September 28, 2010

Mechanical Contractors Association AGM

Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating seeks to build alliances

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

HALIFAX

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) is intent on “building and cultivating” alliances that will strengthen the industry and in particular its supply chain channel, says chair Russ Morgan.

In a speech to the annual general meeting of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC), Morgan said the contractors’ association represents one of those key North American alliances.

“Joint initiatives continue to open the lines of communication and build trust in our collective efforts to service our respective members better,” he said citing ongoing collaboration in such areas as codes and standards.

Morgan, vice-president of IPEX Inc., said the institute’s plumbing industry advisory council is a case in point.

He said the council is working to eliminate fragmentation “and bring back much-needed uniformity of codes and applications of standards while ensuring our needs are front and centre with legislators, regulators and code officials.

“This is particularly true when we are dealing with aggressive political timelines with respect to water and energy efficiency requirements as legislation and regulatory requirements and green building codes are increasing.”

MCAC is represented on the council by incoming chair Brad Diggens of Calgary’s MJS Mechanical Ltd.

Morgan said joint executive meetings have helped the organizations on common initiatives such as proper training for plumbing inspectors, dealing with counterfeit products, misapplication of products and coping with a shortage of skilled labour.

CIPH is also helping the contractors’ association build its service and repair contractor membership category, Morgan said.

Morgan said the institute’s partnership with the mechanical contractors’ association is both “meaningful and ambitious” and focused on “doing what’s right” for the industry at large.

In 2008, the two organizations worked together to host “a first class” World Plumbing Council conference in Calgary.

“We look forward to combining our resources to promote and increase the profile of World Plumbing Day in 2011.”

CIPH represents some 260 companies that manufacture, sell and distribute plumbing and heating products.

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