Major changes to apprenticeship system start today
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Editor's Note 
 
Ontario’s Ministry of Labour is still involved with the province’s apprenticeship system, but Skilled Trades Ontario will now register training agreements, authorize sponsors, and issue Certificates of Apprenticeship. Learn more, below.
- Anthony Capkun, Editor-Publisher
 
NEWS & STORIES 
 
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Need new training equipment? Answer this Call for Proposals

Organizations are invited to submit applications to the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s “Investments in Training Equipment” stream, whereby the Government of Canada will support the purchase of training equipment and materials that meet industry standards, and improve the quality of apprentice training in Red Seal trades.


BC Energy Regulator to accelerate completion of North Coast Transmission Line

British Columbia aims to accelerate the expansion of its grid by allowing the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) to act as a “one-window” regulator for the permits necessary to support the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL), as well as other high-voltage electricity transmission projects. The area is currently served by a single 500-kV transmission line that runs from Prince George to Terrace. It does not have the capacity to serve increasing demand.


 
 
FEATURED NEWS 
 
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Take note! Important changes to Ontario’s apprenticeship system start TODAY

In a special edition of Skilled Trades Ontario’s newsletter, CEO Candice White outlines a number of changes to the province’s apprenticeship system starting April 2. “These updates are happening because we heard you. Apprentices, employers, and training providers have shared the importance of a system that is easy to navigate, accessible, and responsive,” writes White. Among those changes, STO will be the first point of contact for apprenticeship and exam services starting today. » Read more
 
 
FROM THE MAGAZINE 
 

The Canadian Electrical Code promotes safe swimming and soaking

Although there are no publicly available statistics on the number of investigations into swimming-pool shocks in Canada, most people working in the industry—installers, electrical contractors, utilities—have either heard of, or investigated, such scenarios.

To address this issue, the 2024 CE Code has enhanced the bonding requirements for these installations.

Building on David Pilon’s overview of CE Code changes to pools, tubs, and spas, columnist Nansy Hanna, P.Eng., further explores the rationale behind these changes, which were based on recommendations outlined in an EPRI report that studied electrical risks to swimming pool users.
» Read more

 
MORE NEWS & STORIES 
 

Enphase helps Efficiency Nova Scotia expand virtual power plant participation

Enphase Energy Inc., a supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems, is expanding its support for grid services programs such as virtual power plants (VPPs) in Nova Scotia. Offered by electric utilities, grid services programs use energy stored in home batteries to reduce the load on the grid, especially during peak demand, Enphase explains. » Read more

Federal and provincial funding boosts Trade Winds’ Indigenous apprenticeship program

Trade Winds to Success is receiving federal funding of nearly $5 million to train over 290 Indigenous apprentices in support of Canada’s Housing Plan. The organization will help them complete their training, and help them find and keep jobs in the skilled trades. Participants will also improve the essential skills needed to successfully pass the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training entrance exam. » Read more

 
PERMITS & INVESTMENT 
 
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Non-residential construction investment marks sixth consecutive monthly increase in January 2025

Statistics Canada reports that investment in building construction rose 1.8% (+$393.7 million) to $22.1 billion in January 2025. The residential sector increased 2.3% to $15.4 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 0.8% to $6.7 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 5.7% in January. » Read more

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New Brunswick helps offset Ontario’s building permit losses in January 2025

The total value of building permits issued in Canada in January 2025 decreased by $425.8 million (-3.2%) from the previous month to $12.8 billion, reports Statistics Canada. Ontario led the decline (-$771.1 million) while New Brunswick helped pick up the slack (+$356.8 million). » Read more

 
NETWORKING & LEARNING 
 

MCEE 2025

April 24-25, Montreal. Organizers call MCEE “Canada’s biggest mechanical, plumbing, hydronics, HVAC-R, electrical and lighting expo”. Electrical Business will be there! » More info

LightFair 2025 – Presented by Light + Building

May 4-8, Las Vegas. North America’s largest architectural and commercial lighting event is the “perfect blend of commercial and architectural lighting”, say organizers. » More info

SUCCESSion: The Business of Selling your Business

May 21, Toronto. This one-day, conference-style event is perfect for company decision-makers as they embark on their own succession planning journeys. » More info

ECAA Annual Conference

May 22-25, Edmonton. Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta is hosting its annual conference at the JW Marriott (ICE District). » More info

EFC Annual Industry Conference

May 27-29, Niagara Falls, Ont. Electro-Federation Canada represents 200+ member companies that manufacture, distribute, market, and sell a range of electrical products. Electrical Business will be there! » More info

Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC)

May 29-30, Regina. SCNC is the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country. » More info

ECAO Annual General Meeting

June 5, Niagara Falls, Ont. “Mark your calendars and get ready for an insightful and engaging event!” says Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario. » More info

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