With increased environmental awareness, circular economy — a process to limit the production of waste and treat secondary materials and waste as valuable resources — is gaining importance around the world.
Read more: IALD Publishes Position Paper on Circular Economy
The total value of building permits rose 1.7% to $8.1 billion in August, driven by an increase in the residential sector in Ontario and Quebec.
Read more: Canada Building Permits Report for August 2020:...
Distributor, manufacturer, manufacturer rep and lighting agent feedback in our 2020 Q3 Pulse of Lighting report show an improving lighting market.
Among survey respondents, the majority of purchasing managers are in the Experienced and Late Career cohorts (57.80%), perhaps because it is a management position. However, there is still a fair percentage in the Early to Mid Career cohorts (40.60)%.
The June estimates of business openings and closures show that, with the continued easing of COVID-19 restrictions, there was a slight decrease in business closures and a large increase in business openings from May to June.
Consumer UVC germicidal devices are entering the market rapidly because of an increased demand for sanitizing and germicidal capabilities in the face of COVID-19. But are they all safe?
Total investment in building construction increased 1.8% to $15.1 billion in July. Residential sector investment increased 4.9% to $9.9 billion, while non-residential investment decreased 3.7% to $5.3 billion.
Read more: Investment in Building Construction Rose 1.8% in...
We all understand how important PPE is keeping us safe during this pandemic. While we continue to do our part to protect ourselves and those around us, counterfeit PPE is on the rise and has found its way into the supply chain...
The coronavirus disease, COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a rapidly evolving global risk that has already drastically changed the way we live and work.
Read more: Workplaces and COVID-19: Occupational Health and...
Manufacturing sales increased for the third consecutive month, rising 7.0% to $53.1 billion in July on higher sales of motor vehicle and parts. Nevertheless, manufacturing sales remained 5.4% below February's pre-pandemic levels.
Read more: Monthly Survey of Canadian Manufacturing Sales...
Nexans Webinar - Key 2021 Electrical Code Changes Impacting Wire and Cable
Join NEXANS for a free webinar with Isaac Müller, Applications Engineer for Nexans as he reviews and discusses the changes to the 2021 Canadian Electrical Code related to wire and cable. This free webinar will take place Wed, Jan 27, 2021 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST.
This webinar includes:
- Updated rules to protect cables (12-514,12-516)
- New conditions of use for wire & cable (Table 19)
- An opportunity to ask your questions
Click here to register today.
Discussing AEA’s First Virtual Electrical Learning Expo with Tara Ternes
By Blake Marchand
“It was amazing,” Alberta Electrical Alliance CEO Tara Ternes said of their first Virtual Electrical Learning Expo. “It was a built from scratch platform, based on our 26-years of experience doing the Expo,” so it certainly didn’t go without its challenges.
“Going forward it will be much easier,” she said, adding that they learned a lot in the process of putting together and putting on the event virtually with Ivy Design, a marketing firm based out of Calgary, Alberta.
Stronger Together: Community Comes First
By Carol McGlogan
The pandemic has given us reason to pause and evaluate everything we do. We have all been affected in our personal and professional lives, and it is during these times we realize family and community come first.
We know that EFC’s role is to bring the electrical industry closer together – and this pandemic has proven that there is no better time to come together.
Wholesale Product Sales Rose 1% in October
The sale of wholesale products rose 1.0% in October to $66.7 billion, marking the sixth consecutive increase for the sector. Gains in three subsectors — machinery, equipment and supplies • motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories • building material and supplies subsectors — all contributed to the growth, which was partially offset by declines in the food, beverage and tobacco, and personal and household goods subsectors.
Sales volumes grew 1.0% in October.
2020: Powering Through, Together
By Michelle Branigan
If the events of this year have shown us anything, it’s that the Canadian electricity sector is resilient. As a sector providing an essential service 24/7/365, those who work in the sector have long had that “storm mentality” and are ready for extreme weather or other crisis scenarios.
Most organizations have robust emergency plans in place, and some even have specific plans prepared for a pandemic (based on previous scares with SARS and H1N1).
Changing Scene
Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) has announced Stephanie Smith as the winner of its annual Leader of the Year Award. A human-centred leader in a highly technical field, Stephanie has an impressive track record of building strong relationships both inside and outside of the nuclear community, as well as creating safe and inclusive working environments.
Recently appointed as the first female President and CEO of CANDU Owners Group, Stephanie developed her career at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) where she made history throughout her career. Notably, as Plant Manager at Pickering Nuclear she was responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of 6 nuclear reactors.
Texcan Ontario Announces New Branch Manager
Sonepar Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Roger Gray as Texcan Ontario’s new Branch Manager. Gray joined the company as of November 16th and has been managing the Brampton, ON branch.
Gray brings over 25 years of experience in the wire and cable distribution industry. His experience in strategic account management, familiarity of application and site limitations has earned him creditability amongst electrical contractors and OEMs alike.
Westburne Appoints Rick Di Danieli to Director, Industrial Solutions
Westburne Canada has announced the appointment of Rick Di Danieli to the role of Director, Industrial Solutions effective January 4, 2021. In this role, Rick will report to me and will be responsible for strategic direction and execution within the process and services space across Canada.
"A long standing Westburne partner and friend, Rick brings a wealth of industry and leadership experience, acquired in a 34-year career with Rockwell Automation. During that time he progressed through many leadership roles across North America, most recently as Regional Director Oil & Gas for North America," said Dave Syer, Vice President, Westburne Canada.
Peers & Profiles
Yves Chabot — A Leader with a Keen Eye for Energy and Economic Trends
Following Groupe Stelpro’s recent acquisition of floor heating system manufacturer Flextherm, Yves Chabot, President and CEO of Groupe Stelpro, agreed to answer our questions.
Given the recent acquisition, can you tell us about the key issues for your industry?
Many significant challenges exist. Over the short term, the industry must navigate the pandemic and deal with unprecedented labour scarcity. Over the medium to long term, we must position ourselves within the energy transition in a context where homes are increasingly smart and feature countless connected objects.