NEWS HIGHLIGHT
CGA establishes two new provincial associations
The Canadian Glass Association (CGA) recently took a huge step forward in solidifying its status as a national association for glaziers across the country.
Aug. 3, 2010 – The Canadian Glass Association (CGA) recently took a huge step forward in solidifying its status as a national association for glaziers across the country.
The CGA announced that it has officially registered two separate industry not-for-profit trade associations for glass professionals in 'have-not' provinces. The Glazing Contractors Association of the Atlantic Provinces will represent glaziers in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, while the Glazing Contractors Association of MB will represent tradespeople in Manitoba.
At the beginning of the year the CGA set out to establish local associations for glass companies in provinces and territories that currently do not have an association representing them. Zana Gordon, the executive director for the CGA, says the association recognized that glass shop owners in these areas needed a collective voice, but did not have the resources to establish an association for themselves.
“Glaziers in these provinces didn't have the resources that the CGA offers so we needed a foundation to help them develop a provincial association level program that can addresses their unique needs. The building codes are different in each province and we are one of the few small trades associations that is part of the Red Seal Program which allows qualified glaziers to work anywhere in Canada,” she says. “Many provinces do not have the resources to develop their own apprenticeship programs. We will be working on ways to assist them in this task. This is a big undertaking that will require the commitment of the national association with input from the newly created provincial entities.”
The CGA registered the two new associations with Industry Canada and developed their constitution and bylaws. Combined, the Glazing Contractors Association of the Atlantic Provinces and the Glazing Contractors Association of MB will represent about 92 businesses.
CGA president Richard Verdon says he encourages glass professionals in Manitoba and Atlantic Canada to take part by volunteering for board positions. “They will now have the collective voice of a national association that can speak to their needs,” he says, adding that glaziers in these provinces will also have access to the CGA's Glazing Systems Specifications Manual, which will soon be published. “The board made a promise, and I made it a personal goal, to have a glass association in every province,” he says. “And now we have two more.”
For more information on the CGA, please visit www.canadianglassassociation.com .
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