

Virtual Events
Women in Construction 2023
March 8, 2023 at
11:25am ET
One of the top issues negatively impacting construction contractors right now and into the foreseeable future is a shortage of skilled labour.
What if you could double the size of the talent pool?
Plan now to attend Women in Construction 2023 on March 8, and learn successful strategies from our expert moderators and panelists for both recruiting women and retaining them in your construction business, and how to tackle and overcome issues of harassment in the workplace.
Schedule

On DEMAND VIDEO
Welcome and Special Greeting
MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Danielle Labrie, Group Publisher (Construction), Annex Business MediaSPECIAL GREETING
THE HON. CARLA QUALTROUGH
MINISTER OF EMPLOYMENT, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND DISABILITY INCLUSION; MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR DELTA

On DEMAND VIDEO
Keynote Address
Speaker: Rebecca Kragnes, Director, Indigenous Relations and Community Engagement, Bird Construction12:10 pm - 12:15 pm
Break

On DEMAND VIDEO
Session #1 – Attracting Women to your Construction Business
Moderator: Melissa Young, CEO and Registrar, Skilled Trades OntarioPanelists:
- Jessica Bannister, Level 3 HVAC/R Apprentice, Cam Cool Refrigeration
- Elizabeth (Beth) Buckmaster, Director, Client and Stakeholder Relations, Power, Hatch
- Natasha Ferguson, Founder and Principal, Ethelfox Construct Group
Our moderator and panelists will share practical advice that you can use to develop plans and strategies for attracting women to the construction sector in general, and to your business specifically.
1:15 pm - 1:20 pm
Break

On DEMAND VIDEO
Session #2 – Tackling Harassment in the Workplace
Moderator: MJ MacDonald, CEO, Construction Safety Nova Scotia
Panelists:
- Anita Gara, Project Manager, Electricity Human Resources Canada
- Erin Pollard, Electrician & Project Manager, Black & McDonald
- Luiza Vikhnovich, Employment Lawyer, Sherrard Kuzz LLP
Harassment is still an unfortunate reality on our jobsites, serving as a barrier to successful attraction, and especially retention. Attend this session to learn how to proactively develop and foster a harassment-free workplace.
2:20 pm - 2:25 pm
Break
Stretch your legs.
On DEMAND VIDEO
Session #3 – Retaining Women in your Construction Business
Moderator: Rebecca Kragnes, Director, Indigenous Relations and Community Engagement, Bird ConstructionPanelists:
- Monique Buckberger, Vice-President and District Manager, PCL Toronto
- Kelly Kienleitner, Chief Instructor, EJTC (Electrical Joint Training Committee)
- Stephanie Hun, Director, Business Development, Flatiron Constructors Canada Ltd.
Our moderator and panelists will share practical advice that you can use to develop plans and strategies for retaining women in your workplace.

3:25 pm - 3:30 pm
Closing Remarks
MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Danielle Labrie, Group Publisher (Construction), Annex Business MediaProduct Demos
Frequently Asked Questions About Women in Construction 2023
When & Where?
Women in Construction 2023 will take place virtually via Zoom Webinar on March 8, 2023 at 11:25am ET.There will be a 15 minute break between live sessions.
Why Virtual?
The safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers, and community is our number one priority. By making this event an online experience, it eliminates the need for attendees and sponsors to travel in-person, while enabling them to still benefit from the event content.What’s Included?
Your registration provides you with access to watch the virtual keynote, all live sessions, and on-demand recorded content and product demonstrations.How do I access?
We will email you an access link to the virtual event the morning of March 8, 2023.If you don’t see an access link in your email inbox, please check your junk folder. If you are still unable to locate the email, contact Tara Jacobs.