Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Scholarship Success

For 25 years, the CLAC scholarship program has been helping members and their families reach their career goals

By Lucy Lantz

core commitment of CLAC’s is building positive work-lives for members. This means trying to make your workplace a better place so that you and your coworkers can grow both as a workplace community and as individuals.

A specific way CLAC lives out this commitment is through the CLAC scholarship program. CLAC has been investing in the growth and development of its members through this program for 25 years.

The goal of the program is to provide financial support to help members and their family with the cost of postsecondary studies. CLAC hopes that for those who receive the scholarship, it will help them to reach their educational and career goals, whether they’re just starting out in the workforce, seeking new credentials to enhance their skills, or making a career change.

Who is eligible to apply? Any member, their spouse, child, or grandchild who is attending or been accepted at an accredited postsecondary institution in Canada or is registered or accepted in an apprenticeship program accredited in Canada and who has not previously been awarded a CLAC scholarship may apply for this annual award. The $1,500 scholarships can be used toward the cost of study at any accredited postsecondary institution in Canada.

The program was introduced in 2000, and there are a few differences in how it looked at the beginning compared to now. One of the biggest differences is the number of winners. In the first year of the program, only four scholarships were awarded. That number has gradually increased over time as CLAC’s membership has grown, with 25 scholarships now awarded each year.

Similarly, the number of applicants has grown over the years. In the first year of the program, there were just seven applications submitted. In 2024, there were 253!

When the program began, only college and university students were eligible to receive a scholarship. Now, eligible applicants can be enrolled in any accredited Canadian postsecondary institution, widening the field. The program has always been open to members, their spouses and their children, but in 2010, members’ grandchildren were also added in as eligible applicants.

Candidates are asked to answer an essay question in their application. This question is different every year, and the nature of the question has changed over time. In the beginning, the questions were more academic and philosophical in nature. Nowadays, the question is more practical and experience-based to be approachable to a wider range of applicants, with a shorter required word count. The goal is to make the scholarship program as accessible as possible to members and their family.

Although this question has been made more practical over time, the answers have not declined in quality. CLAC’s Research Team reads through each essay submitted and consistently finds many thoughtful, fulsome responses. Picking winners is no easy task!

This year, the question was experience based: “Describe a recent interaction that you or your family member have had with CLAC. Who did you interact with, and what impression did that interaction leave with you about CLAC’s values and the benefits of being part of this union?”

Scholarship winners wrote some excellent essays on the topic. We’ve included seven of the winners’ essays below, lightly edited for clarity and consistency. Keep reading to get a look into what members have to say about their positive interactions with the union.

Interested in applying for a scholarship yourself next year? Visit clac.ca/Your-life/More-for-Members/Scholarships to read more about the application process, and keep an eye out for when applications open next spring for the 2026-2027 academic year.

JARRETT YOUNG

Heartland Constructors Inc., Local 63

City University of Seattle (Canadian Branch), Counselling Psychology Program

While working on a remote job site during the most recent federal election, a concern that quickly spread among the crew was that many of us weren’t going to be able to vote. With the long shifts, isolation of the site, and limited transportation options, it felt like we were going to miss out on one of the most important responsibilities we have as citizens.

That’s when a CLAC representative on site stepped in and took the situation into his own hands. Without hesitation, he started organizing transportation, personally shuttling members into town to vote, whether early in the morning or late at night. Whenever someone needed it, he was there to make sure it happened.

What really struck me wasn’t just the action itself, but the spirit behind it. This rep wasn’t just helping people get to a polling station; he was making it clear that every individual’s voice matters. He prioritized our rights as citizens and made it his mission to ensure that no one was left out of the democratic process simply because of where we were working.

To me, this moment was a perfect example of the values CLAC stands for, such as respect, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the people they represent. It showed me that CLAC isn’t just about contracts and benefits. It’s about standing up for members in ways that reflect deeper principles.

That experience has stayed with me as a real testament to the kind of organization CLAC is. This sentiment is further reflected in opportunities such as this one, by investing in CLAC members’ futures with scholarships such as these.

It is these values and commitments from CLAC that shows how much they care. The willingness to support our growth, education, and goals reinforces exactly why I am proud to be a part of this union.

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to apply and thankful to CLAC for continuing to support, uplift, and listen to those who hold membership in the union.

ISAAC LEWIS

McLean Taylor Construction Limited, Local 53

Lakehead University, Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry

Throughout my time with McLean Taylor, and furthermore my membership with CLAC, there have been many interactions between myself and the union that have shone a light on the values and the benefits of being a member. Whether it be on-site visits or training days, I feel confident in knowing that I am a part of something much bigger than just my job.

My representative, Gary Star, is always a phone call away, and he’s a great teacher. He’s able to help explain the administrative side of the union to the crew and myself. He makes sure everybody understands new things coming and answers day-to-day questions about CLAC and how it operates.

Gary’s positive attitude speaks volumes to the values of CLAC because he shows me that he is there for us.

To me, the beneficial side of being a member of CLAC is the opportunity to train and get certifications that are readily available at any point in time through myCLAC. I love to learn, and I have taken full advantage of the courses at hand, whether they pertain to my current position or something that is more transferable.

I have taken the AMHSA Chainsaw Certification and transferred it to help me in my forestry endeavours. This course was very informative regarding the use and maintenance of a chainsaw. It has also helped me take care of my company’s saws through a full understanding of operations and troubleshooting and most importantly helped to keep me safe.

Just recently, I took the Excavator Safety Awareness course through CLAC with Jeff Hennessey at Battlefield Cambridge. This course was a small class with many different skill levels of operation making it a good focus group.

Jeff found a way to keep it rolling and get through the theory very well and didn’t drag anything on while making sure everyone was learning. He was very good at making the in-class portion fun, which I was thankful for. I also appreciated how he focused more on the practical, sitting in the machine, and figuring it all out for yourself.

I work around excavators every day, and I must admit I was quite intimidated when Jeff gave me the key and said, “Have at ’er! Don’t hit my truck or anything else shiny.”

We laughed, and a sense of confidence was built right then. Again, I knew that he was there for me. Any questions I had he was right there watching, making sure everyone was operating safely.

So far, throughout my membership, I’ve felt comfortable and confident in knowing that I’m a part of something, and I don’t walk alone. I’m happy to pay my dues to a union that values its members as much as CLAC does and be able to better myself by deepening my arsenal with the plethora of training available.

This scholarship will help bring the financial stressors down, letting me focus on my education. CLAC to me has been a great union to be a part of, and it has allowed me to continue with my passion for learning.

UPINDERGILL SINGH

Spouse of Lovepreet Singh, Fritz Construction Services Inc., Local 519

Algoma University, Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting

A recent and deeply meaningful interaction my family had with CLAC was during a grief support session following the tragic passing of a coworker at my husband’s workplace. It was an incredibly difficult time for everyone, as the loss was sudden and emotionally overwhelming.

What stood out to us was the way CLAC responded—not just as a union, but as a compassionate community that truly cares for its members.

The session was led by Sean Sydor, a CLAC-appointed grief counsellor, whose presence brought a great deal of comfort and clarity. Sean created a safe and respectful environment where people could express their feelings, ask questions, and begin to process the loss together.

He did not rush the process or use generic words of comfort. Instead, he listened with empathy and guided the group with a calm, understanding approach that made people feel seen and supported.

Through this experience, we came to see that CLAC is more than just a workplace union. They offer emotional support, human connection, and real-life help when it is needed most.

The benefits of being part of CLAC go beyond wages and working conditions—they include mental wellness, compassion, and a sense of belonging. The way CLAC showed up during this time reflected strong values of care, dignity, and solidarity.

It was clear that the union doesn’t just stand behind its members during negotiations—they walk beside them during life’s hardest moments. This experience left a lasting impression on me and my family. We felt proud to be connected to a union that doesn’t shy away from grief but instead leans into it with strength and empathy.

Thanks to Sean Sydor and the entire CLAC team, we were reminded of the true meaning of support and community.

VIRA BALABAN

Daughter of Andriy Balaban, Penn-Co Construction Canada Ltd., Local 152

University of Manitoba, Faculty of Science

Since my father joined the union in 2024, he has been in contact with its administrators many times in seek of support, clarification, and guidance.

My family and I immigrated to Canada from Ukraine several years ago, and since then we have all been trying to figure out how to live life in a completely different part of the world. The difference that having a source of support to answer questions and provide guidance in a foreign system is exponential.

CLAC has provided that line of contact to my dad, and I know that he has always valued the transparent communication he is able to have with the union.

In addition, my family has gained a world of newly found appreciation for CLAC in recent times. My father’s current work site is located in Pukatawagan, an area that has been devastated by wildfires. For days, the area was filled with thick smoke, making it hard to breathe.

The issue was brought up to the job steward on site, who contacted a CLAC representative. The union played a significant role in the safe evacuation of members.

We were relieved to hear that my dad would be returning home as soon as possible and appreciative of the fact that the union was a huge advocate for their safety.

It is a pleasure to know that the organization sees its members as people with families and loved ones—before workers—and respects their lives outside of work hours.

It brings me great joy to know that my father—and all other CLAC members—are a part of a union that stands up for their needs and rights and treats them with the respect they deserve.

REGGIE DIGNOMO

Aecon Construction Solutions Inc., Local 63

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Steamfitter/Pipefitter Program

I am currently employed with Aecon in the company’s mod yard at Sherwood Park as a first-year pipefitter apprentice. My recent interaction with a CLAC representative was on March 19, 2025. It was with Daniel Dykstra during a proposal and ratification meeting.

Dan was very approachable and very friendly. He treats everybody with respect. He communicates clearly and explained the proposed contract really well during the ratification meeting.

This results in fewer questions asked after the discussion, and it won the votes of many who voted strongly in favour of securing the new collective agreement with Aecon. Dan made sure that everyone understood the proposed contract and sat down with some people who had questions.

I was one of the people who sat down with him asking questions on how tuition reimbursement works for apprentices and questions about some of the employer’s paid benefits. He answered all my questions very clearly and was very polite and knowledgeable. He even gave me his info and phone number just in case I had any further questions in the future.

I feel valued and fulfilled. Dan is open, honest, transparent, and always looks for common ground.

Also, during the ratification meeting day, there were lots of people protesting outside the gate at Aecon’s mod yard in Sherwood Park against CLAC’s new agreement proposal. People were protesting outside and were advising people to vote no against their proposal.

Dan was there near the gate making sure that the protesters did not give us any trouble or delay us from coming into work. When I saw him, he introduced himself with a smile and said that he is one of the CLAC representatives and asked me if I was fine with coming in to work.

He was very kind and informed me what was going on. Despite what was happening, he still thinks positively and respects people’s opinions. He stood near the gate making sure everyone was okay coming into work.

I feel valued and blessed being a part of this union. During my recent interaction with CLAC representatives, I now know that I can always count on them, and they will always be there by my side. They always offer a win-win situation and stand up for positive change and better ways of doing things.

Thank you CLAC for fair working conditions, wages, and benefits. I enjoy my job and feel valued and respected.

SAELAH KEIGLEY

Daughter of Michael Keigley, Bethesda, BC – Kingfisher Home, Local 501

University of the Fraser Valley, Social Service Worker Diploma

My dad has worked for the Bethesda Christian Association for nearly 18 years and has served as an alternate steward with CLAC for about 4 years. Over time, he has participated in many excellent training workshops through CLAC that have helped him learn about workplace safety and how to collaborate more effectively with his coworkers.

He has completed both Toolbox 1 and 2 steward training programs, where he learned how CLAC operates as a union, how to understand his workplace’s collective agreement, how to be a steward, and strategies for handling workplace challenges.

In a recent conversation with my dad about CLAC and how it has made his workplace better, one story in particular stood out. As a support worker, my dad helps support people with disabilities and develop their interpersonal skills, build relationships with family and friends, and participate more fully in their communities.

Several years ago, he was working at a day program where an individual with diverse abilities was consistently being dropped off late by a family member. While occasional lateness wasn’t a problem, in this case there were many ongoing concerns including how being late impacted the group’s schedule.

When my dad gently suggested to this family member that he himself or the support team could assist with getting the individual to the day program on time, the family member became irate and made accusations about the organization and its staff. They verbally threatened to have my dad fired as he worked to deescalate the situation.

Fortunately, a CLAC representative happened to be present that day. The representative intervened, supported my dad, and ensured the situation was handled fairly.

While my dad’s previous training with CLAC helped him apply conflict resolution skills, the presence and advocacy of his representative made a big difference. That experience left a lasting impact on my dad as it showed that he was not alone and that CLAC would stand by its members when they were doing the right thing. He felt valued, respected, and heard and most importantly, his job and worker rights were protected.

I am currently enrolled in the Social Service Worker Diploma program at the University of the Fraser Valley where I plan to finish my diploma in fall 2025 and then apply to the Bachelor of Social Work program. Along with school, I currently work with at-risk youth in my community as a youth support worker.

My goal is to become a social worker because I’ve seen first-hand how systems can fail vulnerable people, and I want to help support people. CLAC’s values align with my own, particularly in the human services field, where respect and dignity for all individuals, families, and communities are central.

Like social workers, CLAC affirms the worth of every person regardless of background and strives to make sure that support and advocacy are available for those who need it. These shared values inspire me as I move forward in my social work education.

LEO QIAO

Son of Shi Qiao, Dometic Marine Canada Inc., Local 501

Simon Fraser University, Criminology

My dad has been a dedicated CLAC steward for over 10 years at Dometic’s Vancouver branch. As a steward, some of his responsibilities include addressing member concerns and complaints, representing members in disciplinary meetings, investigating and settling grievances, and ensuring compliance with labour regulations. I’ve seen countless times in which my father advocated for the benefit of his fellow employees.

As a steward, my dad has monthly meetings with CLAC representatives and company management. CLAC representative Don Mundy visits the Dometic shop floor every week, giving my dad a chance to inquire and voice issues regarding members and the workplace. His steward role puts him in a position to be the first point of contact for members with workplace concerns, giving them a chance for their concerns to be addressed and to offer them guidance and support.

Recently, air conditioning concerns in Building 3 had been brought to attention by employees. My father discussed this issue at the very next union-management meeting. The company agreed to update the ventilation system in the building, and contractors immediately initiated air-quality tests and planned for a system update.

As a steward, coworkers trust my father to bring up concerns to management, demonstrating close reciprocal relationships. This illustrates the effectiveness of CLAC’s structure and values. Rather than dismissing worker concerns, the union showed compassion and empathy for its hardworking employees, enabling respectful, mutually beneficial conversation between workers and management.

The result was a clear, tangible improvement in the working environment. This greatly increases the trust that not only I but my family has for the union, which has shown that it can provide a safe and comfortable work environment for my father and his coworkers.

An exciting opportunity for my dad was the 2025 BC Stewards Conference held in Victoria, BC, in April. My dad showed me his attendance card with his selected training sessions. I was astonished by the number of programs offered: government relations, facilitated practice, interviews in investigations, time with the lawyer, return to work, and duty to accommodate.

During this time, my dad met many CLAC staff members and stewards from other companies. They were informed about news and relevant policies, as well as going through skill exercises and case analysis.

CLAC’s ability to provide personalized training and opportunities for collaboration shows its value in leadership and self improvement. I can tell that CLAC truly wishes its employees to achieve the best version of themselves.

From his experience working with CLAC representatives, I realize that the value of CLAC lies in its ability to advocate for workers’ rights and improve their working conditions, including wages, benefits, workplace safety, job security and fair treatment. CLAC consistently promotes responsibility and respect.

I feel at ease knowing my father is supported by CLAC.

2025–2026 Scholarship Winners!

The following is a complete list of all winners of a CLAC scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year. Congratulations!

Jamaal Anderson is a Local 304 member employed by CSH Regency Inc. He is studying for his bachelor of social work degree at Trent University.
Vira Balaban is the daughter of Local 152 member Andriy Balaban, who is employed by Penn-Co Construction Canada Ltd. She is studying in the faculty of science at the University of Manitoba.
Jett Beauchamp is the son of Local 920 member Jeff Beauchamp, who is employed by The Corporation of the Town of Midland. He is in the Child Studies program at the University of Guelph.
Nadine Belassi is a Local 301 member employed by Save-On-Foods - Lewis Estates. She is studying for her degree in psychology at the University of Alberta.
Katrina Bonifaco is the daughter of Local 56 member Noel Aubin Bonifacio, who is employed by TCL Supply Chain Inc. She is studying for her bachelor of arts degree at the University of Alberta.
Reggie Dignomo is a Local 63 member employed by Aecon Construction Solutions Inc. He is in the Steamfitter/Pipefitter program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.
Jinnan Hossein is the daughter of Local 63 member Hadaya Hossein, who is employed by Golderado Contracting Corp. She is studying for her bachelor of arts degree at Mount Royal University.
Stella Johnstone is the daughter of Local 68 member James Peter Johnstone, who is employed by PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. She is in the Welding Trades Partnership program at KPU Tech Campus.
Walker Kalin is a Local 6 member employed by Zehr Construction Inc. He is studying business purchasing at Conestoga College.
Saelah Keigley is the daughter of Local 501 member Mike Keigley, who is employed by Bethesda Christian Association - Kingfisher Home. She is studying social service work at the University of the Fraser Valley.
Tina Kratz is a Local 302 member employed by Albright Manor. She is studying practical nursing at Niagara College.
Lola Letendre is the daughter of Local 63 member Brett Letendre, who is employed by Aecon Construction Solutions Inc. She is studying for her bachelor of arts degree at Portage College.
isaac Lewis is a Local 53 member employed by McLean Taylor Construction Limited. He is studying for his honours in a bachelor of forestry degree at Lakehead University.
Cassidy Loewen is a Local 501 member employed by Bethesda BC - Jackson Home. She is studying for her master of arts degree in counselling psychology at Trinity Western University.
Dennis Jr. Maghirang is the son of Local 304 member Emily Gasapo, who is employed by Kingsway Place Retirement Residence. He is studying computer programming at Seneca Polytechnic.
Cynthia McCarthy is a Local 602 member employed by Trinity Western University. She is studying for her doctor of education in education leadership at Western University.
Leo Weiran Qiao is the son of Local 501 member Jason Qiao, who is employed by Dometic Marine Canada Inc. He is studying criminology at Simon Fraser University.
Trinity Roy is the daughter of Local 68 member Sebastien Roy, who is employed by Peter Kiewit Sons ULC. She is studying for her bachelor of arts degree at the University of British Columbia Okanagan.
Mikolaj Sarnowski is the son of Local 151 member Dawid Ryszard Sarnowski, who is employed by PCL Builders Inc. He is studying engineering at the University of Saskatchewan.
Jason Shen is the son of Local 151 member Steven Shen, who is employed by Woodland Constructors Ltd. He is studying engineering at the University of Alberta.
Matthew Sinclair is a Local 56 member employed by OEM Remanufacturing Company Inc. He is studying for his bachelor of arts degree at McEwan University.
Upindergill Singh is the spouse of Local 519 member Lovepreet Singh, who is employed by Fritz Construction Services Inc. She is studying for her bachelor of business administration degree in accounting at Algoma University.
Maia Visscher is the daughter of Local 601 member Darcy Visscher, who is employed by The King's University. She is studying for her bachelor of science degree in chemistry at The King’s University.
Jarrett Young is a Local 63 member employed by Heartland - CNRL Albian. He is in the Counselling Psychology program at the City University of Seattle (Canadian branch).
Taraneh Zonouzi is a Local 304 member employed by Aurora Resthaven. She is studying for her bachelor of nursing degree at Athabasca University.

Scholarship Success

2025–2026 Scholarship Winners!

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