PTAG News and Events

PTAG Inc. Awarded Role as Collaborative Contracting Facilitator and Coach for NWMO’s Deep Geological Repository Project

TORONTO, Canada – February 26, 2024In a significant step forward for Canada’s plan to manage used nuclear fuel, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has entrusted PTAG Inc. with the pivotal role of Collaborative Contracting Facilitator and Coach for its ground-breaking deep geological repository project. This project underscores a national commitment to the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel, ensuring the protection of people and the environment for generations.

Recognizing the complexities inherent in Canada’s plan for used nuclear fuel, NWMO has adopted the Industrial Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model, a method pioneered by the Construction Industry Institute (CII) in 2016, which emphasizes collaborative planning and execution. PTAG, having contributed to the development of Industrial IPD alongside global industry partners and academic leaders, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the project.


Industrial IPD stands at the forefront of collaborative contracting, offering a framework that significantly enhances project outcomes through improved quality management, cost savings, and schedule performance. PTAG’s leadership in the first project utilizing Industrial IPD — a hydroelectric refurbishment in Ontario, Canada — showcases the tangible benefits of this approach, even in the face of challenges such as the pandemic and supply chain disruptions.


With a rich history of project management success with waste management, nuclear energy, and large-scale mining projects, PTAG is poised to leverage its global experience in collaborative contracting to the benefit of Canada’s plan. “We are extremely proud to support NWMO in implementing Industrial IPD for the project.” says Michael Dubreuil, Managing Partner at PTAG. “This partnership not only highlights our commitment to innovation in project delivery but also reinforces our dedication to enhancing industry standards and outcomes.”

The engagement of PTAG in Canada’s plan for used nuclear fuel not only marks a milestone in Canada’s approach to managing its used nuclear fuel but also signals a broader industry shift towards more collaborative, efficient, and sustainable project delivery methods. PTAG’s role as facilitator, trainer, and coach, sets a new benchmark for excellence in the execution of large, complex industrial projects across Canada and beyond.  

“Energy Project Management Fundamentals” Course

In conjunction with Ontario Tech University’s TALENT, PTAG is pleased to deliver another edition of the “Energy Project Management Fundamentals” course.

The energy sector is rapidly evolving, and project delivery and efficient operations are vital to the future of energy development.

The course will run online for 6 weeks starting January 29, 2024. PTAG’s Mark Guy will be leading the course, supported by several of PTAG’s Subject Matter Experts.

OVERVIEW

This course is designed to provide a learning pathway for those seeking project manager roles in the Energy sector. An Energy Project Manager is there to set up strategies and goals for the projects that matter most to the operations of an energy producer or stakeholder. They strive to create the timeline for the work as part of large refurbishment or maintenance projects, make sure the projects are carried out within the allocated budget, and oversee the work of the members of the project team. Working in this position, it will be your responsibility to supervise the work of contractors, suppliers, and others important to your organization and Project Management Offices.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this 6-week course, you will address 12 distinct module (topic) areas, each delivered through a combination of online synchronous sessions, readings, and activities.

Module topics include:

  • Project integration and scope definition
  • Costing and Time estimation strategies
  • Quality and Human Resource management
  • Communication and Risk Management
  • Procurement and delivery methodologies

Throughout this 6-week course, your work will culminate with the development of an energy project plan and schedule which will be assessed by an expert Project Manager towards skills verification.

Upon successful completion of this micro credential, you will be awarded TALENT’s Digital Badge to enable you to effectively articulate this skill to employers.

For more information and to Register visit: Energy Project Management Fundamentals – TALENT (ontariotechtalent.ca)

International Women’s Day 2023

Today, on International Women’s Day (March 8), we celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of women all around the world. It is a global day celebrating the historical, cultural, and political achievements of women.

The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023 is Every Woman Counts.

It’s a reminder that all women, from all ages and walks of life, have a place in every aspect of Canadian society, including in the economic, social and democratic spheres.

PTAG is committed to creating workplace cultures where women’s careers thrive and their achievements are celebrated. It is an honor for us to celebrate the contribution of women to our company and to the world at large. Our appreciation goes out to their resourcefulness, resilience, and ingenuity.

We are proud to have women in leadership roles across our organization, who inspire and guide our teams to achieve success.

We also want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. We will continue to work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace, where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

Together, we can create a world where women can thrive, achieve their full potential, and contribute to a better future for all.

Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.

Learn more!

Explore the Women of Impact in Canada gallery and the Women in Canadian History: A Timeline showcasing the achievements of Canadian women in various fields such as politics, sciences, and the arts.

“Energy Project Management Fundamentals” Course

In conjunction with Ontario Tech University’s TALENT, PTAG is pleased to deliver another edition of the “Energy Project Management Fundamentals” course.

The energy sector is rapidly evolving, and project delivery and efficient operations are vital to the future of energy development.

The course will run online for 6 weeks, led by PTAG’s Subject Matter Experts.

OVERVIEW

This course is designed to provide a learning pathway for those seeking project manager roles in the Energy sector. An Energy Project Manager is there to set up strategies and goals for the projects that matter most to the operations of an energy producer or stakeholder. They strive to create the timeline for the work as part of large refurbishment or maintenance projects, make sure the projects are carried out within the allocated budget, and oversee the work of the members of the project team. Working in this position, it will be your responsibility to supervise the work of contractors, suppliers, and others important to your organization and Project Management Offices.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this 6-week course, you will address 12 distinct module (topic) areas, each delivered through a combination of online synchronous sessions, readings, and activities.

Module topics include:

  • Common Energy PM processes
  • Related Project tools for industry
  • Project integration and scope definition
  • Costing and Time estimation strategies
  • Quality and Human Resource management
  • Communication and Risk Management
  • Procurement and delivery methodologies

Throughout this 6-week course, your work will culminate with the development of an energy project plan and schedule which will be assessed by an expert Project Manager towards skills verification.

Upon successful completion of this micro credential, you will be awarded TALENT’s Digital Badge to enable you to effectively articulate this skill to employers.

For more information and to Register visit: Energy Project Management Fundamentals – Ontario Tech Talent

Some of our Subject Matter Experts delivering this course:

Michael Dubreuil
Managing Partner, PTAG Inc.
Bruce Burwell
Partner, Capital Projects, PTAG Inc.

It’s a Good Day to Be Indigenous, by Amanda Kahgee

By Amanda Kahgee

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada is a day for many Canadians to learn about the country’s Indigenous Peoples; First Nations, Inuit, and Metis. It is an opportunity to learn about their histories and cultures.  However, for many of Canada’s Indigenous peoples, like myself, it is a reminder of our resilience to overcome the adversities of colonialism, oppression, and assimilation. It is a day for us to reclaim our identities through practicing our culture, ceremonies, experiences, and stories. It represents hope for our people’s future and the healing of our nations, and generations.

PTAG partners with Ontario Tech University to prepare professionals in the application of Project Management concepts, tools, and processes in their work.

In coordination with Ontario Tech University, PTAG has developed a new course for master’s students and industry professionals. The course will run online for 6 weeks starting November 2nd.

Through this course, PTAG aims to support youth and those industry professionals seeking knowledge in the career path of Project Management. PTAG’s leaders with years of experience in project management and capital projects will be delivering the course at Ontario Tech University.

PTAG team delivers a number of great assists volunteering alongside fellow nuclear supply chain colleagues at the Peel “Hockey Hub” Mass Vaccination Site.

Bruce Power and a coalition of organizations, unions and businesses came together to establish the hub in collaboration with the Region of Peel to provide the region greater capacity to deliver more vaccines in the race against the COVID-19 variants. Bruce Power also supported the establishment of three Hockey Hubs operated by the Grey Bruce Health Unit.

The region of Peel is a COVID-19 hotspot and home to several of our PTAG staff. Being committed to serving the communities in which we work, PTAG staff stepped up to volunteer at the Peel site, offloading logistics tasks from the stretched Health Care workers.