In the Air - HRAI Industry News

The HRAI-ORAC Joint Government Relations Committee reconvened on April 7 with a few new faces and some lively discussions about HVACR technologies, industry advocacy, incentive program design policy, and leadership transition of the committee, marking an important step forward after a period of inactivity. 

Held at ORAC offices, outgoing chair Jim McAughey (Standard Mechanical) noted the significance of getting the committee moving forward again following a brief pause. The session combined governance updates with substantive policy discussions that are expected to shape the committee’s direction in the months ahead. 

A central outcome of the meeting was the formal transition plan for committee leadership, reinforcing the collaborative structure between HRAI and ORAC. 

With McAughey completing his two-year term, members voted unanimously to appoint Joe Muchynski (Arvin Air Systems) as incoming chair, representing HRAI. Representing ORAC, Bruno Sibio (Ainsworth) was elected as incoming vice-chair. Both will formally assume their roles at the committee’s next meeting. 

A core topic of discussion focused on HRAI’s Principles of HVACR Incentive Program Design document, which aims to guide governments and utilities in developing more effective rebate and grant programs.   

Presented by Martin Luymes, Vice-President, Government and Stakeholder Relations at HRAI, the document outlines best practices intended to address longstanding industry concerns. Key principles include providing advance notice of program launches; ensuring program longevity to avoid negative market disruption; and the linking of rebates to the use of licensed, qualified contractors. 

While characterized as “common sense,” the framework fills a longstanding gap by consolidating industry expectations into a single, shareable resource for policymakers. 

Committee members engaged in a constructive discussion on how the document could evolve. Luymes welcomed feedback, emphasizing that the document is intended to serve as a flexible, sector-wide guide. 

Another major focus was preparation for the upcoming Queen’s Park Day advocacy event, a cornerstone of HRAI’s government relations efforts in Ontario. Scheduled for May 11 and 12, the two-day initiative will begin with strategy sessions and stakeholder discussions, followed by a full day of meetings at the provincial legislature. These will include engagements with ministers, MPPs from all parties, and senior government staff. 

A draft set of policy priorities, which will form the basis for the messaging to be delivered during the advocacy meetings, was circulated to committee members for input. 

The meeting also marked the introduction of new committee member Glenn Kilmer (Kilmer Environmental), an experienced industry professional with a strong history in the HVACR sector, including previously serving as president of the Toronto chapter of ASHRAE. 

Rounding out the committee are Mario Asta (Multi-Temp Systems), Tony Mammoliti (Ambient Mechanical), Domenic Scopelliti (Niagara Mechanical Services), and Ray Traynor (Central Ontario Refrigeration and HVAC). 

Members received a brief update on the evolution of Enbridge Sustain, with Luymes describing recent changes and a settlement agreement as positive developments for the industry following regulatory engagement. 

The committee also reviewed highlights from the recent CMPX show, which drew more than 17,000 participants and over 500 exhibitors, reflecting continued growth and engagement across the HVACR sector. 

The next meeting of the committee, which meets a minimum of twice per year, is set to take place in October. 

For more information, contact Adam Freill, Government Relations Lead, Ontario, at afreill@hrai.ca.