Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Prairie Stewards Connect in Jasper

“Connection at Work” was the theme of the CLAC 2023 Prairies Stewards Conference, held April 18-20, 2023, in Jasper, Alberta

News

It was a time of respite and renewal for more than 300 stewards from across Saskatchewan and Alberta, many of whom were on the front lines during three years of pandemic lockdowns and anxiety.

“You are the people who see first-hand whether CLAC is doing its job,” Dick Heinen, CLAC’s former executive director, told the crowd on opening night. He thanked them for being the “foot soldiers of the organization.”

It was fitting that an important focus of the conference was workplace mental health. Keynote speakers were Nick Gemmell and Marissa Cuthbert, who overcame personal and professional obstacles in construction careers. They encouraged the busy stewards to practice self-care so they would have the energy to “become the lighthouse” for the 25,000 CLAC members they serve.

A session about mental health accommodation offered practical information about options available to employees who are dealing with mental health concerns and how stewards can best help those workers. Breakout sessions allowed them to work on difficult scenarios and brainstorm workable approaches and solutions.

There were also sessions that focused on SWIT (Supporting Women in the Trades) and steward leadership skills, including how to handle discipline issues and address workplace harassment. The final day of the conference included seminars especially for the many stewards working on pipelines and at Save-On-Foods.

The conference—the first since before the pandemic—gave CLAC representatives a long overdue opportunity to thank the stewards for their service.

Special recognition was given to stewards who reached milestones in their years of service. Fifteen-year certificates were awarded to Frantz Maignan (Ledcor Group) and Leslie Sylvestre (Save-On-Foods). Carrie Thompson (Real Canadian Wholesale Club) was honoured for ten years as a steward and Timothy Hayes (Golderado Contracting Corp.) for five years.

Away from the sessions, stewards had a chance to relax and enjoy the glories of Jasper National Park, whether it was hiking through the stunning Maligne Canyon or taking in the vistas from the SkyTram. Many simply took advantage of the pleasant weather to wander through Jasper’s streets and shops.

It was a well-deserved break for a group of people who are committed to advocating for their coworkers, building relationships with employers, and promoting CLAC’s vision of positive and fulfilling work experiences.

A group of construction sector stewards gather for a session on SWIT at CLAC's 2023 Prairies Stewards Conference held in Jasper, AB., April 18-20.

Supporting Women in Trades

Carrie Thompson received a certificate to mark 10 years of service as a steward at Wholesale Club in Lethbridge. She is congratulated by Jon Heinen (left), CLAC's Prairies Member Education Coordinator, and Dennis Perrin, Prairies Director.

Steward Milestone

Frantz Maignan is recognized for his 15 years as a steward at Ledcor Group in Edmonton.

Steward Milestone

Leslie Sylvestre is marking 15 years as a steward at Save-On-Foods in Edmonton.

Steward Milestone

Timothy Hayes is congratulated for reaching five years as a steward at Golderado Contracting Corp. in Alberta.

Steward Milestone

A group of stewards embark on an early-morning hike on the trails around the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, the site of this year's conference.

Exploring Jasper

Helen Paul, a steward from Save-On-Foods in Grande Prairie, gives a touching and hilarious thank you to the conference organizing committee as the conference closes on April 20.

Farewell and Thanks

Prairie Stewards Connect in Jasper

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