This past October, the General Presidents’ Maintenance Committee for Canada and the National Maintenance Council for Canada held their annual Canadian Safety Achievement Awards, and an Alberta scaffolder was one of the recipients.
The Craftsperson of the Year Award is reserved for skilled tradesperson who are members of Canada’s Building Trades Unions who shows outstanding craftsmanship, professionalism, and safety leadership through their performance or contribution on a maintenance job.
One individual is selected each from Eastern Canada and Western Canada.
The 2025 Western Canada recipient was Rene Hiscock, a journey-level scaffolder employed with AlumaSafway at Syncrude Canada’s Mildred Lake site. Hiscock is a member of Local 1325 of the Carpenters Regional Council.
According to the programme published for the award ceremony, Hiscock is “a pillar of the scaffolding trade, a tireless mentor, a steadfast advocate for union values, and a lifelong champion
of workplace safety”. He has been working in scaffolding since 1974, and even helped construct the CN Tower.
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 will learn, be treated with respect, and be safe.
Hiscock was 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 in the trades and celebrates this advancement.
His supervisor, Graham Hynes, and his manager, Ed MacDonald, both say that he is more than just a scaffolder—he is the embodiment of the craft.
Hiscock received the award as recognition for his exceptional skill, professionalism, and commitment to safety.
In a company media release, Brent Anderson, senior manager of Canadian EHS with AlumaSafway, expressed Hiscock’s critical role with the company.
“We are incredibly proud of Rene Hiscock for being named Craft Person of the Year. Rene has been a pillar of our team, and his unwavering dedication to safety and quality sets the benchmark for excellence across our worksites.”
The award includes a trophy and a $5,000 cash prize.
