Canadian Electrical Wholesaler Eaton
Canadian Electrical Wholesaler is published by Kerrwil Publications Limited with support from the EFC
Volume 4 • Issue 3

Message From The Editor

Towards innovative solutions for the industry

Successfully navigating through our uncertain economic climate may require the electrical industry to focus on new and innovative solutions, suggests Jim Taggart in his column. The economic climate has been the subject of much discussion since the arrival of the new U.S. administration, and here contributor Paul Eitmant talks about issues related to the possible renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. These changes are not just limited to the political scene. The sad events earlier this week in Quebec concern us all, and argue for an open industry in which we must show leadership and promote our openness to diversity. It's a guarantee of prosperity. Good reading!

Line Goyette, Managing Editor
linegoyette@kerrwil.com  
Tools For The Trade

Changing Scene

Carol McGlogan EFC Appoints New President & CEO
Electro-Federation Canada's Executive Committee and Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointment of Carol McGlogan as President & CEO of EFC, effective April 1, 2017…
Hubbell and Brundy Logo Hubbell Canada Announces Structural Changes
Hubbell Canada LP has welcomed the Burndy Canada organization under its umbrella of premium brands, effective January 1. This brings the two organizations closer to building a single operating business later this year…
Maestro Smart Thermostat Stelpro Joins Forces with Three IoT Leaders to Develop Maestro - Smart Thermostats
Stelpro has teamed up with three Internet of Things (IoT) partners to develop and bring to market Maestro - Smart Thermostats, a game changing smart home solution for electric heat that enables users to easily customize their home comfort experience while reducing heating expenses…

Opinion

The Solution

By Jim Taggart
Jim Taggart Living in Ontario, it's easy to get depressed about the state of our economy. With excessively high electricity rates, additional "cap and trade" costs under the new Climate Change Action Plan, and higher corporate tax rates when compared to Trump's proposed 15% U.S. rate, it is getting tougher to control costs and remain profitable. In this tough economic climate, what can/should we do? I suggest we focus on the emerging growth segments. With our government's sustainability push, our industry is ripe with potential for selling new electrical solutions. Read More

Trade

Trump Will Sign Executive Orders to Renegotiate NAFTA and Pulls Out of TPP

By Paul Eitmant
American Flags Flying Today we still do not have details from President Trump concerning NAFTA. The North American Free Trade Agreement took effect in 1994. Trade experts, academics and government officials say Canada and Mexico will also seek tough concessions, and that NAFTA's zero-tariff rate would be extremely difficult to alter. Any renegotiation would likely take several years, they say. Here are a few examples concerning what might happen and the concerns and issues that need to covered if and when the agreement is changed. Read More

Looking Back

The Future of the Small Independent Distributor

Vintage Open Books Electrical distribution companies operating in British Columbia will continue to get larger while most smaller independents will gradually disappear, predicted Art Reid, manager, B.C. District, Wesco Westinghouse Sales & Distribution Co. of Burnaby. In fact, he pointed out, there are no small independents left in British Columbia. He believed Quebec is the only province where many small independents continue to exist. Read More

Technology

Rise of the Supergrid: DC Electricity Now Flows Across Continents

Electrical Grid World Map Transmitting power over thousands of kilometres requires a new electricity infrastructure, asserts The Economist in a recent article. Here's an example already in the works: later this year construction may begin on a 1,100 km long cable between Oklamoma and western Tennessee. The line will use direct current (DC) rather than the alternating current (AC) that electricity grids usually employ, and will run at a higher voltage than such grids use — 600,000 volts, rather than 400,000. This is a possible solution to the problem of how to transport green power generated by fixed sources, such as wind, solar and hydroelectric, to power stations located elsewhere. Read More

Economy

November Investment in New Housing Construction up 4.1% YOY

Economic Growth Chart Investment in new residential construction totalled $4.5 billion in November, up 4.1% from November 2015. For the second consecutive month, the increase at the national level reflected higher investment in all types of dwelling. However, only three provinces reported gains. The seven others reported a year-over-year decrease. Spending on single-family dwellings accounted for over half of the advance, and totalled $2.3 billion in November. Read More

Economy

Q4 Non-residential Construction Investment Declines for 7th Time in 8 Quarters

Economic Growth Chart Investment in non-residential building construction totalled $12.3 billion in the fourth quarter, down 0.7% from the previous quarter. This marks the seventh decrease in eight quarters. Nationally, the decline reflected lower spending on commercial and industrial building construction. Overall, non-residential investment fell in six provinces, with British Columbia posting the largest decline and Alberta a distant second. New Brunswick and Manitoba both recorded their third straight quarterly advance. Read More

SURVEY SAYS

Median Salary by Employer Type



Franchises lead, but not by much. See how three other types of employers compare. Read More

Canadian Electrical Wholesaler is published by Kerrwil Publications Limited with support from the EFC
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