This article provides a concise summary of selected Canadian economic events, as well as international and financial market developments by calendar month. It is intended to provide contextual information only to support users of the economic data published by Statistics Canada.
During any regular year, September marks a period of transition. We experience changing routines as kids go back to school, the days get shorter, and everyone’s routines change pace as fall ramps up.
Among outside sales reps surveyed with respect to health benefits, 25% have no coverage. The average salary is $50,307.
Recently I visited a manufacturer rep client and spent time with their salespeople. As it typically goes, the conversation “wanders” into what they are observing in the marketplace (the benefit of F2F meetings!).
There has never been a better time for women to advance in the electrical industry. According to EFC’s last member survey, 62% of member companies either have a formal diversity and inclusion initiative in place or is in the process of developing one.
When the Zigbee Alliance set out in December 2019 to create a unifying standard for the smart home industry, there was naturally a lot of excitement — and of course, questions. Would this global consortium truly be able to bring this new standard to market? How long would it take? What products would actually emerge?
Over the past few months, there has been a downward trend in energy production, driven by ongoing closures and low economic activity due to COVID-19. While the reopening of the economy was accompanied by a slight uptick in demand in June, overall energy production was down year over year.
UV-C light is a key component in sterilizing a warehouse and showroom, as well as their contents. UV-C light kills viruses and bacteria, and has been proven to kill coronaviruses like SARS and MERS. As of June 2020, it is being used all around the globe for this very purpose.
According to a new study published by Statistics Canada, small firms experienced larger decreases in economic activity than large firms in the quarter coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I joined the electricity sector after working for over a decade in other sectors, and my only regret is not entering sooner. Since joining Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC), I’ve been asking myself: why aren’t more of my fellow Millennials looking for careers in electricity?
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.