McPherson named MHCA’s Indigenous liaison, northern division
MHCA WORKSAFELY™ Safety Advisor Dave McPherson has been named the program’s Indigenous Liaison, Northern Division, recognizing much of the work he has been doing for a number of years and the association’s efforts to increase its presence and engagement in the communities.
“We are proud of Dave’s record of accomplishment and the integrity he brings to the work he does every day in northern Manitoba’s communities, especially with Indigenous governments and peoples,” MHCA President Chris Lorenc said September 7, 2021, when the appointment was formalized.
“The position and the responsibilities, in many ways, is a recognition of Dave’s long-standing work as MHCA WORKSAFELY™’s representative in the communities. He has really grown the role and the engagement, and we wanted to formally reflect that.”
McPherson, the Northern Region Safety Advisor, now takes on the title Safety Advisor and Indigenous Liaison, Northern Region.
“I love my job, I love working with Northerners and in these communities,” McPherson said. “As an Indigenous person who has lived all his life in the North – my home community is Flin Flon – I have a good sense of the concerns, issues and the needs of the people and the industry here. It’s great to see all that reflected in my position and title.”
Among his responsibilities are:
- Leading the outreach to Indigenous communities and organizations in northern Manitoba
- Leading the delivery of all safety-related and other specialized training to indigenous communities and organizations in northern Manitoba
- Delivery of COR™ and other specialized training to First Nations, other northern communities and contractors involved in the Manitoba Infrastructure Winter Roads Construction Program.
“Dave has been an outstanding ambassador for the WORKSAFELY™ program in the North, and he is truly dedicated to the communities, residents and industry there,” said Don Hurst, Director of MHCA WORKSAFELY™, Education and Training.
“WORKSAFELY™ is known throughout the North as the primary workplace safety and health training program, serving the specific needs of the industry there through our long-standing relationships. Dave puts us on the map in northern Manitoba.”
McPherson said he sees his role as enabling communities, including the isolated First Nations communities, to train their own workers. McPherson’s responsibilities include safety and health training for those who build and maintain the winter roads.
“I train the trainers in these communities, and that means they can pass on their skills to others, to ensure everyone gets home safe at the end of the day.”
The new title and recognition of the position is among the MHCA’s vigorous effort and initiatives to expand its work and engagement with Indigenous group, persons and communities.
The MHCA appointed Jackie Jones as its Diversity Programs Advisor, adding to her responsibilities as Education Advisor. For more information on MHCA’s work to diversify the heavy construction industry workforce click here.
