EHRC Celebrates Leadership at 11th Annual Awards of Excellence
February 15, 2024
Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) honours individuals and organizations for their leadership and contribution to HR best practices in Canada’s electricity sector.
Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC), celebrated the winners of its 2023 Awards of Excellence in Toronto. This prestigious event gathered industry stakeholders nationwide to recognize and applaud the outstanding achievements of innovative HR leaders within Canada’s electricity sector.
“With a mission to strengthen the Canadian electricity workforce to be safetyfocused, innovative, and inclusive, EHRC honours employees, leaders and teams who are making a positive and tangible impact in the industry”, says Michelle Branigan, CEO, EHRC. “The Awards of Excellence provide an opportunity to celebrate those who are doing incredible work for and within our industry.”
Awards of Excellence Recipients
A highlight of the annual awards is the naming of the Leader of the Year, a title honouring an individual who has performed exceptionally and who inspires professionals across the country.
This year, Lesley Gallinger, President and Chief Executive Officer at Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) was honoured with the Leader of the Year award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and commitment to cultivating an inclusive and values-based work culture.
When presenting the Award, Branigan said “Lesley is an extraordinary leader who inspires her team to be part of an organization that is driving change in this industry, and developing a workplace where everyone can achieve their potential. It is our honour to recognize her with this award.”
The winners in other categories, serving as inspirations to colleagues nationwide, are as follows:
Emerging Leader of the Year: Oluwafemi Obadeyi from Atura Power
HR Innovator: Lathani Sivakumaran from Ontario Power Generation
Workplace Culture Innovator: Rosana Kemsley from ENWIN Utilities and Jesse Spring from Primary Engineering and Construction
Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award (SME): Ontario Energy Board
Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award (Large organization): Manitoba Hydro
Opportunities and Challenges of the electricity labour market
Each year, as part of the event, EHRC presents an extraordinary line-up of prominent experts to share their expertise and effective strategies to address a key industry priority.
This year’s theme focusing on the findings from EHRC’s latest labour market intelligence study (Electricity in Demand- Labour Market Insights 2023- 2028). The panelists addressed opportunities and challenges within Canada’s electricity sector, discussing effective strategies to educate, recruit and retain the skilled workforce that will be needed to deliver an electricity system that is safe, reliable, innovative and carbon neutral.
The distinguished panel included Kevin Weaver, President & CEO, Georgian College (Moderator); Pari Johnston, President & CEO, Colleges & Institutes Canada; Marcia Perry, EVP People & Corporate Services, TransAlta; Moe Kabbara, VP, Transition Accelerator; Karen Smith, VP and Chief Human Resources Officer, Bruce Power.
