People

 

Lex Gagne: Experienced veteran embraces change

Salmon aquaculture is in a constant state of innovation but for Lex Gagne, “change keeps it fresh.”

As Logistics Manager, one of Lex’s responsibilities is to ensure that “the value-added (processing) gets done” and that the right fish gets to its customer on time.

Lex prepares a weekly processing schedule to guide this process. She enjoys dealing with two of Marine Harvest’s largest customers, Costco and Westfair, also known as Super Store.

Lex came to our industry in the mid 1980s, when she was hired for a part-time office position at Seafarm Canada, the predecessor to Stolt Sea Farm. She ventured into the world of production when she accompanied the first loads of grilse to Great Northern Packing in Vancouver and has been in processing and distribution ever since.

She remembers estimating what the orders would be and not only handwriting labels when they processed at Walcan but putting the labels onto the boxes herself.

“The industry was very much hands on,” commented Lex.

Born in Victoria, Lex is mom to Craig, who works at Kal Tire, and Jolene, who works in the health care industry and is currently touring Europe, Africa and Asia. Lex and partner Carl have called the Oyster River area home for the past 20 plus years. She enjoys her grandkids, all of whom are close and keep her running when they visit. “They’re into everything – there’s no fear,” said Lex with a laugh. As various dogs and their owners stroll by during our interview, Lex greets them all. It’s easy to see that Lex’s own dog, Brandy (“named after a good drink”), has a special place in her heart.

 

Leadership and Reponsibility Key to Success

As a boy, growing up with three brothers in Essex, Ontario, Don Orton wanted to be a zoologist. He probably envisioned himself working with animals that don’t live in water; but you get the sense from talking to the newly promoted Assistant Manager that even if childhood dreams don’t work out precisely, life can still be sweet.

Don started with Marine Harvest in June 2006, after starting with Heritage Aquaculture, now Mainstream, where he was a farm technician for three years. Deciding it was time for a change, he learned of a vacancy with Marine Harvest through the ‘Net, “probably at aquaculturejobs.com,” Don related.

He spent time at Koskimo, Mahatta East and Monday Rocks before settling at Althorp. Now that the former lead hand has been promoted, a site move is in the works. Don will be Assistant Manager at Shaw Point and Althorp.

“I always try to put myself into positions of leadership and responsibility.” he said, adding that he’s seen a great number of improvements to the industry in six years and “I like being part of them [positive changes].”

A graduate of Sir Sanford Fleming’s aquaculture program, Don had originally set his sights set on a construction career until a friend told him about a fish and wildlife program that included a brief introduction to aquaculture, something he particularly connected with. He made the switch from houses to net pens and doesn’t regret it at all.

A fan of the outdoors, Don enjoys riding his bike and camping and fishing. Of camping, he comments, that“it’s freeing to be out there away from technology.”

 

Energy in motion: Driving to be the best

In only a few weeks, Josee Migneault, the Health, Safety and Environmental Systems Manager, will celebrate fifteen years in our industry. It’s clear she is where she wants and needs to be.

Her area of responsibility is ensuring compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations company-wide, including at the Port Hardy Processing Plant and with MHC’s main contractors. Her main goal and passion, however is to keep all employees free of injuries.

“Born and raised on the ocean” in Sept-Iles, Quebec, Josee remains strongly connected to her parents. “We talk every day,” she said, adding that’s important to maintain a family connection and to “help them (her parents) realize they still matter to me.” Josee’s path to the industry was, in her words, “one of karma”. After joining the military in 1979, she was transferred to Comox two years later. One day she read her horoscope that said she’d become a “fish keeper”. Josee mentioned this to Diana Pickwick, current manager at Pott’s Bay. Josee spent a weekend at Sargeaunt’s Pass, where Diana was working at the time for Stolt Sea Farm. Consequently, Josee “fell in love” with the work and the industry.

“I had to be here,” she said.

Upon returning to dry land, Josee handed in her resignation at Realty World, presented a resume to Stolt, and received a phone call two weeks later. She began as a fish tech, later became an Assistant Manager, and moved into compliance in 1998, an area that energizes her and “makes me want to be here every day.”

Away from work, Josee has a passion for riding her motor bike and wood working. Her current project is a four foot humpback whale that will welcome visitors to her home in Fanny Bay. Her home is in a perfect location to indulge in the kayaking she loves so much because it connects her to nature.

 

New Canadian Citizen loves adopted country

“The best decision I’ve made in years.” That’s how Andrew Dukes describes the choice he made to leave the restaurant industry seven years ago and join the Port Hardy Processing Plant (PHPP).

“I wouldn’t go back to cooking for anything,” he said.

Andrew’s job as back up lead hand involves programming plant computers and staff organization. He also works on the processing line.

After certifying as a Red Seal Chef through Malaspina College (now Vancouver Island University), and Camosun College, Andrew wanted employment that offered benefits and stability, unusual in food service. He found both when he answered a newspaper ad.

Andrew was born in Liverpool, England, and came to Canada on October 31, 1972. The family settled in Nanaimo, where his parents still live, but Andrew moved to Port Hardy in 1987.

Away from work, Andrew loves camping with wife Kellie in their new trailer. Atluck Lake near Zeballos is a favorite place. Tia, their 14 year old Norwegian Elkhound, and two year old Yorkie Poo, Pickle, round out the family. Andrew has been a volunteer firefighter for 12 years. Attending one meeting with a friend was all it took for him to realize his interest. He also continues to enjoy cooking.

May 27, 2009 will always be memorable for Andrew. It’s the day he became a Canadian citizen in a ceremony held in Campbell River. “It’s something I should have done years ago,” he commented, adding that he has no desire to leave Port Hardy, Canada or Marine Harvest.