January 29th, 2021
Dear Members,
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!
In Solidarity,
Terry Snooks
Director of Canadian Affairs
UA Canada
December 22, 2020
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.
8.2.1-051_-_NRCan_NDTCB_COVID-19_Temporary_Extension_Policy_Notice_20210107185809441.pdf
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.
Fraternally yours,
The QCCC
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.
See the website for course schedules.
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.
NRCan NDTCB COVID-19 Temporary Extension Policy Notice (PDF)
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.
2020 Matt Bakker Scholarship Award (PDF)
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.
April 28th, National Day of Mourning (PDF)
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.
Government of Canada's Economic Response Plan
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.
Click for DA Townley COVID Resource Centre
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:
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.
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-data/non-destructive-testing/about-certification-ndt/8576
D.A. Townley COVID-19 Update
March 23, 2020
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:
Click for DA Townley COVID-19 Resource Centre
D.A. Townley has created this new COVID-19 Resource Centre as a central source of information for our clients and plan members. We will provide regular updates on our response, including our continued improvements to our digital service capabilities. Please check back often.
To help Canadians cope with the financial impact of COVID-19 the eligibility rules for Employment Insurance have been relaxed to allow most members to qualify for benefits. This information is included in our COVID-19 Resource Centre.
To keep you and your family safe, healthy and informed on COVID-19, we encourage you to visit the Government of Canada's coronavirus information website. For more local information, go to the BC Centre for Disease Control or your local health authority website.
Healthy Wishes,
Naveen Kapahi
President, D.A. Townley
March 20, 2020
QCCC Update - COVID-19
Dear Member
The QCCC and UNION Affiliates continue to monitor the progression of the COVID-19 outbreak and will continue to implement the recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Canada.
At this time, all QCCC Business Representatives and office staff are available by phone and email, and we will continue working closely with our Signatory contractors regarding the work situations.
This is an evolving situation, and your patience and understanding are appreciated.
As more information becomes available, we will notify the members through email and the website.
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:
Similarly, the NDTMA has issued the following recommendation to all signatory contractors:
If you have COVID-19
DA Townley has provided the QCCC with some additional resources available to you. Here is the link:
DA Townley Employment Benefits and COVID-19
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 18, 2020
Important Notice
Please be advised that due to COVID-19 our 3 locations will be closed until May 25th, 2020. We we will not be running any courses/recertification workshops + exams/written exams/initial workshops or taking any new bookings until then.
November 25, 2019
Job Posting - NDT Instructor
The QCC National Training Society has an opening for the position of NDT Instructor in Edmonton, Aberta. For complete details, please see the job posting below. If you would like more details about the position, please contact Darcy Corcoran at
NDT Instructor (PDF)
November 12, 2019
Brother Tommy Gittens
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our QCCC member Tommy Gittens. Early in his career, Tommy was a professional bull rider and throughout his 41 year career as an NDE Technician, he brought that same passion, hard work and excellence to his work. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and worked with him.
In support of Tommy and his family, a gofundme page has been created to help with any costs that they may incur over the next few months. If you wish to make a donation, please click the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/tommy-gittens.
September 3, 2019
Labour Day 2019
Once again, the QCCC participated in a very successful Labour Day Parade in Sarnia, ON, and also participated in Saint John, NB, parade for the first time. Special thanks go out to each member of the QCCC that participated. Over 30 members and their families marched in support of the QCCC and organized labour.
August 30, 2019
Supporting the well-being of every Canadian
August 20, 2019
Brother Ryan Pearce
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our QCCC member Ryan Pearce on July 27, 2019. He was a valued member who instilled passion and dedication within our industry. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and worked with him.
July 22, 2019
Brother Neil Howard McClelland
January 1, 1944 – July 19, 2019
It is with great sadness that the family of Neil Howard McClelland announces his passing on July 19, 2019.
He had 31 years of dedication to service and his devotion to ethics and integrity made him a valuable asset to the QCCC/BM128, he will be sadly missed by all of us who knew and worked with him.
Neil Howard McClelland Obituary
June 6, 2019
DA Townley 2019
The QCCC Eastern Zone completed our spring membership meetings with a tour of Atlantic Canada at the end of May. Naveen Kaphi from DA Townley presented on the Pension, Health & Welfare Plans, and also a detailed section on Retirement planning and Government Programs for Retirees.
Since we understand that not all members can make these meetings, the QCCC did record one of the sessions on the Atlantic Region trip. This recording has been uploaded to YouTube and is available in Members Only under "Benefit Plan".
May 10, 2019
2019 Matt Bakker Scholarship Award
The Quality Control Council (QCC) is once again providing scholarships, of up to $2,500.00, for 2019. See below for details.
2019 Matt Bakker Scholarship Award (PDF)
March 12, 2019
CGSB NDT Recertification
We are now reaching the first "critical" period in meeting recertification deadlines. If your recertification deadline is between January and June 2020 you need to be at step #2 "scheduling" your exams NOW!
Many test centers are already scheduling 2 - 3 months out and this is only going to get worse as over 3000 recertifications approach their deadline. With estimated timelines in the range of 5 months to complete the recertification process immediate PLANNING needs to be done!
We understand that it is difficult to prioritize your recertification activities around a busy work schedule but ask yourself - Are you busy because of your certifications? Will you continue to be busy without them?
This is a multiple step process that requires good cooperation / coordination / communication between candidates, NRCan, Approved Examination Centers (AEC) and your employers. Communicate your recertification needs with your employer - set a schedule and stick to it!
How to determine if you are, or when you are, due for recertification!
Your certification wallet card DOES NOT provide recertification information. Please review your personal certification information on the NRCan Directory of Certified Personnel at the following link: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/mining-materials/PDF/Certified%20NDT%20Personnel%202019-02-08.pdf
You will note two dates:
"Expiration" Date - RENEWAL BY APPLICATION Only
"Recertification Due" Date - PRACTICAL EXAM Required
If your "Expiration" and "Recertification Due" dates are the same you are considered to be in the transition period...contact Sharon Bond at or (289) 680-0123 with any questions you may have or assistance you may require.
February 22, 2019
Area Meetings with DA Townley
Once again, the QCCC Eastern Region will be bringing Naveen Kaphi from DA Townley around to talk with the membership. Naveen will be presenting and answering questions on:
The Quality Control Council would also like to extend an invite to any of your adult dependents covered under the NDT Health & Welfare Plan. This may include your wife, husband, or common-law partner.
| Date | City | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2 | Thunder Bay | Valhalla Inn 1 Valhalla Inn Rd. |
7:00pm |
| Apr 3 | Cambridge | Sunbridge Inn 200 Holiday Inn Drive |
7:00pm |
| Apr 4 | Bowmanville | Holiday Inn 37 Spicer Square |
4:00pm & 7:00pm |
| Apr 8 | Kincardine | Best Western 791 Durham St. |
4:00pm & 7:00pm |
| Apr 9 | Burlington | IBB Lodge 128 1035 Sutton Drive |
7:00pm |
| Apr 10 | Sarnia | Holiday Inn 1498 Venetian Blvd. |
4:00pm & 7:00pm |
| Apr 11 | Montreal | UA Local 144 9735 St-Laurent |
7:00pm |
| May 27 | Saint John, NB | Hilton Saint John 1 Market Square |
4:00pm & 7:00pm |
| May 28 | Dartmouth | Hampton Inn 65 Cromarty Dr. |
7:00pm |
| May 29 | Sydney | Holiday Inn 300 Esplanade St. |
7:00pm |
| Date Change: May 31 May 30 |
St. John’s, NL | Holiday Inn 180 Portugal Cove Rd. |
7:00pm |
January 29, 2019
Job Posting - NDT Instructor
The QCC National Training Society has an opening for the position of NDT Instructor in our Hamilton, Ontario location. For complete details, please see the job posting below. If you would like more details about the position, please contact Darcy Corcoran at or (780) 999-2524.
NDT Instructor (PDF)
January 7, 2019
New Business Agent/Organizer for Atlantic/Quebec Regions
The Quality Control Council of Canada is pleased to annoucement the hiring of Gary Mercer as a Business Agent/Organizer for the Atlantic and Quebec Regions of the QCCC.
Gary is a QCCC member from Saint John, NB, and a member of Boilermakers Lodge 73. Gary has a wide range of experience in multiple areas of the Inspection and Quality Control industry and is fully fluent in both English and French.
Gary will be working under the direction and supervision of the QCCC Eastern Region and the QCCC National Directors and he will be involved in the day-to-day servicing of the QCCC membership and in organizing initiatives.
Gary Mercer's contact information:
Mobile: 506-650-6469
Email:
