NDT & Field Heat Treatment News

The QCCC (Quality Control Council of Canada) is pleased to provide employers, and both union and non-union members with the latest NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) and field heat treatment news.

Browse the links below for the latest industry news as well as exciting and important updates from the QCCC on union membership, benefits, membership agreements, certifications, NDT jobs and more.

December 12, 2022

NDT Instructor Job Opportunity - Edmonton

The National Training Society is looking for a Non-Destructive Testing Instructor for our Edmonton training centre.

Find out more about the role and how to apply: NDT Instructor - Edmonton.

November 23, 2022

Edmonton Member lights up home to honour friend

More than 120,000 lights are brightening up one Edmonton neighbourhood as QCCC Member Don Dombrowsky (UA Local 488) shows off his impressive Christmas lights display to raise money for charity.

What started as a small display in 2019 has turned into a full-scale property spectacular – with light tunnels, characters and two rooms full of Christmas trees, covered in decorations and ornaments.

Don has dedicated the light display to his friend and brother-in-law Larry Kuchera. The two started the project in 2019 to help lift spirits and give their community something fun to do during the dark winter months. In 2020, Larry was diagnosed with ALS and sadly passed away earlier this year.

Don has partnered with the ALS Society of Alberta and Edmonton's Food Bank to raise funds for the community. He is hoping to spread awareness of ALS and share Larry’s story with those who stop by.

If you stop by, bring a non-perishable food item for the Edmonton Food bank, and donate on-site or online to the ALS Society of Alberta: https://www.alsab.ca/holiday-lights-for-larry

WHEN: You can visit the lights until early January 2023, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Monday to Thursday, and 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm Friday to Sunday.

WHERE: 4220 124 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB – you can’t miss it!

October 21, 2022

2022 Matt Bakker Scholarship Winners Announced!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Matt Bakker Scholarship Awards!

1st place

Rebecca Kong, daughter of Yan Wen Kong (Boilermakers Lodge 555), is attending the University of Toronto for Computer Science at the Faculty of Arts and Science, with membership to Woodsworth College.

2nd place

Matthew Smith, son of Simon Robert Smith (UA Local 488), is studying Biological Sciences at the Faculty of Science, University of Alberta.

3rd place

Launa Megan Laffoley, daughter of Laurie Laffoley (UA Local 496), is studying at the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design, in the Foundation Visual Arts Program.

About the Matt Bakker Scholarship

In 2022, the candidates were challenged to submit an essay answering this question:

The changing nature of work over the past few years has shown how vital fair working practices are to employees. Do you think labour unions are making a comeback in Canada? Please explain.

Children of QCCC Members can apply to win up to $2,500 towards their post-secondary education with the annual Matt Bakker Scholarship Award essay competition.

Created in 1992 to honour Matt Bakker, an Executive founding Member of the QCCC. Bakker is credited with aiding in the unionizing of the Non-Destructive Testing and Heat Treatment Industries in Canada. Brother Bakker worked tirelessly on behalf of all unionized Members and their families, and this scholarship award aims to uphold his legacy thirty years on.

August 31, 2022

NTS Instructor Job Opportunity

Position: Non-destructive Testing Instructor

Company: Quality Control Council of Canada National Training Society

Location: 119 Copernicus Blvd, Brantford, Ontario.

Application Email: darcy@qcccanada.com

Job Description:

The NDT Instructor will provide support to the QCCC National Training Society in the ongoing development and delivery of NDT certification courses, practical workshops, refresher courses, recertification training and examinations, and the invigilation of exams.

While training will take place mostly at the QCCC Training Centre in Brantford, the position does require travel to provide courses/ programs where the Director identifies a need across Canada. The Instructor will work with Contractors, providing services to the QCCC, and with the affiliated Local Unions, to organize and schedule training sessions and encourage the highest usage rate of the facilities, and the most efficient use of the Instructor's time.

The Instructor is expected to advance the image of the QCCC National Training Centre in the eyes of the Union members, the employers, and the community.

Duties

Skills

Term

Full-time position Monday-Friday.

Compensation and Benefits

As per QCCC NTS contract consistent with qualifications. Union Pension, and Health & Welfare Benefit Plan as the instructor will be a member of the UA or IBB.

Qualified applicants can email applications and resumes to:

Darcy Corcoran
QCCC Director of Training 10403 172 Street Edmonton AB, T5S 1K9
Phone: 780-999-2524
e-mail: darcy@qcccanada.com

Competition will remain open until a qualified Instructor is found. We thank all applicants for their interest in the QCCC National Training Society, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

May 4, 2022

Introducing the new QCCC Logo

As we approach the QCCC’s 50th anniversary in 2023, it’s time for a change. Today we are introducing a new logo for the Quality Control Council of Canada.

The new QCCC Logo

This is not change for change’s sake, but a reflection of the evolution of the industry and the organization. We have refreshed our logo to reflect who we are today and to symbolize our future. It features the recognizable Canadian maple leaf, as well as a nod to the previous QCCC logo.

In the coming days and weeks you’ll begin to see the new logo being used across our organization. Our former logo, designed in 1973 by Brother Les Hall, will not be forgotten, but will be honoured as an important part of our history.

We hope you embrace this evolution as much as we have.

March 14, 2022

90% of NDTs Support ‘Hour Bank’

QCCC Members vote in favour of improving access to health benefits

Brantford, ON — 90% of voting QCCC members support the improvement of the NDT Health Benefit Plan with the implementation of an Hour Bank.

“We’re very pleased with the outcome of the vote and thank all the Members who asked questions and cast their ballot,” said Arnie Stadnick, QCCC President.

“Since the ratification of the Collective Agreement we have been looking into ways to improve the benefits our Members receive, and we know the Hour Bank will better support them,” said Brent Hunt, QCCC National Director and Eastern Region Representative.

As a primarily seasonal, contracted and mobile workforce, Non-Destructive Testing and Field Heat Treatment professionals can join the QCCC to receive health benefits, a pension, post-retirement health benefits, and access to a training fund for career and skill development.

“The Hour Bank means our Members don’t have to worry about having access to high-quality benefits for themselves and their dependants,” said Garon Robb, QCCC National Director and Western Region Representative. “We know this will give reassurance to many of our Members and their families.”

Beginning May 1, 2022, the hours worked by QCCC Members will accumulate in their personal Hour Bank and are ‘spent’ to pay for their monthly coverage under the Health Benefit Plan. Any accumulated hours, up to 540 hours, can then be used to provide continued access to the NDT Health Benefit Plan during periods of low employment, unemployment, and extended periods of vacation.

The Hour Bank system is used by QCCC affiliated unions IBB and UA, with excellent Member satisfaction and results.

NDT Benefits Hour Bank Vote

March 3rd, 2021

Boomer Technical Resources Ltd.

The Quality Control Council of Canada would like to welcome another company to our family.

We would like to give a BIG WARM WELCOME to "BOOMER TECHNICAL RESOURCES LTD". Boomer is located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and is also an Authorized Examination Centre for NRCan. This exam centre provides another option for Atlantic Region QCCC members.

Please feel free to check out their new website http://www.boomertechresources.ca/ or email them a resume at info@boomertechresources.ca

January 29th, 2021

UA Canada Letter to Doug Ford

Enbridge’s Line 5 is a 645-mile, 30-inch-diameter pipeline that travels through Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas—originating in Superior, Wisconsin, and terminating in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Canadians rely on Line 5 for safe transportation of oil, propane and other energy products.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s attempt to terminate an easement that has been in place since 1953 and thereby closing the Line 5 dual pipelines located in that easement will have a devastating effect on our economy. Closing Line 5 will cost thousands of jobs and cripple the economy in the Sarnia, Ontario area alone. This action will also prevent the safe transport of fuel to heat homes and businesses and provide energy to Canada’s two largest provinces. Even a temporary shutdown, would have a major and immediate impact on crude oil supply for refineries—and, as a result, refined product supply for consumers, motorists and industry. Take action now so that thousands of good-paying jobs for Canadians, many going to our UA brothers and sisters, will not be lost in this political game.

Sign the letter from the UA to Ontario Premier Doug Ford requesting that he take an active role, on behalf of the residents of Ontario and more broadly Canada, and aggressively fight on behalf of all Canadians to keep Line 5 operating. Even if you’ve already signed our change.org petition this is your chance to help even more!

Opponents continue to pressure officials to kill the project, threatening good jobs for our members. It's critical that we send a unified message of support. Please sign and share this letter with your network!

Terry Snooks
Director of Canadian Affairs
UA Canada

December 22, 2020

NRCan COVID Update

The NRCan NDTCB has updated our COVID 19 policy as it relates to our current extensions on all upcoming renewals and recertification. Attached you will find the PDF document outlining the terms of the most recent extension. Please review the attached “NRCan NDTCB COVID-19 Temporary Extension Policy Notice”, which fully explains our current accommodations being provided to NDTCB clients at this time. This notice will be available for download on our website shortly, where we continue to keep clients updated on a regular basis.

The NRCan NDTCB is continuing to provide service to our clients, albeit at a disrupted/delayed pace as we adjust our business practices to ensure the health and safety of our team members. We appreciate your continued support, especially now under these unprecedented circumstances.

Wishing you a safe and healthy holiday season.

December 22 2020

November 26, 2020

New QCCC Website Coming Soon

The QCCC is pleased to announce the upcoming release of our new website. Much of the functionality will remain similar, with a modern and mobile interface.

This has been a long time in the making. The date of release is scheduled for Friday, December 11th.

Key changes to the system:

Usernames have been eliminated on the new website – one less thing to remember. In its place, the website will use your Union Registration/Card Number or your email address. Your Union Registration/Card Number can be found on the QCCC Membership Card that was recently mailed to you. Your password remains the same.

There is a separate process for Layoff Coverage. No longer will you have to put yourself on the Out of Work List to remain eligible for benefits. There is a separate area for Layoff Coverage.

The renewals of certificates is as simple as changing the expiry date.

Simplification of "Classification". The previous classification system was complicated and unfortunately required multi-certified technicians to display only a primary technique. Classification has been changed to either "Inspection" or "Heat Treatment" and QCCC staff will assign each member's classification. When employers search for technicians, they will now search directly for the certificates or training that you possess.

QCCC App. We are disabling the QCCC app with the new website. The new site is built from a mobile perspective and the entire functionality of the site is available from a phone, tablet, or desktop computer.

Lockouts are disabled. One of the most frustrating functions of the previous site was the lockout feature. We have eliminated that feature on the new site.

Job Postings and searchable announcements. Employers have the ability to post upcoming jobs on the QCCC website. As well, the announcements section is searchable by keyword.

The most significant changes to the site are in the back-end and are designed for the employer. As part of our ongoing commitment to ensure that employers use the hiring list, many of the changes in the new site involve the way the employer interacts with the hiring list and hires QCCC members. This way, we can ensure that employers fulfill their obligation under the collective agreement.

Because of this, it's extremely important that you keep your certifications up-to-date on the list to ensure that employers are able to find the right member for the job.

Should you have questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to QCCC Business Representative for assistance.

November 10, 2020

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2020

September 29, 2020

Brother David Thornhill

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of David Thornhill, age 22, on September 16, 2020. David was a kind and ambitious young man who lived every minute to its fullest. He joined the QCCC/IBB-146 in 2018 and was a positive light to all those who knew and worked with him. He will be greatly missed by many.

September 15, 2020

Brother James Lewis

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of James Lewis who passed away on September 2, 2020, at the age of 58. James joined the QCCC/IBB-359 in 1988 and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

September 15, 2020

Brother Jared Kinakin

It is with great sadness that the family of Jared Kinakin announces his passing on August 4, 2020. Jared joined the QCCC/IBB-359 in 2018 and gained valuable professional and personal life experiences along the way. He was a very kind, generous, and lighthearted spirit and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked with him.

September 4, 2020

Happy Labour Day 2020

This Labour Day, we celebrate the achievements of workers from Coast to Coast. It gives us time to reflect on the good fortune in our lives.

Take a minute to think about those who laid the foundations for future labour movements and helped us secure the rights and benefits we enjoy today.

Together we are stronger, stand up and make sure your voice is heard.

August 25, 2020

Negotiations

The expiry of the Quality Control Agreement 2018-2021 is less than a year out. Preliminary collective bargaining will start in late fall with weeks in January and February reserved for the regular collective bargaining.

In advance of negotiations, the QCCC needs to hear from you about what you feel is important. The more feedback we receive, the better we can create proposals that reflect the collective interest.

There are three ways to participate:

We strongly encourage everyone to participate in option 1, even if you want to attend a virtual meeting or submit written proposals.

August 25, 2020

QCCC National Negotiations Survey 2020

The Quality Control Council of Canada is seeking your input on the upcoming contract negotiations for the 2021-2024 Quality Control Agreement.

We want to ensure that we include the issues that you feel are most critical. Please take 5 - 10 minutes to complete our survey. Your feedback is very important.

The survey is now open and available from the following links:

English Language Survey, click this link: Survey 2020

French Language Survey, cliquez le lien: Sondage 2020

The survey closes at 3 pm EST on October 2nd, 2020.

After the survey closes, you will be entered into a draw for a chance to win one of five $100 VISA gift cards.

August 25, 2020

Membership Meetings

As you know, COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way that business is conducted around the world. All union locals and lodges are struggling with how they will conduct meetings during this pandemic. Some unions have had success with virtual meetings, including the QCCC, as we have used virtual meetings with our Advisory and Stewards committee meetings.

In Eastern Canada, we are going to attempt to conduct proposal meetings using Zoom. Given the potential number of participants, we are going to have the following set of rules so that the meetings remain manageable, orderly, and most importantly, secure.

The QCCC will send out a proposal meeting email in September with the time and dates.

July 23, 2020

Brother Frank Baron

It is with great sadness that the family of Frank Baron announces his passing on June 6, 2020. Frank joined the QCCC/UA 170 in 1999 and was a very valuable member, he will be missed greatly by all who knew and worked with him.

July 14, 2020

National Training Society News Flash

Hamilton Location - WE ARE OPEN as of July 14, 2020

Workshops and Recertification Exams starting immediately call for openings.

New safety protocols have been instituted to meet Ontario Health Guidelines for reopening operations safely. Masks will be given out and worn in our facility.

June 23, 2020

National Training Society News Flash

Edmonton Location - WE ARE OPEN as of May 25, 2020

Workshops, Recertification and Written Exams starting immediately call for openings.

Courses will start again in June.

New safety protocols have been instituted to meet Alberta Health Guidelines for reopening operations safely. Masks will be given out and worn in our facility.

We are monitoring conditions in Ontario and New Brunswick and will open as soon as Provincial requirements are lifted.

June 23, 2020

Important Information - Updated COVID-19 Extension Policy

This is to inform you that the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) National Non-Destructive Testing Certification Body (NDTCB) has updated their NRCan NDTCB COVID-19 Temporary Extension Policy Notice to Version 03. In this update, they have expanded their "broad-based" extension accommodations from six months to twelve months, and they have expanded the range of affected candidates for renewal and/or recertification to include those with expiry dates of March 16, 2020 – December 15, 2020 (previously March 16, 2020 – September 15, 2020). Please read the notice below for full information and additional updates.

June 2, 2020

2020 Matt Bakker Scholarship Award

The Quality Control Council (QCC) is once again providing scholarships, of up to $2,500, for 2020. See below for details.

May 28, 2020

UPDATE - Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy

After our update on May 15th, the QCCC and the NDT Management Association have reached an agreement to provide authorization to signatory employers to use the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy ("CEWS") with members who are not working.

The government requires that the employer applies the CEWS to wages and not to other benefits. Therefore, this authorization waives the requirements for the employer to provide any premiums, contributions, and deductions that are required by the Quality Control Agreement (i.e. Dues, Pension, H&W). The key is that this agreement only applies to members who are sitting at home and not performing scope work. This would provide up to $847 per week to applicable members and up to an additional $347 over the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit ("CERB").

Members who are reporting to work are entitled to full wages and benefits as stipulated under the Quality Control Agreement. The employer is free to apply for the CEWS on behalf of these members without any modification to the Quality Control Agreement.

The Employer must implement the CEWS, not the QCCC or the NDT Management Association. Please contact your regular employer for more information.

May 15, 2020

The Federal Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and QCA Signatory Companies

There is some inaccurate and misleading information in circulation stating that the QCCC is unwilling to work with signatory companies in order to implement the Federal Government's Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy ("CEWS").

To date, the QCCC has not been approached by any signatory contractor to help them implement the CEWS.

For more information, please contact a QCCC Representative.

April 27, 2020

April 28th, Day of Mourning

Please read the letter below from QCCC President Arnie Stadnick for the National Day of Mourning.

Day of Mourning Posters

The following posters are provided in PDF format, click on the images to view.

April 17, 2020

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

The NDT Industry Health Benefit Plan offers an EFAP program through Shepell. Your EFAP provides immediate and confidential assistance for any work, health, or life concern.

Website: www.workhealthlife.com
Organization: NDT Industry Health Benefit Plan

April 7, 2020

QCCC Update - COVID-19

We hope that everyone is staying safe during these difficult and challenging times. Below, you will find a list of resources that the membership will find useful. As always, the QCCC remains available should you have any questions or concerns.

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes Employment Insurance, Mortgage Support, and the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. Please see the link below.

Recertification and NRCan Update

Temporary accommodations and extensions relating to initial certifications and renewals/recertifications will be provided for select candidates. For more information, please visit NRCan's website.

DA Townley COVID-19 Resource Centre

D.A. Townley has created this new COVID-19 Resource Centre as a central source of information for all of its clients and members.

Work and Lay-off

In the event, there is no work, and the employer has requested that you not report to the shop or job site:

  1. Request a layoff (ROE) immediately.
  2. Put yourself on the QCCC Out of Work List. This is to ensure that you have access to lay-off coverage provided by the Health & Welfare Plan. *** In order to qualify, you must have been on the list during the month that you earn less than 90 hours.
  3. Apply for EI benefits. See the link above regarding the Government of Canada's Economic Response Plan.

Recertification & Training

All scheduled Recertification, Workshops and Training sessions are suspended until further notice.

Rescheduling of Recertifications exams, workshops and training sessions will take place once it is determined that they can resume without jeopardizing the health of the workers.

March 30, 2020

NRCan Update

Please see the following update from NRCan regarding recertification and general enquiries.


March 25, 2020

D.A. Townley COVID-19 Update

To all our clients and their members

We recognize the role played by D.A. Townley in the health and financial well-being of you and your family and are committed to continuing our operations throughout the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis.

As you know, the situation is evolving rapidly. We are following recommendations from the BC government and the health authorities to fight the spread of the virus by supporting social distancing guidelines and ensuring employees can self-isolate after travel. For us that means enabling technology so most of our staff can work remotely. This has been a major focus of our pandemic planning over the last 10 days.

Shifting to a remote workforce will have some impacts on our day-to-day operations: