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Canada’s Glass Associations December 2022

AVFQ
The AVFQ is currently working in conjunction with the Regie du batiment du Quebec, which is the organization that issues licenses for construction contractors. The steps are aimed at modifying the categories of licenses for doors and windows so that future holders are required to pass exams to obtain their license in addition to taking mandatory training. Thus, the objective of increasing the quality in construction would be pursued. The AVFQ is still offering FIT window installers training, which presents good practices with regard to the CSAA440.4:19 standard. The training is available in both English and French and it allows you to acquire the knowledge to take the Installer Certification Program exam. Several other training courses are also offered, including curtainwall installation; the CSAA500:16 standard for building guards; and project management in construction.

The construction industry is far behind when it comes to digital transformation. The AVFQ therefore held a digital forum on Nov. 2 to stimulate and support its members in their digital advancement process. Several speakers followed one another in order to transmit information on what’s necessary to take the digital turn – the steps, the financial support, the tools and the training available. 

The entire AVFQ team is already preparing for its 2023 Annual Conference, which will be held at the beautiful Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in the Charlevoix region from April 26 to 28. This year’s theme will be “Transition: will you be part of the movement?” Registration is open at avfq.ca.

AGMCA
The Architectural Glass and Metal Contractors Association is the designated employer bargaining agency in Ontario for all glazing contractor’s signatory to collective agreements between AGMCA and the IUPAT. These responsibilities extend to our role as management trustees on the IUPAT pension, health and welfare and vacation pay trust funds. Some 40 years ago, we helped establish the Architectural Glass and Metal Technician training program with the assistance of the Ontario government and the IUPAT.  We have played a major role and continue to participate and oversee the provincial training program administered at the Finishing Trades Institute on Toro Road in Toronto. We participate in apprenticeship recognition and, along with the Ontario Glass and Metal Association, award a bursary to the top apprentices each year. We recognize the critical skilled labour shortage in our province and we continue to urge the federal immigration minister to expand the existing work-permit program and to streamline the entry system for skilled newcomers from abroad.

Our member glazing contractors have long standing track records of performance and are keenly aware of new glazing techniques. For more info on how you can become a member, please visit us at agmca.ca

Fenestration Manitoba
Fenestration Manitoba serves commerical and residential fabricators in the heartland of Canada’s fenestration industry with education, advocacy and opportunities to come together. After a long delay due to COVID, Manitoba’s glass association is bringing back our flagship event, FenCon, on May 8 and 9, 2023.

The central value proposition of FenCon from way back in 2017 was the creation of a conference allowing glass industry manufacturing professionals to meet, discuss, learn and network about ever-more advanced manufacturing methods and concepts. May 8 and 9, 2023, we will build upon that important basis within the value-conscious center of Winnipeg  – a location that is exceptionally central to North America and Canada’s Fenestration Valley. Winnipeg’s highs and lows in temperatures have created a true need for all-weather high-performance fenestration, making it a centre for the development of high-performance products as demonstrated by the international success stories of Willmar (now Jeld-Wen Winnipeg), Loewen, the triple glass pioneers at Paramount and the global introduction of fibreglass pultrusion by Winnipeg-based Omniglass. FenCon23, created and developed by Fenestration Manitoba, will step up into this evolving environment with a mix of seminar presentations, factory and site tours as well as Continuous Improvement classroom sessions to help build and inspire your next generation of manufacturing success stories. 

OGMA
The Ontario Glass and Metal Association is looking for nominations for the 2023 Awards for Excellence. There are two awards, one for Excellence in Architectural Glass and Metal Design and one for Excellence in Architectural Glass and Metal Execution. The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2023. The Awards for Excellence are annual awards that recognize excellence in the design and execution of a building that incorporates the use of architectural glass and metal. One award will be presented in each category (Design and Execution). The awards competition opens in January of each year. Any member of the OGMA in good standing may submit as many nominations as they wish. Projects nominated will be reviewed by a panel of judges consisting of one OGMA director and two practicing architects. Submissions for nominations must include a minimum of 10 photographs of the nominated project and a comprehensive description of between 200 and 500 words. Submissions should be sent in digital format, accompanied by high resolution, print-quality photos.

The project must be located within the province of Ontario. The project architect must be registered with the Ontario Architects Association. The glazing contractor must be a member in good standing of the OGMA. The project must have been completed within the last five years. Nominations must be made by a member in good standing of the Ontario Glass and Metal Association, however the architectural design firm need not be. Members are not restricted in the number of nominations submitted.  For a full list of critera, visit ogma.ca. The awards will be presented at the Top Glass Conference on April 19, 2023. Award recipients are encouraged to attend the show to receive their award and to present the highlights of the winning nominations to show attendees. For more information and to nominate projects, contact Andrew Dolphin at andrew.dolphin@bvglazing.com.