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On October 24th Electricity Human Resources Canada held its 2014 HR Forum and 2014 HR Awards of Excellence at St Andrews Club and Conference Centre Toronto.

Dedicated to the electricity and renewable energy industry workforce, this national event brought together employers, labour, education, and government representatives working for and with the sector. Attendees heard and discussed the benefits and opportunities for transitioning military veterans into the sector, and the challenges – and opportunities – that arise when managing a workforce that now finds itself with three to four generations working together.

For a second year the EHRC’s Awards of Excellence were presented, celebrating extraordinary achievements and giving national recognition to the champions of excellence who are making a positive and tangible impact on the workforce. We were delighted to see the following winning companies and individuals who exemplified leadership, innovation, drive and passion in our industry.

Leader of the Year
The Leader of the Year 2014 Award was established by EHRC to recognize and celebrate an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their organization within the Canadian electricity industry through visionary people management strategies and leadership. The winner is a person who has affected positive change within their organization and who is dedicated to ensuring that their workforce has the opportunity and skills to contribute to the business’ overall strategy and success.
2014 Winner: Brian Bentz, Powerstream Inc.

Emerging Leader Award
The Emerging Leader Award was established by EHRC to nationally recognize and encourage early-career professionals who have demonstrated significant promise of leadership in their career with their current organization. The recipient is an employee with less than ten years of industry experience, an innovative thinker whose accomplishments has motivated their peers, and has demonstrated their dedication to the organization and the electricity industry.
2014 Winner: Jim Pegg, Hydro Ottawa

Innovation in HR Practices – Educational / Training Institution Award
The Innovation in HR Practices – Educational / Training Institution 2014 Award was established by EHRC to recognize and celebrate, at the national level, an educational or training institution that has developed or implemented curriculum, educational or training programs that address the workforce supply needs of the electricity industry by ensuring that students and/or employees have the required skill sets.
2014 Winner: Fortis Alberta’s Employee Development Centre

Innovation in HR Practices – Employer Award
The Innovation in HR Practices – Employer 2014 Award was established by EHRC to recognize and celebrate an Individual or Team who has displayed a high degree of innovation, in the design and implementation of a unique Human Resources program and/or project, and can demonstrate or anticipate or derive business value from the same.
2014 Winner: This year saw a tie: ATCO Electric represented by Greg Comis and Ontario Power Authority’s Elizabeth Squissato

Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award
The Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award was established by EHRC to recognize and celebrate professionals who champion diversity and inclusion, are role models for developing and cultivating diversity strategies in their organization, as well as communicating the rationale for these strategies to employees.
2014 Winner: Ontario Power Generation and the SIBI Board of Directors for their Innovative Approach to Resourcing Projects in Northern Ontario through Partnerships: The Sibi Employment and Training Initiative