The GPMC I NMC announced the Craftperson of the Year Awards as part of the 8th annual Canadian Safety Achievement Awards (CS2A) ceremony held at the Renaissance Hotel in Edmonton, Alberta on October 22, 2024. The CS2A is a national awards program designed to showcase the exceptional health and safety performance of stakeholders within the confines of the unionized maintenance industry.
The Craftperson of the Year Award honors the outstanding craftsmanship, professionalism, and safety leadership of a skilled building trades union member through their performance on a maintenance job. Renee Melnyk was awarded the coveted C2SA award for Craftperson of the Year for Western Canada. Melnyk is an experienced Master Electrician (IBEW, Local 424) with over 17 years of experience in commercial, industrial, and maintenance industries across Alberta. Melnyk works for Stuart Olson Industrial Maintenance at the Suncor Baseplant in Fort McMurray, Alberta. She has dedicated her career to the electrical trade since completing the Women Building Futures program in 2006. Melnyk joined Stuart Olson (Laird) in 2014 and is highly regarded for her comprehensive knowledge of Turnaround activities and schedule milestones.
Calvin Getchell was the recipient of the CS2A Craftperson of the Year award for Eastern Canada. Getchell embarked on a career in Pipefitter Welding after high school, and after several years of welding, he developed an interest in mechanical maintenance and enrolled in Industrial Mechanic studies. Today, he is completing his fourth-year apprenticeship (Millwrights, Local Union 2262), and appreciates the diverse challenges presented by the maintenance work required for the refinery’s various assets. Getchell is employed by CAM Industrial Solutions ULC and works in the maintenance division at Irving Oil Limited, in Saint John, New Brunswick.
“The CS2A recognizes our valued partnership with Local Unions, Signatory Employers, and Clients,“ said Charmaine Symmers, Director of the CS2A program. “We are here to celebrate the commitment to fostering a culture of safety, which is crucial to reducing incidents across the maintenance sector. Together, we can ensure that the unionized maintenance industry remains a safe and thriving environment for all.“
The Craftperson of the Year winners each received a prize package donated by event partner, Milwaukee Tool, a commemorative trophy, and cheque from the GPMC | NMC.
