History of AIEQ
1916
The birth of the Montreal Electric Club
In January 1916, W. H. Winter of Bell Telephone Company and P. T. Davis of Southern Canada Power Company realized that electrical professionals knew little about each other. They decided to organize a meeting at Cooper's Restaurant in Montreal. It was an immediate success: seven people got together and decided to meet every Wednesday. Thus was born the unofficial Montreal Electrical Club.
1916
Marked growth
On February 2, 1916, the meeting attracted 37 participants. In the spring, Mr. W.J. Camp of C.P.R. Telegraphs hosts the organization's first luncheon meeting. For several years, the Club is run by representatives of the giants of the day: Canadian General Electric, Shawinigan Water and Power, Canadian Westinghouse, Northern Electric, McGraw Hill & Co. Ltd. etc.
1944
The Fondation
Foundation
The Quebec government creates Hydro-Québec through the nationalization of Montreal Light, Heat & Power. During the golden age of the major James Bay projects (1975-1985), the electrical industry flourishes, and the Club sees an influx of new members.
1985
Incorporating the Club
The Club d'électricité de Montréal adopts a formal structure and by-laws at its first Annual General Meeting.
1990
Change of name
At a special meeting in February, the Club becomes Le Club d'électricité du Québec inc. marking its evolution into a corporate club.
1991
First submission
The organization submits its first brief to the Parliamentary Committee on Labour and the Economy, addressing the situation and outlook for electric power in Québec.
1996
Régie de l'énergie recommendations
The Club presents its recommendations to the Minister of Natural Resources and to the Opposition concerning the creation of a Régie de l'énergie.
1998
New name and expansion
In October, the Club adopts a new corporate name: the Association de l'industrie électrique du Québec (AIEQ). Jacques Marquis becomes the first permanent General Manager, and the AIEQ asserts itself as a key player in electrical industry debates.
1999
First submission to BAPE
The AIEQ submits its first brief to the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE) and continues to defend the interests of its members before various organizations.
2001
Lobbying activities
The AIEQ begins lobbying federal authorities to influence energy policies.
2002
Commitment to the Kyoto Protocol
The AIEQ takes part in a symposium on the Kyoto Protocol and submits a brief to the Parliamentary Commission on the subject. It also awards its first scholarship to a student at the Institut en génie de l'énergie électrique (IGEE).
2004
Energy security
The Association submits a brief on energy security to the Régie de l'énergie, leading to the formation of the Coalition pour la sécurité énergétique du Québec.
2005
New leadership
Jean-François Samray becomes President and CEO of the AIEQ.
2010
Participation in the World Energy Council
Daniel Laplante takes over as head of the AIEQ. Under his leadership, the Association participates in the World Energy Council and organizes several conferences.
2011
Going digital
With its sights firmly set on the future, the AIEQ is embracing social media and revamping its image and communications tools to better represent its members and their industry.
2015
New CEO
Denis Tremblay, an active member of the AIEQ Board of Directors, agrees to become President and CEO of the Association.
2022
First female CEO
Marie Lapointe becomes the first woman to hold the position of President and CEO of the AIEQ.
2022
Strengthening the industry's supply chain
Launch of the Strategic Sourcing Platform for the Electrical Industry (PASQÉ).