2025 Winners

With over 25 years of dedicated service at Imperial Oil, including 15 years as Labourer Foreman with CIMS, Paul’s devotion to his craft, his crew, and the broader plant community is nothing short of inspiring.

Paul’s roots in the trades began with a decade as a union labourer specializing in concrete. His strong work ethic and natural leadership skills quickly propelled him into a supervisory role. Since then, he has become a cornerstone of the Imperial Oil site—respected for his unwavering dedication, technical expertise, and ability to elevate those around him.

Paul is always first on site, starting his day by securing permits, leading toolbox talks, coordinating with field teams, and ensuring the site is fully prepared—from stocked comfort stations to detailed safety documentation. His proactive, hands-on leadership plays a key role in maintaining operational flow while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

What truly sets Paul apart is his unwavering focus on safety. In a high-risk petrochemical environment, his vigilance is not just appreciated—it’s essential. He works closely with the safety department to identify and implement effective measures in the field before issues arise. One notable example is his initiative to relocate comfort stations for better PPE access and introduce clearer visual safety cues, including colour-coded lifting tags in yellow and red. His meticulous weekly safety inspections and reports reflect a leader who doesn’t merely follow safety protocols—he embodies them.

During the 2022 turnaround, Paul proposed installing an air heater in the mask cleaning room to significantly accelerate wash and dry times, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity. The initiative was so effective that Imperial Oil adopted the idea, underscoring Paul’s innovative thinking and his ability to optimize cost efficiency while prioritizing safety.

Paul’s influence extends far beyond daily tasks. A mentor at heart, he ensures his team remains current with certifications and training. His ability to engage and guide younger workers has helped many advance into supervisory roles, reinforcing a legacy of leadership that will positively impact the industry for years to come.

Whether maintaining critical equipment, supporting engineers with technical tasks, or conducting detailed inspections, Paul ensures the plant operates with minimal disruption. His coordination of raw material transport and constant oversight of safety systems directly support both productivity and regulatory compliance.

Outside of work, Paul’s dedication continues. A devoted husband to Christina for 31 years and a proud father to Tristan and Allyssa, he balances family life with an enduring passion for his profession. The values of commitment, integrity, and care that define Paul’s career are clearly reflected in the life he leads beyond the job site.

In every way that matters, Paul Gama is more than a foreman—he is a leader, a mentor, and a safety champion. His contributions have not only optimized operations but have also created a work environment grounded in trust, excellence, and care. For those who work alongside him, Paul isn’t just part of the team—he’s the standard to aspire to.

Working with Paul is a privilege. He demonstrates enthusiasm in his capacity as foreman and shows genuine concern for his colleagues.

BRENT JONES | General Foreman

Rene’s exceptional skill, dedication, and craftsmanship have distinguished him throughout his career. Those who work with him have long recognized the impact he has made in the field. His supervisor, Graham Hynes, and his manager, Ed MacDonald, echo the same sentiment: Rene isn’t just a scaffolder—he’s the embodiment of the craft.

Rene left his hometown of Roddickton, Newfoundland in 1974 to follow his passion for scaffolding work in Ontario. While he briefly explored logging and the oil fields, his heart always brought him back to “the trade that gave my family a good life.”

Today, Rene is recognized across Canada for more than just his skill. His dedication isn’t about the hours he puts in—it’s about shaping the future of the trade. He has mentored hundreds of scaffolders, often personally guiding apprentices through their first steps in the industry. Those who work under him know: if Rene is leading the crew, you’re going to learn, be treated with respect, and, above all—you’re going to be safe.

His leadership is grounded in honesty, integrity, and patience. Supervision regularly entrusts Rene with onboarding and mentoring new apprentices, confident in his ability to instill not just skills, but pride and professionalism. Rene sets the tone for what a safe, positive work culture should be.

Rene’s influence extends well beyond the jobsite. A vocal presence during union activities and negotiations throughout the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, he fiercely advocated for improved conditions, safer camps, and fair treatment for all workers. A champion for diversity in the trades, Rene proudly supports the growing presence of employment equity and celebrates this advancement.

Despite a lifetime of accomplishments, Rene remains deeply humble. During a recent roundtable of his peers, numerous colleagues spoke of the profound impact he’s had—not only on their careers, but on their lives. Seasoned journeyperson Gord Reid credits Rene with saving his career. As a young apprentice disillusioned by negative influences, Gord considered leaving the trade—until Rene stepped in, offering support, guidance, and a reminder of union values. Eleven years later, those words still guide him.

Ask Rene about retirement, and he just smiles. “I never want to retire,” he says—not from the trade, and certainly not from his team. That mindset is more than a testament to his passion—it’s a reflection of the joy and pride he finds in the work, the people, and the culture he’s helped cultivate.

Simply put, Rene Hiscock is more than worthy of this recognition. He is the quiet force whose influence is felt in scaffold yards across the country—a story of dedication, mentorship, leadership, and heart. He’s made us better tradespeople, and better people.

Rene isn’t just a scaffolder – he’s the emodiment of the Craft.

Ed MacDonald | Graham Hynes