Ottawa Construction News staff writer
About 25 members of Ottawa’s Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) chapter gathered for a Thirsty for Social evening on June 26, heralding a chapter programming revitalization that will see other initiatives after the summer break.
New chapter chair Najlaa Abdul-Hussain invited members to suggest ideas for events and activities. “You can send us an email if you have any ideas or thoughts about how to improve, how to do more stuff,” she said in brief remarks.
“And we are looking for executive members. If anyone interested to join us, you’re welcome. We really need your help.”
The event, which included a fajita dinner and refreshments at Tailgators in the Merivale Mall, was the first since the chapter’s May 15 Annual Chapter Meeting (ACM) in virtual ZOOM format.
The ACM saw the formal introduction of six new executive members, bringing the total number of executive positions to 11, with two remaining vacant. Abdul-Hussain succeeded Michel Theauvette, who had served as acting chairperson in the previous year.
“Elections were held in March with six new executive members for a total of 11 executive positions; two remain vacant,” said the chairperson’s ACM report. The report also noted that virtual meetings have been a primary tool for staying connected, with plans to hold some in-person meetings in the future.
The chapter’s financial report, presented by treasurer Justin Tudor, showed a closing balance of $53,689 at the end of the 2024-2025 fiscal period. The report detailed an opening balance of $63,201, income for the period of $38,314, and expenses totalling $47,826. Planned upcoming expenses include professional development.
Membership in the Ottawa Chapter currently stands at 78 members, with four new members added and one cancellation reported by Michael Thornber in the membership report. The report also provided a breakdown of CSC designations, showing slight increases in CCCA and CTR designations from 2024 to 2025.
Upcoming events and technical programs were highlighted by Maria Cristina Villalba and Felipe Abello. These include the “First CSC ‘Thirsty for Specifications Thursday’ social event” on June 26, a masonry seminar with Dr. Wiggins (to be confirmed) in Fall 2025, and a Trade Show (Connection Café) managed by John Jensen and Mike Thornber at a date to be determined.
A “Training Session at a Dinner Event” with Mahnaz Nikbakht is also TBD.
Yvon Lachance, CSC’s national third vice-president, provided an update on future Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and conferences, with St. John’s, N.L., hosting in 2025, followed by Winnipeg in 2026, London, Ontaio in 2027, and Kelowna, B.C., in 2028.
The chapter expressed gratitude to the Montreal Chapter for its support with the sponsors campaign, and a document for the campaign is being prepared for distribution in the Fall.
Ottawa’s chapter executive members (2025) include:
- Chairperson: Najlaa Abdul-Hussain (new)
- Vice-chairperson: Priscilla Soares Santos (new)
- Director: Michel (Mike) Theauvette
- Treasurer: Justin Tudor
- Officer – Engineering: Nkechi (NK) Mcneil-Ayuk (new)
- Officer – Events and Programs: Felipe Abello and Maria Cristina Vilalba (new)
- Officer – Manufacturer Supplier/Architectural: Annie Bourgon (new)
- Officer – Marketing: Mark Buckshon
- Officer – Membership/Communications: Michael Thornber
- Officer – Professional Development: Ali Ahrabi
- Officer – Special Senior Advisor: John G. Cooke
- Officer – Special Senior Advisor: John Jensen (new)
CSC provides fellowship, training resources and networking opportunities for architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers and others concerned with the key contract specifications documents in the construction industry. For more information, visit the chapter’s website at https://ottawa.csc-dcc.ca/.
