Canada oil and gas leaders honored at Energy NL 2024 Industry Achievement Awards Gala

(WO) – Energy NL recognized leaders in the Newfoundland and Labrador energy industry through the Energy NL Industry Achievement Awards which took place yesterday at the Sheraton Hotel, St. John's. These individuals and companies have made extraordinary contributions to the energy industry and were recognized among family, colleagues, and associates at the annual gala event. In an evening that celebrated industry excellence, Energy NL was proud to highlight the leadership, growth, and innovation of these recipients.

“Last night’s Energy NL Industry Achievement Awards Gala celebrated the remarkable talent and innovation driving Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy sector," said Jeremy Whittle, Chair, Energy NL Board of Directors. "It was an honor to recognize the achievements of our members. Together, we move closer towards a sustainable and prosperous energy industry.”

"Congratulations to each of our recipients; your achievements underscore the strength and innovation of our industry,” added Charlene Johnson, CEO of Energy NL.

The 2024 recipient of the Energy NL John C. Crosbie Award for Outstanding Contribution was Margot Bruce-O’Connell, recognizing her exemplary service to the energy industry of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as her support and advocacy for the engagement of Energy NL members and Newfoundland and Labrador companies in the oil and gas sector. Margot, the former Public and Government Affairs Manager and Vice President for ExxonMobil Canada, played a pivotal role in key projects like Hibernia and Hebron in Newfoundland and Labrador. With over two decades of leadership in public affairs, Margot has made a lasting impact on the industry.

The 2024 recipient of the Energy NL Rising Star Award was Dwayne Heath of Cenovus Energy, recognizing his outstanding achievement and remarkable strides in his role within the Newfoundland and Labrador energy industry. Dwayne is a Senior Mechanical Engineer with over 10 years of experience in Newfoundland and Labrador’s oil and gas industry. A Memorial University graduate, today Dwayne is the ‘go-to’ expert within Cenovus Energy for the SeaRose FPSO turret systems.

The 2024 recipient of the Energy NL Business Growth Award was Locke’s Electrical Limited, recognizing the exceptional growth and success in its business through market development, export, diversification, and leadership. With over 70 years of excellence in Atlantic Canada’s construction industry, Locke’s Electrical Limited offers high voltage electrical solutions in power, transmission, distribution, industrial, mining and renewables sectors. From 2013 to 2023, Locke’s has grown their employee count from 29 to 400 – a 1,334% increase. In that same timeframe, they have increased their client base from five to 69. Proudly certified as a Women Business Enterprise and a Canadian Indigenous Business, Locke’s is locally owned and dedicated to its clients, communities, and workforce, with people always at the heart of their continued growth and success.

The 2024 recipient of the Energy NL Diversity and Inclusion Award was Caron Hawco Group, recognizing the significant contribution Caron has made to the Newfoundland and Labrador energy industry in the area of diversity and inclusion. Caron specializes in offshore and onshore energy and technology, offering support to local, national, and international companies seeking business and industrial opportunities in Atlantic Canada. A staunch advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, Caron is actively involved in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Women in Natural News Release Resources Committee. Additionally, her board roles with Energy NL and COVE – Nova Scotia’s ocean innovation center – highlight her dedication to fostering progress in energy and maritime innovation.

The 2024 recipient of the Energy NL Innovation in Environmental Sustainability Award was Newfoundland Power. This award recognized their success in innovation through the development and implementation of innovative products, technologies, processes, programs and policies which has or will benefit the Newfoundland and Labrador energy industry by reducing its environmental footprint and helping the industry achieve net zero by 2050. Such innovation includes their direct work with Energy NL members to reduce emissions and energy use, climate adaptation and planning, Clean Energy Plan, takeCHARGE program, LED Street Light Replacement Project, post-secondary partnerships and paperless billing.

Energy NL thanked its sponsors Cox & Palmer, East Coast Catering, Atlantic Canada Regional Council of Carpenters, Millwrights and Allied Workers, and TD Bank.

Energy NL represents over 500 member organizations worldwide which are involved in the energy sector. Members are active in all areas of the supply and service sector and include a diverse representation of businesses that range from offshore supply vessels and helicopters, carbon reduction and sustainable technologies, health and safety equipment and training, engineering solutions and fabricators to law firms and human resource agencies.