BC Hydro names new president, the day after power ‘action plan' unveiled
Executive vice-president of operations Charlotte Mitha will take over the top job when outgoing president Chris O'Riley retires in August.
BC Hydro board chair Glen Clark says the Crown corporation is heading into a 'massive growth phase' as the province looks to drive sustainable economic development.
The utility's announcement comes the day after the Ministry of Energy unveiled its Clean Power Action Plan which includes a push for up to another 5,000 gigawatt-hours per year of energy from new renewable projects.
Mitha calls the plan 'very ambitious' and says it can only be done through partnerships with First Nations, companies and the community.
She joined BC Hydro in 2004 and says plans for the future have her feeling excited about the 'big builds era.'
'And it really is such a privilege to be in a leadership role at this time,' she says.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 6, 2025
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Hamilton Spectator
17 hours ago
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Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Building Canada Act leaves much open to interpretation on Indigenous consultation, says lawyer
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Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Hamilton Spectator
College adds programs for nuclear workers to meet expected demand
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He expects the roles will mostly be in skilled trades and applied sectors like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, welding, and reactor operations — areas where colleges and polytechnics like Humber play a big role. As Canada grows its nuclear energy sector — with Ontario massively expanding its nuclear capacity — experts say the country will need up to 30,000 new skilled workers over the next two decades. And nearly 30 per cent of today's nuclear workforce are over the age of 50, many are expected to retire soon . Currently, Canada's nuclear industry employs approximately 89,000 people , an increase of 17 per cent over the past five years. With 89 per cent of jobs classified as high-skill, replacing retiring workers won't be easy, Syms added. The partnership includes creating nuclear-specific academic credentials, supporting applied research, and fostering experiential learning, in collaboration with First Nations, government and industry. 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But critics warn the plan misses key opportunities to scale up renewables, puts energy affordability at risk, and increases Ontario's dependence on foreign energy supplies. The federal government is investing hundreds of millions in SMRs and sees nuclear power as a key part of a diverse, sustainable energy mix. It says, when properly managed, nuclear power can meet current and future energy needs while supporting climate goals. As nuclear investments ramp up, so does interest from students. Syms said Humber has seen increasing enrolment in nuclear-related programs, and graduates are already landing jobs at companies like Bruce Power and Ontario Power Generation. The industry is also hiring for roles in data, AI and cyber defence — not just trade, he added. Syms said with Ontario and the federal government pouring billions into nuclear energy, the real challenge isn't building the reactors — it's making sure Canada has enough trained people to run them. 'As we look to meet our country's growing energy needs, the demand for skilled professionals in the nuclear sector has never been greater,' said Ann Marie Vaughan, Humber president and CEO. 'Together, we are preparing a new wave of nuclear talent who will lead with technical excellence and expertise while championing innovation for a sustainable future.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
