The mid-1990s marked a transformative period for Canada’s electrical industry. With the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Act in 1992, the arrival of big box stores like Home Depot in 1994, and the industry-wide adoption of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) as standard control systems, a rapidly shifting industry sparked the birth of Electro-Federation Canada (EFC).
In 1995, two established organizations – the Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association of Canada (EEMAC) and the Canadian Electrical Distributors Association (CEDA) – recognized the power of collaboration and merged to form EFC. This strategic union brought manufacturers and distributors together under one umbrella, creating a more unified voice for the electrical industry.
That same year, EFC launched a scholarship program designed to promote post-secondary education and employment in the electrical, electronics, and telecommunication fields, an initiative that continues to nurture talent for the industry today.
Growth through integration
A pivotal moment in EFC’s early development came in 1996 with the implementation of the hub and spoke model, which redefined the role of the group’s internal councils as core drivers of the organization. This model established specialized councils, including the Supply and Distribution Council, the Consumers Electronics Marketers of Canada (CEMC), the Canadian Appliance Manufacturers Association (CAMA), the Medical Imaging & Information Systems Council (MIISC), the Canadian Electronic & Appliance Services Association (CEASA) and the Electrical Equipment Manufacturers Advisory Council (EEMAC).
“We were bringing all these independent associations together and we were learning a lot about each other,” reflects Heather Gerrie of Gerrie Electric, who served as chair in 1996. “It was critical for us to understand and share the opportunities, challenges and identify synergies amongst all of us to work toward solutions. We had a fantastic story to tell, and it was a very exciting time.”
EFC continued to expand its influence through strategic integration of key organizations. In 1999, the Canadian Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (CEMRA) joined the group and formalized its relationship with the National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA), offering dual memberships to those joining EFC. This move strengthened the connection between Canadian and U.S. manufacturer representatives.
The turn of the millennium brought new initiatives designed to strengthen industry connections. In 2000, EFC launched the Industry Recognition Awards to celebrate exceptional individual contributions to the Canadian electrical, appliance, electronics, or telecommunications industries. The same year saw the establishment of two signature networking events that would become industry traditions: the Quebec Golf Tournament in May and the Federation Cup Golf Tournament in August. These events, along with annual conferences held across North America, provided valuable platforms for industry professionals to connect, share insights, and build relationships – something former chair Charlie Cipolla of Rockwell Automation highlights as invaluable.
“EFC provides a terrific forum for people to meet at events – where else can you meet your competitors, your distributors and talk about common issues or problems . . . and then, in turn solve your problems? I don’t know how you put a price tag on that,” he says.
By 2004, the Canadian Electronic & Appliance Services Association (CEASA) rejoined EFC as a full council, further broadening the federation’s scope and industry representation.
Navigating industry transformations
Throughout these foundational years, EFC demonstrated remarkable adaptability in responding to rapid industry changes. The organization helped members navigate Y2K preparations in 1999, the same year the term “Internet of Things” (IoT) was coined. The arrival of Amazon in 2002 signaled the dawn of e-commerce disruption, while Ontario’s 2004 mandate for smart meters heralded a new era in energy monitoring.
“EFC has done a lot of good work on supporting codes and standards within Canada . . . a really good job on working on anti-counterfeiting measures and ensuring that product safety through anti-counterfeiting and codes and standards is first and foremost,” notes Grant Buchanan of S&C Electric, who served as chair in 2005, reflecting on the organization’s early impact through its first decade.
In just a decade, EFC established itself as an essential industry organization by bringing together diverse stakeholders, providing valuable services, and helping the electrical sector navigate technological and market transitions.
The foundation built on unity, adaptability and forward-thinking during these formative years helped EFC grow a strong platform to further lead the Canadian electrical industry through the even more dramatic changes of the decades to follow.
