December and January were busy months for HRAI’s Government and Stakeholder Relations work in Ontario particularly regarding the work HRAI continues to do to facilitate consultations with TSSA.
As has been reported monthly, TSSA is conducting consultations at numerous Chapter meetings focused on seeking HRAI members’ input into potential changes to TSSA’s Contractor Audit Program, changes to its Business Model and to provide an update regarding TSSA’s Whistleblower Program and the Ombudsman position.
One of the strengths of belonging to a national association like HRAI is our ability to partner and work directly with important stakeholders in the HVACR sector. In Ontario, TSSA is a very important partner particularly because of its oversight of and impact on our members.
TSSA’s Sandra Cook, Ombudsman is leading these consultations.
There will be 3 more consultations in February: Kawartha Lakes, February 12; Loyalist February 18; and and Essex-Kent-Lambton, February 26. All details are here: https://www.hrai.ca/chapter-meetings
To date, sessions have occurred with the following chapters: Greater Toronto Area (November), National Capital (December), Brant-Haldimand Norfolk, Golden Horseshoe and London (January).
These consultations will conclude with a webinar on February 27. Sandra Cooke will provide an overview of the update received to date. HRAI and ORAC members can access these webinars live. Registration will be available soon. Following the presentation, the presentation will be available online through HRAI’s website www.hrai.ca
As the voice of the HVACR sector, it is important for HRAI to have a strong working relationship with TSSA. We know that sometimes there are disagreements and frustrations. Despite that HRAI values TSSA’s willingness to collaborate to organize consultation opportunities across Ontario.
The current consultations are an excellent conduit for HRAI’s members to provide their feedback regarding changes to TSSA’s business model and to the Contractor Audit Program directly to senior TSSA representatives. HRAI’s members appreciate the opportunity to have their input heard, understood and incorporated into the changes TSSA is making.
This provides HRAI members and staff an opportunity to represent the interests of HVACR contractors, wholesalers and manufacturers to the regulator and to influence its direction.
All members are strongly encouraged to participate in the upcoming Chapter meetings as well as the Feb. 27 online session. Non-members may also participate.
Contact your Chapter President to register. Thank you to HRAI’s Ontario Chapter Presidents for working together to organize these consultation opportunities.
Submitted by Dorothy McCabe, Government Relations Specialist, Ontario.