Canadian Affiliate of Electrical Safety Foundation International Launched

September 9, 2011

Arlington, VA - The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) earlier today announced the establishment of ESFI Canada, a designated affiliate of ESFI. The announcement was made by ESFI president Brett Brenner during a presentation at the 18th Annual IEEE IAS Electrical Safety Workshop in Toronto, Ontario. “ESFI has always had a great working relationship with electrical safety stakeholders in Canada, but the formation of ESFI Canada takes our work in that country to the next level,” said Brenner.

Much like the original founding of ESFI in 1994, ESFI Canada has been formed by a committee of stakeholders that recognize the need for a national organization to serve as a resource and leading authority for electrical safety. ESFI Canada will leverage the visibility, history and success of ESFI in its efforts to promote electrical safety awareness in Canada.

“ESFI Canada will use approaches and resources that are unique to Canada in order to extend the reach of our important safety messages,” explained Brenner. “ESFI Mexico, which was established in 2009, has utilized a similar strategy with great success.”

ESFI Canada’s founding organizations are the Canadian Standards Association, Electrical Safety Authority, Electro-Federation Canada, Howe Brand Communications, Ontario Electrical League, Sonepar Canada, Thomas & Betts Limited, and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada.

ESFI Canada has applied for non-profit status in Canada and will elect a Board of Directors to lead the Foundation’s activities. Peter Marcucci, Vice President and Chief Public Safety Officer for the Electrical Safety Authority, has agreed to serve as Interim-Chairman during this start-up period. “We are pleased that leading Canadian electricity and safety organizations have come together to support the creation of ESFI Canada,” said Peter Marcucci. “And we look forward to welcoming many others to be part of our efforts.”

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety. ESFI proudly sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May, and engages in public education campaigns throughout the year to prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities.

To learn more about ESFI and electrical safety, visit www.electrical-safety.org