Agenda

As President and CEO of the Canadian Telecommunications Association Robert Ghiz provides overall leadership and direction to an organization that is the authority on wireless issues, developments, and trends in Canada. Robert has served in this role since 2017, helping the Canada Telecoms team represent and promote companies and service providers that collectively contributed more than $70 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product in 2020 alone. Prior to joining the association, Robert had a successful career as a political leader. He was twice elected Premier of Prince Edward Island from 2007 to 2015, successfully stewarding the province’s economy through the 2008 global financial collapse and contributing to its record-setting economic growth following the recession. While Premier, Robert also led successful trade missions in Europe, Asia, South America and the United States. In addition to his role today with the association, Robert is the Chair of Mobile Giving Foundation Canada, and the Chair of the Medavie Health Foundation. He also serves as an Advisor on numerous Boards including the Prince’s Trust Advisory Council, the True Patriot Love Foundation, and as PEI Representative of the CN Community Board.

A  graduate from the University of Waterloo in civil engineering, Lorna is licensed with the PEO and holds her international certificate in Project Management.  She’s worked in the Canadian marked for wireless and wired networks.  Starting her career at Bell Canada/Bell Mobility for about 15 years learning wired network planning/design/construction/record keeping.  She then went to Roehampton Communications, Shared Tower and now Stantec. 

Jim Elkins, CRSP, CSP is a senior HSSE leader with nearly three decades of experience advancing health, safety, security, and environmental performance across complex organizations. Currently serving as Senior Director, HSSE Operations – Canada at Stantec, Jim has led national and global teams, including interim director roles in Europe and the Middle East. Known for building strong safety cultures, he brings a practical, values-driven approach grounded in operational excellence, disciplined execution, and the voice of the customer. Jim has successfully guided organizations through strategic transformation, crisis response, and innovation, while mentoring leaders and developing high-performing, accountable teams.

Samie Dunand-Vincent is a telecommunications structural engineer with over 13 years of experience in the design and analysis of wireless infrastructure. She works with Teletek Structures, a specialized engineering firm focused on telecommunications structures, where she supports carriers and tower owners with practical, efficient, and constructible solutions in Quebec and across Canada.

Throughout her career, Samie has contributed to a wide range of projects including new tower design, structural upgrades, audits, and reinforcement, etc. 

She joined Women of STAC in 2019 and has since been actively involved in mentoring women advancing within the telecommunications industry.

Barry Oxner is a recognized leader in the Canadian fall protection industry with over 35 years in occupational health and safety, including 25 years dedicated exclusively to fall arrest systems, compliance, and training. 

As the founder of one of Canada’s first national fall arrest service companies, Barry pioneered a fully integrated model that combined certified equipment inspections, specialized fall protection training, engineered system design and fabrication, installation, consulting, and equipment supply. Under his leadership, Total Fall Protection became an industry leader serving industrial, commercial, and government clients across Atlantic Canada and beyond. 

Barry has completed advanced technical and trainer certifications with Protecta International (Houston, TX), DBI-Sala (Mississauga, ON), Miller/Honeywell (Franklin, PA; Richmond Hill, ON; Halifax, NS), and 3M Fall Protection (Milton, ON; Halifax, NS). He also holds formal education in Occupational Health and Safety Law from Ryerson University. 

He has served as a facilitator for the Nova Scotia Safety Council and has been invited to speak with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and WorkSafe New Brunswick on fall protection inspection standards and regulatory compliance. Barry has also provided expert witness services in fall-related accident investigations. 

His career has been dedicated to raising the standard of fall protection compliance, inspection integrity, and worker safety across Canada.

Blair Bittner P. Eng, a Surrey, British Columbia-based employee, has been with WesTower for 29 years and counting. As a seasoned professional with both engineering design and field expertise in the communication sector.  He began working in the industry in 1996, moved on to engineering in 2007, transitioned to his managerial career in 2016, and was promoted to a new national position in 2023.  With in-depth knowledge of all facets of the business, including building, fabrication, design, and safety, the main benefits of the job go beyond money, and the collaborative nature of the field provides the most fulfillment.  Internally, this includes helping people in the safety domains, leading and participating in teams throughout their design and development and constructing structures as part of a crew. Externally, it involves taking part in S37 and STAC committees.  He feels the greatest benefits come from the assistance of others. 

Eman Abou Arab is as a Senior Advisor on Bell's National Wireless Construction Standards team. A Civil Engineering graduate from Concordia University, she joined Bell in 2014. In her current role, Eman manages Bell's National Construction Standards, Health and Safety, and Vendor Qualification programs. Previously, she oversaw Bell's National Maintenance and Capital Sustainment Upgrade programs.

With over ten years of dedicated experience at Bell, Eman is a highly accomplished and results-oriented professional, adept at leading and managing complex projects, teams, and budgets effectively.

Experienced Project Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the telecommunications industry. Strong telecommunication professional, with over 30 years experience. Focused on problem solving and delivering a stress free project experience.

Blair Bittner P. Eng, a Surrey, British Columbia-based employee, has been with WesTower for 29 years and counting. As a seasoned professional with both engineering design and field expertise in the communication sector.  He began working in the industry in 1996, moved on to engineering in 2007, transitioned to his managerial career in 2016, and was promoted to a new national position in 2023.  With in-depth knowledge of all facets of the business, including building, fabrication, design, and safety, the main benefits of the job go beyond money, and the collaborative nature of the field provides the most fulfillment.  Internally, this includes helping people in the safety domains, leading and participating in teams throughout their design and development and constructing structures as part of a crew. Externally, it involves taking part in S37 and STAC committees.  He feels the greatest benefits come from the assistance of others. 

Eman Abou Arab is as a Senior Advisor on Bell's National Wireless Construction Standards team. A Civil Engineering graduate from Concordia University, she joined Bell in 2014. In her current role, Eman manages Bell's National Construction Standards, Health and Safety, and Vendor Qualification programs. Previously, she oversaw Bell's National Maintenance and Capital Sustainment Upgrade programs.

With over ten years of dedicated experience at Bell, Eman is a highly accomplished and results-oriented professional, adept at leading and managing complex projects, teams, and budgets effectively.

Ian Panagapka is the President at Rigarus Construction Inc. A STAC Steering Committee member since September 2019. Ian oversees all operations at Rigarus Construction Inc. based in Elmira Ontario which provides construction services to many areas of the telecommunication industry.

Isabela Jimenez started her career as the STAC Program Coordinator in 2019 and has been involved in the telecommunications industry for over five years. Now working as the Industry Events & Special Projects Manager, Isabela oversees the planning and development of the annual STAC Conference & Exhibition. In addition to her role supporting events at the Canadian Telecommunications Association, Isabela also oversees the Women of STAC Committee and committee activities.

Christiana Enebeli is a procurement leader with over 19 years of global experience in strategic sourcing, supplier governance and procurement strategy. She currently serves as a Regional Procurement Manager at Nokia, where she leads procurement initiatives supporting enterprise accounts in the United States and customer accounts in Canada.

Christiana is also a Doctor of Business Administration Student at Royal Roads University. Her research explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can augment procurement decision-making and enhance strategic procurement processes.

She has shared her research at academic and professional forums, including the Canadian Sociological Association Conference, where she participated in 2025 and will present again in 2026. Beyond her professional work, she is passionate about mentorship and supporting the development of purpose-driven careers.

Through her work, she aims to bridge industry practice and academic research to advance the future of AI-enabled procurement and data-driven supply chain leadership.

Annik Rochefort is a metallurgical engineer with 18 years of experience specializing in corrosion, metal fabrication, and welding. Her diverse background includes civil and industrial engineering, as well as military experience, which has honed her analytical skills and broadened her expertise. Annik’s work focuses on the protection of buried structures and asset management, making her a valuable collaborator in the telecommunications industry.

Annik is committed to enhancing the durability and longevity of critical infrastructure, including telecommunications tower anchors. Her approach combines hands-on fieldwork with theoretical knowledge, allowing her and her team to develop and implement methods that are both practical and effective in real-world conditions. Annik's values center around effective asset management and investing in areas that make a significant impact for a financially sustainable industry.    

Jacques started his career in the academia and then joined Reid Crowther as a consulting structural engineer in Western Canada.   In 2000 he joined Trylon and developed products, designs, installations and augmentations of telecommunications sites on all 7 continents.   He started his own consulting firm in 2015 that was acquired by Seguin Morris in late 2024.  Jacques is currently the Chief Engineer – Telecom at Seguin Morris.

With over 38 years of industry experience, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master's degree in Project Management. 

Since joining the telecom industry in Canada, I have managed a diverse range of projects, including rooftop installations and tower constructions. I am committed to sharing my experience with my colleagues to ensure that everyone adheres to company standards and engineering best practices.

Bahulee Holtz is a Senior Civil Engineer at Rogers specializing in wireless infrastructure and structural assessment. She leads national programs that enhance tower resiliency, safety, and network reliability across Canada. With expertise in CSA compliance, vendor coordination, and large-scale program delivery, Bahulee focuses on engineering solutions that maintain network infrastructure integrity and reliability.

Bahulee Holtz is a Senior Civil Engineer at Rogers specializing in wireless infrastructure and structural assessment. She leads national programs that enhance tower resiliency, safety, and network reliability across Canada. With expertise in CSA compliance, vendor coordination, and large-scale program delivery, Bahulee focuses on engineering solutions that maintain network infrastructure integrity and reliability.

With more than 20 years of experience in asset integrity and corrosion control, Johanna Chavez Lares brings deep technical expertise and a strong commitment to corrosion control. Originally from Venezuela, she earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 2004 before completing a master’s degree specializing in corrosion.

Throughout her career, Johanna has strengthened her professional profile with several respected industry certifications. She is an AMPP CP4 Cathodic Protection Specialist, a CIP Level 1 Basic Coating Inspector and holds the API 580 certification in risk based inspection. These credentials reflect her dedication to mastering both the theoretical and practical aspects of corrosion mitigation and reliability engineering.

Johanna’s work focuses on integrating risk management with advanced corrosion prevention strategies to safeguard critical infrastructure. Her ability to combine a solid academic foundation with hands on field experience makes her a valuable contributor to projects that require innovative, durable and technically sound solutions.

She is currently working as a Corrosion Project Manager at Englobe and serves as the Chair of the AMPP Quebec Chapter. (AMPP - Association for Materials Protection and Performance, formerly known as NACE). Through these roles, she continues to support industry excellence while promoting collaboration and advancing best practices in corrosion management within the professional community.

Iain Harrison graduated from McMaster University in 1997 and was recruited by classmates into the telecom industry in 1998.  Starting at Weisman Consultants, he performed engineering and inspections for various clients across North America.  He joined PSEC in 2005 and helped grow that firm until their eventual acquisition in 2019 by TEP.  Iain is on the S37 Committee, the STAC steering committee and is licensed across Canada as a professional engineer.   He continues to keep his climbing gear in the back of his car, just in case.