to supply chain and human resource disruptions. Our hope is that you and your company are experiencing more ups than downs these days.
Our 2022 Membership initiative will begin in mid-January. You will receive more information about this process early in 2022. 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.
We will continue our advocacy work in 2022, including:
- Expansion of the "Registered Contractor Program"
- Prompt Payment legislation implementation (March 2022)
- Industry supply and labour shortages
- Education and training to support best practices in the electrical industry
- Advocacy of enforcement options for substandard industry practices
- Continuation of the Master Electrician concept plan
- Ongoing committee participation with industry partner organizations such as TSASK, SATCC, ACEC, SaskPower, SCA, SCSA, and CECA
Thank you to all of our members for your continued support and membership in the ECA of Saskatchewan. We wish you all the best throughout the Holiday Season and into the New Year!
Ken Meredith
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Financial Literacy – Time to Focus on Your Finances
Financial literacy month takes place in the month of November, but focusing on financial literacy should be a year round event. When it comes to finances, we sometimes choose to ignore or place the topic on the back burner. Educating yourself on your financial situation will help you to evaluate and improve your financial position.
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WINTER MAINTENANCE
Canadian winters are some of the harshest around, with extreme cold, blizzard conditions and heavy snow and ice accumulation a common occurrence.
As a property owner or lessee, you have responsibilities when it comes to maintaining their property and protecting the safety of others this winter.
As a general rule, accumulation of snow and ice should be removed from roofs when it reaches more than 20 centimeters (8 inches) in depth. Parking lots, sidewalks, stairs, and emergency exits should also be cleared regularly to reduce the risk of slip-and-fall injuries.
But these activities are not without their own risk. Check out more in the article or use the snow removal log sample.
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2021 Recap
This year has been a challenging year for the electrical contractors in Saskatchewan.
With manufacturer product shortages, tight competition on projects, increased material costs and other challenges related to Covid-19 it has been a difficult year for everyone to say the least.
However, as I was told 10 years ago when I entered the Saskatchewan electrical industry … Look after the electrical industry and its clients, the people, will look after you.
Riley Vajassy
C - 306-502-2544
Riley@rsbreakers.com
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2021 CANADIAN ELECTRICAL CODE UPDATES COURSE
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TSASK is offering a free online 2021 Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) Updates Course that provides supplementary information to clarify the requirements of the 25th edition of the CEC.
The course was created from the online 2021 Electrical Inspections Canadian Electrical Code Sessions that TSASK offered through October and November 2021.
Click here for more details.
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ECAS Scholarship Recipients |
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 voucher from Klein Tools sponsored by Jim Modjeski of The Titan Group. Candidates are selected in consultation with the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.
Congratulations to Carlin Toews (Level 4 recipient from 3D Electric Ltd. in Spiritwood) and to Gavin Walz (Level 3 recipient from Aim Electric Ltd. in Saskatoon).
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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 Evan Drader from Globe-Elite, Reed Ackerman from Active Electric, and Cole Hardy from Humboldt Electric who are the 2021 scholarship recipients.
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Recent Advocacy Initiatives |
It has been a busy fall at the Saskatchewan Construction Association, as we continue to work to support our industry partners. Some initiatives that we have been at the forefront of our work are:
Recent Advocacy Initiatives
- Prompt Payment Legislation
- Lobby Day at the Legislature
- Labour Challenges in the Construction Industry
- Onerous Contract Conditions and Risk Allocation
Click here for more information on the above initiatives.
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Looking for recycling solutions … We find solutions for your electrical business recycling needs.
Our services include:
- Lighting/Lamp Recycling
- Barrel Rentals
- Cleanfarms Collection
Proudly Saskatchewan owned and operated, we will coordinate your recycling needs from lighting waste, metals, plastics and more.
Click here for more information.
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MyATC Coming Soon - SATCC set to launch new self-service system |
Apprentices and employers have been asking for the ability to self-serve through the SATCC’s biennial client satisfaction surveys and on January 10, 2022 that request becomes reality with the launch of MyATC. MyATC is a new, online system that provides faster and more efficient service for apprentices, tradespeople and employers across the province. |
In early January your company will receive an email notice for your 2022 membership renewal. The renewals will be done through our website. You will receive information on accessing your company page and completing the renewal process via our ecommerce portal. You can pay by credit card, pay pal or remit a cheque and receive a receipt immediately upon completion. We trust this process will make it easier and more expedient for your office. If you have any questions, contact our office at 306.539.7397.
You are our biggest advocates. Please encourage other contractors to join the Association. A growing membership base is positive for our organization and our individual members.
Please check your contact information and update, if necessary, using the following link: MyAccount
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As I sat down to write my December newsletter, I had every intention of updating everyone on the advocacy we are doing with respect to ‘Build for Recovery’ and ‘Workforce Development’. After hearing some jovial conversation outside my office, I decided on another path.
With the arrival of December, I have always noticed a change in the energy level in the office. You can’t help but notice more of an ‘upbeat’ atmosphere. You hear more laughter and, dare I say, less ‘verbal-disagreements’. Folks are bringing in favorite holiday treats to share. Plans are being made to celebrate the holidays. This year, we are not letting COVID shut us down. We are finding unique and interesting ways to get together to celebrate the holiday season.
December is a special time of year. The arrival of December means different things to different people. For some, it is a time of celebration, get togethers and gift giving. For others, it might remind them of family and friends that are no longer with them. Many of our religions/faiths have celebrations at this time of year. Regardless of our religion and faith, we put our differences aside, hang our troubles on ‘The Trouble Tree’ and focus on the greater good.
Those of us that are fortunate in our blessings, must not forget that there are those less fortunate than ourselves who will need a helping hand to get through the holiday season. Local food banks will need additional donations. Gifts will be needed for children whose parents can not afford to purchase gifts. This is a time for us to give to those in need by organizing company gift collections and food drives.
On behalf of CECA, I wish everyone all the best at this special time of year. May the blessings of the season be on you and your loved ones this holiday season and in the New Year.
Respectfully yours,
Gregg Whitty
CECA Operations Manager
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