October 18, 2024
St. John’s, NL – Last night, Energy NL recognized leaders in the Newfoundland and Labrador
energy industry through the Energy NL Industry Achievement Awards. These individuals and
companies have made extraordinary contributions to the energy industry and were recognized
among family, colleagues, and associates at a gala event at the Sheraton Hotel, St. John’s. In an
evening that celebrated industry excellence, Energy NL was proud to highlight the leadership,
growth, and innovation of these recipients.
The 2024 recipient of the Energy NL John C. Crosbie Award for Outstanding Contribution
was Margot Bruce-O’Connell, recognizing her exemplary service to the energy industry of
Newfoundland and Labrador as well as her support and advocacy for the engagement of Energy NL
members and Newfoundland and Labrador companies in the oil and gas sector. Margot, the former
Public and Government Affairs Manager and Vice President for ExxonMobil Canada, played a
pivotal role in key projects like Hibernia and Hebron in Newfoundland and Labrador. With over
two decades of leadership in public affairs, Margot has made a lasting impact on the industry.
The 2024 recipient of the Energy NL Rising Star Award was Dwayne Heath of Cenovus
Energy, recognizing his outstanding achievement and remarkable strides in his role within the
Newfoundland and Labrador energy industry. Dwayne is a Senior Mechanical Engineer with over 10
years of experience in Newfoundland and Labrador’s oil and gas industry. A Memorial University
graduate, today Dwayne is the ‘go-to’ expert within Cenovus Energy for the SeaRose FPSO turret
systems.
The 2024 recipient of the Energy NL Business Growth Award was Locke’s Electrical Limited,
recognizing the exceptional growth and success in its business through market development, export,
diversification, and leadership. With over 70 years of excellence in Atlantic Canada’s construction
industry, Locke’s Electrical Limited offers high voltage electrical solutions in power, transmission,
distribution, industrial, mining, and renewables sectors. From 2013 to 2023, Locke’s has grown their
employee count from 29 to 400 – a 1,334% increase. In that same timeframe, they have increased
their client base from five to 69. Proudly certified as a Women Business Enterprise and a Canadian
Indigenous Business, Locke’s is locally owned and dedicated to its clients, communities, and
workforce, with people always at the heart of their continued growth and success.
The 2024 recipient of the Energy NL Diversity and Inclusion Award was Caron Hawco Group,
recognizing the significant contribution Caron has made to the Newfoundland and Labrador energy
industry in the area of diversity and inclusion. Caron specializes in offshore and onshore energy and
technology, offering support to local, national, and international companies seeking business and
industrial opportunities in Atlantic Canada. A staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion,
Caron is actively involved in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Women in Natural
Resources Committee. Additionally, her board roles with Energy NL and COVE – Nova Scotia’s
ocean innovation center – highlight her dedication to fostering progress in energy and maritime
innovation.
The 2024 recipient of the Energy NL Innovation in Environmental Sustainability Award was
Newfoundland Power. This award recognized their success in innovation through the
development and implementation of innovative products, technologies, processes, programs, and
policies which has or will benefit the Newfoundland and Labrador energy industry by reducing its
environmental footprint and helping the industry achieve net zero by 2050. Such innovation
includes their direct work with Energy NL members to reduce emissions and energy use, climate
adaptation and planning, Clean Energy Plan, takeCHARGE program, LED Street Light
Replacement Project, post-secondary partnerships, and paperless billing.
Energy NL would like to thank sponsors Cox & Palmer, East Coast Catering, Atlantic Canada
Regional Council of Carpenters, Millwrights, and Allied Workers, and TD Bank.
Further information on the award recipients, including videos and photos from last evening, can be
found in the accompanying backgrounder.
Energy NL represents over 500 member organizations worldwide which are involved in the energy
sector. Members are active in all areas of the supply and service sector and include a diverse
representation of businesses that range from offshore supply vessels and helicopters, carbon
reduction and sustainable technologies, health and safety equipment and training, engineering
solutions and fabricators to law firms and human resource agencies.
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Media contact: Ken Morrissey, Chief Strategy & Communication Officer
Mobile: 709-725-5172 |[email protected]| @WeAreEnergyNL
Backgrounder
“Last night’s Energy NL Industry Achievement Awards Gala celebrated the remarkable talent and
innovation driving Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy sector. Congratulations to all of the award
recipients, including Locke’s Electrical Limited for their high standards of excellence, Caron Hawco
Group for an ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, and Newfoundland Power for
developing several projects and programs that focus on energy efficiency. It was an honour to
recognize the achievements of our members. Together, we move closer towards a sustainable and
prosperous energy industry.”
Jeremy Whittle, Chair, Energy NL Board of Directors
“The Energy NL Industry Achievement Awards Gala showcased the significant achievements of,
and potential within, Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy sector. I commend our members for
nominating five exceptional recipients, including Margot Bruce-O’Connell, who has long been an
advocate for the sector, and Dwayne Heath, who is rising through the ranks of Cenovus Energy
thanks to his strategic skills and leadership. Congratulations to each of our recipients; your
achievements underscore the strength and innovation of our industry.”
Charlene Johnson, Energy NL CEO
“John C. Crosbie is credited with paving the way for Hibernia, using his influence in Ottawa to help
launch this industry that has benefited many in our province, both directly and indirectly. Therefore,
I am very proud to receive an award associated with his name. Like Mr. Crosbie, ExxonMobil played
a significant role in developing our industry and has been investing in the region since the 1960s. I
was honoured to represent the company, knowing our perspective was valued and our investment
critical to the industry. One of the criteria for the John C. Crosbie Award for Outstanding
Contribution that resonated with me is that the recipient is a champion of the industry. I am proud
to have been, and will continue to be, a champion.”
Margot Bruce-O’Connell, former Public and Government Affairs Manager and Vice
President, ExxonMobil Canada
“It’s a full circle moment for me and that, combined with this award, has led me to think a lot about
my career and all that I’ve done. In a fairly short amount of time, I’ve went from a Junior Engineer
to a Senior Engineer who had much more responsibility during this past off station program, with
being the responsible engineer for the life extension and refurbishment of the turret. I’d really like to
thank Cenovus Energy and my coworkers in our Atlantic operations team for the opportunities over
the years.”
Dwayne Heath, Senior Engineer, Cenovus Energy
Watch Dwayne’s video
“As we all know, the energy sector is constantly evolving, and Locke’s embraces these challenges
and opportunities with the same entrepreneurial spirit that has defined us for 75 years. While we’re
proud of our business growth, we’re equally committed to the communities we serve. Locke’s
Electrical has deep roots here in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we believe that giving back is
just as important as moving forward. Through local initiatives and sustainable practices, we are
investing in a future that benefits everyone.”
Chantal Gosse, Commercial Manager, Locke’s Electrical Limited
Watch Locke’s Electrical Limited’s video
“As the energy sector diversifies its business models with cleaner, greener solutions, I believe there
are unprecedented opportunities for those who have been traditionally underrepresented. It will be a
necessity. Our workforces must transform. In fact, all parts of our economy will need to establish
diverse, inclusive workforces to address the labour challenges we are facing by tapping into a
broader talent pool. So diversity won’t just be a value—it will be a necessity for success.”
Caron Hawco, Caron Hawco Group
Watch Caron Hawco Group’s video
“Newfoundland Power is committed to providing safe, reliable, least cost power in a way that
minimizes our environmental footprint and supports a sustainable future. This commitment is at the
core of everything we do, which is why receiving an award for Innovation in Environmental
Sustainability is so meaningful. Thank you, Energy NL, for this tremendous recognition.”
Gary Murray, President, Newfoundland Power
