Send us Fan Mail

During day two of the #NLCABuildExpo2026, themed "Women Building Atlantic Canada," Tonya Whittle joins the show to discuss the critical intersection of culture, safety, and gender in the industry. As an empathy and human factors researcher, Whittle provides deep insights into why recruitment and retention remain significant challenges and how the industry can evolve to ensure women feel a genuine sense of inclusion and belonging.

Key topics from this interview include:

• Social-Emotional Safety: Moving beyond technical safety to address the social and emotional well-being of women on job sites.
• Barriers to Inclusion: Addressing unconscious bias and practical hurdles, such as the "pink it and shrink it" approach to equipment and the lack of appropriate facilities for women.
• The Burden of Representation: Discussing the complex feelings women often have between simply wanting to do their jobs and feeling a responsibility to build a better industry for future generations.
• Data-Driven Change: The importance of qualitative research and focus groups in turning personal stories into actionable data for organizations.
• Empathy in Safety-Critical Fields: A look at Whittle's latest research at the Marine Institute regarding seafarers and how empathy impacts risk perception and safety outcomes.

Whittle concludes with an optimistic look at the industry's trajectory, highlighting how the NLCA's initiatives for women are now being emulated across Canada and internationally.

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us Fan Mail

The interview from the #GaleForceWins "Beyond The Badge" series features Shane McClafferty, a police constable and second vice president of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association (RNCA). He describes the association's role as a union representing approximately 400 members, ranging from constables to staff sergeants.
Summary
Advocacy and Representation: The RNCA advocates for its members regarding working conditions, collective agreements, and contracts to ensure a proficient police service.
Organizational Structure: The association is led by an executive team—including a president, two vice presidents, a treasurer, and a secretary—and an executive board with directors representing various divisions, including Corner Brook and Labrador.
Operational Rhythm: The executive team meets weekly, the executive board meets quarterly, and various committees meet regularly with labor management and the chief's office to address specific issues and grievances.
Current Challenges: A primary focus for the association is recruitment and retention, which is a nationwide issue in policing. The RNCA is also preparing for the expiration of their collective agreement in 2026.
Community Engagement: The speaker emphasizes the importance of educating community stakeholders—including the public, media, and government—about the "phenomenal work" members do daily and the resources they need to serve effectively.

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/

Send us Fan Mail

Open for Business": Premier Tony Wakeham on Red Tape, Resources, and the Future of NL

In this episode, we sit down with the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Tony Wakeham, for a candid conversation about the economic road ahead for the province. Recorded at the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association #NLCABuildExpo2026, Premier Wakeham shares his government’s vision for stepping out of the way of private industry and positioning the province as a global powerhouse.

From tackling bureaucratic hurdles to breaking the historical "boom and bust" cycle of the offshore energy sector, the Premier outlines his strategy for sustainable, long-term growth. We dive deep into the province’s staggering wealth of critical minerals, its strategic defense readiness at key heavy-industrial sites, and why the next wave of economic prosperity isn't just happening in St. John's, but across Central Newfoundland and Labrador.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Slashing Red Tape: The creation of a dedicated office to eliminate unintentional government barriers and accelerate development.
• Building Long-Term Industry: How projects like Bay du Nord and infrastructure at Bull Arm can be leveraged to keep local skilled trades workers employed indefinitely.
• The Global Mineral Rush: Why NL’s possession of 34 highly sought-after critical minerals gives it a massive competitive edge on the world stage.
• Defense & Strategic Readiness: Leveraging the province’s deep-rooted military culture, skilled offshore workforce, and facilities like 5 Wing Goose Bay for future defense contracts.
• Province-Wide Growth: Expanding economic opportunities into regions like Baie Verte, Grand Falls-Windsor, and throughout Labrador.

Whether you are in the construction industry, the energy sector, or just invested in the future of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Premier's message is clear: the province is open for business.

Listen now and subscribe for more industry insights!

Gale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.

For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.
Visit our services page here:
https://galeforcewins.com/services

To message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/

To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/