Local Lodge 73

BOILERMAKER LEADERS IN the Canadian construction industry met Jan. 24-25 in Toronto to address various project and manpower issues. International Vice Presidents Joe Maloney and Ed Power led discussions about filling job orders with qualified Boilermakers, recruitment initiatives, and the status of the national online dispatch system. General (ret.) Rick Hillier also addressed the group, explaining how organizational and leadership lessons from the military relate to the construction industry.

The program emphasizes the roles and responsibilities of a supervisor, leadership skills, and communication techniques.

THE BOILERMAKERS’ International Executive Council scholarship committee announced the winners of its 2011 scholarship program this past April. The committee awarded $50,000 to 37 scholarship recipients, with $36,000 being allocated to U.S. applicants and $14,000 to applicants from Canada.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the reception held on March 18th to celebrate my 50th year as an active Boilermaker. Special thanks to Glen Aker, Ernie Aker, [L-73 BM-ST] Kevin Chaisson, and “Big” Joe Linthorne, for providing music. Thanks also to Derek Carey, Kevin Chaisson, [L-73 President] Marcel Losier, [IR] Kent Oliver, and [retired IVP] Sandy MacDonald for the gifts presented on behalf of Local 73 and the International.

Daughters of deceased L-73 member lay wreath at Saint John, NB, monument

THE FORMAL DEDICATION and unveiling of a new monument to commemorate Canadian workers who have been killed or injured on the job took place on April 28th at Rockwood Park in Saint John, New Brunswick. The unveiling was part of a “day of mourning” ceremony in which more than 30 wreaths were laid at the foot of the monument by family members and union representatives.

Lodge cited for generosity, quick response

LIKE MANY BOILERMAKER lodges, Local 73 (Saint John, New Brunswick) does its share of charitable giving. In fact, the generosity of L-73 and its 600 members runs well into the tens of thousands of dollars annually.

17 members from six locals attend

SEVENTEEN CONSTRUCTION Boilermakers from six local lodges attended the first project management course to be held in Canada with all-Canadian participants. The training took place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Nov. 7-12.

The week-long course was taught by Dale “Skipper” Branscum, Director of Construction Division Services, and Gerry Klimo, Local 154 (Pittsburgh) safety training coordinator.

Training coordinators Scot McMahon, Local 128 (Toronto, Ontario) and Al Bennett, Local 359 (Vancouver) audited the program.

TWO CANADIAN LOCALS held a two-day field supervisor leadership training program this summer, drawing nearly 30 participants who are interested in furthering their skills. Local 73 (St. John’s, New Brunswick) hosted the course on July 28-29; Local 146 (Edmonton, Alberta) held the course on August 19-20.

THE BOILERMAKERS’ International Executive Council (IEC) scholarship committee has announced its selection of scholarship award recipients for two local lodges and the Canadian Federation of Labour (CFL).

FIFTY-ONE MEMBERS from six lodges attended a stewards program in Canada during the first half of this year.