Halifax Conference - 2026
List of Speakers
Wednesday June 3, 2026 Day 2
Tareq HadHad
Tareq Hadhad is telling his story. He was a Syrian refugee and now living his new life with his entrepreneurial family in Canada’s east coast. He is the founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate, and most recently been recognized as one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada by Atlantic Business Magazine. In 2012 the Hadhad’s home and factory that housed the family chocolate-making business were destroyed which forced them to seek safety in other countries. A former medical student at Damascus University and long-time peacekeeping advocate, Tareq joined medical relief efforts after arriving in Lebanon. A new life began when Tareq and his family were welcomed to Canada on a community-based sponsorship. Passionate about peace and entrepreneurship, his family relaunched the family business to recreate the chocolates they once exported across the Middle East and their story has turned into an international inspiring phenomenon. Tareq and his family have a focus on job creation, utilizing a network of local community members and refugees from across Nova Scotia and Canada to help support the local economy. Now that their chocolates are distributed across Canada, they look to offer more employment and exporting opportunities as their business grows. Tareq has spoken at the Summit of The Americas, Amnesty International’s Human Rights Conference, TEDx events, and Chambers of Commerce Dinners. He has delivered keynote presentations in the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, the UK, France and Denmark, spoke to several corporate and government organizations both in person and virtually, and done over 1000 interviews with various news teams across the globe. Tareq speaks on the compelling story of his family, the positive impact of newcomers, and the spirit of resiliency, entrepreneurship and giving back.
Jen Mutas, BC Crane Safety - CSA Facilitator
Jason Brown - Kova part of Industrial Inspection & Analysis
Jason Brown is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the crane and hoist industry. Currently serving as Regulatory Affairs Manager at Kova Engineering Ltd., Jason's career began at Commercial Truck Equipment, where he built and tested various lift equipment. His passion for the industry led him to pursue a Mechanical Engineering Diploma from BCIT. During his tenure at Kova Engineering, Jason has been pivotal in the crane and NDT communities, actively contributing to standards and guideline development. Jason is currently a member on multiple committees and a constant contributor to the CCRA Technical Committee. He is actively involved in the CSA Z248 Code for Tower Cranes and CSA Z150 Safety Code on Mobile Crane committees, advocating for nationally adopted guidelines for crane inspections. His areas of expertise include structural inspection and certification, design of crane components, and consulting on safety code requirements. Jason is committed to mentorship, communication, and industry development.
Andy Whitehouse - Cropac Industries
Matthew Rogerson - OHS Department Government of Alberta
Clinton Connell, Exec. Director BC Crane - BC Provincial Update
Clinton is the Executive Director of BC Crane Safety. He has served on multiple boards, including not-for-profits, 9 years as Director with BCACS, and an active member of the BCTA Board since 2008. Clinton has over 25 years’ experience in senior management, commercial transport, construction, and the industrial services sector.
Guillaume Gagnon, Guay Inc. Quebec Update
Assoc. des propriétaires de grues du Québec (APGQ)
Thursday June 4, 2026 Day 3
Brandon Hitch, Chief Executive Officer, CICA
Brandon Hitch joined CICA in October 2011 as the CraneSafe Engineer. In 2012 Brandon was promoted to CraneSafe General Manager overseeing the technical and day-to-day operations of the CraneSafe program. In November 2014 Brandon was appointed as CICA CEO. Prior to joining CICA, Brandon held a position as Senior Engineer with Cargotec Australia working on their Hiab and Kalmar load handling equipment. Brandon is one of CICA’s representatives for Australian Standards and Chair of ME-005 and Mobile Crane, Tower Crane and Vehicle Loading Crane Sub-Committee. Brandon represents Australia as Head of Delegation on ISO TC96 – Cranes and is chair of ISO TC96 SC9 – Bridge and Gantry Cranes. Brandon is originally from Chicago, USA where he worked for 10 years in the automotive and heavy trucking sector with emphasis on vehicle dynamics, structural and chassis design. Brandon has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Michigan. Brandon is a registered chartered engineer and Fellow with Engineers Australia and is licensed professional engineer in the USA.
Jack Burton - Crane & Hoist - Facilitator, Crane Driving Change and Excellance in the Industry
Jack Burton is a writer and B2B content specialist with over five years of experience in specialized industry writing. As the editor of Crane & Hoist Canada magazine, Jack connects Canada’s crane industry through overseeing industry coverage and content development for the country’s leading heavy lifting publication.
Reina VanGenderen - Van Genderen Canada Inc
Reina VanGenderen, Co-owner of VanGenderen Canada Inc. Edmonton, AB Reina married into the Crane Industry almost 30 years ago. In 2003 Reina immigrated to Canada, tagging along with her husband who came as an expert with a Spierings Mobile Tower Crane from the Netherlands. In 2010 they started their own Crane Rental Business. What started small, grew into a full-size operation, coming full-circle when that first Spierings Mobile Tower Crane was added to their fleet. Tasked with everything non-technical from the beginning, Reina wore many hats. From Safety, Sales, Accounts Manager and HR to Dispatch. With a growing team to assist in those areas, she can focus more on Strategic Planning. As a mom of 5 there wasn’t much time left for hobbies. But now the kids have spread their wings (only one left finishing Highschool) Reina likes to garden, walk her dog, sing in a community choir and volunteer where possible with community
Jeremy Geurts - Skyline Cranes/ Able Cranes
With nearly two decades of experience on some of the nation's largest projects, Jeremy has honed the skills necessary to excel at the highest level. His unwavering commitment to jobsite safety and project efficiency is paramount. Jeremy takes pride in demonstrating to customers that they can indeed have both—safety and efficiency—without compromise. Jeremy studied Business Administration and Management at Athabasca University, and is President of Able Crane Services, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Go Jets Go!
Guillaume Gagnon - VP Guay Inc.
Executive Vice President of GUAY since 2011, Guillaume Gagnon has been part of the family business since the beginning of his career in 2001. Through his perseverance, he has gained in-depth knowledge of the organization and the crane rental industry, which has allowed him to rise through the ranks by taking on various strategic and operational responsibilities. His unifying leadership, combined with a long-term vision, actively contributes to the company’s growth and sustainability. A proud representative of the next generation of the family, Guillaume strives to blend tradition and innovation in every decision he makes.
Dr Shay Abtahi, Ph.D., Structural Engineering, University of Alberta
Dr. Shay Abtahi is the only female faculty member of the Structures group in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta. Fueled by an unwavering passion for innovative engineering, she relishes the opportunity to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and create groundbreaking solutions. Every day, she is driven by her commitment to excellence and her deep desire to inspire the next generation of engineers, especially women and other underrepresented minorities. She enjoys working with partners to shape a future where ingenuity knows no bounds! Education: Ph.D., Structural Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, 2022. M.Sc., Structural Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, 2016. B.Sc., Civil Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, 2014.
Andrew Pillman,Exc. Director of Driver, Carrier and Vehicle Services, Weights & Dimensions Panel
Andrew is a seasoned transportation leader with nearly 20 years of experience across the commercial carrier industry. As the Executive Director of Driver, Carrier and Vehicle Services, he has played a pivotal role in shaping transportation programs—overseeing initiatives such as Pre-Entry for Safety Fitness Certificates, the International Registration Program, and managing the Over-dimensional and Overweight transportation program. Starting his career as a Transport Officer in Drayton Valley, he quickly advanced—taking on roles as Lead Investigator for Carrier Services and serving as a dual-appointed Dangerous Goods Inspector, before moving into critical managerial positions in National Safety Code and Permitting. Throughout his progression through various leadership roles, Andrew consistently championed innovation and accountability. By advocating for improved communication and modernized processes, he led his teams in streamlining workflows and reducing operational bottlenecks. Now, as the Executive Director of DCVS, he leverages his experience to lead transformative initiatives in the transportation sector, nurturing a system that emphasizes safety, efficiency, and innovation.
Justin Andrews, Tadano Cranes - Weights & Dimensions Panel
Justin started in the crane industry in 2007 as a labourer for a crane dealership (Brisbane, Australia) at age 21. Within a couple years, his passion for the industry provided him with an opportunity to work for a family owned crane rental company as an Operator and Dogman. He began his career at Tadano Oceania in 2011 as a Parts Interpreter. By age 27, Justin was promoted to Sales Manager and relocated to Sydney, Australia to head up the Tadano Oceania office. In 2016 he relocated to Canada (British Columbia) and joined Tadano America Corporation as Regional Business Manager for Western Canada and Western USA short of his 30th birthday.
Mike Lavoie, Myshak Group - Weights & Dimensions Panel
Mike Lavoie is an experienced professional in the crane and rigging industry, currently serving as the Operations Manager at Myshak Crane & Rigging and Co-Chair of the CCRA Technical Committee. With a career spanning over two decades, Mike has held various roles within the company, including Crane operator, Branch Manager and Crane & Rigging Supervisor. His journey in the industry began as an apprentice mobile crane operator at Parkland Crane Service, followed by a position as a mobile crane operator at NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul. Mike holds a degree in Mobile Crane Operation from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, which he earned between 2005 and 2008. His extensive experience and dedication to the field have made him a valuable asset to Myshak Crane & Rigging, where he continues to oversee the operations. In addition to his professional achievements, Mike is known for his commitment to providing exceptional support and guidance to his team. He is based in Acheson, Alberta, where he continues to contribute to the success and growth of The Myshak Group.
Become a member of the Canadian Crane Rental Association
Devenez membre de l'Association canadienne de location de grues
The CCRA is the primary nationally structured Canadian crane association that represents crane rental companies, crane owners, manufacturers, and suppliers to the Canadian crane industry.
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