Master of Cermonies

Bill Trbovich

Bill Trbovich has been the Director of Communications for the IAMAW in Canada since spring 2004. Prior to that, he was an award-winning broadcast journalist, who worked for more than 30 years with CBC Radio and Television, and the Global Television Network. During that time he also combined his passion for both aviation and video to produce numerous promotional videos for de Havilland Aircraft, the Canadian Business Aircraft Association, and the International Business Aircraft Council.

Thursday, October 20

Opening Remarks
Kim Olson

Kim Olson is Senior Vice President, Helicopters, Energy and Engineering. In these leadership roles, Mr. Olson is responsible for the success of StandardAero’s Helicopters and Energy sector in addition to the company’s technology development, engineering, quality and environmental functions. He is a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team.

Mr. Olson joined Standard Aero in 1988 as a Service Engineer. He progressed through a number of engineering roles. In 1994 Olson was assigned responsibility for the Quality function as Director of Corporate Quality, where he successfully led the company through implementation of ISO standards and the development of the a corporate Continuous Improvement process.

In September 2001, Mr. Olson was selected to lead the CF 34 Program implementation involving construction of the new facility and implementation of the business unit operating system. In 2003, as Director of Technology Advancement he led Component Re-manufacturing Strategy development. In late 2006, his team launched a technology venture, StandardAero Technology Services to develop reliability-based tools for fleet modeling and developing interactive electronic technical manuals.

Mr. Olson holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Manitoba.

Keynote Presentation: Understanding the Trends: Industry Overview
Mike Tretheway

Mike Tretheway is Executive Vice President and Chief Economist the with InterVISTAS Group and President of InterVISTAS Consulting Inc. (Canada)  The InterVISTAS Consulting Group has offices in Vancouver, Washington D.C., Den Hague Netherlands, Winnipeg Chicago, Ottawa, Puerto Rico, and in the UK.  InterVISTAS specializes in the transportation and tourism industries, and has grown to a practice of over 85 team members. It is a member of the DHV Group, along with Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) and Delcan.

Dr. Tretheway earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wisconsin and served for 14 years as Associate Professor in the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration at the University of British Columbia, where he continues as an Adjunct Professor.  He has served as an advisor to governments, industry and consumer groups in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and the European Union.  He has taught in Canada, France, Brazil, China and Malaysia. Dr. Tretheway is a past member of the Board of Tourism British Columbia, is a member of the editorial board of the Quarterly Journal of Finance and Accounting, and is a member of the Board of Experts of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. Dr. Tretheway is co-chair of the annual Hamburg Aviation Conference.

Before co-founding InterVISTAS Consulting in 1997, Dr. Tretheway served as Special Advisor to the President & CEO of the Vancouver International Airport Authority, and was responsible for the marketing of the airport.

Panel Discussion: Innovation

Moderator: Robert Donald, Executive Director, CCAA

Wendell Wiebe

Wendell C. Wiebe is the Executive Director and General Manager of Manitoba Aerospace Human Resources Council (MAHRC), a position he has held since 2009. MAHRC is a not-for-profit provincial sector council that uses public and private funds, and other resources, to identify and address the training and education needs of the Manitoba aerospace sector for the short, medium, and long terms. MAHRC works on behalf of its members with governments and education institutions to bring about positive change in secondary and post-secondary education.

Before joining MAHRC, Wiebe was employed by Bristol Aerospace for 17 years. He started as Manager of Staff Development and was instrumental in creating an employee training and development system. On a number of occasions, his department was recognized for its innovative programs and collaborative approach. After 10 years of being responsible for training, Wiebe was promoted to be Director of Human Resources. He was Bristol’s representative on the MAHRC Executive for 17 years, serving as Chair from 1999 to 2004.

Wiebe has also been involved in adult education for over 20 years and holds a Masters of Education from the University of Manitoba. A highlight of his career was being asked to contribute to a book about adult literacy. His chapter outlines the business case for establishing workplace literacy programs. The book, Adult Literacy Now, was published in 2000.

Suzanne Kearns
Dr. Suzanne Kearns is an assistant professor and aviation researcher at the University of Western Ontario in the Commercial Aviation Management program. She is the author of two books: an introductory textbook called Canadian Aviation, and a book for industry entitled e-Learning in Aviation. Suzanne began flight training at the age of 15, and holds commercial Canadian airplane and helicopter pilot licenses, a Helicopter Flight Training diploma from Canadore College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science and a Master of Science degree in Human Factors and Systems Engineering, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, and a Ph.D. in Education, specializing in Instructional Design for Online Learning.

Sandi London

Sandi London joined Transport Canada in 1980 and has worked in the air, marine and trucking sectors, including 10 years with the Air Transfers Task Force and two years in the executive offices of the Canadian Transportation Agency. After leaving Transport Canada, she joined the Canadian Airports Council as the Director of Small Airports, She returned to Transport Canada in 2010 to work on Innovation Policy. She has consulted on airports and aviation projects in Asia, Africa, South and Central America and Eastern Europe. She holds a BA from the University of New Brunswick and an MA in transportation from Carleton University.

Serge Tremblay

Serge Tremblay holds a Master’s degree in industrial relations from the University of Montreal. He has worked in both the private and the public sectors as a human resources specialist. He has also played a role in the creation of a number of organizations, including Canada’s first sectoral committee on manpower, the Québec Aerospace Association (AQA), the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Québec (CRIAQ) and the Institut de formation aérospatiale (IFA), which offers three levels of training.

Mr. Tremblay participated in the establishment of a master’s program in aerospace engineering given jointly by six Quebec universities and in the development of the “school/plant” concept (learning in a plant-like setting) that led to the creation in 1994 of the École des métiers de l’aérospatiale de Montréal (ÉMAM).

In May 2006 and 2007, Mr. Tremblay coordinated the presentation of the first career fairs for the aerospace industry, at Mirabel and at Saint-Hubert. The events attracted over 32,000 visitors. In 2009, he was instrumental in setting up a new program for aerospace embedded system engineer and, in March 2011, in setting up an integrated lab for the practical training of engineers and technicians. In this new facility to open in 2012, Bombardier will provide the iron bird Challenger 300 and Bell Helicopter the avionics test bed of the Bell 427.

Mr. Tremblay is very active in his community, including with the Aero Montreal cluster board. 

Panel Discussion for Students & Delegates: Why Students Matter to Industry

Moderator: Brian Deane

Brian Deane has held an M1/M2 AME licence for 30 years and is also CCAA-certified as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, an Aircraft Structural Technician, and a Quality Systems Auditor. He has worked at Red River College, Stevenson Campus for 10 years as the Quality Assurance Manager. Brian also sits on the Board of Directors of the Central AME Association and is a member of the National Technical Committee for Aircraft Maintenance at the annual Canadian Skills Competition.

John Bergen
John Bergen is a licensed AME with CCAA certification as a GTO Tech and AMT. He holds certificates in Adult Education and in Quality Management Systems. In addition, he is a licensed pilot and avid skydiver. Currently he is attending the University of Manitoba to complete a BA with a major in political studies and a minor in economics.

John began his career in the Canadian Forces (CF), joining as an Infantryman in 1982. He re-mustered as an Aeroengine Technician in 1987, completed his trades training at CFSATE at CFB Borden and was posted to Summerside, PEI. At later postings to Edmonton and Winnipeg, he cross-trained as an Airframe Technician and then trade converted to Aviation Technician.

Retiring from the CF in 1996, John joined the team at Red River College (RRC) in 1997. When Stevenson Aviation and RRC amalgamated, John was assigned to the Stevenson Campus where he served as the Academic Coordinator for the GTO Program. Recently, John was appointed Academic Coordinator for the Aviation and Aerospace Programs at Red River College, Stevenson Campus/Winnipeg. He is also PRM of Skydive Manitoba, where he jumps regularly.

John Bergen has been involved with CCAA’s NSTAC committees for about 10 years, sitting on the GTE committee in the positions of secretary and chair. Recently he moved to the AMT committee.

Rob Snape
Rob Snape has 25 years of experience in aviation and has held several positions of increasing responsibility at Air Canada and Aveos. Since joining Air Canada in December 1986, Rob's work has taken him from the hangar floor into management with responsibility for the hiring process, including involvement with arbitration issues through trying periods in aviation. Through his demonstrated familiarity with the collective agreement, he has proven himself a strong support to all team leaders and managers, his focus always on customer service. Rob offers strong support to both unionized and non-unionized employees in implementing the Aveos business plan in all MRO opportunities.

Some highlights:

•    In 2007, Rob became the champion of the Presence at Work program, and was responsible for delivering the revised training to more than 100 Aveos managers.

•    Rob is a Health & Safety Co-Chair, helping to make Aveos a world leader in safe workplaces.  

Ed Ratzlaff

Ed Ratzlaff is the General Manager for Keystone Aircraft Maintenance Ltd. at the St. Andrews Airport in Manitoba. He has been with Keystone since 2004. Before that he worked as pilot and mechanic in all sizes of aviation companies from local flying school to a national airline. Ed has served on the Manitoba Provincial Trade Advisory Committee for the AME trade and recently participated in CCAA’s working group for the development of short courses. By trade Ed is a licensed AME and commercial pilot. He also holds degrees in education and arts. In addition to English, he is fluent in German and Spanish. Ed lives in Winnipeg where he volunteers on boards and committees in the not-for-profit sector.

Matthew Reynolds

Matthew Reynolds is a second year student in the AME Diploma program at Red River College’s Stevenson Campus, graduating on December 16th 2011. With his classmates, Matt has been learning about the systems and components of aircraft and how to safely maintain them in accordance with Canadian Aviation Regulations. He has also put his new skills to work on two WWII aircraft and a home-built Murphy Moose.

In addition to working on aircraft, Matthew tutors other students and teaches basic aircraft maintenance practices to the next generation of AMEs through the Career Trek Program. Before entering the program, Matthew spent 15 years working in the landscaping and golf course industry. After graduating Matt will spend 29 months apprenticing, before writing the regulatory exam to become a licensed AME. He hopes to return to school eventually, as an instructor.

Friday, October 21

Panel Discussion: Women in Aviation

Moderator: Debra Ward
Debra Ward, President of TROPE Communications, a recipient of a 2003 National Transportation Week Award of Achievement, is an Ottawa consultant and former president of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.  Debra provides analysis and advice to the public, industry and government on integrated strategies for tourism, transportation and economic development.

In 2002, she completed a two-year mandate as the Independent Transition Observer on Airline Restructuring for federal Minister of Transport David Collenette. Debra has served on a number of national and international boards and on advisory committees for the federal ministers of National Revenue, Transport, and International Trade, as well as for the Canadian Labour Force Development Board and the University of Waterloo’s Delphi Forecast team on Strategic Issues and Trends Affecting Tourism.

Tracy Medve

Tracy Medve is President of Canadian North, a privately owned airline with headquarters in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. With a fleet of 14 aircraft, Canadian North provides scheduled passenger and cargo services to communities in northern Canada through the Southern gateways of Edmonton and Ottawa. In addition, Canadian North offers service to major centres across Southern Canada through its partnership with Air Canada, and service to Manitoba through its partnership with Calm Air. Canadian North also provides extensive contract and ad hoc charter services across Canada with a strong focus on the industrial charter market.

Since 1985, Tracy has held various senior airline management positions at Norcanair and Time Air, as well as with Canadian Partner and Canadian Regional airlines. Before joining Canadian North, Tracy was the co-founder of C.T. AeroProjects, a Calgary-based consultancy focused on air transport resource management, working with a wide range of public and private aviation clients around the world.

Tracy is a lawyer by training and graduated from the John Molson School of Business Global Aviation MBA program at Concordia University in 2009. She is the 2007 recipient of the John Molson School of Business MBA Scholarship and was inducted as a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society in 2009. In 2010, Tracy was the first woman to be inducted as an Honorary Life Member of the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC). She is a member of the boards of directors of ATAC and the Northern Air Transport Association (NATA), as well as being a member of the University of British Columbia, Okanagan External Advisory Board. Tracy is also a past member of the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada.

Panel Discussion: Partnership Models That Work: The Aboriginal Aerospace Initiative

Moderator: Joe Prest

Joe Prest began working in Human Resources management over 20 years ago as an Environmental Health and Safety Officer In Ontario for 13 years. He then returned to school to pursue his BA in Labour Studies at the University of Manitoba and continued his studies in Human Resources Management at the University of Winnipeg. He has since worked with both the private and public sectors to promote and increase the participation of Aboriginal Peoples in a wide array of vocations. Mr. Prest has worked for and with the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resources Development, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and the Manitoba Métis Federation, as well as several other provincial and federal aboriginal organizations. He is now the Industry Liaison Officer at the Manitoba Aerospace Human Resources Council in Winnipeg.

John Leroux
John Leroux began his career serving in the Canadian Air Force as an Aircraft Tradesperson for 20 years, during which time he acquired multiple aircraft/engine certifications. He is currently employed at StandardAero in Winnipeg as Director, Technical Training and Development. Over his 14 years at StandardAero, John has also worked as Technical Training Development Specialist, Production Manager, and Project Leader. John is a member of the Provincial Advisory Committee for GTRO Journeypersons, and the Strategic Council for Red River Collage Aviation and Aerospace Training.

Ray Starr
Ray Starr has been Executive Director of the Aboriginal Aerospace Initiative (AAI) since 2009. He is a Journeyman Electrician and a graduate of the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Manitoba. With more than 20 years of business experience, Ray was previously the president and owner of the Anokiiwin Group of Companies, which has projects mainly in First Nation and Metis communities, as well as the manager of a private vocational school for 14 years.

Ray also has more than 20 years' experience in designing, developing and delivering innovative community-based education and training programs, especially ones for Aboriginal participants such as the community controlled and delivered Aboriginal Apprenticeship Training Initiative (AATI) Program that was a designated apprenticeship program for Building Trades technicians, Construction Electrician technicians and Plumbing technicians. Ray also participated in the development and delivery of the First Nation’s National Housing Managers Training Program, a CMHC-recognized program.

Ray promotes Aboriginal values to the non-Aboriginal private sector through his involvement with industry bodies such the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters Canada. He sees the partnerships with the Aerospace Industry as a challenging opportunity and is pleased with the partnership between the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD) and the Manitoba Aerospace Human Resources Council (MAHRC).

William (Bill) Bumstead

Bill has been involved with promoting education and training for over 30 years.  He has B.A., B.Ed. and M.Ed. (Educational Administration) degrees from the University of Manitoba. During a 34 year career in the Manitoba Public Education System, he taught high school  and was a school Principal for 27 years at the Junior and Senior High levels.

Following his career in public education, Bill became a Consultant within the business and education management field. In 2005, he became employed with CAHRD and consulted on Neeginan Institute's post –secondary education and training administration. Today Bill's role with CAHRD and Neeginan Institute is program and partnership development.

 

Career Forum Thursday, October 20

Workshops:

Wilson J. Boynton, CET, CCT-I

Composites

Wilson J. Boynton is a Certified Engineering Technologist, a licensed Canadian Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and a Certified Composites Technician-Instructor with the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA). He is President of his company, Renaissance Aeronautics Associates Inc. (RAA), and Principal Instructor for its training division, Advanced Composites Training (ACT). Wilson has been involved with aviation for 35 years, graduating from Canadore College’s Aircraft Maintenance Technician program in 1978. He spent a year as a Base Engineer for Northern Wings Helicopters in Blanc Sablon, Quebec and then moved to be a Maintenance Engineer at Great Lakes Airlines, which later became Air Ontario, based in London, Ontario. Over the next 18 years, he held several positions at Air Ontario, including Base Engineer (1981 to 1986), and Crew Chief, Inspector, Supervisor of Technical Records, Maintenance Control, Technical Services and Engineering (1986 to 1996). In 1996 he changed course, becoming President and Principal Instructor of his own company, Renaissance Aeronautics Associates Inc., in London, Ontario.

Mike Doiron

Fatigue Risk Management

Mike Doiron began flight training in 1972. His first job in aviation was as a dispatcher for the Moncton Flying Club. At MFC, Mike eventually became a Class I instructor, Designated Flight Test Examiner and Chief Flight Instructor. In 1979 he joined Transport Canada as a Flight Training Standards Inspector. At Transport Canada, Mike also held positions as Regional Superintendent of Flight Training Standards, Air Carrier Inspector (small aircraft), Civil Aviation Planning Inspector, National Director of Safety Promotions and for 12 years was the Atlantic Regional Manager of System Safety. Mike`s background is strongly concentrated in Instructional Technique, Safety Management and Human Factors. Mike is a member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators.

In May 1998, Mike left Transport Canada to become Principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Moncton Flight College. In 2010, Mike left the college and now heads Doiron Aviation Consulting. Mike is an Airline Transport Licensed pilot as well as a Class I Instructor with more than 5,000 hours of flying on different types of aircraft, including jets.

Presentation:

Richard Steer
Industry Opportunities

Richard Allen Steer Jr. is Vice President – Maintenance and Engineering for Air Canada Jazz, and works from the carrier’s operations centre in Toronto, Ontario. Richard joined Jazz in March 2005 and, since his arrival, has been very instrumental in achieving record milestones for Jazz maintenance’s operational and financial performance. He is a firm believer in the deployment of the Six Sigma business management strategy and in transforming the aviation business model using Lean methods to increase efficiency and effectiveness while bolstering employee engagement with a very inclusive and participative leadership and management structure.

Before coming to Jazz, Richard had a very successful and rewarding career with Delta Airlines, where he started as an entry-level junior mechanic and advanced to become Director of Line Maintenance operations globally. In 1997, he received the Chairman’s Club Award, which is Delta’s most prestigious corporate recognition for employees. Active in both community and professional organizations, Richard is a member of Women in Aviation International and the National Airline Council of Canada (NACC). He is currently spearheading a Maintenance and Engineering mentoring program at Jazz.

Richard Steer has an Associate’s Degree in Specialized technology from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA), and also holds an Airframe and Powerplant Licence.