Apr 17, 2017
By Michelle Branigan
Last fall we reached out to industry ask for their thoughts and concerns in relation to the Government of Canada’s proposed legislation on the legalization of recreational marijuana. Below you’ll find the results of that survey.
Probably one of the most surprising findings was that 87% of the employers who responded do not have a formal written policy in place that speaks to the use of medical marijuana in the workplace. Another was the reliance on word of mouth to inform employees about the company’s policy on marijuana use — with only 24% getting the “official” perspective during their onboarding.
Under legislation tabled last Thursday, the Liberals would set a minimum age of 18 to buy pot but will allow provinces to up the legal age if they feel the wish to do so. It would also be up to provinces to decide how pot is bought and sold, and at what price.
Many companies will grapple with the idea of changing their policies as a result of the legalization, the tension between being supportive of employees with genuine medical requirements, and the potential liability if there is a workplace incident linked back to recreational use.
There could be roll-on effects as to how companies structure their benefit plans. Not all employers have covered medical marijuana in the past but that may need to be revisited, and cases are already being tested in the courts. Last fall a human rights board ruling in Nova Scotia determined that a man’s insurer must cover his medical marijuana: http://globalnews.ca/news/3224079/insurer-must-cover-ns-mans-medical-marijuana-human-rights-board/.
Some companies are already making moves to address changes. Shopper’s Drug Mart announced on March 31 that it will be offering roughly 45,000 employees coverage of medical marijuana. Employees will be covered to a maximum of $1,500 annually, however only for specific medical conditions that must be authorized by the insurer: spasticity and neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis, and nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
“We regularly review our benefit plans to ensure they continue to meet the needs of our employees while also adapting to changes in the area of drug therapies” said a spokesman for the company.
All employers aim to provide a safe workplace, and the electricity industry has always put this culture at the forefront of everything they do. Employers need to take time now to update their alcohol and drug policies, and ensure they are clear and easily understood. Then they need to ensure that all employees are actually aware of the policy. Communication is key and presuming that everyone in the organization is aware of the company’s stance is, as we’ve seen above, misguided.
Those employees who work in safety sensitive jobs may need to restrict their use of cannabis to be able to function safely, and also respect their co-workers rights. Employees using recreational marijuana also need to understand the short and log terms effects of THC, and how its use outside of work could impact their ability to do their job in a safe manner.
Michelle Branigan is CEO Electricity Human Resources Canada.
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2021 Canadian Electrical Code Overview of Changes
CSA C22.1:21, Canadian Electrical Code, Part I contains many updates and changes that are potentially significant to electrical professionals. This online, self-guided course provides the key changes and impacts to the industry presented in an easy-to-follow format.
Designed for professionals with a good working knowledge of the Code and who solely need the key changes including general updates or those made for clarification, safety, and new products and systems. Key changes due to Rule relocation or deletion are also noted.
This course may help save valuable time to help keep electrical projects safe and in compliance. This training is developed with input from a broad cross-section of electrical industry experts and with cooperation from all provinces, territories and several key jurisdictions across Canada.
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The federal governemnt has officially launched a call for proposals (CFP) for the Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI). The initiative’s 2022 CFP will help fund new and innovative projects that aim to increase awareness and knowledge of ZEVs and charging and refueling infrastructure thereby increasing public confidence in these vehicles and their economic and environmental benefits.
Natural Resources Canada will provide funding through non-repayable contributions of between 50 and 75 percent of the total eligible project costs, with a maximum funding of up to $300,000 per project. The CFP will close on August 18, 2022.
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ETIM North America announced that OmniCable has joined the product classification standards organization. Headquartered in West Chester, PA, OmniCable has 24 locations throughout North America, and also owns Houston Wire & Cable (HWC). The company partners with many electrical manufacturers and only sells to distributors.
According to John Dean, Director of Marketing & E-Commerce, OmniCable/HWC, “The wire and cable industry is often called commodities, but there are very distinct features and attributes for the different products our manufacturers produce.
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Atkore Inc. announced that it has acquired United Poly Systems, a manufacturer of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pressure pipe and conduit, primarily serving telecom, water infrastructure, renewables, and energy markets.
“We are pleased to complete the acquisition of United Poly Systems, which strengthens Atkore’s product portfolio, expands our manufacturing capacity and further enables us to meet HDPE customers’ needs,” stated John Pregenzer, President of Atkore’s Electrical business. “HDPE pipe and conduit is a growing market that is expected to benefit from U.S. infrastructure legislation, and United Poly Systems is a great addition to Atkore. We welcome these employees and look forward to working together to continue to serve and support our customers.”
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Have you ever been called to fix the work of a 'handyman'?
"Was supposedly done by a"certified ' electrician....told the homeowner that he got a $266 permit....no record at TSBC. Can you count the deficiencies?"
"There is a second panel change in the triplex also.......even more deficiencies. Think the guy was a glorified handyman. Ones not obvious: 240 BB heat hooked up 120....drier on 2p20....range on 2p50....water heater fed with 2c14 Bx on 2p15."
Go HERE to join the discussion
Grimard is more competitive and produces estimates 3X faster with Procore

When the pandemic lockdowns started in March of 2020, Grimard (an electrical contractor) had to decide whether to shut down its operations entirely or implement a new platform with people who were now freely available for work. Once they implemented Procore, they found a way to efficiently communicate with stakeholders and offer full transparency in terms of project costs and planning. It also allowed Grimard to utilize historical data to make project estimates more accurate. Grimard was able to streamline its bidding process, which made it more attractive to potential clients and helped the business grow.
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The RenuWell Project partners are excited to announce the groundbreaking of two pilot sites located near Taber, Alberta. These pilot sites are the first of their kind to repurpose inactive oil and gas infrastructure as a foundation for renewable energy development and job creation.
When operating, the solar projects will generate 2,030 MWh annually – enough electricity to power 280 average Alberta households or irrigate 11,700 acres of farmland for an average year. This is roughly equivalent to $200,000 in electricity sales per year with 1,100 tCO2e savings in GHG emissions. Over a 25-year lifespan, the projects will generate 50,750 MWh, with GHG emission savings of 28,420 tCO2e.
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By Elle Bremmer
Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with David O’Reilly, Vice President Home & Distribution and Secure Power Divisions with Schneider Electric Canada for a discussion regarding the Wiser EnergyTM smart home solution, the Wiser Approved training program, and his thoughts on several different subjects, including sustainability and future technologies currently in the works at Schneider Electric. David has been with the company for five and a half years in his role.
We recently published a study (version en français ICI) from Schneider Electric showing a strong interest from Canadians in smart home technology.
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Ericson announces upgraded versions of their extremely capable line of Industrial String Lights and SL, LED Stringlights. These new and updated products have several key features important when safe, code compliant lighting for industrial workspace is necessary.
Infinitely capable, these ruggedly built products have several industry leading & exclusive features including:
Industrial String Lights:
- A United States Navy Specification since before WWII, they’re time and application tested...
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Intermatic Incorporated announced its new P40000 Series Load Centers, a set of next-generation panels for pool-only applications, as well as its new PE24GVA 24-Volt Valve Actuator, an easy-to-install valve actuator that allows for tool-free cam adjustments. Both solutions remove obstacles for pool service professionals while delivering lasting performance.
“Intermatic load centers and valve actuators have been the preferred choice of pool professionals for more than 30 years,” says Brian Lamberty, product marketing manager at Intermatic. “The PE24GVA and P40000 Series build on that tradition, helping pool professionals streamline service calls while setting the standard for quality and performance.”
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Klein Tools introduces new Stand-up Zipper Bags, in a 2-Pack with 7-Inch and 14-Inch sizes, both designed to handle tough jobsite conditions and stand up so tools and small parts can be easily accessed when working.
Stand-up Zipper Bags, 7-Inch and 14-Inch, 2-Pack (Cat. No. 55559)
- Perfect for storing pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, drill bits and other small tools and parts
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To help safeguard employees from electrocution, Emerson has launched its Appleton™ Powertite™ Lock Collar, a device that fastens over plug and connector connections and is secured with a padlock, preventing unauthorized personal from disconnecting the cable connection once in place.
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Copper $US Dollar price per pound