Ontario Electrical Contractor 9 2019 will be an interesting year when we will see how the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) will proceed to build a “new” apprenticeship model, with or without the OCOT, to enhance apprentice training and education and how to effectively police the enforcement of unlicensed electricians and apprentices. The ECAO, along with IBEW/CCO, will be submitting our views to MTCU on how best to move forward to protect the scope of practice of electricians, monitor ratio levels and ensure electrical work is done by qualified tradespeople and apprentices. ECAO will continue to lobby the different levels of government on items such as the Construction Act, Ontario’s Fair Wage Policy, Employment Standards Act and others that might impact the electrical contracting industry. To strengthen our lobbying position we will work together with other industry partners to bring our voice to Queen’s Park. Components of my vision for this calendar year is to build resources to provide our members with quality services and products through our Affiliate Partners; to increase our professional development and training offerings; to organize events to bring all the members of our community together; and to invest in a more rigorous occupational health and safety program for contractors. Our President, Mark Lloyd, is in his second year and he is committed to increasing the member engagement and participation of our members, affiliates and industry partners. For this to happen I want to encourage you all to get involved at your Local ECA and follow ECAO on our social media platforms. Following us on Twitter and Facebook, as well as reading our magazine and electronic newsletter, assists in keeping you connected to the ECAO community. I would like to wish you all a prosperous and safe year. As many of you know I started my career as an apprentice with Local 105 and also sat on the local Joint Apprenticeship Council. With this experience I believe that I fully understand the challenges that apprentices face when it comes to working safely and getting the best training possible.