January 11, 2022 – The Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO) has joined U.S.-based National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) as its 119th full Chapter, reports NECA.

“This new alliance with NECA is an amazing opportunity for ECAO electrical contractor members,” said Graeme Aitken, ECAO executive director. “NECA’s vast educational and training offerings, along with their strong industry research capabilities will be an asset for our members.”

The video below presents some excerpts from a NECA Podcast, in which Graeme Aitken, ECAO executive director, and NECA CEO David Long, present some of the highlights of this new partnership.

This marks the first NECA International Chapter that has become a full Chapter of NECA, says the association, thereby connecting over 500 Ontario electrical construction firms with the entirety of NECA’s benefits and services.

Unionized electrical contractors in both the U.S. and Ontario share many of the same industry challenges, Aitken continued, “and we believe that working together with NECA will strengthen ECAO members in meeting these challenges.”

This partnership marks a “landmark moment in the electrical construction industry”, says NECA, as it expands its reach and membership beyond U.S. borders.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be adding [ECAO] as the latest International Chapter of NECA, which offers the single-largest influx of new members that NECA has ever seen,” said David Long, NECA CEO. “This is going to be a long-lasting, fruitful partnership that will benefit both our current members, and the hundreds of new members joining our ranks this month.”

Based in Toronto, ECAO was founded in 1948 to serve and represent the interests of Ontario’s unionized electrical contractors. Its members are in a contractual relationship with the IBEW.

NECA’s national office is located in Washington, D.C., serving 119 local chapters and their members through advocacy, education, events, research and standards development.