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

  • Mastering Advanced Bidding Strategies in Electrical Contracting

    Mastering Advanced Bidding Strategies in Electrical Contracting

    December 1, 2025 By Melvin Newman, Patabid CEO & Ian Paterson, Patabid Client Success Manager and journeyman electrician with 30+ years of experience In the competitive world of electrical contracting, knowing how to estimate electrical jobs effectively can make the difference between winning profitable projects and watching opportunities slip away. For electrical contractors, mastering advanced… Read More…

  • Why Choosing the Right USB Charger Matters

    Why Choosing the Right USB Charger Matters

    December 1, 2025 Not all USB Chargers are Created Equal As the number of devices used daily increases, so does the need for a charger that delivers safe speeds and maximum charging potential. A high-quality USB charger delivers efficient charging without risk of damage, but the sea of USB chargers and outlets available on online… Read More…

  • How Homebuilding Incentives Can Pay Off for Cities, Homeowners and Local Economies: New Concordia Study

    December 1, 2025 A new study from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business finds that improving housing affordability isn’t just a social good — it’s an economic growth opportunity. Build and Benefit: How Homebuilding Incentives Can Pay Off for Cities, Homeowners and Local Economies reframes housing policy reform as a sustainable fiscal growth strategy, demonstrating meaningful… Read More…

  • The Importance of HazLoc LED Lighting for Safe Workplaces

    The Importance of HazLoc LED Lighting for Safe Workplaces

    November 30, 2025 By CSC LED In Canada’s industrial lighting sector, one of the most critical yet often overlooked safety components is lighting designed specifically for hazardous locations, otherwise known as HazLoc (hazardous location) LED lighting. For workplaces dealing with flammable gases, vapours, combustible dust, or ignitable fibres, standard LED fixtures simply don’t cut it…. Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Skills Ontario Celebrates the Expansion of Trades & Tech Truck Program

    Skills Ontario Celebrates the Expansion of Trades & Tech Truck Program

    December 1, 2025 Skills Ontario is expanding its fleet of Trades & Tech mobile unit thanks to support from the Ontario Government. The government announced this morning it’s investment in Skills Ontario to expand experiential opportunities for Ontario’s future workforce.    “Ontario’s future relies on a strong, skilled workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration,… Read More…

  • BC’s Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement aims to Facilitate Interprovincial Trade

    BC’s Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement aims to Facilitate Interprovincial Trade

    December 1, 2025 A new agreement signed by all provinces, territories, and the federal government will break down interprovincial trade barriers, making it easier for B.C. businesses to sell products across Canada, and for people to buy Canadian-made goods.   “When threats to Canada’s economic security land at our doorstep, we’re at our best when we work together as… Read More…

  • EB Horsman’s Commitment to Giving Back – A Year in Recap 2024/2025

    EB Horsman’s Commitment to Giving Back – A Year in Recap 2024/2025

    December 1, 2025 EB Horsman Cares is the company’s community engagement program that supports local children’s hospitals, communities, and non-profit initiatives with donations, fundraising, volunteering, and scholarships.  Since 1993, BC Children’s Hospital has been the primary recipient of EB Horsman & Son’s fundraising. However, as EB Horsman has continued to expand its businesses across Western… Read More…

  • Build Canada Homes Introduces Policy Framework to Guide its Investments in Affordable Housing

    Build Canada Homes Introduces Policy Framework to Guide its Investments in Affordable Housing

    December 1, 2025 Central to that work, the Government of Canada is stepping up with the recently launched Build Canada Homes, new federal agency with a mandate to scale up the supply of affordable housing across Canada. Build Canada Homes will also help fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces,… Read More…