Electrical Safety Authority and Proof Strategies Reveal the Truth About Unlicensed Electricians with Award-Winning Safety Campaign

ESA

June 18, 2024

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and Proof Strategies have received seven awards from the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), including 2024 ACE Best Creative Campaign, for the outstanding “Don’t Risk It” campaign. The campaign raises awareness of the risks of unlicensed electrical work.

ESA engaged Proof Strategies to develop the integrated communications campaign, targeting the most at-risk city centres and populations in Ontario in both English and Punjabi, to educate homeowners on the importance of hiring Licensed Electrical Contractors (LECs) who file an electrical permit. The campaign delivered exceptional reach and positive response, driving a 41 per cent increase in year-over-year usage of ESA’s contractor look-up tool. Those who saw the campaign were two times as likely to be familiar with the need to hire an LEC.

“Preventing electrical harm is our top priority at ESA, and this campaign is a shining example of how we educate Ontarians to keep them safe,” said Josie Erzetic, President and CEO, Electrical Safety Authority. “We’re honoured to be recognized by CPRS and immensely proud of the creativity and insight that went into this campaign. The real winners are Ontarians who increasingly make the right decision to work with Licensed Electrical Contractors.”  

Josie Erzetic, President and CEO, Electrical Safety Authority
“Don’t Risk It” earned recognition at the 2024 CPRS ACE Awards gala in Toronto in the following categories:
  • Best Creative Campaign
  • GOLD – Digital Communications Campaign of the Year
  • SILVER – Marketing Communications Campaign of the Year
  • SILVER – Best CSR or Cause-Related Campaign
The campaign also shone at the 2024 CPRS Awards of Excellence national conference gala in Mont Tremblant, Quebec:
  • GOLD – Best Non-Profit Campaign
  • BRONZE – Best Integrated Campaign
  • BRONZE – Canadian Marketing Communications Campaign of the Year

“These awards demonstrate a true partnership focused on results,” said Vanessa Eaton, President, Proof Strategies. “It is through this kind of breakthrough, strategic work that we can effectively earn attention and create impact. We’re proud to support ESA’s important mission of keeping Ontarians safe from electrical harm.”

To find a Licensed Electrical Contractor near you, visit HireLicensed.ca, and learn more about the campaign here

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Mac’s II Agencies Re-Envisions EV Charging Solutions with Two Leading Brands

    Mac’s II Agencies Re-Envisions EV Charging Solutions with Two Leading Brands

    April 9, 2026 Mac’s II Agencies has announced a strategic revision of its electric vehicle charging portfolio with the addition of Wallbox, and an expanded partnership with RVE. These partnerships position Mac’s II Agencies to deliver end-to-end EV charging solutions for residential developments and commercial applications throughout British Columbia and Yukon in a whole new way. Since Read More…

  • EB Horsman Introduces New Lower Mainland District Manager

    EB Horsman Introduces New Lower Mainland District Manager

    April 9, 2026 EB Horsman is pleased to announce the appointment of Shane Smith as Lower Mainland District Manager, effective April 1, 2026. With nearly two decades of experience at EB Horsman & Son, Shane has built a strong foundation across multiple areas of the business. Since joining the company in 2007, he has progressed Read More…

  • Nominations are Open for NETCO 2026 Leadership Excellence Award

    Nominations are Open for NETCO 2026 Leadership Excellence Award

    April 9, 2026 NETCO is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Leadership Excellence Award. Established in 2016, this national award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to apprenticeship training and continuing electrical training across Canada. The recipient is honoured annually at the NETCO National Training Conference. NETCO are seeking nominations for Read More…

  • Bartle & Gibson Announces New Partnership with Eaton

    Bartle & Gibson Announces New Partnership with Eaton

    April 9, 2026 Bartle & Gibson Co. Ltd., an Alberta-based premier distributor of plumbing, heating, and electrical products, and Eaton Industries (Canada) Company have announced a new regional partnership that expands access to Eaton’s electrical solutions across Western Canada. This agreement enables customers throughout the Western provinces to procure a broad range of Eaton products, Read More…