Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and Collaboration at EFC’s 2025 Conference in Niagara

By Luc Rodier, Chair of the Board of Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)

The 2025 EFC Conference in Niagara was a landmark occasion—marking 30 years of innovation, collaboration, and collective progress in the Canadian electrical industry. Set against the symbolic backdrop of the Canadian-U.S. border, this year’s theme, Electrifying Connections, couldn’t have been more fitting.

As President and CEO of Guillevin International, and now Chair of Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), I am deeply honoured and humbled to serve this industry. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude for the trust placed in me. It’s a responsibility I take very seriously.

This 30th anniversary is also a time to recognize the many leaders and past chairs who have shaped EFC over the years. Their dedication has helped build the strong foundation on which we continue to grow. We were thrilled to have many of them join us during the conference.

A Changing World, A Stronger Voice

In the last five years, we’ve experienced more global disruptions and shifting geopolitical forces than ever before. These rapid changes have only underscored the importance of industry unity and advocacy. When traditional allies become uncertain partners, a strong, coordinated voice becomes not just valuable—but essential.

That’s why the EFC Board’s decision to invest strategically in government relations four years ago has proven to be both timely and impactful. Today, EFC is recognized by the Canadian government as a trusted advisor on the energy transition. Our work is always rooted in solid research and delivered through a non-partisan, credible approach.

We continue to push for policies that prioritize Canadian prosperity, from advocating for favourable industrial financing to addressing supply chain constraints around critical materials. Building on our success in Ontario, we’ve launched government relations efforts in Quebec and plan to expand westward as opportunities arise.

Investing in the Future

EFC’s continued investment and responsible management have also empowered us to advance research and continue our HR initiatives with talent attraction programs. These efforts are vital to bringing new, bright minds into our industry and supporting existing members with tools like our Industry Playbooks and resources on cybersecurity.

Thanks to the exceptional work of our team and the quality of our insights, the EFC brand has never been stronger.

Thought Leadership for a Complex Era

This year’s conference featured an outstanding lineup of speakers offering deep insight into today’s volatile political and economic climate. We heard from Estelle Metayer on competitive intelligence, Don Drummond on economic trends, Nick Nanos on Canadian public sentiment, and Janice Stein on global politics. Each brought valuable perspectives that sparked critical thinking and conversation among our members.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges facing us, there’s never been a more exciting time to be in the electrical industry. Electrification is not a trend—it’s the foundation of our future. From industrial automation to e-mobility, from data centers to AI, our sector is at the core of progress.

EFC is your association. Its strength is a direct reflection of your engagement. Now more than ever, we need you to be involved, to contribute, and to lead.

Thank you for being a part of this year’s conference—and here’s to shaping the next 30 years together.

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