December 2019
CanSIA to Capitalize on Canadians’ Majority Support for Federal Climate Action

The unique circumstances of the re-election of the Liberals to a minority Government creates an unprecedented policy opportunity for solar and energy storage in Canada. As was stated in the recent Speech from the Throne, “A clear majority of Canadians voted for ambitious climate action now, and that is what the Government will deliver.”

The Liberals’ reliance on NDP, Bloc, and possibly even Green Party support to pass legislation, and the uncertain timeline inherent in a minority Parliament, increases the likelihood that the scale of climate policy ambition and speed of implementation will be significantly increased compared to the preceding four years. At the same time, there will be extraordinary pressure on the Government to drive investment, create energy jobs, and achieve emissions reductions.
Canada’s solar and energy storage industries, including the residential, commercial, industrial and utility-scale sectors, are all exceptionally well-positioned to leverage the federal political landscape.

Now is the time for our industry to think big, aim high and take decisive action to seize this opportunity! If you are not already a CanSIA member, this is a great time to support the Association as it actively pursues federal advocacy efforts to strengthen the solar and energy storage industries across Canada.

Additionally, it’s a great time to join CanSIA and save 50% on membership! Contact Julie Mair to learn more. Join CanSIA by January 20th and your name will be entered to win a GoodLife Fitness Prize Pack valued @ $250.00! Draw to be held January 31, 2020. Members must be in good standing to be eligible. 
2020 Upcoming Events
JAN.22
FEB.3-5
NOV.10-12
2020 Solar Mixer Sponsorship Opportunities

Over the past year, CanSIA has held several well attended Nova Scotia Solar Mixers, Summer Solstice events and other networking opportunities. CanSIA plans on hosting 3 Solar Mixers to be held in Halifax, Toronto and Alberta over the first half of 2020. CanSIA is excited to present sponsorship opportunities for companies to show leadership across Canada and gain visibility among their peers! Please contact Julie Mair to learn more about these opportunities. 
Showcase Your Brand At The Upcoming Electricity Transformation Canada!

Attract cross-industry attention when you take part in the largest exhibition of products and services for the renewable and flexible energy industry. Meet leaders, decision makers and innovators from across the renewable energy space who will come together, with many seeking out the latest advances in the industry — with definite plans to buy.

Electricity Transformation Canada will create efficiencies for exhibitors and attendees alike, with everyone benefiting from opportunities to build beneficial partnerships across the industry. You can be confident knowing Electricity Transformation Canada is, without question, the premier renewable energy event to attend in 2020.

Advanced Business Match 2020

Advanced Business Match Indigenous have announced their 2020 events, with the first in Saskatoon – ABM Indigenous: Prairies, Feb 3 – 5 (and next in BC, Alberta and Ontario). They connect Indigenous and non-Indigenous decision makers to create opportunities for success, using a powerful technology-facilitated forum where delegates interact online and then in person. Their events are an effective and mutually beneficial form of economic reconciliation, and Indigenous communities are particularly interested in solar energy as a form of sustainable development that increases their independence. Visit https://advancedbusinessmatch.com/abm-events/abm-prairies-2020/ to see who’s already matching and to register. CanSIA members get a 10% discount on registration fees.
CanSIA News
Warm Holiday Wishes From the CanSIA Team!
Thank You to Everyone Who Came Out To The 2019 Nova Scotia Solar Summit!

In partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Mines, CanSIA hosted over 230 delegates in Halifax, Nova Scotia for the 2 nd Annual Nova Scotia Solar Summit, and had 18 companies showcasing their products and services throughout the day.
 
Thank you to our sponsors, Polaron Solartech and Efficiency Nova Scotia.

Our Mixer was also a great success following the Summit! Over 70 delegates mingled while attending the Nova Scotia Solar Mixer held at the Auction House, sponsored by BayWa R.E, Nova Scotia Power and Rolls Battery.
Nova Scotia Landscape
 
Since July 2018, CanSIA has had a direct presence in Nova Scotia with the hiring of Policy and Regulatory Affairs Manager Lyle Goldberg. Over the past year, Lyle has been engaged in a number of initiatives to promote and grow the Nova Scotia solar market including the following:
  • Released NS Residential Solar Market and Labour Force Study projecting by 2030, 22,000 homes with solar PV creating over 1100 solar jobs
  • Prepared detailed report for NS Department of Energy and Mines on the importance of maintaining the Enhanced Net Metering Program
  • Prepared NS Solar Roadmap containing 13 recommendations on how to unlock Nova Scotia’s solar potential
  • Partnered with Efficiency NS to develop a NS Go Solar Guide – to be released January 2020
 
Help support CanSIA and its initiatives by becoming a CanSIA member for 50% off. Contact Julie Mair for more information. CanSIA Members are eligible for a variety of benefits including new cost saving programs, strategic projects, and more!
Updates to The CanSIA Cost Saving Programs
 
To enhance the current CanSIA Travel Program, CanSIA has partnered with VIA Rail to provide additional savings to members and their employees! Members are their employees are entitled to a 5% discount every time they travel with VIA Rail Canada. This corporate rate applies for all destinations, and all fare categories, with the exception of the Escape fare and Prestige .
 
As a reminder, CanSIA has also initiated the Corporate Health & Wellness Partnership with GoodLife Fitness. Save up to 40% off GoodLife Membership for yourself, your employees and your family! Contact Julie Mair to receive your unique ID number to register.
 
Stay tuned for more cost saving programs!
 
Do you have any suggestions on bulk buying programs that may be of interest to you and/or your company? Contact Julie to discuss these opportunities.   
The 2019 Issue of SOLutions Magazine is Here!

The digital edition of this year's SOLutions magazine is now available! Click here to read it. Any CanSIA Member in good standing who hasn't received a physical copy and would like one can email info@cansia.ca.
Reminder of Address Change

A friendly reminder to all our Members that CanSIA's address has changed. As of January 2018, CanSIA's mailing address is now 240 Bank Street, Suite 400, Ottawa, ON, K2P1X4 Canada . Please ensure that all mail communications are sent to the correct address.