Join Us

Darcy & Barb Teichroeb

Convention 2015Copper Point Resort Invermere, BC

May 22nd - May 24th, 2015

Hosted By President

We had a busy last few months. We attended two RAP information nights: James Fowler High

School and Beaverbrook High School. Thank you to James Carr, PEC, and Ryan Peterson, PEC for their volunteer efforts. February 12th was another successful industry night with 79 members and guests attending. Thank you to our sponsors Stephen Dunne of Gescan, John Robinson of Guillevin, and Rob Little of Schneider Electric. Craig Palmer of the Calgary Construction Association (CCA) gave presentation on the CCA. Our night started with announcements, updates, and a report from me on how ECAA benefits us as contractors. It ended with our Casino night which is always great fun. The auction for the prizes at the end is a blast; thanks to those who donated! Our March12th meeting had a great presentation by Lowell Dahlman of Hoyme Manufacturing. Our unique weather conditions in Alberta present some challenges to indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Lowell presented innovative solutions that can save us time, money and give the client a properly functioning, code compliant ventilation system. The meeting was also sponsored by Hoyme - thank you Lowell!

Our Provincial President Darcy Teichroeb PEC attended and gave us a provincial update. Thank you for supporting our local chapter! Neil Moffat gave an apprenticeship report and I read Scott White’s Calgary Construction Association report. The last few years we have a large number of important announcements at our Chapter meetings. One more good reason to attend! We have a number of career fairs coming up at local high schools. Volunteers can email me at D.Miller@CustomElectric.com for more information. For the CCA construction career expo please email Matt at MFinck@canem.com for volunteering or a list of material and equipment required for the fair. Join us in April for a presentation by Jacqueline Anderson of Women Building Futures and Jordan DeBarros of the Calgary Residential Rental Association. We have elections coming up so be sure to attend. Our sponsors will be Hilary Zorn of Thomas and Betts and Barry Wentz of BDW!

Welcome to a new year and new challenges in the Electrical Industry. 2014 was a strong year

for our industry and now in the first couple months of 2015 it is evident that new challenges will face specific sectors of our industry. However we have seen it before and we will manage these new challenges with positive and diverse business practices to maintain the strong Electrical Industry Alberta is known for. The ECAA office continues to provide valuable essential services to our members and industry stakeholders with the ongoing chapter meetings, educational training sessions, and planning for the ECAA events in 2015. The 2015 Convention and Annual General Meetings in Copper Point are coming … and I look forward to seeing many of our members and stakeholder representatives at this event. Training Day on the Friday, May 22 will be exciting with a great venue of Electrical Industry educational sessions. If you have not registered for these events please do so at your earliest convenience.

In the past couple of months I have again had the privilege to attend more chapter meetings in Fort McMurray, Lethbridge, Calgary, and stakeholder events including the Alberta Construction Association (ACA) Annual General Meeting and the Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA) AGM. Our association committees, including the Professional Electrical Contractor and the ECAA marketing committees, are very hard at work promoting and developing strong association practices and industry relationships. This work continues to strengthen the ECAA foundation and visibility in the industry. The Electrical Industry is seeing new updated codes being adopted in 2015 including the “Alberta Building Code 2014”, “Alberta Fire Code 2014”, and “National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2011”. These codes have been adopted and have implementation dates in 2015. The new 23rd edition of the “Canadian Electrical Code 2015” is also in the process of adoption but is subject to government adoption process to finalize dates. The ECAA office is currently planning code update training sessions for 2015 to help members and stakeholders understand these changes in codes. I would like to thank all the members and volunteers in our association for their continued dedication to the ECAA and our Electrical Industry.

President’s Message

Chapter ReportsCalgaryDoug Miller

The Edmonton Chapter held our Industry Night on February 23 at the Chateau Louis Conference

Center where 103 members and guests were in attendance. The theme was “Wine Pairing with Food”. There was a three course meal, each accompanied with a red and white wine selected by Adam Koziak, the Sommelier at the Chateau Louis. Several member organizations sponsored the wine – thank you to them. There were some potential new members and some members who were attending for the first time. Prior to dinner, our Associate members has the opportunity to display new products and technology in our marketplace. Thanks to those who participated – feedback was very positive.

Our speakers revolved around the ECAA and the different benefits and programs that are offered. Bob Clarke spoke about associate membership and the relationships that are forged between all who attend, as well as some of the social events that take place. Terry Sawatzky also talked about membership and welcomed three new contractor members and one associate member. Bob Maslanko provided a brief history of the PEC program and its benefits to contractors. John Knoll provided a testimonial on what the ECAA has meant to him and his business (see John’s testimonial in this issue of the Contactor). Larry Cantelo provided an update on AGM Training Day. The feedback we received following the event was very positive. A meeting was held on March 16 at which 53 members and guests attended. Our refreshment sponsor and guest speaker was Lane Gross from Lloyd Sadd Insurance and the topic was “Managing Risk Through an Uncertain Economy”. There was a Call for Nominations for the election of a new executive in April and an announcement was read from Women Building Futures asking for contractor sponsors for their upcoming electrical pre apprenticeship program. Next meeting is to be held on April 20, 2015.

EdmontonBrent Connell, PEC

Testimonial from John Knoll, PEC, Incoming Edmonton Chapter President:

“Everyone tells me I am a good sales man – let’s see if I’m a good public speaker. I have been asked to talk about the association and the PEC program and how its benefited me and our company. Let’s start with a few points. The PEC program teaches you lessons from the mistakes of others and how to run a professional contracting firm. Because of those lessons, we have avoided some of those mistakes in our business. I have gained mentorship that I would have never obtained otherwise, and I have a obtained connections such as our insurance broker Federated insurance, and because of this, we have a rock solid insurance policy that I know I can trust and rely on year after year.

I am updated on important industry news, and have insight into code changes well before other contractors, from the people that are involved in those changes like Norm (Kaiser from NAIT). That alone makes us more valuable to our clients than the next contractor that approaches them. For example a code that is coming into place regarding upgraded arc fault protection in residential. It’s a good code, but it could cost us all a lot of money depending on how its adopted; but I have already informed my clients of it, so if it gets adopted on time, or 2 years later, I will be ready for that and so will they. I won’t have to argue over more money on homes when it is adopted because I wrote them all an email the next day I found out about it. I have also had the ability to put my input into codes like that, and hopefully bring some insights into them before they are adopted.

Being an active member of this association and a PEC provides me and my company with trust from contractors and the public that I wouldn't have had at 22 years of age when we opened shop. Trust that still might be hard to get because I am only 27. When we first started walking into home builders offices they didn't see a professional contractor, they saw a kid, probably the same age as some of their own, some of your own. But I showed them we knew what we were doing because I spoke the knowledge I learned from the association. I also assured them that when we didn't, we had a resource that we could utilize to learn from. And it’s a resource that we still use today, and I don't think we will ever stop using. I have learned valuable business practices that we use on a daily basis. We have clients from Edmonton, to Quebec and as far Texas that use our services. This past year I took it upon myself after the AGM to reach out the CEDIA organization. They reached back and invited me to be a judge for the CEDIA automation and home theater awards. I took my first trip to Indianapolis and had it all paid for, including the limos picking me up and dropping me off at the airport. We were then provided with tickets to the CEDIA convention in Denver and I saw my first NFL game. For those that haven’t, you really need to, even if you don’t enjoy the sport. The atmosphere was electrifying. And yes, the convention was amazing.

But back to the Association. Attending and being a part of the executive board has exposed me to simple business practices such as a mission statement, and how to involve and engage our employees in developing one suited for our company. How to ensure my employees and us work in a safe workplace, and still are able to maintain profits, to use those safe work practices not as a crutch, but a step for making more profits.

To close this, we all know when you open a company you are starting off miles behind your competition and you’re running on flat tires. I feel the knowledge we have gained from the association allowed us to conquer that disadvantage, and do it faster than we had ever thought possible. We find we are competing with the large electrical residential contractors we once worked for and we were so far behind when we started. That being said, it takes more than a membership to develop a contracting firm that can compete and stay competitive in today’s markets. It requires being involved. Being a member of this association and obtaining my PEC recognition as well as staying an active member. Put together with our drive, hard work, and a little bit of luck is why our company is where it is today. I am proud to say I am active member of this association to all my customers, clients, and friends because I feel if it wasn’t for the knowledge and friendship, and mentorship I gained here JLE might not own our own offices, and we would probably still be struggling out of the house I bought when I was 20. Instead we do own our own offices. My wife Erin and I are building a beautiful house that our soon to be born baby (at time of writing no baby, at time of production congratulations on new baby girl!) will grow up in, and I no longer have a job that I wake up not wanting to go to. I have a company that I have used to grow my hobby and I use that to make me, Evan, and our staff a living for our families every day."

John Knoll C.M.E. P.E.C.Certified Master ElectricianProfessional Electrical Contractor #251

Where did the year go? On March 14, 2015 the ACSA held their Annual General Meeting, where I

stepped down as Chairperson of the Board and Bernal Ulsifer took over as chairperson. The NCSO Conference was held on March 12 and 13 at the River Cree in Edmonton and was well attended by industry. The ACSA COR process has increased the quality control of the audit review and this has seen a delay in completing the audit process. Please contact the ACSA if you are concerned about a delay as this could impact your PIR rebate.

The ACSA is holding a Strategic Planning Session May 2015. If you have any ideas that you believe could enhance the ACSA services to the construction industry, please forward to the ECAA. With the recent changes to the economic environment we need to continue the strong focus we have had in the past to improve safety through the industry. A few of the areas I think would assist industry is a training program for Executives, as well as an enhanced training on incident investigation. In the past, the ACSA had a small employer advisor that went out to work sites to assist the small employer. I believe this was positive and would like to see this continue. I would like to thank you for your continued support as your representative on the ACSA Board.

Alberta Construction Safety Association Board of Director Report Dave Hagen

Feels like spring is close; with the warmer weather comes more construction. The North East held

their meeting on January 27, 2015 with 15 members and guests attending. Some contractor members are still looking to hire, as it is still very busy. Questions on whether Certificate of Recognition (COR) will be mandatory in the future. Also, some contractors are questioning the costs of Arc Flash equipment and uses as this could be expensive to the smaller contractor. Congratulations to Timothy Harnett, a 2nd year apprentice, who is this year's winner of the Neil Olsen/North East Chapter Award. Lakeland College reported that they are at 94% fill rate for this year, with some room for third year apprentices. They are also running a second Master's Program.

The North East is very involved in the Try-A-Trade on May 6 in Lloydminster. All members are welcome to come and participate in the booths with some interactive displays. I would like to thank President Darcy Teichroeb for his attendance and for giving a very informative provincial board update. Also, thanks to Sheri and Steve for their attendance and input in the meeting. Watch for Code updating courses coming up this year in the fall. It's getting close to AGM and training day in May. Hope to see some North East Chapter members in attendance. Big thanks to Jason Watson of Wesco for sponsoring refreshments. Hope to see you all at Copper Point!! Thanks.

North EastTerry Barnett, CME

Committee Reports

The last couple of months this committee has been dealing with proposals for marketing and identity

refreshment. A development is in a proposal stage for website refresh as well. Once we went through some of the proposal it has become apparent the website refresh is imperative to the communication pieces being developed. There are 2 more proposals our committee is looking at after the board meeting that deal with the website refresh. One is a basic refresh, and the other option is a redesigning of the website including the

navigation and organization of the website. The technical people have been talking about the potential website refresh, and working through the development options. I wish to thank Lee, Christine and Sheri for their patience as we continue to work together so that the marketing group has a full understanding of the scope of work involved. The committee will continue to strive to find the best path forward, and it is still the goal to have materials and marketing developed by AGM 2016. It is quite a process, but we believe with the right marketing company we will be on target with pieces that will work seamlessly together.

Alberta’s population as of October 1st, 2014 was 4,145,992 which equates to a 2.6% increase from one year prior

and nationally population grew 1.1% from a year ago. Net migration to Alberta was 15,171 in the third quarter of 2014 with 8,851 international migrants and 6,320 interprovincial migrants. Alberta lost 14,000 jobs in February, more than erasing gains made in January. Employment grew by 1.6% year-over-year

with Alberta adding a cumulative total of 36,700 jobs over the last twelve months. Alberta’s unemployment surged to 5.3%, .8 percentage points higher than January, as the labour force expanded while jobs declined. Alberta has the second lowest unemployment rate among the provinces. The average number of active rigs in Alberta was 211 in February, a 47.7% decrease from February 2014 and the lowest number of active rigs for the month of February since 1993. The number of Alberta housing starts in February was 44,400, 25% more than in February 2014. Edmonton had 24,500 new homes started and Calgary had 9,500. The total value of building permits issued in Alberta fell 27% to $1.3 billion in January, the largest monthly fall since March 2011.

Associate Liaison Bob Clarke

Communications and PR CommitteeJeanette DeBruin, Chair

ECAA booth at Alberta Electric League Learning Expo in Calgary

Stars Gala 2014

I would like to update the membership on the adoption of the 2014 Alberta Building Code and the 2014 Alberta

Fire code. Both codes will implement May 1st 2015.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me directly. We are working on setting up dates in both Calgary and Edmonton to conduct Lunch and Learn sessions for the members to help get everyone up to speed.

Fire Technical CouncilJoe Davis

The Electrical Technical Council held a meeting on February 09, 2015 in Edmonton where the

ongoing discussion items were reviewed and updated. Many of the items were code rule clarifications submitted to CSA and waiting on responses from the applicable section representatives. It was confirmed that the supplementary table 5E was replaced with table 39 in the new 2015 CEC. Discussions continued about the adoption of the 23rd edition of the Canadian Electrical Code (2015). The Electrical Technical Council was asked to re-affirm the request to have the new code adoption expedited with intent to be adopted and ready for enforcement by September 1, 2015 in order to meet planning requirements by the educational institutions. This was re-affirmed but is still subject to the government adoption process. In late February 2015, three codes were adopted in Alberta by provincial regulation:

Each code has an enforcement date and a transition period.

The Master Electrician Advisory Working Group reported their progress on finalizing the Master Electrician Policy and submitted it to the Masters Administrator for review and approval. In addition the Council is reviewing the proposed draft program outline. The Council is auditing existing questions in the Master Electrician exam to ensure they support the objectives in the proposed draft program outline. Examination ratification was held March 5 – 6, 2015 to ensure all questions of the Master Electrician exam reflect the changes in the 2015 CEC. The Master Electrician Advisory Group recommended to the Administrator of Certification for the Master Electrician Program that any Master Electrician seeking renewal of their certificate be required to take the 2015 - 23rd edition CEC update training through a recognized Safety Codes Council course, within one year of the enforcement date of the 2015 CEC. The Electrical Technical Council recommended 23rd edition code update training for Group A Electrical Safety Codes Officers to be completed within 1 year of the new code enforcement date. The Electrical Technical Council was reminded that the “New West Partnership Agreement” replaces the previous “TILMA Agreement”. The Electrical Technical Council thanked Kevin Harrison for his 9 years contribution to the council as this was his last meeting.

Electrical Technical Council (ETC)Darcy Teichroeb, PEC, CME

• Alberta Building Code 2014• Alberta Fire Code 2014• National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) 2011

ImplementationMay 1, 2015ImplementationMay 1, 2015ImplementationNov. 1, 2015

TransitionNov. 1, 2015Transition – NA

TransitionMay 1, 2016

LabourBrian HalinaA Tribute to Harold Reginald Taylor:

It is with sadness that we said good-bye to Harold, who passed away on January 30th 2015. Harold was the past business manager of IBEW Local Union 254 and one of the first Trustees of the Electrical Industry Insurance Benefit Trust Fund of Alberta and the Electrical Industry Pension Trust Fund of Alberta. Harold’s contribution to the success of these Trust Funds and the enormous benefits to its Plan Members are little known outside the Trust Funds’ Administration. Here are some of the highlights:

• At the inception of the Health & Welfare Fund in April 1971, Harold and Arthur Thormann agreed that their aim should be to provide the maximum benefits to the largest number of Plan Members, a worthwhile goal that was fulfilled over the years;

• Their aim at the inception of the Pension Fund in April 1973 was to provide up to ten years of service credit for Plan Members who helped to establish the Pension Fund. This worthy benefit would have been impossible to provide after 1987, when unreasonable solvency laws would have prevented it.

• Harold also helped to initiate pension increases every two years for the first twenty years of the Pension Fund, another worthy benefit that became impossible to maintain after the first twenty years, because of the 1987 unreasonable solvency legislation;

• Nevertheless, Harold helped to prevent pension decreases, despite the unfair solvency legislation;

• For Plan Members of the Health & Welfare Fund, Harold was instrumental in establishing a Years-of-Service Bank, which provides up to five years of free Health & Welfare benefits for retired Plan Members and their spouses;

• Harold also helped to select competent investment managers for both Funds, who, for the Pension Fund alone, returned an amazing 9.6% per year since its inception, a return that assisted greatly to provide the present level of pensions;

• In addition, Harold helped to pay back full benefits to the Health & Welfare Plan Members for every contribution dollar received by the Trust Fund from contributing employers – quite an achievement!

So, it is with deep appreciation that we remember Harold’s contributions to the electrical industry’s workers!

I would like to welcome 10 new Contractor members and 2 new Associate members to the ECAA

and look forward to their participation at the Chapter level. I continue to make phone calls and personal calls on Contractors and Associates to encourage them to take out a membership with our Association. I will be attending the AEL trade show in Calgary on March 25. After a good holiday in Palm Springs, CA I am looking forward to visiting all the

Chapters to call on Contractors to get them to join our association. With the help of the Chapter Presidents we should be able to increase our membership. I am going to concentrate on our Medicine Chapter to see if we can increase our Membership and reactivate that Chapter. I am looking forward to joining Darcy and Barb Teichroeb at the AGM at Copper Point in May. Hope everyone can make it and have a good time. Thank you to Sheri and her staff: Camille, Christine, Dorothy and Tammy for their assistance. If you would like any more information you can phone me at 780.446.2350 or e-mail me at grover12@telus.net

MembershipSteve Warholik

The PEC program is busy as usual, the Education and Marketing committees are still

meeting on a regular basis. Education committee is still fine tuning the APD program and monitoring the login/participation activity. Final touches and procedure work is also being done by the Education committee for Training Day. The Marketing committee is working diligently on creating the new brand and have now finalized a logo. The company that has been guiding, advising and working with the committee will be finalizing the final choice and colors for committee. Then the remainder of Phase 1 will commence, which is creating business cards, letterhead use guidelines, as well as hopefully some new brochures and handout designs with the new brand. The Registration Committee is also keeping busy reviewing and forwarding new registrations. Six new PEC students have been registered. Two courses have been held recently, Legal implication course in Edmonton where we had 14 registrants, and Safety Principles course in Calgary with 13 registrants.

Upcoming courses are taking a registrations and include: Basic Electrical Estimating, a full session with 12 registrants taking place on March 19th and 20th. A waiting list has been started for the next class and will be announced soon. Assessing & Finalizing the Tender Course also has 12 registrants for the session occurring on April 17th, and 18th in Calgary. Business & PR currently has 9 registrants for the April 24th/25th session in Calgary There is also a Computer Estimating course scheduled for April 30th/May 1st in Edmonton, there are 2 registrants for this course so far. There was a PEC presentation done to the Master Class earlier this month at Lakeland College by Mr. Arne Nelsen PEC, and our Calgary PEC rep Mr. Andrew Trifaux PEC, will be presenting to 62 masters at SAIT this week. Darcy Teichroeb, PEC, presented at the Red Deer College's Career & Entrepreneurial Expo in Red Deer. Jeff Light, PEC and Calvin Hilman, PEC also volunteered and manned a table with information on our PEC program.

Professional Electrical Contractor (PEC)Clem Gratton, PEC, CME

Clem Gratton’s Testimonial on entering Annual Professional Development (APD) Points

So this year I have started entering my APD’s as I am accomplishing them, a way less demanding task then entering an entire years worth all at once. Yes I am one of those way too busy kind of guys that has to make time for everything around trying to maintain a personal life. I am an owner of a business and although my sons have taken over the reins on managing our business, I think I am still a bit of a micro manager as need to review all the activity. Also I am still involved in the financial side of our business directly, some day I will learn to let a little more go. But for now, as many of you are, I am busier than I would like to be. The first time I sat down to enter some APD points, I sat looking at the screen and going where do I start, and it looks like many of you are at this stage. So I scratched out a list from my memory bank on what I had done that might fit the bill. This took a bit of work because I had to reflect and confirm on my calendars as this old memory cannot be relied on. I think that was the most time consuming effort to get started which is why my first year’s entry took me two to three hours, with the usual interruptions that happen all day long in an office environment. My second year which I completed on a different session a month or two later also took about the same amount of time and effort, but with 2014 coming to a close I was done those two years 2013 and 2014.

Now in 2015 I decided to get started early, I had just attended a Chapter meeting with a speaker. I opened the site, logged on (I think it took longer to remember my password than anything), went to the enter PEC APD activity tab, which took me right to the form, a couple of clicks and some details typing I was done in less than 5 minutes and I am telling you at least half that was getting the right password. Much easier and really did not take too much effort, if only I can remember for the rest of the year to do as soon as I complete the course, seminar, or meeting. We do these things all of us throughout the year, if we just enter as soon after we are done these things, it won't even be an issue, it will just be second nature. This is what I am telling my procrastinating butt and hopefully it listens. Remember that some of the things you do while working are Education/Training points. Product education/seminar, safety training, or mentoring from your company supervisors. Professionalism points can be attained from mentoring someone under your supervision, presenting duties protocol to a group of your peers. What about some of the things you do in your community such as volunteering with an association or group, like all you hockey/soccer coaches, parent advisory committees, and scout leaders. Remember some of the things that we do that keep us so busy are things that can be used in gaining your Annual Professional Development (APD) points.

K N O W I N G YO U R B U S I N E S S M AT T E R SCybercrime Takes Bytes

Out of Your Business

BOB POKLITAR

FCIP, CPCU

Director of Risk Analysis, Federated Insurance

“More than 74 million credit cards numbers stolen from TJ Maxx computers.” Not only was this 2007 story one of the earliest massive cases of cyber liability, it helped build awareness for one of the great threats of the information age: thieves who touch nothing but a keyboard and mouse, and who take nothing but bytes of data.

As a business owner you may feel that you are immune to cybercrime, that only large multinational businesses are at risk; the unfortunate reality is, virtually all businesses are susceptible to a cyber liability loss. And while your business may not have the same public relations risks as TJ Maxx faced, this type of negative publicity can ruin the reputation of a business and destroy the trust of its customers.

WHAT IS “CYBER LIABILITY”?

Cyber liability refers to the risks presented by conducting business in the digital age, including e-commerce, computers, networks, or other informational assets. As it’s almost impossible to conduct business without a computer, it’s important to protect yourself from criminals who are looking to tap into your business’ sensitive information.

In fact, cybercrime is one of the fastest growing areas of criminal activity. As it would be almost impossible to cover them all here, the focus of this article is on cybercrimes that take information without authorization from, or cause damage to, a computer or computer network.

HOW DOES CYBERCRIME HURT YOUR BUSINESS?

The impact of cybercrime on your business can include: • Computer viruses damaging your software and

data. • Online hackers looking to steal intellectual

property or confidential information. • Website hijacking, where your website

information is replaced with false or bogus

information.

But cybercrime doesn’t just hurt you; it can affect your employees, your customers or anyone else you do business with. For example, a laptop is lost or stolen containing personal information on your employees and/or customers, including information such as addresses, birth dates, social insurance numbers, credit card information, etc. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it could put these individuals at risk for identity theft.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS?

The following are 12 tips that can reduce the chance of a cybercrime affecting your business:

1. Establish your information security policies. Write down briefly what you expect of your business and employees when it comes to technology and information. Make sure your expectations are simple and available, and that employees understand them as well as the dangers of computer intrusions.

2. Use firewalls and antivirus programs to help prevent an unwanted computer intrusion. Consider using an Intrusion Detection System that can assist in detecting network breaches when they do occur.

3. Update systems and software on a regular basis to ensure you’re using the most current version available.

4. Use password protection. Consider using a password which has (8) or more characters and includes a combination of upper and/or lowercase letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers. Avoid recycling passwords.

www.federated.caLoss Prevention September 2013by BOB POKLITAR

K N O W I N G YO U R B U S I N E S S M AT T E R S

5. Lock your computer when you leave your desk.

6. Encrypt your data, especially data that contains confidential or business critical information and data that is stored on portable devices. After all, today’s smartphones can hold eleven filing cabinets’ worth of information or more.

7. Restrict the use of portable devices to those employees who need them to perform their jobs. Assess whether sensitive information really needs to be stored on these devices, and ensure that the appropriate security safeguards restrict access to them. Even when laptop is in use, consider using a cord and lock to secure it to the employees’ desks.

8. Ensure that remote access to your network is secure. Ask your network administrator “If remote access is allowed, is it restricted to Virtual Private Networks?” and “Are wireless transmissions protected using WPA/WPA2, IPSEC or SSL?”

9. Backup computer data on a regular basis and keep the copy in a secure off-site location.

10. Lock and secure sensitive data, especially those for customers and employees, using safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the data. Ensure you only keep data for as long as you need it and, once you don’t, that the data’s destruction is handled securely.

11. Do your due diligence of outside service providers. Your security practices are only as good as the people who implement them. Before outsourcing functions like payroll, web hosting, data processing, etc., compare the provider’s data security practices and standards to yours. Document the service provider’s commitments to you in a written contract.

12. Control access to your system by insiders. Don’t just prevent hackers from accessing your computer network; employees should only have access to systems on a need-to-know basis. Should an employee leave your company, immediately deactivate their access to systems and collect their company-issued electronic devices.

Finally, don’t hesitate to get help. Cyber liability is a complex topic, and there may be value in hiring a third-party expert to evaluate your cyber risk and the potential financial impact of a breach.At Federated Insurance, we believe Loss Prevention is a critical component of your Risk Management Program. For more information, contact our Loss Prevention Department at 1-800-665-1934, or visit our website at www.federated.ca.

© Federated Insurance Company of Canada. All rights reserved.

This document is provided by Federated Insurance Company of Canada (“Federated”) for informational purposes only to augment your own internal safety, compliance and risk management practices, and is not intended as a substitute for assessment or other professional advice by a qualified person or entity. Federated makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this document. Federated shall not be responsible in any manner for any loss, or any direct, indirect, consequential, special, punitive or other damages, arising out of your, or any other person’s, use or reliance on the information contained in this document.

KYBM-50 EN

® Registered trademark of Federated Insurance Company of Canada

Finally! The 2014 editions of the Alberta Building Code and the Alberta Fire Code (based on the 2010 National Building & Fire Codes) as well as the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB 2011 edition) are a reality. The much anticipated codes have been adopted by Alberta Provincial regulation in February 2015. After much work, this is not the end, but is the start.

These updated codes incorporate some key changes including but not limited to: care accommodations for seniors & persons with disabilities (B3); provisions for 6 story wood frame based on 2015 national building code (yet to be adopted); and energy efficiency requirements for housing under 9.36 (ABC).

While many involved in the construction industry will applaud these codes as they are finally being put into force, I as a taxpayer have concern for the delay in adoption as well as the dropping of the public consultation process which normally occurs ahead of adoption. In addition to the previous statement, and for 2 editions now, attempts at “harmonisation” of national vs provincial codes as well as “harmonisation” of release of many of the provincial codes to allow for easier implementation, understanding, and enforcement, has been a buzz word as reasoning for delays. Obviously, the “harmonisation” of the many codes in Alberta is a daunting task and the road to success in this area is a long and bumpy one.

I am not aware of how “harmonised” the 2015 edition of the Canadian Electrical Code will be with the newest Alberta Building , Energy or Fire codes; but I do know an attempt was made. The 23rd edition of the CEC will come into force later this year or early next.

The transition period or “enforcement date” associated with the code adoption process aims to prevent unnecessary and costly changes to construction which is already underway, for example: a development permit issued prior to the transition end date and based on work prepared under the previous code may be built to the previous code edition. Any development permits issued after the transition period ends will require the construction to fully comply with the newest code edition. The transition periods for the various updated codes are as follows: Alberta Building Code 2014 May1/2015-November 1/2015; Alberta Fire Code in force May 1/2015 with no transition period; National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings November 1 2015- May 1/2016 and Sec 9.36 “Energy Efficiency” of Alberta Building Code 2014 May 1/2016- November 1/2016.

Adding to the complicated work of finishing the wording for the adoption which is now underway, and exasperated in part by the many various delays to finalising and adopting our newest Alberta specific codes; the National Building Code 2015 will be in effect later this year. So work is already underway which will interpret and select the codes and process for the next Alberta specific requirements evolving from National, and to further the “harmonisation” of these 2 levels of code requirements which exist. I look forward to improvements in this area. I will write explanations of changes, issues, and solutions for the interpretation or application of the various codes in future editions of Keven’s Corner as I am made aware. I will close by reminding all involved in any angle of these updated codes, be patient, change is always tough, don’t over react, educate and assist each other, work together. Above all, we build smart, we build safe, & we all benefit! That after all is the base intent of code is it not? Have a great Spring & Summer.

Electrical ContractorsAssociation of Alberta

Executive:President: Darcy Teichroeb, PECVice President: Keven Lefebvre, PECTreasurer: Darrell CastorSecretary: Eric Fadden, PECPast President: Les Dzwonkiewicz, PEC

Chapter Presidents & ECAA Directors:Calgary Doug MillerCentral Darcy Teichroeb, PECEdmonton Brent Connell, PECNorth East Terry BarnettNorth West Tim TaritaLethbridge Rob Coleman, PECMedicine Hat VacantFort McMurray Tim Brundage

Directors-at-Large:North Terry MilotSouth Ray Wery, PEC

Committees:ACSA Dave HagenACA (Calgary) Scott White, PECApprenticeship Chris Rauschning, PECAssociate Liaison Bob ClarkeCECA Les Dzwonkiewicz, PECCommunications Jeanette DeBruinConvention ‘15 Darcy Teichroeb, PECConvention ‘16 Keven Lefebvre, PECElectrical Technical Council Darcy Teichroeb, PECFire Technical Council Joe DavisLabour Relations - Union Brian HalinaLabour Relations - Non-Union DJ CoppensLegislation Terry MilotMembership Steve WarholikNominations Kelly Wilde Bob Maslanko, PEC Les Dzwonkiewicz, PECPEC Clem Gratton, PECPublic Member Dennis Horrigan Hans TiedemannWays & Means Darrell Castor

WELCOME NEW MEMBERSRegular

BJD Electric (Lethbridge)Black Wolf Inspection Services (Edmonton)

Carvel Electric (Edmonton)Catalyst Power & Controls (Calgary)

D-Com Electric & Communications (Lethbridge)Gridworks Energy Group (Edmonton)

Sable Electrical (Red Deer)Stellar Electrical Installations (Edmonton)

Voltel Electric (Black Diamond)Ridge Electric (Lethbridge)

AssociateChromalox Inc (Edmonton)Milwaukee Tool (Edmonton)

CONGRATULATIONS NEW PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICAL

CONTRACTORS (PEC’S)

David Kavanagh, PEC #288David Doel, PEC #289

The Contactor

The Contactor is the official publication of the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta. We welcome articles and paid advertisements.

Contact:Sheri McLean, CAE Executive Director/RegistrarElectrical Contractors Association of Alberta17725 - 103 AvenueEdmonton, AB T5S 1N8www.ecaa.ab.ca or like us on FacebookPh: 780-451-2412 or 1-800-252-9375email: smclean@ecaa.ab.ca

website: www.ecaa.ab.ca

Board of Directors