Launched in 2022, the Responsible Care® awards recognize companies that exemplify leadership and outstanding performance in implementing Responsible Care over the past year. We invite all CIAC Members, CIAC Plastics Division Members, and other stakeholders to nominate or apply for one or more of these awards. Nominations will be accepted through the following submission link until Friday, May 9, 2025. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in October 2025. For eligibility criteria and other information, please see our Awards Package.
Jean Bélanger, founder of Responsible Care
The 2023 award recipients are:
For questions please contact Jeff Stevens, Director, Responsible Care.
President and CEO, Chemtrade Logistics
Head of Sustainability and Government Relations, BASF
President, GreenMantra Technologies
Director of Global Product Stewardship, Procter and Gamble Inc.
Global Director EHS, ESG and Operational Excellence at EQUATE Group
Rocco is the Global Director EHS, ESG and Operational Excellence at EQUATE Group. He joined MEGlobal Canada in 2004, became Vice-President of Operations in 2012, Vice-President of North American operations in 2016, and assumed his current role within the EQUATE Group in 2022. Rocco has more than 34 years of experience in the chemical industry including operational, supply chain and technical leadership roles in The Netherlands, U.S., Canada, and Dubai. Rocco has a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Groningen in The Netherlands.
Director, Government and Stakeholder Relations, Western Canada
President of Dow Chemical Canada ULC, and Senior Business Director Feedstocks
Chemicals Business Manager, Imperial Oil Chemicals
Chief Executive Officer, Petrochemicals, Inter Pipeline Ltd.
Vice-Chair, PDLC
President & CEO, Polykar
Head, Butyl Manufacturing, ARLANXEO Canada Inc.
Plant Manager, Methanex Corporation
Regional Production Director – Canada, MEGlobal Canada ULC
Dan is a retired university professor. Dan was appointed as the chair of the Chemtura Public Advisory Committee 15 years ago , was a member of the Citizens Advisory Panel for Chemtura and was involved in Chemtura Responsible Care evaluations. Dan became a member of the Lanxess Citizens Advisory Panel when Lanxess purchased Chemtura. He has also served on the Sulco Chemical Company Citizens Advisory Panel for the past 13 years and served on two of their Responsible Care evaluations. Dan holds a bachelor of fine arts, a teaching certificate in grades K-12, a master’s degree in counselling and psychology, and a Ph.D. from Purdue University in psychology and education. He lives in Elmira, Ontario.
Wagish is the Advisor, Strategic Initiatives for the Workplace Safety and Prevention Services that has been serving Ontario workplaces for over 105 years. He actively participates in occupational illness prevention strategies and initiatives with the manufacturing, agriculture, and hospitality industries. Lending his knowledge in occupational and environmental health through committees with the Ministry of Labour Immigration Training and Skills Development, research institutions and workplaces. He shares his expertise with the Canadian Standards Association through standard development in Management of Work in Confined Spaces, as well as Occupational Health of Nanomaterials, and serves on the ISO TC229 addressing standards internationally on the issue of Nanomaterials. As a member on the board of directors for the Occupational Hygiene Association of Ontario, he volunteers his time to keep his profession current on new developments. With over 30 years of experience since obtaining his master’s degree at the University of Toronto, he continually strives to learn, advance and share his knowledge.
Director, finance and corporate services (Interim)
Director, PE Technical Services, Nova Chemicals
President, Evonik Canada Inc.
President, DuPont Canada
Global Customer Service Director, DuPont Electronics & Industrial
Vice-President, Human Resources and Sustainability, ERCO Worldwide
Manager, Digital Development Team, Let’s Talk Science
Scott is the Manager of the Digital Development team at Let’s Talk Science, a national charitable organization committed to preparing youth in Canada for evolving career and citizenship demands in a rapidly changing world. Scott has over 25 years of experience in the K-12 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education sector, where he has developed educational resources used by teachers and students across Canada. Scott has a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Politics from Trent University, a Master’s in Diplomatic History from McMaster University, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario.
As Vice President of External Relations for Let’s Talk Science, Vanessa oversees the strategic management of communications, marketing, fund development and stakeholder relations for the national charity. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, sociology and political thought from the University of Ottawa. Vanessa leads the organization’s fund development efforts, developing strategic funding partnerships that support the organization’s continued growth and sustainability, and works to raise Let’s Talk Science’s profile with industry funders and government representatives. Vanessa also worked for eight years as a consultant, providing high-level strategic communications advice and plans to a number of federal departments and national museums. She has also held senior communications positions at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Natural Resources Canada.
Mr. Christie’s previous position was Vice President Operations, ERCO Worldwide where he was responsible for all of ERCO’s Chemical Manufacturing Operations. Mr. Christie retired from the chemical industry in August 2024 and now spends much of his time on a farm in Grey County. Mr. Christie is a longtime beekeeper. In addition, Mr. Christie is an Instructor in Power and Marine Engineering at Georgian College.
Mr. Christie has over forty years’ experience in the chemical industry and has held operations, technical, supply chain, business management and chemical plant management roles across Canada and globally.
Mr. Christie is a Registered Professional Engineer, in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and the State of Maine, and is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. He holds bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and electrical engineering and a master’s degree in electrical engineering.
Mr. Christie served as Chair and board member of The Chlorine Institute, is an active volunteer in his community and the Canadian Chemical Industry and has served as a Signals Officer in the Canadian Forces.
President of Dow Chemical Canada ULC, and Hydrocarbons Business Director
Dow Chemical Canada
Site Director
INEOS Styrolution Canada Ltd.
Chemicals Planning and Basic Chemicals Manager
Imperial Oil
Chair, CIAC Board of Directors
President and Hydrocarbons Director at Dow Chemical Canada ULC
Head of Operations Canada, LANXESS Canada Co./Cie
Senior Advisor
Bob is the former President and CEO of CIAC, working for the association for 15 years and nine leading the organization. During his tenure, Bob was instrumental in helping the association grow into one of the premier advocacy groups in Canada.
President and CEO, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada
Group Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy, Chemtrade
Vice President, North America, Methanex Corporation
President and COO, Wentworth Technologies
President & CEO, ERCO Worldwide
VICE-CHAIR, CIAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Regional Operations Manager, National Silicates Limited
Senior Vice President, Petrochemical Development, Inter Pipeline Ltd.
Chair, PDLC
Chief Strategy & CSR Officer, TC Transcontinental Inc.
Vice-President of Operations, Jungbunzlauer Canada Inc.
Business Management GM, Canada
Shell Chemicals Canada Ltd.
President, CCC Sulphur Products
Site Director, INEOS Styrolution
President, BASF Canada
Immediate Past Chair, CIAC Board of Directors
Chemicals Business Manager, Imperial Oil
President and Site Manager, ARLANXEO Canada Inc.
Director, Communications & Sustainability
Keurig Dr Pepper Canada
Chemicals Planning & Controls Manager
Imperial Oil
Vice-President CKF Inc.
Executive Vice-President
Isabelle Des Chênes joined CIAC in November 2017 and leads the Association’s strategic communications and government and stakeholder relations initiatives. Prior to joining CIAC, Isabelle was Director of Communications for the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA). She spent eleven years in the natural resources sector in a number of progressive positions including as VP, Market Relations and International Trade with the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and VP, Market Relations for British Columbia’s Forestry Innovation Investment, Inc. Isabelle holds a BA, Communications from the University of Ottawa.
Policy Manager, Environment and Health
Email: cnahas@canadianchemistry.ca
Vice-President, Sustainability NOVA Chemicals Corporation
Manager, Executive Services, Office of the President
Email: nmarchi@canadianchemistry.ca
President, Merlin Plastics
Public Verifier
Nadine Blaney is the executive director of the Fort Air Partnership, an organization responsible for monitoring ambient air quality in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and surrounding region. Nadine has experience working in diverse multi-stakeholder environments, including industry, government and the public. Nadine is co-Chair of the Alberta Airsheds Council, which represents all Airsheds in Alberta and provides leadership in support of healthy air quality for Albertans and the environment. Nadine worked at Alberta Environment and Parks. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alberta and a Business Management Diploma from MacEwan University. Nadine is a member of the CIAC National Advisory Panel and is a public verifier for Responsible Care®.
Regional Director, Ontario and Corporate Secretary
Email: dfusco@canadianchemistry.ca
Shawna Bruce has more than 35 years of progressive leadership and public affairs experience, serving as a Public Affairs Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces before taking on the role of Dow Canada’s National Public Affairs Manager (2009-2018). While at Dow, Shawna supported Community Advisory Panels in four site communities and engaged with neighbour residents about emergency response and public safety information and received the CIAC Merit Award in 2016 for her role in championing Responsible Care®. Shawna operates M.D. Bruce & Associates Ltd, leading risk and crisis communications workshops for organizations. She is a part-time instructor at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in the Disaster and Emergency Management program and teaches ICS and Public Information Officer training for the Centre of Applied Disaster and Emergency Management. Shawna holds a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University, a Public Relations diploma from Algonquin College, and a Master of Arts in Disaster and Emergency Management from Royal Roads University.
Manager, Plastics Division Governance and Member Relations
Email: slaszlo@canadianchemistry.ca
Regional Director, Quebec
Email: yhamelin@canadianchemistry.ca
Director, Transportation
Email: kedwards@canadianchemistry.ca
Chair, PDLC
Vice President & Global Director Climate and Energy DOW Chemical Canada ULC
CHAIR, CIAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Senior Vice-President, Sustainability and Innovation, NOVA Chemicals Corporation
Nadine Gudz has led global sustainability strategy with Interface Inc. for 11 years and is currently completing her PhD in education for sustainability transitions at York University in Toronto. She also serves as Vice President of Executive Leadership and Professional Development with the Academy for Sustainable Innovation. Nadine has served on the National Zero Waste Council, Canadian Business for Social Responsibility and the United States Green Building Council. She also serves on the faculty of the graduate certificate program in CSR and sustainability at St Michael’s College at the University of Toronto as well as the Certificate in Circular Economy at McMaster University.
Chris Hilkene is the Chief Executive of Pollution Probe, Canada’s oldest environmental organization. He has been an environment and sustainable development professional for over 25 years and joined has worked in government, consulting, academic and not-for-profit settings. Chris served as a Canadian appointee to Great Lakes Water Quality Board of the International Joint Commission from 2014 to 2020 and was the Canadian lead on emerging issues for the last four years. In 2007, Chris was appointed to the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy, where he served as Chair of the Water Programme until 2013. He is an active volunteer and has served on boards and advisory bodies for numerous organizations including Carleton University’s Global Water Institute, Green Living Enterprises, Pollution Probe and WaterAid Canada.
Richard Janda teaches business associations, administrative law, competition law, economic regulation, and air transport regulation. He was Law Clerk to Justices Le Dain and Cory of the Supreme Court of Canada and is a past Director of the Centre for the Study of Regulated Industries at McGill. Richard has been involved in work for the WTO, ICAO, OECD, the World Bank, a number of Canadian public agencies and developing countries. He has served as an Associate Professor at the McGill University Faculty of Law since 1997. He is a resident member of the Institutes of Comparative Law and Air and Space Law at McGill University, a member of the editorial board for the Annals of Air and Space Law, since 1993. Richard is also a member of the advisory board for the International Journal of Telecommunications Law and Policy.
Alex von Knobloch is a dedicated professional with 15 years of experience in the automotive industry, currently contributing expertise to Magna International. As a Certified Energy Manager, he plays a pivotal role in driving energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives within the organization. His passion for the environment and sustainability is at the forefront of his career. He is committed to reducing the environmental footprint of the automotive industry and is actively engaged in implementing sustainable practices. His work goes beyond a job – it’s a mission to create a greener, more sustainable future.
Jane Lister is Associate Director of the Centre for Transportation Studies at the Sauder School of Business and Research Associate with the Global Reporting Centre at the University of British Columbia. Jane holds an MBA and PhD and has more than 25 years of experience in the sustainability field, including with the Ontario Ministry of Environment and with PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she helped companies across North America to design, implement, and audit corporate social responsibility strategies and programs.
Former Chair, PDLC
Chief Operating Officer, Strategy and Business Development Farnell Packaging Ltd.
Pat McLean is a retired former executive in the non-profit sector and served 18 years as a member of Council for Woolwich Township. She has been a volunteer with community committees in Elmira, Ontario. She has worked with local companies, the Ministry of the Environment and the community to educate, inform and negotiate on many important issues related to chemical facility cleanup. Pat has also been a long-time volunteer both in her community and at the provincial level.
Public Verifier
Phil Byer has been a Responsible Care public verifier since 1993 and was a member of CIAC’s National Advisory Panel from 1989 to 2004. Phil was a professional engineer and a professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and the Centre for Environment at the University of Toronto. He holds graduate degrees in engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Industry Verifier
André Denis has been a Responsible Care industry verifier since 1994. With professional training as a registered occupational hygienist, André has more than 30 years of experience in workplace health and safety, specializing in industrial hygiene. He worked for 13 years in various positions related to health and safety with Canadian Industries Limited and Imperial Chemical Industries.
Industry Verifier
David Guss worked as a professional engineer for over 34 years in the chemicals and oil/gas industries. He has experience in technical and managerial roles supporting industrial facilities operations, capital projects, and company global Responsible Care, health and safety, environmental, process safety management systems development, implementation, and audit. David was past president of the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering, past Board Member of the Chemical Institute of Canada, past Chair of CIAC Process Safety Management Committee, and is a committee member for the Canadian Standards Association Z-767 Process Safety Technical Standard.
Industry Verifier
Trained as a chemical engineer at l’École Polytechnique in Montreal, Marcel Emond worked in the petroleum industry from 1966 to 1981 and has held a variety of positions at the Petrofina(later Petro-Canada) refineries, BP, and Ultramar. Marcel later worked in the petrochemical sector with Petromont, first serving as Vice-President of Production, and later as Chief of Operations (1991-1998). He has participated in more than 50 Responsible Care verifications.
Public Verifier
Ron Ormson is Director of Environmental Engineering for the City of Waterloo. As a licensed professional geoscientist, Ormson has worked on a wide range of projects, including brownfield redevelopments transportation, storm water, wastewater and asset management. He is a member of CIAC’s National Advisory Panel and a national advisor and peer reviewer for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on contaminated site and waste-management issues.
Beverly Osazuwa is a supporter of community-led policy development and industry initiatives that are sustainable, anti-oppressive, and anti-colonial. Beverly holds a Master of Arts in Political and Legal Thought from Queen’s University, and a Bachelor of Humanities from Carleton University with a minor in Political Science and African Studies. She has committed her academic pursuits to study the effects of modernization and development on African and Indigenous people and in the intersections of class, race, and gender that inform environmental impacts for marginalized communities. Beverly also worked as the Environmental Policy Coordinator for CIAC and assisted in developing innovative programs for Responsible Care. As she concludes her studies, Beverly hopes to centralize the experience of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) to spur change in the Canadian political and legal systems, as well as within industry practice.
Public Verifier
Kris Lee has been a CIAC Responsible Care public verifier since 1998. She has served on CIAC’s National Advisory and Canadian Plastics Industry Association’s Public Advisory Panels. As a retired science teacher, Kris assists educators on lab safety in science education through Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario Safety Committee and instructs through the Workers Health and Safety Centre for the Joint Health and Safety Committee.
Industry Verifier
Dave Mack has been a CIAC Responsible Care industry verifier since 2001. He has 30 years of industrial experience in industrial gas supply, oil refining, pipelines and petrochemicals; most of which was in large-scale product-manufacturing facilities. He spent 20 years with NOVAChemicals and completed his tenure as Director of Responsible Care for Canadian operations.
Industry Verifier
Larry Masaro has been a Responsible Care industry verifier since 2020. He has more than 30years of experience in the chemistry industry, including as Global Operations Director for the PQ Corporation. His previous responsibilities included plant operations, engineering, purchasing and logistics, safety, health and environmental management. He directed these global activities from PQ’s Canadian head office in Toronto and retired in August of 2019.
Public Verifier
David Powell recently retired as the long-serving Undergraduate Student Advisor for the School of the Environment, at the University of Toronto. David has been involved with Responsible Care since its inception, first as an original member of the National Advisory Panel, then as one of the original verifiers. Over the years David has been involved with the code revision and additions processes. David has been a member of the advisory committee to the Standards Council of Canada for the ISO14000 standards and guidelines since the creation of ISO14001.
Industry Verifier
Bob Richer holds a BSc in chemical engineering from l’École Polytechnique in Montreal. He has been very active in associations and initiatives which contributed to the progress of the chemical industry, especially in Quebec. He has served as a CIAC Board member and Chair of the Quebec Leadership Group. Bob began his career at Petrofina Canada and joined Gulf Oil in 1980. He became Vice President for KEMTEC in 1986 and then Manufacturing Director for Himont/Montell/Basell in 1988 until 2009. He is currently working for GCM, an engineering firm in Montreal, and for QRC, as a transportation verifier.
Industry Verifier
Gerry Whitcombe has been a CIAC Responsible Care verifier since 2006. He worked for Dow Chemical for more than 32 years in a variety of capacities, including as Canadian Responsible Care Coordinator (1989-2005). Whitcombe was involved in developing implementation aids for the original Responsible Care Distribution Code of Practice.
Treasurer, PDLC
President, Layfield Group