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Volume 2 • Issue 16
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
Open or resistant to change — generational or industry phenomenon?
Do we speak of resistance or openness to change according to our generation or our industry? Some facts we've known about for years, and yet we still hesitate to take the necessary steps — statistics tell us that action is essential, and yet we continue to hesitate. So it is with managing workplace health and safety. We know it has to be done to protect our people and our businesses, but often businesses must demonstrate ingenuity — and commitment — to do so. The COR program is one solution. More in this issue. Good reading!
Line Goyette
Managing Editor, Electrical Industry Newsweek
linegoyette@kerrwil.com
CHANGING SCENE
- BC Adding New Wind Farms in Okanagan to Power System
BC Hydro is adding new clean wind power to the provincial electricity grid, including two new wind farms in the Okanagan - the first ever for the region.
- PowerStream Recognized for Its Environmental Leadership
PowerStream was recently presented with the Environmental Leadership Award at the 2015 Vaughan, ON Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards.
- Schneider Electric Named a Market Leader for Building Energy Management Systems
Schneider Electric StruxureWare has received top scores for strategy and execution in providing actionable insights to facility managers to achieve reduced energy consumption and stronger return on investment.
- Canada's Utilities Seek Closer Ties with Washington on Climate Plan
A delegation of Canadian industry officials recently met with senior U.S. officials, hoping U.S. states will be able to use Canadian resources to comply with emission rules for power plants.
- Gunn's Hill Wind Farm Receives Environmental Approval
Oxford Community Energy Co-op (OCEC) and Prowind Canada Inc., partners in Gunn's Hill LP, are pleased to announce that their 18 MW Gunn's Hill Wind Farm in Oxford County, ON has been granted Renewable Energy Approval by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change.
- Standards Council of Canada Announces First Joint Canada-U.S. Standard for Plumbing and Heating Sector
The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and ULC Standards are pleased to announce the development of a Joint National Standard for balloon-type ball backwater valves.
- Philips Provides Light as a Service to Amsterdam's Airport
Amsterdam's Schipol Airport, Royal Philips, and contractor Cofely Nederland NV have signed a lighting agreement under which Schipol pays for the light it uses but Philips owns all fixtures and installations.
- Alstom Unveils World's First High-voltage Equipment Designed to Use g3 - SF6-free Gas
At the 2015 Hanover Fair, Alstom is presenting two first high-voltage applications using g3, which can replace SF6 for high voltage air-insulated (AIS) or gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) applications.
- Medium-term Outlook for US power: 2015 Could Equate to Deepest de-Carbonization Ever
In 2015, the US could set new national records for annual renewable build, coal retirements, and gas burn from the power sector.
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Heating & Ventilation: Selecting a Bath Fan
Point Source Ventilation And You - Part II
By Paul Laplante, Milan Jovanovic
In last week's article I discussed the topic of point source ventilation stemming from bath fans, the need for them to be certified for performance and sound levels, Canada's national building codes pertaining to spot ventilation and finally in Quebec's case the Novoclimat guidelines and requirements. Let's continue with information that hopefully will round out what you need to properly size /select/supply the proper amount of supply wiring in a given situation...
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Human Resources
Succession Planning - Why Is It So Important?
By Michelle Branigan
We simply don't have enough people in the talent pipeline. There are two key drivers causing this pressure. The first is the demographics issue that is challenging not only for us but for most industries across the country. We have an aging populace and a large number of employees taking retirement. The second relates to the infrastructure changes that will take place over the coming decades...
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Safety
"I have witnessed more significant, very dramatic accidents than probably anyone in this room"
By Scott Williams
Strong words from an engineer and experienced construction professional: Lawrence Quinn, Senior VP Major Projects, Infrastructure Ontario. "This is hardly bragging rights," said Quinn, "but health and safety has very personal overtones for me." Quinn made these remarks to delegates attending an open house on the certificate of recognition (COR) health and safety program at the recent Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) Leadership Conference...
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Codes & Standards
2015 CE Code — Part 1 Changes
By Steve Douglas
This is the third of a series of articles detailing significant changes for the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code Part I (CE Code). Specifically, Sections 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. The rules in this article are limited to changes adopted by CE Code Technical Committee and not subject to further changes. It should be noted that until a formal memorandum of revisions to the CE Code is published by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the information provided in this article is simply based on the observations of the writer...
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Economy
New Housing Price Index Up in February
Following a 0.1% decline in January, the New Housing Price Index (NHPI) rose 0.2% in February. The combined metropolitan region of Toronto and Oshawa was the top contributor to the increase, with prices up 0.3% over the previous month. Market conditions and new list prices were the main reasons behind the gain. For 9 of the 21 metropolitan areas surveyed, prices remained unchanged.
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Economy
Building Permits Edge Down in February
Canadian municipalities issued building permits worth $6.1 billion in February, edging down 0.9% from the previous month. This was the second consecutive monthly decline. Lower construction intentions in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta were responsible for the decrease at the national level. The value of permits in the non-residential and institutional sectors also fell.
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Peers & Profiles
Gerber Electric
By John Kerr
At Kerrwil we love stories about family businesses and we love those great untold ones about great electrical family business that have stood the test of time. The founders of Gerber Electric go back to 1931 and have demonstrated a long rapport with the community it's served then and today.
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Education
Hubbell Canada LP's 2015 EFC Scholarship Rewards Community Leadership
As part of Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)'s 2015 scholarship program, Hubbell Canada LP is offering a $3,500 Electrical Industry Leadership Award. Engaging university and college students is critical in our industry, says Joris Myny, Chair of Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)'s scholarship program.
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Survey Says
Number of employer establishments by employment size category and region
Establishments with 5-99 employees predominate in every jurisdiction but one.
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Survey Says From Recent Issues
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Product Focus
Wattstopper Wireless Occupancy Sensor Kits
Enjoy faster, simpler installation with preconfigured wireless occupancy sensor kits, resulting in significant savings on labour and materials. Each kit includes an RF switch and a self-powered wireless PIR sensor, pre-paired to operate together out of the box. Ideal for existing buildings or where wiring is a challenge.
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Current Copper Prices
 Monitor daily and 6-month $US prices for copper — the preferred electrical conductor for most categories of electrical wiring.
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THE ELECTRICAL STOCK MARKET
 Track the stock market performance of 25 publicly traded electrical equipment suppliers and electrical wholesalers. Updated weekly.
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