IVP Joe Maloney stresses the Boilermakers’ commitment to the construction industry.
Panels, speakers address industry issues
CANADIAN BOILERMAKERS, OWNERS and contractors convened in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, August 22-24 to address issues impacting the industry.
In his opening remarks, International Vice President Joe Maloney, M.S.C., stressed that the union is committed to supplying job-ready journeyman and apprentices to contractors. He stated, “We continue to work on national training; the development of the Boilermaker Job Ready App, so the members can download photos of their certificates for verification purposes; and the Boilermaker Total Health Program,” designed to promote health and safety on and off the job.
Also addressing the conference were Sara Scott, Executive Director of the Boilermaker Contractors’ Association (BCA); Conrad Levesque, Technical Superintendent, Belledune Generating Station, New Brunswick Power; David Noel, Local 73 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer; Darlene Farrell, Occupational Health and Wellness Nurse with the Irving Oil Refinery; Brigadier-General (ret.) Gregory “GCP” Matte, National Executive Director, Helmets to Hardhats; Jayne Clemance, Workforce Planner, IBB; and Blair Allin, Canadian Health and Safety Representative.
Two owner representatives provided updates on completed projects and future work. They included Milton Howley, Senior Safety Specialist, Nova Scotia Power Inc.; and Walter Bursey, Boiler & Vessel Integrity Specialist, Irving Pulp & Paper.
Conference participants heard several panel discussions, including one on medical marijuana. Led by Marty Albright, CRSP and BCA Director of Labour Relations, the panel included Dr. Bruce Demers, Medical Director and Chief Medical Review Officer for CannAmm Occupational Testing Services; Aaron North, President & CEO of Vector Medical Corporation; Michael Church, Senior Partner, CaleyWray; and Hugh McPhail, Q.C., LL.M, Partner, McLennan Ross LLP.
Welding qualifications across the Canadian provinces was the topic for a second panel. Moderated by Jim Beauchamp, Assistant National Program Coordinator, Boilermaker National Training Trust Fund; the panel included John Fletcher, Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) welding examiner and Lodge 146 welding instructor; Jason Reinhart, welding specialist/procedures, ABSA; and Styve Dumouchel, P.Eng., President of Lorneville Mechanical.
International Representative Kent Oliver organized and moderated the event. “The conference gives us in the Boilermaker industry the opportunity to tell our story and at the same time the responsibility to listen to our partners,” he said.
