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Canada’s Glass Associations: October 2023

AVFQ
In collaboration with the Quebec Building Envelope Council (CEBQ) the AVFQ will hold a conference on the theme of energy efficiency, on Jan. 30 and 31 in Montreal. Several renowned speakers as well as booths will present the highlights and new developments related to the theme. Aimed at architects and engineers, the conference will also bring together window and door manufacturers as well as glazing companies in Quebec. Once again, the big family of the glazing and fenestration industry will meet at the AVFQ Annual Conference. From April 16 to 18, 400 participants are expected in Trois-Rivières to train and connect with other members of our business community. More details at avfq.ca. AVFQ members will be present at the GlassBuild America exhibition held at the end of October in Atlanta, thanks to a trade mission organized by our association. 

Fenestration Manitoba
Fenestration Manitoba hosted it’s annual golf event in September. Manufacturers, suppliers and government representatives all came together to enjoy a great day of good weather, food, drinks and friendship that comes from chasing a ball across 18 holes. After the years of uncertainty that COVID brought, it was wonderful to hear that most are very optimistic and see the opportunity for new equipment, suppliers, training and growth. Many of those who attended feel that despite the higher interest rates and marginal growth in new construction, next year will see them moving forward in making their companies better for the next year.  To cap off an excellent day of golf and connection, Fenestration Manitoba awarded for 2023 the Fenestration Manitoba Builders award to Nancy Zubriski. From Nancy’s start as executive director in 2015 she has shown herself as an accomplished administrator. Nancy also was a key person in the success of FenCon and was an invaluable support person to the Fenestration Manitoba board and its members as we navigated through all the challenges and circumstances during COVID. Without Nancy’s ideas and work effort for Fenestration Manitoba, the organization would not be as vibrant as it is today. We appreciated all her help and dedication.  

PGAA
Our association is a part of the Alberta Trade Contractors Council and together we are working with the Alberta government’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training branch to create a new assessment model for apprentices. When the new Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act was passed last year, it proposed new changes to the assessment model that had been used for several decades. Unfortunately the government did not have a comprehensive new model in place and industry lobbied against the changes. So, reluctantly, they are using the old assessment model until a new one can be made, this time with industry involvement. This process is expected to take 18 to 24 months. In the meantime, there is seemingly a major labour shortage in the glazing industry. Glass shops are increasing their apprentice indenture rate which is encouraging.

AGMCA
From time to time the AGMCA uses this space to highlight some of our member companies. This edition we salute Stanley Access Technologies. Stanley Installation joined our association back in August of 1970, when they were operating out of Viscount Drive in what was then referred to as Malton, Ont. It was listed on our certification when we received our official employer bargaining agency designation from the Ministry of Labour in 1978. It’s hard to believe that Stanley (now known as Allegion Canada Access) has been a valued member of our association for over 53 years. Stanley Access Technologies/Allegion proudly manufactures, installs and services sliding, swinging, folding, transit/metro and revolving door systems. Stanley has the largest geographic footprint in the automatic door industry in all of North America. Jonathan Baritugo, regional operations manager for Canada, is a key figure in that success. Jonathan leads a team of dedicated and experienced industry professionals, with a vast knowledge of codes, standards and outstanding customer service. To find out more about the AGMCA please visit our website at agmca.ca or email us at info@agmca.ca.

OGMA
The OGMA Fall Golf Tournament was held on Sept. 14 at the Woodington Lake Golf Club in Tottenham. We had a good turnout for the tournament and the course staff and food were top-notch. The OGMA and the AGMCA are pleased to announce that Jason Szabo was awarded the joint $1,000 fall bursary award, which was presented to Jason at the Fall Golf Tournament. It’s time to start thinking about your potential candidate projects for the 2024 OGMA Awards for Excellence. Nominations for the awards do not open until early January but we encourage our members to start thinking about current or recent projects that you may wish to put forward. Change is a part of life, and we unfortunately have to say goodbye to the following members of the board of directors who have or will be stepping down this year: Frank Fulton, Brian Wiles, Steve Gusterson, April Donvito and Mahendra Ojha. We appreciate everything you have all done over the years and would like to take this time to recognize the time you spent volunteering for the association and its members.We look forward to seeing everyone next year at the 10th annual Top Glass Conference and Exhibits, being held next spring. We are planning to host our first members’ meet-and-greet following the conference, which will provide a great networking opportunity.