Introducing the 2022 Electrical Industry Conference,  April 27-30, 2022 at The Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto!

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100 years.

On January 11, 1922, the Ontario Electrical League was born. Known as the Electric Home League at the time, the organization primarily focused on the use of electricity in the home and was the birthplace of the Red Seal in 1923 – a pioneering symbol of reliability in residential wiring, predating the Canadian Electrical Code.

Decades of growth, leadership and development has shaped the OEL into the organization it is today. From single province-wide contractor licensing to ratio reform, the OEL has moved forward by leaps and bounds to ensure that safety, education and advocacy continue to be the pillars of our focus.

This year, we'll be celebrating our 100th anniversary at our 2022 Electrical Industry Conference, taking place April 27-30, 2022 at the Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto. To all past and current members, committees, industry partners and conference attendees, we thank you for being part of our organization and allowing us to proudly serve you over these many years.

#OEL100

Agenda

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Wednesday Evening – April 27, 2022

8 p.m. - 11 p.m. / Welcome Reception in Sovereign Ballroom (Lobby Level)

Thursday Morning – April 28, 2022

7 a.m. / Hot Breakfast Buffet in the Crystal Ballroom (17th Floor)

8 a.m.

• Introduction of the Master of Ceremonies, Bruce Bell
• Introductions and Welcome with OEL President Stephen Sell, OEL’s Chairman of the Board, Louie Violo
• Special welcome from dignitaries
• Conference welcome video

8:30 a.m. / Keynote Speaker Presentation by Sid Ridgley

• "Changed But Not Broken: How to Thrive in a Chaotic World"
• Businesses and their people in the electricity industry have risen to the challenges of the past couple of years. But the issue is about going forward from here. The truth is, being successful requires strong and inspired leadership. Imagine receiving insights and information you can use to simplify the complexities of taking care of your customers, operations and employees, while also taking care of you!

9:30 a.m. / Presentation by Mathieu Galliot

• "BDC Economic Outlook: Seize the Opportunity"
• Join Mathieu Galliot, Economist at BDC, the Bank for Canadian entrepreneurs, as he presents an overview of the current economic situation here and abroad. Find out how COVID-19 is changing our business environment and discover how Canadian entrepreneurs can build the way forward.

10:15 a.m. / Break in the Crystal Ballroom Foyer

10:30 a.m. / Presentation by Dr. Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia

• "Workplace Mental Health in the Skilled Trades"
• Dr. Nowrouzi-Kia is an occupational therapist and assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. He will discuss workplace mental health in the skilled trades, present preliminary findings of a study of those employed in the electrical sector and provide a roadmap to improve workplace mental health in the skilled trades.

11 a.m. / Spencer Gill

• "Getting Ready for EVs"
• The energy transition is underway and electric vehicles are coming. Governments, organizations and business are setting net-zero emission goals that are influencing the decisions of everyday consumers. What are the challenges and opportunities facing the electricity sector when it comes to the electrification of transportation? Hydro One is committed to making the transition to EVs easy for our customers. This includes developing a customer EV journey that is purpose built to meet the needs of EV owners.

11:30 a.m. / OEL Annual General Meeting (Members Only)
Noon / Break
12:15 p.m. / Lunch with the Experts in the Crystal Ballroom

• Each table will have a designated topic with a subject expert leading the discussion. Delegates will select their topic of interest and join that table to enjoy their lunch with the expert.

Thursday Afternoon – April 28, 2022

2 p.m. / Historical Presentation in the Vanity Fair Ballroom

• Join MC Bruce Bell as he uncovers some interesting and historical facts about Toronto and the Omni King Edward Hotel.

3 p.m. / Free Time

Thursday Evening – April 28, 2022

6 p.m. / Pre-Dinner Reception in the Crystal Ballroom Foyer

• Join us at our awards dinner and ceremony, where the dress code will be formal black tie. Get all fancied up from the decade of your choice!

7 p.m. / Awards Dinner in the Crystal Ballroom

8 p.m. / Awards Presentations

9:30 p.m. / TBD

Friday Morning – April 29, 2022

7:30 a.m. / Hot Breakfast Buffet in the Crystal Ballroom

8:20 a.m. / Opening Comments with Master of Ceremonies Bruce Bell

8:30 a.m. / Keynote Speaker Presentation by Dr. Marc Jeschke, MD, PhD, FACS, FRCSC

• Dr. Marc Jeschke has been caring for burn patients and conducting research in the field of burns for over 20 years. He is a global leader in burn care, research and education. According to Expertscape, he is the second highest-ranked expert in burns in the world. In his presentation, Dr. Jeschke will share his knowledge and insight in the field of mental health and long term consequences of burns.

9:30 a.m. / Presentation by Michael Sherrard

• "The State of Trades Regulation and Training in Ontario"
• Michael Sherrard is the Chair of the new agency Skilled Trades Ontario. Mike will provide insight on what the new agency means, what it has to offer contractors and how it differs from OCOT.

10:30 a.m. / Break in the Crystal Ballroom Foyer

10:45 a.m. / Presentation by Jan G. van der Hoop

• "Hiring the Right Person"

11:30 a.m. / Contractor Government Relations Committee Update

• Stewart Kiff, President of Solstice Public Affairs and the Lobbyist for the OEL, will provide an update on the many issues that affect you and your industry.

Friday Afternoon – April 29, 2022

Noon - 1:45 p.m. / Table Talk Luncheon in the Crystal Ballroom

• Individual tables are sponsored and will feature presentations and discussion on new technology and services being offered.

2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. / Delegate and Companion Tour

• Hop on the bus and head for an afternoon of discovery at Toronto’s Distillery District. The Distillery District is a National Historic Site containing 40 Victorian buildings and hundreds of artifacts that collectively recall Canada’s industrial past and the proud history of the former Gooderham & Worts Distillery. While there, be sure to stop by the Spirit of York Distillery Co. for your Flight of 3 Spirits (included).

Friday Evening – April 29, 2022

6 p.m. / Pre-Dinner Reception in the Crystal Ballroom Foyer

7 p.m. / Dinner in the Crystal Ballroom Foyer

9 p.m. / Themed Event – Historical Trivia

• How well do you think you know the history of the OEL?
• For our Trivia Night, the dress code is casual. Laidback and easy going, from any decade.

Saturday Morning – April 30, 2022

8 a.m. / Hot Breakfast Buffet in the Crystal Ballroom Foyer

9 a.m. / Entertainment

• Comic Relief with David Green

9:30 a.m. / Conference Wrap-Up

9:45 a.m. / 2023 Electrical Industry Conference Announcement

10 a.m. / Grand Prize Draw

11 a.m. / Conference Concludes