Power Workers’ Union Leader Named EHRC Electricity Industry Leader of the Year

Don Mackinnon EHRC

Don MacKinnon, President of the Power Workers’ Union, has been honoured with Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC)’s 2015 Leader of the Year award. The award will be presented at EHRC’s 10th anniversary luncheon on December 9 in Toronto.

MacKinnon has been a leading figure in Ontario’s electricity industry for over 30 years. A Powerline Technician by trade, he began his apprenticeship with Ontario Hydro in 1971 and in 2012 was awarded the Order of Ontario, the highest honour in the province, for his achievements as a life-long advocate for Ontario’s energy industry. Known throughout the industry as an honest, innovative, intelligent and tireless proponent of the industry and the people who work in it, Don inspires a shared vision by creating for others an ideal and unique image of what is possible.

EHRC Chair Norm Fraser describes MacKinnon as “one of the most respected and hard-working individuals in the industry today and widely recognized as an innovator, a problem solver, and a steadying influence.”

EHRC established the Leader of the Year award 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 successful nominee is an individual who has affected positive change and is dedicated to ensuring that their workforce has the opportunity and skills to contribute to the businesses overall strategy and success.

The event is sponsored by Ontario Power Generation, Power Workers’ Union, Independent Electricity Systems Operator, Atlantic Utility Council/IBEW, Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, Sureskills, the Society of Energy Professionals, Powerstream, Hydro Ottawa, the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance and media partner, Kerrwil Publications. Additional information on sponsorships is available at EHRC’s web site.

Find out more about the 10th anniversary luncheon: http://electricityhr.ca/register/.

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Delta Transformers Appoints New Representative in Ontario

    Delta Transformers Appoints New Representative in Ontario

    October 8, 2026 Delta Transformers, a Canadian manufacturer of dry-type transformers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Spectrum Power Systems as their new representative in Ontario, Canada, effective October 1st, 2026. For over 27 years Spectrum Power Systems has been representing leading electrical manufacturers throughout Ontario. The company has a strong presence in the… Read More…

  • Former Electrical Contractor Principal Arrested Following ESA Referral to Police

    Former Electrical Contractor Principal Arrested Following ESA Referral to Police

    October 8, 2026 Arrest follows ESA licence revocation, $70,000 in previous fines and new electrical safety charges   Peel Regional Police recently arrested Rahyl Hassan, principal of former Licensed Electrical Contractor, Strak Holdings Inc., following an investigation in which the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) cooperated with police.  ESA referred concerns about potential criminal activity to Peel… Read More…

  • Federal Government Announces $2 billion Investment to Deliver One Million Home Retrofits Across Canada

    Federal Government Announces $2 billion Investment to Deliver One Million Home Retrofits Across Canada

    October 8, 2026 The federal government has announced a $2 billion investment to deliver one million home retrofits across Canada. These energy-efficient retrofits will lower heating costs for Canadians and reduce emissions. First, they are launching a new National Heat Pump Rebate to help up to 820,000 households make the switch to more efficient electric heat pumps: Heat pumps… Read More…

  • FCM and the Government of Canada Announce $66.3 M in 162 Energy Efficient Housing Projects

    FCM and the Government of Canada Announce $66.3 M in 162 Energy Efficient Housing Projects

    September 8, 2026 Funding supports homeowners and affordable housing providers in reducing energy costs and improving quality of life, while adding jobs to communities coast-to-coast  The Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) today announced that $66.3 million in funding has been approved for 162 energy efficiency projects across the country. The… Read More…