Media Advisory - Electricity Human Resources Canada draws outstanding lineup of speakers and panelists to national conference in Toronto

OTTAWA, Oct. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Ms. Michelle Branigan, Chief Executive Officer of Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) invites media representatives to the 2013 EHRC National Conference titled Empowering the Future Today - on November 6 and 7 at the Hotel InterContinental Toronto Centre (225 Front St W, Toronto).  Media representatives are required to confirm their presence.

The 2013 EHRC National Conference offers an exceptional lineup of ministers, guest speakers and panels who will present practical HR solutions to electricity workforce challenges. Included in this high profile lineup are: Hon. Jason Kenney, MP, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism; Hon. Yasir Naqvi, MPP, Minister of Labour and numerous industry-leading CEO's and senior executives.

The two day national conference will bring business leaders from the electricity sector and human resource professionals together.  Expected attendees include employers, labour, education, and government representatives working for and with the sector. There will be sessions to help organizations address the workforce challenges facing the sector today including such topics as recruitment and retention, knowledge transfer and diversifying the workforce.

New this year will be the Inaugural Awards Gala that will provide national recognition for the achievements of individuals and companies working in the electricity and renewable sector in Canada, celebrating innovation in workforce development in the industry. Gianna Manes, President and Chief Executive Officer of ENMAX Corporation, will receive the inaugural 2013 CEO of the Year Award.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Day 1:  Wednesday November 6, 2013
	09:00  CEO Panel: Future Labour Force Needs for Business Success
	Featuring CEOs from:
		Hydro One Ontario Power Generation Northwest Territories Power Corporation Newfoundland Power Inc. and Ontario Power Authority
	10:30  Concurrent Sessions:
	-	Session 101: Developing your Organisation's Knowledge Strategy Organizations represented on the panel include:  Hydro One, the Knowledge Management Institute of Canada
	-	Panel Session 102: The Aboriginal Advantage - Employing Aboriginal People in the Electricity Workforce and Supply Chain
	Lunchtime speakers:
	Guest Speaker Sonya Gulati, Senior Economist, TD Bank Economic Outlook
	Keynote Speaker: Julian Chapman, VP Consulting & Business Solutions, Forrest & Company Limited.and Brigadier-General, Deputy Commander, 4th Canadian Division / Joint Task Force Central, Army Reserves Accountability and the Not-So-Secret Weapon in the Electricity Talent Challenge
	14:00   Concurrent Sessions:
		Panel Session 201:  Bridging the Gap - Attracting and Retaining Women in the Electricity Industry
		Panel Session 202: Renewing Futures - Building Powerful HR Strategies for Canada's Renewable Energy Workforce
	19:00 - The Inaugural Awards Gala & Dinner - national recognition for the achievements of individuals and companies working in the electricity and renewable sector in Canada.
	Featuring Keynote Speaker: The Honourable Yasir Naqvi (MPP), Minister of Labour Emcee: Norm Fraser, Chair EHRC Board and COO Hydro Ottawa
	Day 2:  Thursday November 7, 2013
		08:00 - Keynote Speaker: The Honourable Jason Kenney (MP), Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism
		08:30 - Panel: Training Canada's Workforce - The Role of All Levels of Government
		09:30 - Workshop: Employee Engagement - The Powerful Impact of an Engaged Workforce
		10:00 - Plenary: Training & Development. A Structured Approach
		10:45 - Plenary: Succession Planning
		11:30 - Plenary: Creating the Workforce of Tomorrow
		Lunchtime Keynote Speaker:  Angela Ferrante, Board of Directors, VIA Rail Board of Directors and Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) Employee engagement at all levels of the organization

More information on the National Conference, including a full program, can be found at www.electricityhr.ca/conference.  Media can register by contacting [email protected].

Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) is a not-for-profit organization helping to keep the lights on in Canada by enabling a world-class workforce for the entire electricity industry. EHRC helps to build a better workforce by strengthening the ability of the Canadian electricity industry to meet current and future needs for a highly skilled, safety-focused, diverse and productive workforce. For more information visit www.ElectricityHR.ca 

SOURCE: Electricity Human Resources Canada

Greg Lister, Manager Communications and Events
Electricity Human Resources Canada
613.235.5540, ext. 228
[email protected]