b'FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GRAEME AITKENL I amsuccessesandchallengesindustrynotjusthereinOntario,but Looking back at 75 years of our associations accomplishments,nationallyandacrossoursouthernborder. has been humbling. As the executive directorLetsconsideroursocietalmovetocleaner of ECAO,deeply honoured to act onenergyandallthatentails,including,for yourbehalfaspartofsuchatremendousexample, the electrification of transportation organization with such a rich history.and industry. Shifting to clean energy from Back in 1948 when ECAO was founded, thefossil-based sources has our provinces demand associations primary goal was to serve andfor electricity supply growing at a furious pace. represent the interests of Ontarios electricalWe know that to accommodate this growing contracting industry and, over the years, wedemandforelectricity,ourtransmission havent wavered from that purpose. Drivenand distribution system needs to evolve and by strong leadership over the decades, weveexpand,andourelectricitygenerationfleet, been unfailing in our commitment to providenearingendoflife,alsorequiresattention. servicestraining and education, advocacy,Success will require the full efforts and vast informationsharingandsomuchmoreexpertise of ECAOs member contractors and that have supported the success of electricalpartners, as we detailed in our Ontarios Energy contractors across our ever-evolving industry. Future report earlier this year. Whether its the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, Ontheoccasionofour75thanniversary,the development of a local microgrid system or it would be quite easy, and perhaps ratherthe upkeep of a large-scale transmission line, self-indulgent, to take you through our listECAO contractors and our skilled workers are of accomplishments over our years of serviceessential to the success of this societal shift.to the electrical construction industry hereOur industry is also seeing greater reliance on, in Ontario. Instead, I think that nowatand a move to, low voltage including LED a time when our association is an industrylighting, digital signage, intelligence window-leader, both provincially and nationallyisdimmingsystemsandintegratedbuilding a perfect opportunity to look at our presentmanagement systems comprising systems such and toward our future.as access control, CCTV, building automation, TodaysECAOisconnectingwithandlow-voltage energy distribution and thermostats supportingourindustryinmyriadways.or temperature control. In fact, Power over Through distribution of news and relevantEthernet(PoE)lightingrevenuealoneis information, educational offerings, healthforecast to grow by 1,100 per cent by 2026. It and safety programs, social media, networkingis not simply in the residential and commercial opportunities, and information gathering andsectors of our markets where this is happening; sharing, we have built strong relationshipsour industrial and institutional clients are also withourvaluedmembers,government,embracingsystemintegrationthroughlow partnersandcommunities.Ourrecentvoltage. DC-fed digital devices are taking over progressinareasthatincludediversity,for AC motors, opening the market for LVDC equity, inclusion and belonging, preparationspower supply systems. These systems operate for collective bargaining, grievance adviceat voltages under 60 Vdc and are classified as and assistance, education and governmentsafe to touch. relations demonstrates ECAOs continuedSignificanttechnologicaladvanceshave evolution for the benefit of our members.enhancedworkersafetyandproductivity We are on the cusp of an absolute revolution inwithintheconstructionindustryand,as the electrical construction and maintenanceindustry leaders, it is paramount we be early www.ecao.org8'