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/.

 

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