CHSA History

An Idea

The idea of an association was given to the founder Don Gordon by Frances Hartl of The Ministry of The Environment during discussion concerning the lack of inspection standards and trade certification. It was suggested that we form an association and get someone to lobby for us at Queens' Park to achieve our goals.

Our Goals

Three main goals evolved out of the idea.

The First - is to develop a CSA Standard for Inspection of Hoists & Cranes.

The Second - is to get our trade fully regulated and certified.

The Third - is to get the Industrial Safety Act (section 55) changed to read "Must Be Inspected By A Certified Crane Technician".

It was realized at a very early stage that it would take considerable time to achieve all of our goals. Possibly ten years.

A great deal of research was done by the founder prior to the first meeting which involved the Ministry of Labour, The Ministry of Skills and Development, and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

The First Meeting

Glen Elliot of Toronto Electric, one of the founding members, offered his time and services to help with the organization of the first meeting which was held February 28, 1990.

Twenty Four enthusiastic people elected Don Gordon the first President, Glen Elliot the first Secretary-Treasurer and Jim Bennett of Pro Crane the first Vice-President.