OGMA Newsletter – August 2016

It is with great sadness that we bring the news of the passing of our long time friend and industry colleague, Jim Epworth, founder of Upper Canada Glass in Oak Ridges, Ont.  Jim left us in his 84th year on June 11 and is survived by Joyce, his wife of 62 years, sons Howard and John and daughters Marjorie and Joanne. Jim was one of the really good guys in our business. He will be remembered fondly by everybody who knew him.

The legal review of the Construction Lien Act has now been completed by the review group and their report has been submitted to the Ontario government. As of June it had been translated into French and all that remains is for it to be released to the public. Prompt Payment Ontario has been lobbying government representatives for its release. Details of its content will be distributed to the industry as soon as available.

Race Night had been scheduled for June 22, but due to unforeseen conflicts the date has been changed to August 17, so mark it in your calendar and get ready for an evening of exciting thoroughbred racing, outstanding food, and great camaraderie in the decadent Woodbine Club dining room at the Woodbine Racetrack. It’s the perfect venue for getting to meet and have a drink with industry colleagues.  Keep your eye open for your flyer or look on the OGMA website to register.

If you like getting up early and welcoming the sunrise with a beer, the OGMA Fishing Derby event is for you! Boat departs at 6 a.m. on Aug. 10 from Port Credit Harbour in Toronto.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, Sept. 22 and plan to be at the renowned Country Club in Woodbridge (formerly the Board of Trade Golf Club).

Companies have until the end of the year to put accessibility policies and procedures in place for the communication of all of your information and your employment practices.  To find out your legal obligations, go to ontario.ca/page/accessibility-laws, then contact WSPS to help you put it in place.

If you are conducting business in the glass industry in Ontario, the OGMA is the voice that represents your interests at the provincial and federal level. Protect your business and support our fight for prompt payment legislation by becoming a member or as an associate member if you are a consultant to the industry. Please visit the OGMA website for more information.

After a year of preparation, the OGMA/WSPS safety manual is now ready for use by the metal and glass industry. The manual was created by qualified health and safety professionals and is a timesaving tool enabling glass shops to establish their own company program. Not only will this support a company’s efforts to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses, it will also lower costs and time related to WSIB claims. Additionally, WSPS and the health and safety manual will get your company compliant with the new OHSA Regulation 297/13 as well as AODA requirements.

– Originally published in Glass Canada Magazine, August 2016 Issue.

Categories: OGMA News