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Who We Are
 The
Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario was founded
in 1948 to serve and represent the interests of the electrical
contracting industry. Over its history, ECAO has been committed
to addressing the needs of the industry by providing a variety
of services directly to the membership, and by making representations
on behalf of the entire industry to government and industry
colleagues. Its success has been due to the support and active
participation of the industry.
ECAO represents only bona fide electrical contractors with
a contractual relationship with the International Brotherhood
of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Contractors that qualify may
have their dues paid through an area Electrical Contractors
Association (ECA). There are presently 13 Area ECA's which
are affiliated with ECAO. Contractors that do not qualify
for area ECA membership may be members on an individual basis
directly with ECAO.
What We Do
Industry Relations
In order to pursue the interests of electrical contractors
with industry colleagues, ECAO is a member of the following
groups:
- Canadian Electrical Contractors Association
- Ontario Joint Standard Practices Committee
- Construction Bid Depository of Ontario
On matters of national concern to electrical contractors,
ECAO works with the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association
(CECA). CECA has representation on the Board of Directors
of the Canadian Standards Association, plus the Part I and
Part II of Committees of the Canadian Electrical Code. CECA
is also a member of the Canadian Construction Association
and is an active member of its Trade Contractors Council.
CECA is the first international chapter of the National Electrical
Contractors Association (NECA) in the US. Through this affiliation,
ECAO members have access to NECA publications and materials.
ECAO is also actively involved in the development of standard
practices that are in the best interests of electrical contractors.
It is a member of the Ontario Joint Standard Practices Committee,
which provides a forum for electrical, mechanical, general
and steel contractors, plus architects, engineers and specification
writers, to achieve equitable solutions to problems facing
various segments of the industry. Over the years, it has produced
a number of agreed items.
ECAO also supports the use of Standard Depository Rules in
order to protect the sanctity of bids, and is an active member
of the Construction Bid Depository of Ontario.
Government Relations
ECAO advocates the interests of electrical contractors to
government through the following groups:
- Council of Ontario Construction Associations
- Provincial Advisory Committee for the Construction and
Maintenance Electrician
- Electrical Contractor Registration Agency (ECRA) for Master
Electrician and Electrical Contractor Licensing.
ECAO is a founding member of the Council of Ontario Construction
Associations (COCA) formed to act as a lobby group on behalf
of the entire construction industry to the provincial government.
On issues such as workers' compensation and occupational health
and safety, ECAO actively works through COCA to represent
the interests of electrical contractors.
 Throughout
its history, ECAO has been involved in the certification of
electricians and licensing of contractors. Since the introduction
of the Apprenticeship and Tradesmen Qualification Act in 1965,
ECAO has represented management on the Provincial Advisory
Committee, which advises the Ministry of Training, Colleges
and Universities (MTCU).
Through the Electrical Contractor Registration Agency, ECAO
is a strong advocate of the licensing of electrical contractors
on the basis of passing a master electrician examination. ECRA,
now an agency of the Electrical Safety Authority, licenses master
electricians and electrical contractors. It also creates the
master electrician examination. Labour Relations
The responsibility for all labour relations matters rests
exclusively with the Electrical Trade Bargaining Agency (ETBA).
The ETBA is the designated employer representative for labour
negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers. The ETBA is comprised of representatives from the
ECAO Line Contractors Committee, the Industrial Contractors
Association, Electrical Power Systems Construction Association
(EPSCA), and representatives from each area ECA. Each of these
organizations is responsible for appointing one representative
to participate in the ETBA.
The ETBA pursues the interest of electrical contractors through
the following groups:
- Electrical Trade Joint Board (ETJB)
- Joint Electrical Promotion Plan (JEPP)
- Quality ConnectionTM
- Ontario Construction Secretariat
- Ontario Construction User's Council
- Electrical & Utilities Safety Association
- Construction Safety Association of Ontario
- Ontario Labour Relations Board
Member Services
ECAO makes available a variety of products and services,
including courses, publications and access to group purchase
plans (to its members only). For more information about these
member services, contact ECAO or consult the Member
Services section of the ECAO website.
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