PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

CAREER PLANNING
R W
Employee Profle
Employee Profle
CANEM CONDUIT VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 SPRING 2007 1
ecently, one of our foreman asked how the
heck an accountant became President of an
electrical contracting company! Its a ques-
tion Ive been asked before, and it got me thinking
that most Canem employees probably dont know
what it takes to move up the company ladder into
higher level positions.
We are about to introduce a set of documents and
processes designed to help interested employees
plan and execute their individual career paths. You
will know what training, practical experience, and
education are required for every position at Canem,
and how to set off on the path to achieve your goal.
However, you must be motivated. Ask yourself: Are
you willing to commit to a course of self-develop-
ment that will mean personal sacrices? Do you
really want and are you ready for the additional
responsibilities that will come with the new job? Are
you willing to compete for better job opportuni-
ties? If you can answer yes to all of these questions,
youre ready to advance professionally.
We will do our very best to be there for any em-
ployee who wants to get ahead, but the primary
responsibility for career development lies with the
individual. It takes enthusiasm, efciency, good
judgment, dependability, and loyalty all qualities
that will also increase your own sense of job satisfac-
tion. I encourage you to explore the possibilities!
ASK YOURSELF: ARE YOU WILLING
TO COMMIT TO A COURSE OF SELF-
DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL MEAN
PERSONAL SACRIFICES?
hen last we left
Neil Flaman
(Conduit, Summer/
Fall 2006) he was taking care of
business at the Olymel process-
ing plant, where the crew is on
call 24/7. No biggie for Flaman,
who has never shied away from
a hard days work -- whether its
on or off the job. In fact, when
hes not on site for Canem, Neil
spends much of his time tend-
ing to 60 head of beef cattle on
his 160 acre farm.
(If any of this sounds famil-
iar, thats because Neil and
Nanaimo employee Walter
Paravicini proled in the
last issue of the Conduit are
remarkably similar. Both men
were born and raised in Alberta,
both come from farming back-
grounds, and both have custom-
ers who dont want anyone else
on their projects. As President
Brad Armstrong says, they
could have been separated
at birth. . . but thats another
story!)
A Foreman with the Red Deer
Division, Flaman has been in-
volved with a variety of projects
during his career with Canem,
and has enjoyed working on all
of them. As he says, he hasnt
missed a beat in 20 years with
the company. Thats because,
as far as Flaman is concerned, you
couldnt ask for a better employer:
Everyone here treats you well.
When my wife died a few years ago,
people from the ofce checked in
on me, which meant a lot, he says,
singling out Al Miller, Vice President
and District Manager, Alberta, and
Morris Lansing (now Vancouver
Division Manager), for special praise.
Ive known them for years and they
are both great guys to work with.
Lansing and Miller return the compli-
ment: Neil is a really good guy
and a wonderful employee, says
Lansing. Agreed, but he sure can be
grumpy! adds Al Miller, referring to
Neils well-known gruff exterior.
Something tells us, that really is
just on the outside!
Brad Armstrong
NANAIMO
spur-of-the-moment speech
competition among rst-year
employees was a highlight of the Divi-
sions Christmas party, held December
9 at Parksvilles beautiful Tigh-Na-
Mara Resort. Chris Cormie was the
winner (although all of the speeches
were great!) as he described what life
at Canem has been like so far.
ictured
is future
Canem em-
ployee Ryan
Carson (son
of Elizabeth
and Tyler
Carson), who wants to take over his
Dads position with the company!
Division Manager Les Hodgson is
always looking for good, young work-
ers, but this might be pushing it!

CALGARY
bout 200 partygoers were at the
Divisions Christmas party at
the Wainwright Hotel on December
8, and enjoyed a fun Casino, door
prizes, dinner, and dancing. They
also gave generously to the local
food bank. Pictured is Al Miller,
Vice-President and Regional Manager
Alberta, who received a gag decoy
duck in recognition of his 30 years
with the company (dont worry, he
also got a real gift!).

anta was one busy guy at the
Employee Associations annual
Christmas party. Pictured is Ashley
Gillis (granddaughter of electrician
Allan Gillis), one of about 50 kids
who took part in lots of fun activities.
The party was coordinated by Don
and Melinda Thompson, with help
from Mike and MJ Cressman, Tom
Givogue, Lynn Neufeld, Louise
Caine, Shawna Spurrill, Allan
Gillis, and Deborah Prothmann.


In fact, Calgary Division employee David
Roy (top left) is a two-time winner (1993
and 1997) of the Calgary Stampedes
$50,000 steer wrestling contest! The 20-year
professional cowboy also wrestled for
Team Canada at the Olympic Rodeo in 1988,
helping the team to a Silver medal, and was
Canadian Professional Rodeo Association
season leader in 1996 and 1997. David has
retired but his sons, 16 year-old Trigger
(centre) and 13 year-old Kasper (right), are
carrying on the family tradition. Trigger won
the 2006 Silver State High School Rodeo
nals in Fallon, Nevada, and Kasper won the
2005 Alberta Junior High School champion-
ship and qualied for the 2006 national
junior high nals in Gallup, New Mexico.
Nice going, guys!
A A
Al Miller is
pleased to
announce
that Calgary
Division
apprentice Peter
Collins has won a
$1000 scholarship from the
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Train-
ing Board. Peter was one of 177 recipients
selected by the Board. We think they made
a great choice! Congratulations Peter!
APPRENTICE
WINS!
Division Reports
Division Reports
2 CANEM CONDUIT
Did you Know
Did you Know
WE HAVE A STEER WRESTLING CHAMPION
IN OUR MIDST?
P
S

RED DEER
he Divisions long history of
supporting minor hockey contin-
ues with Greg Holtby, who is now
coaching his son, Ethan (Number
14 in your program!), a member of
the Granden Auto Bulldogs. There is
nothing more rewarding than work-
ing with kids and I am proud to be
a part of this Canem tradition, says
Greg. Other supporters include Divi-
sion Manager Dale deWit, whose
daughter plays for the Bantam B
Sutter Fund Chiefs; Project Manager
Brad Heinzlmeir, who coaches the
Pee Wee A Sutter Fund Chiefs;
and Al Miller, Vice-President and
Regional Manager, Alberta. Al, Brad,
and Dale bought and auctioned off
Flames and Oilers tickets and sweat-
ers (which went for $350 each!)
in support of a recent tournament
hosted by the Bulldogs. The Divi-
sion chipped in for ball caps for
each Bulldog, and a group of sup-
pliers also helped out. All told, over
$1500 was raised.

Dawn Logan has certainly seen her fair share
of hard times, most recently when she learned
that her son, Jerik, has leukemia and will
need 3 years worth of treatment. Resources
are tight for the single mom of three, but
Dawns life recently got a little better, thanks
to a substantial donation from the Division
to help with expenses while she takes time
off to care for Jerik and her other two sons,
Jordan and Justin. A total of $2900 raised at
the Christmas party and from the Employee
Association, was matched by the Division.
Dawn Logan and son,
Jerik (centre), received
a $5800 cheque
from Canem Calgary
presented by Cory
Schwab (left), from the
Employees Association,
and Lynn Neufeld
(right). Also represent-
ing Canem was Service
Manager Ken Thiessen,
who took the photo.
CANEM CALGARY REACHES OUT TO FAMILY IN NEED
Pictured back row, far right, is Greg Holtby,
coach of the Granden Auto Bulldogs one of two
Blackfalds Bulldog teams supported with cash and
caps from Canem Red Deer.
Vancouver Division employees at a demonstration
led by Danny Campomizzi, in preparation for a pipe
bending job at Van Tech 2 designed to make exposed
conduit in the boiler room more aesthetically pleas-
ing. Left to right: Ian Lindquist, Kevin Smith, Chris
Kostuk, Jason Armstrong, Eric Sugawara, Drew
Faulkner, Igor Narivonchik, and Danny Campomizzi.
VANCOUVER
fab time was had by all at the
Christmas party, which again
featured table games (created by Ad-
ministrative Assistant Wilma Moir) to
determine pecking order at the buffet
and, just like last year, lots of cheat-
ing! Dinner was followed by speeches,
door prizes, awards, and magician
Rod Boss. Special recognition went
to apprentices Kyle Bradley, Chris
Horntvedt, Kosta Stevens, and
Tudor Reedman-Toropoc for achiev-
ing 90% or better grades in school.
T
A
3 CANEM CONDUIT
Division Reports
Division Reports
Happy 30th Anniversary, Morris and Judy Lansing!
April 14, 2007.

Pictured at Vancouver Islands Jordan River ski area is
Victoria apprentice Lee Kupiak, an avid snow surfer
on a weekend outing with fellow apprentice Michael
Macatee, who took the photo. (We dont know the
difference between snow surng and snow boarding,
but it might just be that were too un-cool for words!)
EDMONTON
his years Christmas party was a
popular one indeed, as a record-
breaking 160 employees and guests
turned up at the Jubilee Auditorium
on December 9 for a night of din-
ner, dancing, and awards. Pictured is
Apprentice of the Year Brett Harke
(middle) with his pal, Eli Gevy and
his girlfriend, Lisa Gerber.
T
once again, the Division was awarded
an Employee Silver award for raising
$10,000.00, up from last years $9200
donation. This was a fantastic effort
by all of the Divisions employees, said
Mike Embury, adding that it was also
Regional Manager Knud Mortensens
second year as account executive in
charge of soliciting donations from
local construction companies
VICTORIA
he annual Christmas party was
held December 9 at McMorrans
Beach House, where 82 guests en-
joyed another fantastic buffet, cour-
tesy of Wallace McMorran and staff.
Special guests were former Division
Manager Gerry Stewart and his wife,
Clarice; former CEO Bill Crarer and
his wife, Sandra; and President Brad
Armstrong and his wife, Joanne. En-
tertainment was provided by magician
Dave Attwood, who kept everyone
laughing while they waited in the
buffet line. Special thanks to the sup-
pliers, who again came through with
many great gifts for all to enjoy.
006 marked the Divisions
second year of participation in the
Victoria United Way Campaign and,
T
CANEM CONDUIT VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 SPRING 2007 4
EDMONTON
CALGARY
VANCOUVER
VICTORIA
CHRISTMAS PARTY TIME AT CANEM!
2
he 2006 annual general
meeting was held in Novem-
ber. Two full days of meet-
ings featured a review of activities
that took place during 2006, plans
for 2007, presentations by virtually
every member of the management
Pictured (left to right) are graduates of the most
recent CMP training: Tyler Carson (Nanaimo), Matt
Strickland (Edmonton), Ken Donaghy (Calgary), Al
Morrison (Edmonton), Myles Evancio (Calgary),
Brad Heinzlmeir (Red Deer), Kim Enders (Calgary),
and Jody Van Kleef (Nanaimo).
The Canem Conduit is published four times
per year by Canem Systems Ltd., 1358-13351
Commerce Parkway, Richmond, BC, V6V 2X7
Telephone (604) 214-8650.
We welcome your comments and
suggestions for future issues.
Please contact Julie Lee via email at
jlee@canem.com
IN THIS ISSUE of The Conduit we intro-
duce a new section that will focus on helpful
hints and useful tips for increasing productiv-
ity and efciency. Calgary Superintendent
Andy Carr starts things off with a compari-
son of the new Hilti pre-cut cantruss versus
the standard and slotted versions.
SCENARIO 1: Standard cantruss for building
rack. Total time and materials: $765.93. Same
day delivery
SCENARIO 2: Slotted cantruss for building
rack. Total time and material: $957.84. Deliv-
ery: 35 working days.
SCENARIO 3: Hilti pre-cut strut for building
rack. Total time and material: $508.50. Deliv-
ery: 35 working days (expected to improve)
With only 1 hour of labour involved (to order
and receive), this new tool offers a 31% saving
over Scenario 1 and a 47% saving over Sce-
nario 2, says Andy Carr. And this is based on
just one rack per oor. The savings could be
even more signicant on a larger job.
AGM SETS COMPANY DIRECTION FOR 2007
Pictured (L to R), enjoying
a quiet moment: President
Brad Armstrong; Vancou-
ver Division Construction
Manager Morris Lansing;
Edmonton Division Man-
ager Brian Alexander;
and Vancouver Division
Manager Ron Tryuda.
Calgary Electrician Mike Cooper installs a time-saving
pre-cut Hilti cantruss.
T
T
Favourites
from the
Field
Favourites
from the
Field
We Are All
CANEM!
We Are All
CANEM!
5 CANEM CONDUIT SPRING 2007
his issue we introduce a new
column, on human resource
initiatives and employee well-
ness, by Julie Lee, Human Resource
and Development Manager.
A company is only as successful as
its people and their will to succeed.
At Canem, one of our top priorities
is to promote excellence by ensur-
ing our employees get the training
they need to help them achieve their
goals and reach their full potential.
With over 60,000 person-hours
dedicated to eld and ofce develop-
ment and training in 2006, we truly
do believe in growing talent! This
focus on training is part of our ongo-
ing efforts to ensure our success is
innite. As we build on our founda-
tion, we become more knowledge-
able and adaptable when it comes to
dealing with and managing the com-
plexities of our changing industry.
While the training programs
we identify are certainly designed
with the companys best interests
in mind, they can also help partici-
pants enhance their skills off the job.
For example, the Canem Marketing
Process (CMP) focuses on maintaining
positive client relations by enhanc-
ing problem-solving, mediation, and
communication abilities all of which
are important life-skills in general. This
intensive, four day course involves a
tremendous amount of work, before,
during, and after the program, but
those who take it have nothing but
praise for the results! If you have ques-
tions about CMP or other professional
development opportunities at Canem,
please drop me a line.
committee, and a formal welcome
to the two newest members of the
Management Committee: Stuart
Fuhr, Construction Manager, Ed-
monton; and Morley Harke, Con-
struction Manager Special Projects,
Edmonton.

s projects go, it doesnt have
a huge wow factor when it
comes to high-tech systems
and equipment, complicated installa-
tions, and the like. But Canems $30
million share of the $168 million
Peter Lougheed Centre is exactly
the kind of job that will serve
the company well down the
road because of the extensive
behind-the-scenes planning,
organization, and attention to
detail that is required.
As one of three major hospital
Project Profle
Project Profle
The Peter Lougheed Centre is comprised of a parkade expansion (completed); plus a new central power plant, and a new east wing concrete tower with a link to the
existing structure both of which will be in full swing this spring. The project started in 2005 and is slated for completion by 2010. In addition to Project Manager
Gordon Boys, Canems on site team members are: Cost Manager Alfredo Machado, Project Superintendent Rob Harkins, and Project Administrator Cheryl Rausch.
A
THE MAIN CHALLENGE IS FINDING
WAYS TO WORK IN A BUSY
HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT WITHOUT
DISRUPTING PATIENT CARE.
HOSPITAL EXPANSION A SHOWCASE FOR FUTURE CONTRACTS
upgrade projects underway in Calgary,
our performance is being carefully
scrutinized by the industry, says Proj-
ect Manager Gordon Boys. So we
are striving to show that we should
be the contractor of choice in terms
of this work in the future. The main
challenge, he says, is nding ways to
work in a busy hospital environment
without disrupting patient care. We
need to do things according to their
needs, not ours.
Accordingly, the on-site team
maintains close contact with both
the Calgary Regional Health Author-
ity and hospital staff to identify how
best to manage activities that range
from necessary power shut downs
6 CANEM CONDUIT SPRING 2007 Editor: Arbutus Communications 604-253-1962
Crew members work on one of several mock-ups
being utilized to improve productivity and efciency.
to relocating entrances and ambulance
bays. A major focus has been on ef-
fective communication, says Boys,
noting, for example, the many hours
Superintendent Rob Harkins dedicated
to coordinating the relocation of power
feeders in preparation for east
wing excavation.
Preparatory work has also in-
volved building extensive mock-
ups and obtaining feedback
on the proposed placement of
services such as outlets, xtures,
and patient lifting systems for
the acute, critical, and intensive
care areas. The idea is to ensure the
nal design comes together with full
input from the hospital, says Boys, add-
ing that the Canem team came up with
a simple yet effective innovation that
enhanced the efciency of the mockup
process: photocopying telephone out-
lets, plugs, and other components, and
pasting them into position. That saved
a lot of time and money because it was
easy to make adjustments.