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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!
Each year, the CBTU Distinction Awards are an opportunity to recognize industry leaders who have made a significant contribution to the Building Trades through years of service to the industry.

We were proud to award this year's winners at our 2025 conference in Ottawa last month! Learn more about each recipient below.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Distinction Awards. If you know someone who is deserving of recognition for their work in the Building Trades, head to the link below to make a nomination.
MAKE A NOMINATION ([link removed])
Brynn Bourke, CBTU Distinction Award for Health and Safety.

Brynn Bourke is the Executive Director of the BC Building Trades. Under Brynn's leadership, BCBT has opened the College of the BC Building Trades, launched a Youth Ambassador Program connecting apprentices with high school students, supported initiatives that reduce barriers for under-represented groups to enter the trades, and championed the implementation of accessible, sanitary flush toilets and running water on construction sites across B.C.

In a sector where health and safety are often measured in checklists and compliance, Brynn’s work has sparked a province-wide shift in how we approach health and safety.

Brynn is also a board member for BC Hydro, BuildForce Canada and SkillPlan. Bourke has previously held positions as the Executive Director of the BC Federation of Labour and worked for both the BC Legislature and the House of Commons.
Philippe-Michel Lang, Evan Picotte, and Eric Nantel, CBTU Distinction Award for Health and Safety

Philippe-Michel Lang, Evan Picotte, and Eric Nantel make up the RSS team at Le conseil provincial du Quebec des metiers de la construction (L'Inter). These are three outstanding leaders from the Quebec Building Trades whose dedication has elevated the standard of jobsite safety across the province.

Through their visionary leadership and hands-on commitment, Éric, Evan, and Philippe have played a central role in the implementation and oversight of Health & Safety Representatives, or RSS, on construction sites throughout Quebec. Thanks to their efforts, the RSS from L’Inter are now regarded as the best in the field.

Their impact has gone far beyond policy. Under their guidance, the RSS program has become a model of excellence, one that has directly addressed major health and safety issues and brought about real change. Their work has drawn province-wide media attention, sparking meaningful public conversations and improving conditions for workers on the ground.
Hélène Savoie-Louis, CBTU Award of Distinction for Workforce Development

Hélène Savoie-Louis is the Executive Director of MAP Strategic Workforce Services Inc. Hélène’s passion and dedication to introducing skilled trades to equity-deserving groups is evident in her proactive approach to creating inclusive and supportive environments where all individuals can thrive. Through her leadership at MAP Strategic Workforce Services Inc., she has championed numerous initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the skilled trades.

Through groundbreaking programs like New Boots, NBMAP, First in Trades, and STEP, Helene has opened doors for women, newcomers, youth, and underrepresented groups—offering mentorship, training, and tangible opportunities for success in the trades.

Her work emphasizes not only the importance of access to training and resources, but also the need for mentorship programs tailored to support equity-deserving groups. At her core, Hélène is passionate about people, career growth, and workforce development.
Brad Smith, CBTU Special Award of Distinction

Brad Smith is the Executive Director of the Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades. A champion for economic growth, Brad has an extensive background in both the private and not-for-profit sectors as well as experience in working with all levels of government to forge partnerships that bring about positive change.

Whether through his work strengthening safety standards, creating more inclusive opportunities across the trades, or building bridges between unions, employers, and communities, Brad’s impact has been both deep and lasting.

His previous roles include Vice President of the Greater Halifax Partnership, and senior roles with Sandler Training. Brad holds various volunteer positions with community organizations. He is Past-Chair of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, and the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council, and he is the President of Build Right Nova Scotia.

Ray Lemieux, CBTU Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement

Ray Lemieux is the Training Specialist for Welding at UA Canada. He began his career in 1990 as a metal trade worker and later became a Welding Supervisor and Instructor at UA Local 527. Under his guidance, a new open concept training centre was built, and the local saw yearly training hours increase from 9,000 to 20,000.

From spearheading the standardization of welding training manuals across multiple UA locals to championing the CWBi Acorn program, an interactive online curriculum that is revolutionizing how apprentices learn, Ray has been a driving force behind accessible, high-quality training.

Ray’s impact extends beyond the classroom. Through youth-focused events like the “Sparking Success” boot camp and his leadership in organizing national skills competitions, he has inspired young people from all walks of life to explore careers in the trades.
Congratulations to each of our incredible Distinction Award recipients! Thank you for being an incredible example of what it means to be a leader in the Building Trades.

If you're feeling inspired to make a nomination on behalf of someone you know who deserves recognition for their service, head to the link below!
MAKE A NOMINATION ([link removed])

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