Volume 2 • Issue 18

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

Internet of things (IoT), intelligent buildings, wireless controls and fibre in all its forms featured at BICSI - Canada

The BICSI conference, held last week in Ottawa, drew a record number of participants and featured a lot of streaming on enormous TV screens. Indeed, the opening night coincided with the last match of the round 1 playoff series between the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens. We were without doubt among the cream of communication networks! According to the president of BICSI Canada, José Mozota, new technology illustrates better and better convergence between the telecommunications and electrical industries. Review our Twitter feed on the event and follow us this week at LightFair @CdnElectrical. Good reading!

Line Goyette
Managing Editor, Electrical Industry Newsweek
linegoyette@kerrwil.com

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CHANGING SCENE

	Canadian Utilities Sign Multilateral Support Agreement for Emergency Outages The agreement provides a ready mechanism for Canadian electricity industry companies to assist each other during emergencies.
	Techspan to Open New Facility in Western Canada Techspan Industries has announced that they will be setting up a full scale packaging, sub-assembly, and warehousing facility in Vancouver, BC.
	Aurora Electric Joins IMARK Canada IMARK Canada is pleased to announce that Aurora Electric Supply Corporation of Aurora, Ontario, will be become a member effective May 1, 2015.

• Stelpro Welcomes New Vice-President of Innovation and Product Development
  Stelpro recently announced the arrival of Étienne Guay as Vice President of Innovation and Product Development.
  
  
• Network of Government Agencies Provides Expert Policy Assistance on Smart Grid Topics
  Two Clean Energy Ministerial initiatives—the Clean Energy Solutions Center and the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN)—have partnered to provide smart grid policy expertise to a global audience through the Solutions Center's Ask an Expert service.
  
  
• EFC Adds Two New Categories to 2015 Marketing Awards Program
  Building on the success of last year's inaugural marketing awards program, Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) is introducing two new categories for 2015: Corporate Social Responsibility and Click & Order e-Commerce On-Line Ordering Platform.
  
  
• ESA Warns of Unapproved Generators
  These products are unapproved, have not been tested for compliance with any Canadian Safety Standards, and do not...
  
  
• Georgian College Skilled Trades Expo PLUS Women in Trades Event
  Georgian College's Midland, ON campus is opening its doors for a Skilled Trades Expo from May 12 to 14, with a special Women in Skilled Trades event on the Tuesday night. The event is sponsored by Hydro One. Georgian is also offering any industry members an opportunity to tour the facility while this event is taking place.
  
  
• Maritimes Energy Association Announces Appointment of New CEO
  The Maritimes Energy Association has officially appointed Ray Ritcey to the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1.
  
  
• Study Highlights Potential for Tidal Energy in Canada
  Over the next 25 years, Nova Scotia's tidal energy industry could contribute up to $1.7 billion to the province's gross domestic product (GDP), create up to 22,000 full time positions and generate as much as $815 million in labour income, according to a recently published study.
  
  
• The CanWEA WesternForum Student Challenge Recipient: Jessica Bekker
  CanWEA recently held a student Challenge asking post-secondary students to submit 200-300 word blogs describing their interest in wind energy and its importance, and outlining how attendance at the Canadian Wind Energy Association's (CanWEA) Western Forum 2015 event would benefit them, their community or their campus.
  
  
• NB Power Named to Greentech Media's Grid Edge 20
  NB Power has been named to Greentech Media's Grid Edge 20 as one of the 20 most innovative firms working to architect the future of the electric power industry in North America, along with such world leading innovators as...
  
  
• Hubbell Lighting Was the Largest Winner in Building Money Saving Products Contest for 2015
  The following three Hubbell products were selected as winners: LXEP LED Parking Garage Enclosed and Gasketed Luminaire (Columbia Lighting)...
  
  
• Smart Grid Bolstered by $3.5bn in 2016 U.S. Budget
  The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) has put a request in the 2016 budget for US$3.5 billion over the next 10 years for investment in smart grid foundational technology development, enhanced security capabilities, and greater...