Canadian Apprenticeship Forum Announces New Board Chair

EIN CAF FCA 400

Oct 30, 2020

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA) has announced the appointment of Lionel Railton, RSE, CEB, PPAC as the new Board of Directors Chair.

CAF-FCA Executive Director, France Daviault notes “We are incredibly fortunate to secure the leadership of someone with more than forty years of on-the-ground experience in the skilled trades. Having served his union in many capacities, Lionel has a full understanding of the strengths and opportunities that exist and how apprenticeship can play a key role in fueling Canada’s economic growth.”

A third-generation member of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Lionel is a respected union representative with a depth of knowledge in executive board and financial management. In his current role as Canadian Director, Lionel is responsible for the oversight and support of the 17 Canadian Local Unions of the IUOE serving 55,000 Canadian members employed in the construction, road building, mining, industrial, healthcare, education, building maintenance and related sectors.

“I am sincerely grateful and look forward to continuing the outstanding work the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum has done for the skilled trades community over the last twenty years. Government agendas around apprenticeship are continually expanding and CAF-FCA is wellpositioned as the national voice through its research, discussion and collaboration with stakeholders across the country.” remarks Lionel. “I look forward to working with my Board colleagues this fall to develop a new strategic plan which will guide CAF-FCA activities for the next three years. The collective passion and commitment to apprenticeship training among our members, Board of Directors and staff will continue to be the motivating factor for our work on behalf of the national apprenticeship community.”

2020 CAF-FCA Board Elections were recently conducted and affirmed at the Annual General Meeting of Members on October 21, 2020. The following Directors were elected to four-year terms in five constituencies:

Jurisdiction – J’Amey Bevan, Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training

Labour – Cordell Cole, IBEW

Equity – Joann Greeley, Office to Advance Women Apprentices

Employer – Rebecca Kragnes, Bird Construction

Education – Frank Rossi, College of New Caledonia

Source

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…