Close-Knit Canadians

CECA members communicate well, work hard on association projects and know how to party.

by Catharine Bothwell

The Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) has a long history that started in 1972 (ELEVATOR WORLD, August 2018). Labor problems in the elevator industry brought together several independent elevator contractors in Montreal, who shared their concerns and decided to incorporate CECA as a nonprofit trade association. It was felt that the formation of a trade association would strengthen the position of the independent elevator contractors in presenting their case to government.

EW was there to support CECA from the beginning. With the assistance of the magazine’s founder William C. Sturgeon, its first convention was hosted in 1975 in Toronto, where CECA accepted its initial 32 members and formed its constitution. We are grateful for the long and positive relationship CECA and EW have enjoyed ever since.

Fast-forward almost 50 years, and CECA is still thriving. Our organization has blossomed to more than 250 members, including union, nonunion, independent and multinational elevator contractors, as well as suppliers and other industry-minded members from not only North America, but also from other countries around the world. While we still actively engage in government lobbying efforts, each year, we strive to increase benefits and corporate discounts for our members.

Some of our recent accomplishments include CECA’s widely accepted maintenance control program (MCP) document and logbooks, which are available in versions for the 2013, 2016 and soon-to-be released 2019 codes. This document was developed by contractor members representing many companies working together and committing their time. The newest editions have been modified to allow for additional provincial requirements and have been sent to AHJs across Canada for their review and input. We have also worked with the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities to develop an apprenticeship program for elevator technicians and education standards.

CECA members are passionate and often come together to help each other and volunteer for the betterment of the industry. This camaraderie was on full display during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CECA has also developed a standardized maintenance contract and scholarship fund. Our regions (Western, Eastern and Central) hold regularly scheduled member meetings to solve regional industry issues. CECA continues to work hard to foster and maintain a positive relationship with all AHJs in each region.

CECA is working on several exciting projects we hope to launch soon. We are working with our members to procure information for an easily accessible library for maintenance procedures as required in the MCP. Once completed, this database will be available to all members. We are also developing a standard for private-residence elevators, working together with the National Association of Elevator Contractors and Elevator World, Inc. to update and add Canadian code content to the Certified Accessibility and Private-Residence Lift Technician (CAT®) education and certification program. A permit program and website that includes homeowner elevator safety training will be launched soon. We have also formed a subcommitte for construction hoists, which has established and been approved for mechanics’ license training. The hoist committee is also working on updating and modifying the code for these devices. It has not been updated since 1987.

CECA members are passionate and often come together to help each other and volunteer for the betterment of the industry. This camaraderie was on full display during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which members took full advantage of the Basecamp website CECA opened and operates to allow for real-time information sharing and support for all members. When we meet in person, we appreciate networking with each other, enjoying supplier presentations and forming new bonds and friendships. Our conventions have that cozy Canadian feeling, and we enjoy cramming together in our notorious “Hospitality Suite.”

While we will miss traveling to Houston for the United 2020 show, we always enjoy seeing our United friends and look forward to catching up with everyone virtually in September. Our upcoming CECA events include the CECA Golf Classic on September 24 just north of Toronto and our CECA Halifax Convention, set for May 31-June 3, 2021. For more information, visit our website at www.ceca-acea.org or email us at office@ceca-acea.org.