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June 7, 2012

Boilermakers Lead the Helmets to Hardhats Canada Program

On May 23, 2012, a fundraising gala was held at the Paramount Conference Centre in Toronto in support of the new Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) Canada program. The purpose of the gala was to raise funds for the program and with over $700,000 raised, the evening was a huge success. The guests included retired and serving military personnel, dignitaries and representation from each of the construction trades. Guest speakers included the Honourable Dalton McGuinty (Premier of Ontario), Julian Fantino (Associate Minister of National Defence) and Stephen Blaney (Minister of Veteran Affairs).

One of the Boilermaker individuals recognized that evening, was Brother Ted Collins of Lodge 128, who clearly serves as an example of why the H2H program in Canada was developed. He served in the Canadian Military from 1994 to 2007. His thirteen year Army career saw him starting off as a vehicle technician (mechanic). Brother Collins has served his country by aiding citizens in Manitoba during the floods of 1997, Quebec citizens in the ice storm of 1998, and serving overseas (Bosnia in 2003 and Afghanistan in 2005). He also received Commanding Officers Commendations for his efforts and assistance in getting Vehicle Techs accreditation as Red Seal Mechanics in 2004.

In 2007, Collins joined Lodge 128 and started his Boilermaker apprenticeship in February 2008. After receiving training in safety, rigging, fitting and some welding, he applied his new skills at the refineries and nuclear plants in Ontario. After successfully completing his apprenticeship in three and half years (three eight-week training periods at Humber College), he received his Boilermaker Red Seal. Today, he is working in the Nuclear Power Industry on divider tube replacement and is currently employed as a Trainer/Sub-Foreman for Boiler Divider Plate refurbishment in Pickering.

International Vice-President of Western Canada, Joseph Maloney, received a standing ovation for his role in spearheading the Helmets to Hardhats program in Canada, as he was presented with the Award of Excellence by Associate Minster of National Defence, Julian Fantino, on behalf of Prime Minster, Stephen Harper. IVP Maloney told the 1,100 plus crowd attending the gala, "The bottom line here is we are offering these brave men & women who protect our freedoms and democracy career opportunities, this is just the right thing to do."

Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) is currently working on the website to enable transitioning military members, reservists and disabled veterans to register and apply for career opportunities within the construction trades. To oversee this program, Brigadier General (Ret'd) Gregory Matte has been hired as the Executive Director. He will work closely with the military, Veterans Affairs and the construction trades to implement this program.

To read more about H2H Canada click here.
To view the latest video for H2H Canada click here.

Photos by Studio Seven.