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

  • Mastering Advanced Bidding Strategies in Electrical Contracting

    Mastering Advanced Bidding Strategies in Electrical Contracting

    December 1, 2025 By Melvin Newman, Patabid CEO & Ian Paterson, Patabid Client Success Manager and journeyman electrician with 30+ years of experience In the competitive world of electrical contracting, knowing how to estimate electrical jobs effectively can make the difference between winning profitable projects and watching opportunities slip away. For electrical contractors, mastering advanced… Read More…

  • Why Choosing the Right USB Charger Matters

    Why Choosing the Right USB Charger Matters

    December 1, 2025 Not all USB Chargers are Created Equal As the number of devices used daily increases, so does the need for a charger that delivers safe speeds and maximum charging potential. A high-quality USB charger delivers efficient charging without risk of damage, but the sea of USB chargers and outlets available on online… Read More…

  • How Homebuilding Incentives Can Pay Off for Cities, Homeowners and Local Economies: New Concordia Study

    December 1, 2025 A new study from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business finds that improving housing affordability isn’t just a social good — it’s an economic growth opportunity. Build and Benefit: How Homebuilding Incentives Can Pay Off for Cities, Homeowners and Local Economies reframes housing policy reform as a sustainable fiscal growth strategy, demonstrating meaningful… Read More…

  • The Importance of HazLoc LED Lighting for Safe Workplaces

    The Importance of HazLoc LED Lighting for Safe Workplaces

    November 30, 2025 By CSC LED In Canada’s industrial lighting sector, one of the most critical yet often overlooked safety components is lighting designed specifically for hazardous locations, otherwise known as HazLoc (hazardous location) LED lighting. For workplaces dealing with flammable gases, vapours, combustible dust, or ignitable fibres, standard LED fixtures simply don’t cut it…. Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Skills Ontario Celebrates the Expansion of Trades & Tech Truck Program

    Skills Ontario Celebrates the Expansion of Trades & Tech Truck Program

    December 1, 2025 Skills Ontario is expanding its fleet of Trades & Tech mobile unit thanks to support from the Ontario Government. The government announced this morning it’s investment in Skills Ontario to expand experiential opportunities for Ontario’s future workforce.    “Ontario’s future relies on a strong, skilled workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration,… Read More…

  • BC’s Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement aims to Facilitate Interprovincial Trade

    BC’s Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement aims to Facilitate Interprovincial Trade

    December 1, 2025 A new agreement signed by all provinces, territories, and the federal government will break down interprovincial trade barriers, making it easier for B.C. businesses to sell products across Canada, and for people to buy Canadian-made goods.   “When threats to Canada’s economic security land at our doorstep, we’re at our best when we work together as… Read More…

  • EB Horsman’s Commitment to Giving Back – A Year in Recap 2024/2025

    EB Horsman’s Commitment to Giving Back – A Year in Recap 2024/2025

    December 1, 2025 EB Horsman Cares is the company’s community engagement program that supports local children’s hospitals, communities, and non-profit initiatives with donations, fundraising, volunteering, and scholarships.  Since 1993, BC Children’s Hospital has been the primary recipient of EB Horsman & Son’s fundraising. However, as EB Horsman has continued to expand its businesses across Western… Read More…

  • Build Canada Homes Introduces Policy Framework to Guide its Investments in Affordable Housing

    Build Canada Homes Introduces Policy Framework to Guide its Investments in Affordable Housing

    December 1, 2025 Central to that work, the Government of Canada is stepping up with the recently launched Build Canada Homes, new federal agency with a mandate to scale up the supply of affordable housing across Canada. Build Canada Homes will also help fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces,… Read More…