Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA)

The Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) is a national non-profit association created in 1972 to represent independent elevator contractors and vertical lift suppliers in Canada. It provides a unified voice on industry issues, facilitates collaboration among contractors and suppliers, and maintains liaison with federal, provincial and municipal governments as well as labour organizations and other industry bodies.

Alongside its advocacy, technical and networking activities, CECA supports workforce development by administering scholarship opportunities. Through CECA’s Student Portal, prospective and current students can register and apply online for scholarships that help cover the costs of training to become an elevator mechanic or to pursue related technical education. These awards complement CECA’s broader efforts to promote safety, professionalism and skills development in the elevator sector.

CECA’s funding activity is focused on individuals entering or advancing within the elevator and vertical-transportation trades. Scholarships are targeted at students and apprentices pursuing recognized elevator mechanic programs or similar vocational pathways, often in partnership with regional training providers and regulatory frameworks. By easing financial barriers, CECA aims to attract new talent to the industry and support succession planning for its member companies.

Beyond scholarships, CECA invests non-financial resources in the sector through its Maintenance Control Program (MCP) documentation, industry guidelines, and educational outreach such as the ‘Safety Rider’ program in elementary schools. These initiatives, combined with conventions, regional meetings and training-focused events, form a comprehensive ecosystem of support for member firms and the broader public they serve.

CECA is governed by a Board of Directors representing four regions—Western, Prairie, Central and Eastern—as well as supplier and membership chairs. The Board, including a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Executive Director, oversees association programs, including scholarships and education-related initiatives. Members range from small independent contractors to large suppliers and manufacturers, along with international affiliates.

The association collaborates with North American partners in the elevator industry to participate in code development and consultation processes. It also works with insurance companies, government agencies and labour unions to ensure fair conditions for members and high safety standards for the public. Within this framework, CECA’s scholarship funding acts as a strategic tool to maintain a skilled workforce, align training with evolving codes and technologies, and reinforce the long-term health of Canada’s elevator industry.