1922

On January 3, 1922, the first meeting was held to promote the formation of an Electric Home League, and on January 11, 1922 the Electric Service League of Ontario was incorporated under The Ontario Companies Act by Letters Patent.

1959

On August 20, 1959, the Electric Heating Association of Ontario, was incorporated under The Corporations Act, 1953 (Ontario) by Letters Patent

1966

On  April 1, 1966 the  Electric Service League of Ontario and The Electric Heating Association of Ontario amalgamated  as one Corporation under the name “The Ontario Electrical League” by Letters Patent dated June 20, 1966, under the Corporations Act (Ontario).

1967

1969

The First Annual Business Meeting was held in 1967, dissolving the Interim Board of Directors and electing a new Board, and in 1969 the Circle logo was created as our corporate symbol. 

1970s

Throughout the 1970s OEL introduced the Heat Loss Consultant Program, held its first Electrical Student Information Conference, established a member Group Health insurance offering, and launched the first issue of Dialogue as a 1 page double-sided news update.

1981

In 1981, the organization’s staff became totally in the employ of OEL to complete our status as an independent electrical association.  Previously OEL wasfinancially and otherwise supported by O.M.E.A and Ontario Hydro.  During the 1980s, OEL held the first ever Great Canadian Electric Car Rally, introduced a  Contractor Vehicle Award, and led the movement to lower the electrical apprentice to journeyperson ratio. 

1990s

Several “firsts” highlighted the 90s including creation of Ontario Electrical  Awareness Month,  hosting of the first Ontario Utility Forum, launching of the Electrical Apprenticeship Scholarship Program in memory of Bob Dyer, a long-time Board member, past Chair (1995) and former Metro West Chapter member , and gaining exclusive marketing rights for the Power of Electricity program for Grade 6 students  developed by London Hydro and OEL introduced the program to our corporate utility members across the province.  Our first website was launched and a ‘Corporate’ Contractor Membership category  was introduced to better address contractor needs and wants.

1993

The League’s designated contractors, on advice of the Contractors Committee,  worked with ECAO and Inspection to promote one system of licensing in the province

1996

The League’s designated contractors proposed an Electrical Contractors Licensing Board of Ontario to provide a provincial license to replace the current structure.

1996

In 1996, the position of OEL General Manager  was  replaced by President while the Board of Directors replace President with Chair

1997

The Board of Directors rewrote the Constitution to ensure all industry segments are represented on the Board

2001

OEL, ECAO and ESA established a new industry-working group to renew efforts for one system of licensing

2002

2003

In 2002, OEL’s Board of Directors began to move the League forward as a “Contractor” focussed organization.  In 2003 we introduced “Find a Contractor” to our website and during the same year, ESA’s Contractor Advisory Council was established in response to OEL’s request for a forum to raise contractor concerns and issues.

2004

On November 30^th, 2004 our work to establish one system of licensing reached fruition, as Bill 70 received royal assent enabling the establishment of a uniform system of province-wide contractor licensing.

2005

Our Government Relations and Contractor Committees challenged the undemocratic Bill 144 which permits card-based certification for construction industry and allows a union to be automatically installed without a vote if it gets 55% of employees to sign union cards.

2006

In 2006 the Government Relations Committee began a major lobby campaign to encourage  change to Apprenticeship ratios . 

2007

After waiting over 40 years for a single uniform contractor licensing system, OEL Contractors were able to apply for their first Provincial License.

2007

OEL contractors wrote to the Minister of Labour challenging the move to allow air conditioning mechanics to perform work normally done by certified and trained electricians. 

2008

OEL met Ministry of Government & Consumer Services staff regarding the change to ECRA structure and in 2009 OEL’s  President presented a challenge to Bill 183’s proposed College of Trades to members of the Standing Committee on Justice Policy at the Ontario Legislature. 

2009

In 2009, we held our first training session at the new OEL Training Facility thanks to our partnership with the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Institute and launched YASC-OEL  (Youth Apprenticeship Standards Council -Ontario Electrical League) employee link service.       

2010

In 2010 the Merit OpenShop Contractors Association partnered with OEL to offer the Merit Benefit Plans to  OEL members.

2010

Also in 2010 Constitution revisions recommended by the Constitution Review Committee, a sub-committee of the Contractor Committee, were approved at the Annual General Meeting and now provide greater representation of Contractors, with  51% of board membership.

2011

Ontario Electrical League becomes a sponsor of a summer outreach program for youth put on through a partnership between the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Institute and the City of Toronto providing young people with exposure to apprenticeships, trades and safety training.