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EMPOWERING FUTURES
Electricity Employers can now access wage subsidies through EHRC's Student Work Integrated Learning Program - g et the funds to prepare your future workforce today!
Now accepting 


On April 10th,   the Honourable Minister Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour together with EHRC launched the Empowering Futures program or what is referred to as the Student Work Integrated Learning Program.  The event took place at Ontario Power Generation's Darlington Information Centre with attendance of elected officials, employers, students, and distinguished guests.

The Empowering Futures Program is designed to create up to 1000 new jobs for post-secondary students in the electricity sector over the next four years. The objective of the project is to better align the skill sets and job readiness of graduates with the needs of electricity industry employers in all provinces and territories across Canada. The program is funded by the Government of Canada's Student Work-Integrated Learning Program.

To learn more about the program contact: 
Mark Chapeskie:  chapeskie@electricityhr.ca  or visit the program website:    Empowering Futures
EHRC unveils Labour Market Intelligence
for Alberta's Energy Sector 
Alberta's electricity industry is operating in an evolving environment, guided by the Climate Leadership Plan and Renewable Electricity Program. The mandatory phase out of coal-fired generation means that the province must transition to lower emission sources of electricity generation if it is to meet continuing demand while adhering to government policy and regulations.
 
On April 17th EHRC released the findings of its "Workforce Transitions" study to industry stakeholders including employers, government officials and educators, at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).  
 
The report examines how the changes underway will affect Alberta's electricity workforce including labour market needs and hiring projections, the increased focus on renewable integration and how innovation in technology will impact the skills of the future workforce.  
 
You can download the report  here   
EHRC's Labour Market Information (LMI) Study for the Canadian Electrical Industry is currently underway.  

We need your perspectives!  Don't delay participation.  
To learn more click here

DEADLINE FURTHER EXTENDED TO JUNE 15TH!

EHRC's LMI provides accurate workforce predictions and concrete, actionable steps to help our industry address key HR challenges - but we can't do it alone!
 
It is critical that we obtain input from as many stakeholders as possible in order to ensure accurate data and representation from all in the sector. 
 
Both a demand-side survey (distributed to all industry employers and contractors) and a supply-side survey (targeted at all colleges, institutes and universities which have training programs related to the electricity /renewable sector) are being conducted.
 
Ensure your perspectives are included by completing the survey today!
 
Completing the survey
An online version is available to complete, which is recommended.  To complete the survey online you will require a unique Access Code.
 
To obtain your Access Code  please contact Sheila Harper, Senior Analyst at R.A. Malatest & Associates Ltd. directly at 1-877-665-6252 (extension 224) or  s.harper@malatest.com
   
Alternative Forms of Participation
The survey can also be completed via paper format, or over the phone with the support of Malatest's research team.   If you would prefer to complete the survey via a paper (hardcopy), you will be provided with the survey and a pre-paid return envelope.
 
As a valued member of the electricity community of employers your input and participation is strongly encouraged and appreciated!

Thank you to those employers and educators who have already completed the survey!

EHRC IS GROWING!




We have new staff at EHRC!  Meet both Marie Mould, Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement and Mark Chapeskie, Director of Programs & Development.  

You can view a bio of Mark & Marie here
INDUSTRY NEWS

EHRC and Quest are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations



Electricity Human Resources Canada is delighted to announce the signing of an MOU with QUEST.  The agreement is a reciprocal agreement that will see both organizations work together on initiatives that support and sustain a skilled and diverse labour force in the sector.

QUEST is the leader developing Smart Energy Communities that improve energy efficiency, enhance reliability, cut costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  questcanada.org 

"We are thrilled to have formalized our relationship with EHRC in 2018. EHRC works to strengthen the ability of the Canadian electricity industry to meet current and future needs for their workforce and the electricity sector will play an increasingly important role as we work together to advance Smart Energy Communities." Brent Gilmour, Executive Director, QUEST

"We are delighted to be working with QUEST to encourage and support opportunities between our two organizations, and we look forward to working together on future initiatives that will support the attraction, recruitment and development of skilled talent." Michelle Branigan, CEO EHRC.
Alectra pushes innovation forward in Central Ontario with investment in Georgian College

Alectra President and CEO Brian Bentz and Georgian College President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes announced the investment on May 10 inside Georgian's Advanced Technology, Innovation and Research Centre (ATIRC), currently under construction at the Barrie Campus. 

 
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP 
OPG's Barb Keenan Recognized for Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

EHRC would like to congratulate a real champion of diversity in the Canadian electricity sector. Barb Keenan, OPG's Senior Vice President of People and Culture, has been recognized for her commitment to build a more diverse and inclusive workplace. "OPG is proud that Barb's commitment to create a more diverse, healthy and engaged workplace has shown real results at OPG and has received national recognition," said Jeff Lyash, OPG President and CEO. "Through Barb's leadership, diversity and inclusion became a clear corporate objective and organizational priority."

 
  Orangeville Hydro says farewell to President George Dick 

After spending nearly four decades in the utility industry, Orangeville Hydro President George Dick is retiring .   Dick spent the first 10 years of his career at Orangeville Hydro, starting as a meter reader and working up to become an engineer technician. Rob Koekkoek has been announced as the new president of Orangeville Hydro.  


See Who's Among Canada's Best Managed Companies ( Electrical Industry Canada ) A number of companies in Canada's electrical industry continue to earn Canada's Best Managed Companies awards. Presented by Deloitte, the program recognizes best-in-class Canadian, privately-owned and managed companies with annual revenues over $15 million.
As companies compete more aggressively for market share, this year's winners demonstrate sustained and exceptional business performance, achieved through their clear strategy and vision, investment in capability and unwavering commitment to talent, says Deloitte.

( DeloitteInsights Organizations are no longer judged only for their financial performance, or even the quality of their products or services. Rather, they are being evaluated on the basis of their impact on society at large-transforming them from business enterprises into social enterprises.
 
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

EHRC would like to extend our thanks to our newest Accord signatories!
Over the past several months, Kathy Lerette, Senior Vice President, Business Transformation at Alectra Utilities and Vice-Chair of EHRC's Board of Directors, has acted as our Champion for Change helping to encourage senior leaders in our industry take action and sign onto our Leadership Accord  We are thrilled that the following organizations have expressed their commitment to advancing the role of women in the sector by signing onto the Accord!  

Costello Associates, London Hydro, S&C Electric Canada, Enwin Utilities, Grimsby Power, Burman Energy, Burlington Hydro, Composite Power Group, NRStor Inc., Whitby Hydro, Kenora Hydro, Halton Hills Hydro, Essex Power Corp., Welland Hydro, Orangeville Hydro, and Entegrus. 

About the Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity

This Accord was developed by EHRC and its Connected Women steering committee, comprised of industry stakeholders from across Canada who collaboratively developed both the Accord and a national mentorship program for women in the sector. The Accord is a public commitment by employers, educators, unions and governments to promote the values of diversity and inclusion within their organizations.

To learn more on how your organization can participate click  here
MEETING WITH INDUSTRY 
EHRC continues to meet with industry to share insights and best practices on a wide array of HR topics that are top of mind for our industry. 

April 12, 2018 Leadership Conference for Women in Energy, Toronto.    EHRC's Michelle Branigan joined panelists from TransCanada and the Ontario Energy Board who participated in a panel session titled "Multi-Generational Teams." The presentations and ensuing discussions saw leaders discuss how the diverse perspectives, attitudes, and needs of various generations can create both leadership challenges and tremendous opportunities.

April  24 - 25, 2018  -   Ontario Power Symposium - The Canadian Institute, Toronto, ON   EHRC's Michelle Branigan moderated three interactive roundtables entitled "Succession Planning to Energize the Next Generation." There was clear consensus that demographics, technology and changing skills requirements are all driving the need for succession planning to be seen as key strategies by leadership and aligned to the overall business plan for the organization. Succession Planning is not "just a HR issue". Interestingly it was noted that the educational institutions also face similar challenges and the associated risks of turnover.

May 8, 2018  -     EDA's Sixth Annual Women's Connected Event, Toronto, ON.    Michelle Branigan was delighted to present to over 220 participants in Toronto, speaking to a number of EHRC diversity initiatives underway including EHRC's Connected Women Mentorship Program. A national program that is accessible online, the program provides women working in the sector or studying technical and/or trades occupations, the opportunity to work with an experienced industry professional for a 6 month period. To learn more click here  
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UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS
(click on event title to learn more)

May 28 - 29, 2018 
 
June 10 - 12, 2018

June 16 - 21, 2018  

June 20 - 21, 2018  

Membership

Are you an EHRC member?  
If not, we want you to be! 
Join EHRC by becoming a member and you will contribute to this mission and engage with like-minded peers.
When you become a member, you are investing in the future of Canada's electricity labour force economy. Our mission is achieved through the hard work and dedication of professional staff who work in partnership with industry stakeholders to develop and communicate practical workforce development strategies. 


LEARN MORE HERE
WE ARE MOVING!

On May 28th, EHRC will be in a new location.  Same building, different floor:

2197 Riverside Drive, Suite 301
Ottawa, ON  K1H 7X3

Everything else remains the same!