Celebrating the people powering Canada’s electricity future
Ottawa, ON – At its 13th Annual Awards of Excellence, Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) celebrated outstanding contributors from across the electricity sector, highlighting the essential role of the workforce behind Canada’s clean energy ambitions. Held on Feb. 19 in Toronto, ON, the event gathered leaders from across the country to recognize excellence in leadership, innovation and inclusive workforce practices.
As Canada undergoes the most significant energy transitions in its history, the strength of our electricity workforce has never mattered more. These award recipients represent the leadership, innovation and commitment our sector needs to meet emerging challenges with confidence.
Award of Excellence Recipients
The Awards of Excellence honour the individuals, teams and organizations advancing a more inclusive, innovative and safety‑focused electricity workforce nationwide. Announced during the event, this year’s recipients are:
Emerging Leader of the Year
Jessica Linthorne, President and CEO, Nuclear Innovation Institute – Recognized for shaping a young organization into a significant contributor in Canada’s clean energy landscape.
Excellence in HR Innovation
Valard Construction LP – Recognized for strengthening workforce and Indigenous participation through workforce practices that advance inclusion and strengthen trust.
Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Large Organization)
Amanda McClafferty, Team Lead, Employee Engagement & Diversity, Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro – Recognized for championing transformative initiatives that strengthen inclusion, accessibility, and employee engagement across the entire organization.
Excellence in Workplace Culture (Small or Medium Enterprise)
Fortis Inc. – Recognized for building a strong, values‑driven culture through people‑focused practices in a small but highly engaged organization.
Excellence in Workplace Culture (Large Organization)
Ontario Power Generation, Ethics Office – Recognized for transforming the way a major organization approaches conflict resolution, trust-building, and psychological safety.
Hydro One, Step Up Instructors & Logistics Staff – Recognized for their Step Up program, creating safe spaces for conversations about inclusion, allyship and psychological safety.
Youth Impact Award
New Brunswick Department of Education Centres of Excellence, NB Power and Saint John Energy – The inaugural Youth Impact Award recognizes the leadership and collaboration behind the province-wide implementation of Electricity Now, empowering the next generation of electricity talent.
Leader of the Year
EHRC proudly recognized Josie Erzetic, President and CEO of the Electrical Safety Authority, as the 2025 Leader of the Year, sponsored by Bruce Power.
Since stepping into the role in 2022, Erzetic has led a cultural transformation grounded in transparency, collaboration and trust. Colleagues describe her as a leader who “empowers people to excel,” pairing strategic vision with action and ensuring organizational culture remains at the heart of ESA’s evolution. Her leadership exemplifies the forward-looking approach required to meet the sector’s rapidly changing needs.
Addressing barriers and building pathways for the future workforce
This year’s event confronted some of the most pressing issues facing Canada’s skilled trades—from barriers to entry and uneven apprenticeship experiences to the need for more inclusive and supportive career pathways. A dynamic panel discussion brought together leaders from utilities, unions and post‑secondary institutions, including Tee Albino (IBEW Local 353), Nathan DeGagne (CUSW), Taryn Noel (EPCOR) and Dave Shorey (Georgian College). Their insights highlighted practical solutions and collaborative approaches emerging across the sector, including new initiatives from EHRC’s Destination Trade program.
Attendees also heard from acclaimed biologist, science journalist, author and TV host Dan Riskin, whose keynote linked the surprising science of swarm intelligence into practical lessons for workplace leadership—demonstrating how teams can collaborate more effectively, respond rapidly and achieve stronger outcomes together.
EHRC extends its sincere thanks to all sponsors, presenters and attendees whose support made this year’s Awards of Excellence possible. EHRC especially recognizes its Platinum Sponsor, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), for its leadership and continued commitment to advancing Canada’s electricity workforce.
About EHRC
Electricity Human Resources Canada is the national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the Canadian electricity sector has a safety-focused, highly skilled and inclusive workforce. EHRC works with employers, labour, educators and governments to develop solutions to workforce challenges and promote career opportunities in electricity and renewable energy. To learn more, visit ehrc.ca.
Media Contact
Ryan Baan (he/him)
Marketing and Communications Manager
EHRC
[email protected]
613-235-5540, ext. 255