Issue # 12 March 2011
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Greetings!
It may not seem as so, but winter is quickly coming to an end. Soon enough, we'll be able to put away the winter wear and snow tires, and start planning for the long, summer days that are just around the corner. With the ESC conference fast approaching and the 2011 Labour Market Information Study underway, the Council has been too busy to even think about the cold weather!
As you may be aware, I have been on the ESC's Board of Directors since its inception in 2005 and have recently accepted the role of Chair. Having seen firsthand the substantial growth of the Council, I strongly believe in the work that is undertaken and can attest to the value it brings to the industry. The research and tools created through these important initiatives stem from industry voices, and that is why the role of the Council is so critical. We bring together
 | | 2009 Bright Futures in Canada Conference |
key people from and associated with the industry, listen to their concerns and challenges, and run full-force towards finding solutions.
This newsletter will feature up-to-date information on the upcoming 2011 Bright Futures in Canada Conference. Find out about new speakers brought on board, group discounts available, and an exciting chance to win a great weekend getaway if you register by March 31. Join me at the conference to network with your peers and bring back a wealth of useful tools and ideas to your job and your colleagues.
Another important ESC initiative, the 2011 Labour Market Information Study, is currently underway and we are asking for your help in completing the survey. This updated data will provide industry with information on the most current statistics impacting the sector and the subsequent implications and issues for the labour supply-demand gap. I strongly encourage you all to take time to help with this survey. See how you can participate under the Projects section of this newsletter.
Please feel free to get in touch with the Council with any questions or suggestions you may have, and visit their website for regular project updates. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and join our Facebook group.
I look forward to seeing you all at the Conference in May!
Sincerely,
Norm Fraser
Chair, Electricity Sector Council Board of Directors
Chief Operating Officer, Hydro Ottawa Limited
Hydro Ottawa Limited is the third largest municipal electricity distribution company in the province of Ontario, and is responsible for the safe, reliable delivery of electricity to more than 296,000 residential and business customers in the City of Ottawa and the village of Casselman. As a community company, Hydro Ottawa is committed to delivering value to its customers by providing reliable service at competitive rates. Hydro Ottawa also plays an important role in promoting energy conservation in our community.
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Feature Projects
2011 Labour Market Information - Your participation is needed!
One of the most critical research activities the Council takes on is its Labour Market Information (LMI) studies. ESC is currently undertaking a
comprehensive survey with industry stakeholders. The employer survey collects information about the number of employees by occupation group; areas of expected growth; estimates on future retirements, vacancies, separation rates; and, recruitment issues/plans. Conducted by Prism Economics and Analysis on ESC's behalf, the survey itself will take some time to complete, and depending on the nature of the records your organization keeps and the availability, should take approximately a half day.
It is critical that we obtain input from as many stakeholders as possible in order to ensure accurate data and representation from all in the sector. Please ensure your organization is included! For more information and to learn more about the benefits of participating, please contact Leigh-Anne at info@brightfutures.ca or 613-235-5540 ext. 237.
Visit the 2008 LMI Website here.
Register NOW for the 2011 Bright Futures in Canada Conference "Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Workforce"
The 2011 Bright Futures in Canada Conference is taking place from May 24-26 at the InterContinental Toronto Centre Hotel. This is the national event dedicated to the workforce of YOUR industry and is attended by employers, labour, education, and government representatives working for and with the sector. With the theme of "Innovative Solutions for a
Sustainable Workforce", the conference will provide you with practical and innovative solutions to help overcome your current and future workforce challenges.
Hear from Ontario's Minister of Energy, the Honourable Brad Duguid, speak to Ontario's electricity and renewable energy industry and, more specifically, the implementation of the Green Energy Act. Be inspired and motivated by Dr. Nick Bontis, Leading Strategy & Management Expert, at the banquet dinner. Listen to John Beaucage, CEO of Lake Huron Anishinabek Transmission Company, speak on developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal communities and engaging youth.
This year's sessions are all about finding solutions to your challenges!
Workforce Planning: Learn about best practices in Knowledge Management and hear the most current workforce planning data.
Training and Learning Development: Collaborate with your peers on training operations and capacity.
Attraction and Recruitment: Hear how to build diversity in your workplace through the engagement of Aboriginal peoples.
Building Bright Green Futures: Hear about the challenges and opportunities that exist within the renewable energy sub-sectors.
Register by March 31st to be entered in a draw to WIN a prize package from Tourism Toronto:
-Accommodations for two nights stay for two people at the Marriott Bloor Yorkville
-Lunch or Dinner for two at Hard Rock Café
-Complimentary Admission for two for a Hippo Tour (90 minute sightseeing tour of Toronto on land and water)
-Free neighbourhood visit for six with a TAP into TO! Greeter
Great sponsorship opportunities are still available!
Gain company recognition and help make this event a success by joining a roster of high-profile partner organizations. Click here to see the sponsorship package. We thank our current partners for their support. If you would like to become a sponsor, please contact Julianne Robicheau at 613-235-5540 ext. 238 or by email at info@brightfutures.ca.
Visit the Bright Futures in Canada Conference Website HERE and Register HERE.
New ESC Project Aimed at Developing National Strategy to Support and Enhance Powerline Technician Refresher Training
One of the Council's new initiatives, Supporting Powerline Trade Development, is taking an in-depth look at the ongoing skills development and training programs available to post-journey Powerline workers. The first step will be to conduct a national needs/gap assessment consultation and diagnostic study into the skills needed for post-journey training. Web-based employer tools and resources will then be developed to support the training. This project is intended to support and enhance the work of the line trade as it moves through a period of extensive technological change and growth in electrical grid operations. Effective ongoing training directly impacts a Powerline Technician's ability to do their job safely and learn these new technologies more effectively. An additional objective of this project is to provide a pan-Canadian perspective on two key associated support roles to the trade: Cable Splicer and Utilities Arborist. This will be accomplished through the development of occupational standards and associated essential skills profiles. Please contact us if you would like further information on this project, or if you are interested in participating during the consultation phase starting this fall. Consultations will be held across Canada in order to identify regional differences in post-journey Powerline refresher training, needs/gaps by region, and best practices.
Aboriginal Workforce Participation Initiative (AWPI): More Camps Set to Engage Youth and New Electrical Orientation Program for Adults ESC hosted an Aboriginal Youth Camp in Saugeen, Ontario from 
March 14-18. Aboriginal youth discovered how electricity works by engaging in fun and hands-on activities. Children aged 9 to 13 learned everything from how electricity and renewable energy is created to where it goes and what it's used for, be it heating their home or allowing them to watch their favourite TV show. Fun and interactive activities with an ever-present educational message allowed the girls and boys to learn about the industry and how they can be a part of it someday. They built Lego solar cars, lit up light bulbs using a bicycle generator, created toys that work using circuit boards, and much more. Another camp is scheduled for the end of May in Croker, Ontario. Click here to learn about previous youth camps. As reported in the last newsletter, the other pilot project developed by the ESC takes the form of a pre-apprenticeship program. Our Electrical Trades Orientation Program started January 10th and will run for 14 weeks. The program will expose students to a variety of soft skills such as career planning, job search skills, workplace essential skills as well as subjects like safety, first aid, and fall protection. The main focus of the program will give participants basic technical knowledge and hands-on skills in the following areas: Power Line Technician, Industrial Electrician, Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) and Power Systems Operator. The program is being offered at the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Campus of the College of the North Atlantic in partnership with the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership (LATP) and Nalcor Energy.  | | Critical to the Industry: Safety Training |
"Since we had an opportunity to visit and speak with the apprentices in class, they already have a better understanding of some of the programs... things they weren't aware of before. It gave them a better appreciation for the options that are available to them and since they had a firsthand experience of the programs, it made it more real for them. They are so appreciative of the opportunity provided for them, it is nice to be a
part of this learning experience, and to actually see it in progression is even more gratifying." - Keith Jacque, Executive Director, Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership (LATP) Want to know more about AWPI? The project will be featured at our Bright Futures in Canada Conference during the session on Attraction and Recruitment!
Update on the Training and Learning Development Project Following the survey with industry trainers, a compilation of training 
profiles, and additional research around training trends, ESC is now working on developing a strategic framework for industry action. This will include practical and tactical recommendations to support the internal training function in our industry. Join us at the Training and Learning Development session at the Bright Futures in Canada Conference to learn more and provide input into the final strategic recommendations for the industry.
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Industry News
Energy Council of Canada Energy Forum to take Place April 7th in Vancouver, BC
The Energy Council of Canada's series of Energy Forums provide views of national and regional approaches to strategy and policy development in the energy sector. In this continuing series, the next Energy Council of Canada Energy Forum is set for April 7th, 2011 in Vancouver and will be comprised of two panels. The first panel will focus upon Natural Resource and Energy Development in a Modern Economy; Responding to a changing government scene, economic factors and a diverse industry will the basis for this panel presentation. The second panel will focus upon British Columbia Energy as a "Platform for Trade". Registration is now open!
Please click here for full programme & details.
ESC Board Member Took to the Radio to Speak on Canadian Energy Infrastructure Canadian Electricity Association's Vice President of Policy and 
Development Francis Bradley, who is also an ESC Board member, appeared on CBC Radio One's The Current. The Special Report focused on Canadian Energy Infrastructure. You can hear him speak at 01:20 minutes into the audio clip. Click here to access the podcast. CanWEA Reports that Wind Energy Has Increased Contribution to Ontario's Electricity Supply The Canadian Wind Energy Associating (CanWEA) reported that wind energy is increasing its contribution to Ontario's electricity supply, and that energy production from wind was approximately 6 per cent of total Ontario supply on February 14 - compared to 1.5 per cent from coal. "Wind energy is making a significant and growing contribution to Ontario's electricity supply as well as bringing jobs and economic opportunities to the province," says Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) president Robert Hornung. "With approximately 700 turbines now operating in Ontario, the wind energy industry is creating new 'green jobs' for Ontario's manufacturing sector at a time when job losses are almost every day news. Wind energy will play an even greater role powering the province through the government's Long-Term Energy Plan." Read the press release here. Rosemarie Leclair Nominated as Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Energy Board Rosemarie Leclair has been nominated as Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). She is currently President and CEO of the Hydro Ottawa Group of Companies, and joined them in May 2005. Her appointment as Chair and CEO of OEB is subject to review by the Standing Committee on Government Agencies. Ms. Leclair has twice been named one of Canada's 100 most powerful women (most recently in 2010) by the Women's Executive Network. Read the Minister of Energy's statement here.
If you have any industry news you'd like to see here, please contact us at (613)235-5540, or email us at info@brightfutures.ca.
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Career Focus Initiative Showcase
Company Name:
Rideau St. Lawrence Utilities Inc. (RSL)
Graduate Hired: Tyler Rennick was hired in 2009 as a 2nd Level Apprentice Lineman. He will be attending the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association Level 3 training from March 28th until April 8th, 2011. Tyler is an excellent employee, and is expected to complete his 4th level of training in 2012 and become a fully qualified Journeyman Lineman.
Supervisor: John Biccum, Operations Manager
Allan Beckstead, Chief Financial Officer, answered a few questions:
How did you hear about Career Focus? RSL was informed of the program by the Electricity Sector Council's E-newsletter which we're subscribed to. Was the process of getting involved easy, and would you recommend it to other companies that might be interested? The process of getting involved was easy; we have recommended it to other organizations and will continue to do so. How has the program been beneficial to both the employee and the company? Prior to hiring Tyler, our lineman demographics were similar to the Industry, in that the average age of our Operations Department was approaching 52 years of age. With the Career Focus Initiative, we have  | | Tyler Rennick and John Biccum |
been able to address two needs at the same time: We have been able to replace retiring employees, and we have been able to afford to replace them with younger people who have completed the Cambrian College Two Year Power Lineman Technician Program. Career Focus covers part of the cost of the employee while they are in training. Our Operations Manager passed away last year and John Biccum was promoted to replace him. The net result is that we are again short one employee. RSL will be submitting another application to the ESC. This program assists us in hiring local Cambrian College graduates, and it also creates an opportunity for employment to those graduates. As a small organization, this type of assistance is especially important to us.
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| Contact Us
Address: 130 Slater Street, Suite 600
Ottawa, ON K1P 6E2
Phone: (613) 235-5540
Fax: (613) 235-6922
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Upcoming Events
April 7, 2011
Vancouver, BC
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In Our Next Issue NEWS... ESC project updates
PLUS... Highlights from ESC's 2011 Bright Futures in Canada Conference AND... New feature volunteer and Career Focus highlight
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