May 5th, 2026
Congratulations to National Board Chair Gord Winkel MSc, P. Eng., FCSSE, who recently retired from the University of Alberta in 2025 after 15 years of leadership advancing safety in engineering education and across the industry. He continues this extraordinary legacy in service to Canadians through his volunteer work with Commissionaires.
Gord graduated in 1977 from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and then with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1979. He began his career in oil and mining, holding many leadership roles at Syncrude Canada Ltd., including Vice President for Syncrude’s Aurora Bitumen Production Facility.
Following a major plant incident in 1984, Syncrude focused on improving safety and risk management, achieving a safety performance that was significantly better than provincial industry levels. As a member of Syncrude’s Executive Team, Gord played a key role in strengthening safety systems and implementing protocols that drove lasting improvements across the industry.
Recognized as a respected voice in safety leadership, Gord was asked to join the University of Alberta Engineering Faculty in 2010, where he helped establish the David and Joan Lynch School of Engineering Safety and Risk Management, serving as its Chair and professor. He helped shape the next generation of engineers by making safety and risk management a required part of the curriculum for all engineering disciplines.
He earned three Distinguished Lecturer Awards from the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) and in 2019, he received the national CIM Mining Safety Leadership Medal, which recognizes exceptional contributions toward improving health and safety outcomes in Canada’s mining industry through innovative leadership.
Although he retired from the University of Alberta, he continues as a volunteer lecturing and leading the Engineering Safety and Risk Management School. Gord’s work also continues through the many boards and committees he supports across all industries, including the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires.
“Looking after people’s safety and security is an awesome responsibility,” noted Gord Winkel in a University of Alberta article, as he continues to support safety achievement in the University at large. “Most of all, I try to be helpful. I take things to the next level to support people in their success.”
Under his leadership, Commissionaires continues to strengthen governance practices and operational excellence nationwide. His expertise in risk management and organizational oversight reinforces Commissionaires’ position as a trusted security provider that goes above and beyond required standards.
Gord’s lifelong commitment to safety and service reflects the very values that define Commissionaires. As we move forward in our second century of service, we are proud to benefit from his leadership and vision.
Congratulations, Gord, on your outstanding industry and academic careers, and thank you for your continued dedication to Commissionaires and communities across Canada.