BCEA News
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Why You Should LINK with the BCEA
Community - Be a part of many of the BCEA’s communities like the U40 Network and our Women’s Network. Become a volunteer! There are many opportunities for you to get involved and be a part of our committees.
Member Privileges - Our new preferred supplier program offers member discounts with affiliated companies, medical program, UPS, Bellstar Hotels & Resorts, Refoca HR Services, and the Sandman Hotel.
Philanthropy - Available to your employees’ dependents as well as students seeking opportunities in various areas of the electrical industry. Endowments also available at universities and colleges around the province. The BCEA also chooses a charity every year where we raise funds as well as donate our time.
Education - Specially designed education programs tailored to keep your employees up-to-date including the BCEA’s Basic Electricity Course and various programs suited for all levels of staff. We can LINK you to accredited programs. The BCEA also offers workshops on current topics of interest ranging from safety, regulations, business improvement, and product presentations.
Career Promotion - For employees and students, keeping viable workforce at the ready. #keepingtheindustryalive
Advocacy - Representation for your company with provincial and local government on industry related issues
Networking - Opportunities for you and your staff to network at the LINK conferences, seminars, events, and other social events throughout the year
Communication - Keep up to date on electrical industry issues, things that affect your business and association activities. Weekly Power Up Newsletters and social media discussing industry news, outlooks on BC, and more.
“The BCEA is building communities through education and advocacy by providing leadership, integrity, networking and knowledge. The BCEA is your link to the electrical commUnity”
Boom Group
Activate your new BCEA Digital Membership NOW and start SAVING at www.boomgroup.com
SAVE ON: Accommodations, Auto Rentals, Eye Care, Florist, Food & Beverages, Home Improvments, Apparel & Accessories, Computers and so much more!
DEI Survey
We need your input! BCEA is collecting anonymous information from individuals in the electrical industry. This information will help us better understand the electrical industry as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This survey gathers information about how familiar industry members are with certain terms and concepts, the extent to which these topics are discussed in the industry, indicators of industry diversity and inclusion, and what people would most like to learn in relation to these topics. The survey will be open until February 5, 2021 and is available here: https://www.research.net/r/BCEA
WESCO Change Sponsor - ARAP
Thank you WESCO - for being one of our Change Sponsor for our Anti Racism Action Program. We are excited to be working with you!
Technical Safety BC Speaker Sponsor - ARAP
Thank you Technical Safety BC - for being one of our Speaker Sponsor for our Anti Racism Action Program. We are excited to be working with you!
EFC Change Sponsor - ARAP
Thank you Electro Federation of Canada - for being one of our Change Sponsor for our Anti Racism Action Program. We are excited to be working with you and your members!
Message from the BCEA
I would like to sincerely thank all our members across British Columbia for all their support in 2020. It has been a different year for many. Difficult and challenging, but I am happy to see so many of you doing well even during these unusual times. Several of our members, including the BCEA, have had to reimagine a new way of doing business. Through this, we have managed to grow and serve our members and the community even in this virtual space. We have a lot to look forward to in 2021 and cannot wait to get started.
From the BCEA staff, we wish you all a festival holiday season! Stay safe and be kind to one another.
Barbette Igonia
President & CEO
Bartle & Gibsonand ABB Announce New Agreement for Electrical Distribution Solutions
Bartle & Gibson Co. Ltd., an Alberta-based premier plumbing, heating and electrical distributor and ABB today, Monday, December 14, announced a new regional partnership enabling increased access to ABB’s Electrical Distribution, Control and Power Solutions product portfolio across Western Canada.
This product category includes medium-voltage and low-voltage distribution and control equipment, low-voltage minia-ture drives as well as traditional installation products and known brands such as Thomas & Betts.
Click here to read full announcement!
Black Press Career Fair
The BCEA is participating in the Black Press virtual career fair on February 1-5, 2021. This career fair gets great reach to a large audience. Coverage will include media, radio, and social media exposure. We want to help you fill those positions!
Please submit all your available positions with a detailed outline of job and criteria. These jobs will be widely marketed through the BCEA booth and virtual session.
BCEA New Member Benefit
The BCEA is pleased to partner with Sun Peaks Gran Hotel and offer a 10% discount off their Best Available Price.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION:
- Select your property (Hotel or Residence), arrival and departure dates, and number of adults and children.
- Under Special Rates, click the drop-down box and select “Corporate.”
- Under Enter Code (email us for code)
Ouellet Canada Awarded Scholarship
Ouellet Canada has awarded the Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) scholarship sponsored by Ouellet Canada to Mr. Mathieu Labranche, a student at Université de Québec à Trois-Rivières.
Because of the current pandemic, the meeting was held virtually this year. A cheque for $3,500 was presented by Mr. Louis Beaulieu, General Manager. With this scholarship, Ouellet is supporting students so they can achieve and realize their career aspirations.
Headquartered in L'Islet, on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Ouellet Canada Group includes several brands, such as Ouellet, Momento, Global Commander and Convectair. The group also owns Dettson Industries in Sherbrooke, Hazloc Heaters in Calgary, Nanjing Ouellet manufacturing plant in China, and now Britech in Ontario.
Ouellet Canada acquires a New Company
Ouellet Canada is proud to announce the acquisition of Britech, one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of electric radiant heating systems in Canada.
Britech is specialized in heating cables (floor, concrete and snow melting), electric thermal storage heating and self-regulating heating cables (roof and gutter de-icing).
With this acquisition, we are demonstrating our commitment to growing and consolidating our relationship with our current customer base. It also allows us to continue offering quality products, innovative product design and industry-leading brands.
Blended Learning courses for the 2018 Canadian Electrical Code
This course will provide Class A, B or C FSRs the 8 hours of continuing education required for certificate renewal.
Upcoming sessions:
- October 20 (Part 1) & October 21 (Part 2) - Registration opening October 1st
- November 17 (Part 1) & November 18 (Part 2) - Registration opening October 22nd
- December 8 (Part 1) & December 9 (Part 2) - Registration opening November 19th
Click here to register!
Z462-18 — Workplace Electrical Safety Workshop
A virtual, two-day CSA Z462-18 - Workplace Electrical Safety Workshop on Nov. 4-5th is now available for booking.
Shock and arc flash are potentially catastrophic events that can cause severe or fatal injuries.
Click here for workshop detail and registration.
U40 Professional Development Series
Thursday, September 24 we bring you the first of our professional development series on Mental Health. Thanks to the generous support of our corporate sponsor BCCA, we are able to offer this free webinar to BCEA members.
Upcoming sessions include:
• Construction Forecast — October 15
• 2018 Updates & 2021 Code Changes — November 19
UPS Member Discounts
Did You Know... 54% of consumers and half of retailers prefer 2-3 day shipping? Use our member-only savings from UPS to save up to 50% on Domestic Express/Expedited services.
Morgan Creek Draw Prize Winners
Thank you again to our sponsors: Goodwin Electric, Wesco, Eecol, and Guillevin!
Congratulations to the winners of the draws:
Andrew McKinnlay – Milwaukee Tool
Josh Konkin – Pacific Powertech
Earl Whittemore – Bayhill Contracting
Martin Gallant – Gallant Custom Shading
Okanagan Golf Tournament
BCEA is hosting the Okanagan Golf Tournament again this year! It will be held at Sunset Ranch Golf & Country Club Wednesday, September 23! Click here for all safety protocols and registration details!
New BCEA Member
BCEA would like to introduce our newest member - Composite Power Group!
We look forward to working with you & seeing you at our networking events... at member pricing of course!
Technical Safety BC Regulatory Notice Updates
Technical Safety BC has recently published updated electrical regulatory notices. Check the website for all the updates!
Morgan Creek Golf Tournament
Join us on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 for our Annual Golf Tournament.
This year will be a little different. Be sure to check out all the safety protocols here before registering!
Returning to Work & Life in the Era of COVID-19
Join our webinar on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 with Dr. Joti Samara. She will help attendees gain useful skills and knowledge for dealing with stress and anxiety about going back to work, and will gain knowledge about how to effectively communicate and manage their concern.
Registration here!
WESCO BC Counters are Open
The Journey of Women in Leadership
BCEA invites you to our round table with Renee Lytle and Teegan Lucas on Women in Leadership - How Women Can Help Women
More information and Registration here
BCEA Annual General Meeting
The BCEA will be holding their annual general meeting on Thursday, July 16 at 10:00 a.m. All meeting material will be sent to voting members by July 10 for review.
BCEA Social Club Fundraiser
Have you joined the BCEA Social Club Fundraiser? We invite eveyone to join the BCEA Social Club and play poker for a good cause! Check out all the information here
EFC's Women Working in an Electrical World
Join BCEA Women's Network Chair, Laura Dempsey in this Women's Network National Roundtable. Check out there event page to get more info and to register.
Canada-specific COVID-19 Online Course
BIS just launched a new Canada-specific awareness training program "COVID-19 Safety." This course is designed to provide you with the training you need to help you stay healthy and safe during this global pandemic.
Click Here - FREE until June 30, 2020.
E.B. Horsman & Son Service Counters Are Reopening
Read more here to see what measures they are taking to open their branches safely.
Global Economic Outlook for 2020-21
Join our webinar with Patricia Mohr moderating on global economic outlook for the world, the implications for commodity markets important to Canada and B.C., financial market conditions (interest rates & currencies) and key commodity markets — copper, gold, oil & LNG.
Click here for more details
CYBER SECURITY 2020
There’s no doubt that business operations have changed and more people are working from home right now. Cyber Security is an important part of a business that shouldn’t be overlooked. Jeff Waite, Technology Administrator at Mac’s II Agencies answers some questions to identify threats and best practices in the lighting and electrical industry... Read More
Own Your Own Voice Virtual Round Table
Join our next virtual round table May 14 at Noon PST. Cathy Lim will be moderating our conversation on Own Your Own Voice: Be Confident, Get Involved! Get registered here
Fit in Technology with Weidmüller webinars
Interesting topics of industrial connectivity. Practically from the office or home office. Click here to read more about Weidmullers training.
High Achiever Award - April
The BCEA would like to congratulate and thank Faisal Emami for all his dedication to this industry and recognize him as the high achiever for the month of April! Read his journey here.
BCEA UPS Member Rate now 50% off
BCEA members, take advantage of the UPS Members Benefit Program and you’ll receive 50% off all small package shipments* including imports to Canada, 30% off brokerage entry preparations fees, at least 75% off freight shipments over 150 lb. and more.
To get started today, visit www.membersbenefitprogram.com/BCEA .
Spark BC 2018 BC Electrical Code Change Training - ONLINE COURSE
Do it the easy way and take your Code Upgrade Training online!
What you'll get
- 8 hours of Training (approved for all 8 of required education or FSR certificate renewal by Technical Safety BC)
- Digital/Downloadable Copy of the SparkBC 2018 Electrical Code Change Manual
- Online Support via email - contact us at any time and get your questions answered by our expert trainers
BCEA Members get $15 off by using the coupon code: BCEAMEMBER
BCEA Online Courses
The BC Electrical Association now offers online courses!
Members receive access to hundreds of affordable and diverse online courses from the following categories
- Safety
- Driving
- Equipment
- Soft Skills
- Awareness
Click here to register and view course options.
High Acheiver Award - March
Brad Lueck, Director of Operations Alberta Region
Wesco Distribution
At just 34 years, Brad has proved to be both a learner and a leader. In nine short years he joined Wesco in 2011 through their sales development trainee program and quickly climbed the up the career ladder.. read more here
BCEA Events Site
New BCEA event site! For any upcoming events, updates & all the event information. Check out whats coming up @ http://bcea.zohosites.com/
A message from our President & CEO (COVID -19)
During this time of uncertainty, it is important for our industry to stay safe and stay informed with the ongoing changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a fluid situation that changes daily and hourly.... read more @ https://www.bcea.bc.ca/covid-19.php
COVID-19
During this pandemic we ask our members and our communities stay safe, be kind, be patient and stay informed.
Government of Canada website has a lot of information that can help you prepare you and your business for what is ahead. It is accurate and has the tools you need to apply for any grants that might be available for you. Visit Awareness Resource (link is https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/awareness-resources.html)
BCEA Women's Network
The BCEA Women's Network has a round table discussion coming March 31st!
If you or someone you know within our Membership is interested in joining the Women's Network, please call the office to get involved.
EFC Scholarship Program
Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) and its members are proud to support the next generation of leaders who will power a changing world in the Canadian Electrical industry. If you’re a post-secondary student who is pursuing a career in Electrical Technologist/Technician, Industrial Distribution, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain/Operations, to name a few – then consider a career in an industry that is committed to a safer, more environmentally-sustainable future for Canadians. Take the first step by applying for up to three scholarships now!
Apply at: https://scholarship.electrofed.com/
Application Dealine: May 31, 2020
Call for Job Postings
Our U40 Group is attending Career Days at UBC this February 25. They will be representing our industry and will be promoting member job postings. If you have an open position, please send your posting to bcea@bcea.bc.ca.
High Achiever Award
To celebrate and recognize young leaders who distinguished themselves early in their career through professional achievement which can also include volunteer service, someone who is the unsung hero always there to lend a helping hand, and/or someone that deserves recognition for their contributions to the industry or within your corporate culture.
Each month an individual will be selected and highlighted on all BCEA social media platforms. All those recognized monthly, will qualify for the BCEA High Achiever Award that will be awarded at the BCEA Annual Awards Luncheon in December 4, 2020.
For more information please email us at bcea@bcea.bc.ca
BCEA Awards Winners
Congratulations to our 2019 Award Winners:
Member of the Year - WESCO
Volunteer of the Year - Stuart MacDonald
Outstanding Individual - Gary McNeil
Community Contribution - Mac's II Agencies
Project Excellence - Bridge Electric
The most up-to-date safe electrical installation requirements.
Find out about BCEA scholarships.