Established: 1933

In 1933, nine plumbing and heating companies in Montreal hoped to replace timeworn unethical practices and faulty distribution methods with sound and orderly merchandising and marketing practices. They realized the opportunity "low business" volume offered in providing corrective measures to the industry. So, they devised a plan to serve the best interests of both those in the industry and the public. As a result, the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating was created.

Membership

More than 260 companies are members of CIPH. The Institute is governed by an elected 19-member board of directors and a six-member executive/finance committee.

CIPH operates through a Manufacturers’ Division and a Wholesalers’ Division. There are five active councils: the Plumbing Industry Advisory Council (PIAC), the Manufacturers’ Agents Council, Education and Training Council, the Industrial Pipe Valve and Fittings Council, and the Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC).

Mission Statement

To promote the responsible growth and prosperity of members: manufacturers, wholesaler distributors and associates in the plumbing, industrial PVF, waterworks, and hydronic heating industry in Canada.

Notable Achievements

• Producing CMX/CIPHEX trade show with HRAI.
• Raising more than $1 million in cash and products for Habitat for Humanity with CIPH Habitat-sponsored homes.
• Accreditation of Canadian Hydronics Council certification training program.
• The referencing of CSA B214.01 hydronics installation code in Part 6 of National Building Code.

Current Priority Projects

• Next month, the CIPH Board will hold a strategic planning workshop.
• Working with technical community colleges to attract youth to our industry.
• Continuing to make sure the views of the industry are top of mind when working with regulators and legislators to combat the sale of counterfeit and non-approved plumbing products.

A Word With… Ralph Suppa, CAE President and General Manager of CIPH

“The word ‘value’ is something everyone wants, needs and expects, yet it is something that one cannot really put a price tag on, since it obviously means something different to all of us. All CIPH members understand that their role in our industry is adding value to the businesses that they represent…that in turn supports the entire business system. We simply all add value in unique and independent ways.

“Through the new strategic planning process, CIPH will continue to enhance and meet members’ needs by providing meaningful programs relative to codes and standards, education and training, statistics, tradeshows, and providing networking opportunities in our collective efforts to meet their value proposition.”

For more information on CIPH, visit www.ciph.com, or call toll-free at 800-ASK-CIPH.

Current Board of Directors

Chairman of the Board
Kenneth Webster
Viessmann Mfg. Co. Inc.

First Vice-Chairman
Barry Raycroft
Bardon Supplies Ltd.

Second Vice-Chairman
Cliff Sarjeant, P.E.
NCI Marketing Inc.

Chairman of Wholesalers’ Div.
Paul Lachance
Wolseley Canada Inc.

Chairman of Manufacturers’ Div.
Bill McKinstry
Kamco Products

Treasurer
Rick Elliott
McKeough Supply Inc.

Honorary Vice Chairman
Case de Jong
Franke Kindred Canada Ltd.

Honorary Vice Chairman
Mike Dennis
Moen Inc.

Honorary Vice Chairman
Ross Robinson
B.A. Robinson Co. Ltd.

Secretary
Ralph Suppa
CAE and CIPH