Flow-through battle, increase in membership highlight ’88

The year 1988 does not have what could be termed a focal point. The association has been too busy on too many fronts to single one out.

In Ontario, the forthcoming legislation on Common Core Training through the Ministry of Skills and Development did take on special significance, and a committee was struck through the CDDA and the Northern Safety Group to assist the ministry. This committee will carry on through in 1989, which is the proposed date of completion.

As manager of the association, I wish to express a special vote of thanks to N. Morissette Canada Inc. for having initiated and maintained discussions with the Workers Compensation Board of Ontario in respect to the rates being charged to the diamond drilling industry. Dare Fowler, Peter Henderson, and Jean-Guy Raymond must be singled out for their effort, which, I must add, is still ongoing in 1989.

The CDDA has managed to keep itself well informed by maintaining close ties with the ministries of labor in various provinces, the Ontario and Quebec mine contractors associations, the CSST of Quebec, and some provincial safety associations.

Presently, the Canadian Diamond Drillers Association has a membership of:

52 active members

38 associate members

6 mining members

This represents a slight increase in membership over 1988.

As in the past years, the directors of the association have provided me with wise counsel and assistance beyond reproach.

The revival of our Drill Press publication is a 1988 milestone. Credit must be given to director Robert Miller of Diaset Products of Richmond, B.C., for having accepted the challenge and accomplishing what seemed to be the impossible.

The battle for flow-through financing was another endeavour of the CDDA, its directors, and member companies in 1988. Little was gained, but as manager of the association, I wish to thank all member companies for their co-operation and participation.

For the Eastern members, mainly in northern Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick, our Safe Work Methods Handbook was translated into French, printed in January, 1989, and circulated.

The year 1988 will be known as our “video year.” Three videos were completed. Two of them relate directly to underground diamond drilling. Thanks must be expressed to Romeo Brouillette, vice-president of N. Morissette Canada Inc., Val d’Or, for his drive, energy, and direction in bringing this project to reality.

A vote of thanks must also be expressed to Philippon Diamond Drilling Inc. for having commissioned and funded an instructional video presentation illustrating the proper and safe use of a foot clamp for lowering and raising rods.

Also in 1988, the CDDA became a member of the International Drilling Federation. This membership allows our manufacturing members an easy access to membership in the Diamond Core Drill Manufacturers Association (DCDMA), and also at a greatly reduced rate. This is in line with our objectives in standardization.

The association is continually growing, and it is prepared to assist any of its members at any time with its problems or with its endeavours.

It is your Association; Do not be afraid to use it.

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