This year, there are 3 open positions on the board of directors and one director standing for re-election. We asked each new candidate the same few questions, to help you learn more about them before casting your vote.
Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol, Existing Board Member
As an associate professor of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University, Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol helps shine a light on the unique viewpoint of Canadian health professionals. Through her ongoing research and public awareness work with CAREX Canada, Dr. Nicol has made enormous contributions to radon awareness, also acting as a core member of the Take Action on Radon team.
New Candidates:
Julie Girardeau, Quebec
CARST: Tell us a little about your background and interest in the radon industry in Canada:
Julie: My background is in finance, marketing and organizational management. I am a parent of two young children, with a formal education and I have lived in more than a few cities in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada- but Radon was not something that was on my radar. Bluntly - I knew very little and the last couple of years have been nothing short of eye-opening. In my role as General Manager of Operations for one of Canada’s largest suppliers of radon detection equipment and testing services, I have witnessed first-hand the need for increased visibility and public awareness, both for our industry and about the health issues surrounding radon.
CARST: Do you have any other experience with boards or similar organizations?
Julie: I have served both as a Treasurer and as Secretary on boards. I have been involved with a number of initiatives that involved community outreach, fundraising and charitable activities. The goal of these initiatives was always to raise public awareness.
CARST: Do you have a vision or goal in mind that you think CARST should be considering over the next few years?
Julie: I am a firm believer in education. Our new and existing members can benefit from ongoing professional development and marketing material. I think it is a vital component of our mission to continue educating Canadians about the risk posed by radon and more importantly about the solutions available. I feel that raising awareness at the federal, provincial and territorial levels of government at important factors to CARST’s mandate.
CARST: If elected, what do you feel will be your contribution to the board or what strengths do you feel you will bring to participation in CARST and the board of directors?
Julie: I am a relative newcomer to the world of Radon, but my position lets me see things from both the high level operational side and from the front-lines. I am open-minded and working, I would like the opportunity to contribute to an organization that can make a real difference to the health and safety of Canadians.
Michael Halliwell, Alberta
CARST: Tell us a little about your background and interest in the radon industry in Canada:
Michael: As an environmental engineer, my job has always been about protecting the environment and human health. Over time, the company I work for has evolved to be able to assess some of the “this substance may be present” statements found in past reports. This has included indoor air quality, lead paint and asbestos concerns. In 2017, as a response to changes in the Alberta Building Code and an increase in public and client awareness, I became a radon measurement professional. Since then, my passion for, and concern about, radon has increased…especially in light of the “we don’t have radon here” attitude that is pervasive in much of Alberta.
CARST: Do you have any other experience with boards or similar organizations?
Michael: Although I haven’t been directly involved in any boards, I spent several years as an Area Staff Officer with the St. John Ambulance Brigade. There I helped coordinate volunteers and public activities, acted as an intermediary with our provincial headquarters and dealt with other NGOs when it came to planning for possible natural disaster responses. As an environmental engineer, I am very comfortable dealing with stakeholders ranging from the general public, industry personnel and municipal / provincial / federal regulators on levels ranging from basic layman’s terms to fully technical discussions. What I might lack in direct experience, I feel I make up for with a broad base of experience to draw from.
CARST: Do you have a vision or goal in mind that you think CARST should be considering over the next few years?
Michael: I have two goals in mind. The first is to continue to build the relationships with regulators across Canada so that they know what radon is, that it can be found everywhere across Canada, how to measure it and what to do if elevated levels are present. That regulator awareness and knowledge base is critical to getting the programs and regulations in place to protect Canadians. Second, I think we need to continue to work at the public mindset in Western Canada (and other places) that “we’re not on Canadian Shield, so we don’t have radon here” because that is a potentially fatal myth.
CARST: If elected, what do you feel will be your contribution to the board or what strengths do you feel you will bring to participation in CARST and the board of directors?
Michael: I think part of the strength I will bring is in my experience in the environmental field. Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) is where many companies will lump their radon activities into and being able to “speak the language” will be an asset. I also have a background that deals with human health, is tangential to the medical field and can adapt to a wide range of audiences from “joe public” to technical professionals. I think these traits are vital in continuing to inform the public about the reality of radon in Canada. Finally, I have an enthusiasm and passion to protect my family and neighbours…be it by volunteering as a first responder, doing my “9 to 5 job” or in trying to raise radon awareness amongst my sphere of influence. Being able to harness and focus that passion and enthusiasm for CARST and the Board will help push forward the important work we’re doing.
Kim Roy, Alberta
CARST: Tell us a little about your background and interest in the radon industry in Canada:
Kim: I've been a Certified Radon Measurement Professional since January 2015. Nominated for Rural Business of the Year & Environmental Stewardship Awards for Stony Plain Chamber of Commerce Awards.
CARST: Do you have any other experience with boards or similar organizations?
Kim: I'm currently a Director with the Spruce Grove & District Chamber of Commerce, and am a past board Member on the Daycare Board.
CARST: Do you have a vision or goal in mind that you think CARST should be considering over the next few years?
Kim: I have endless ideas. I am constantly thinking of ways to promote Radon Awareness and ways to ensure that Mitigation and Measurement Professionals get the assistance they deserve.
CARST: If elected, what do you feel will be your contribution to the board or what strengths do you feel you will bring to participation in CARST and the board of directors?
Kim: I am passionate about Radon and enjoy working with the public. I would be happy to help advocate, and improve public awareness.
Andrea Schinkel, British Columbia
CARST: Tell us a little about your background and interest in the radon industry in Canada:
Andrea: I'm a Federal Public Servant, an Entrepreneur, a wife, and a mom of two young children. I have a passion for the outdoors and love spending time on my boat with my family in beautiful Vancouver, BC. With over 10 years experience in Facilities and Project Management for the Federal Government, and as co-owner of an Electrical Contracting company. I have been responsible for testing and remediating government properties for Radon for nearly 10 years. I have recently become certified in both Radon Measurement and Remediation and am looking to bring that skill set and public experience to the board to further increase the messaging and guidance for employers on the topic.
CARST: Do you have any other experience with boards or similar organizations?
Andrea: I sat on the Board of Directors for the Vancouver Kiwanis Club.
CARST: Do you have a vision or goal in mind that you think CARST should be considering over the next few years?
Andrea: My vision for CARST is to increase the information and availability of guidance on what the responsibility of employers is in regards to Radon. In my professional life I am responsible for implementing a Radon Compliance program. I have found that the answer to the employer responsibility question is in need of a compliance component to provide employers the required support for following through. Support through health and safety and Canada Labour Code is needed.
CARST: If elected, what do you feel will be your contribution to the board or what strengths do you feel you will bring to participation in CARST and the board of directors?
Andrea: If elected, I would like to work as a board member to further increase Radon awareness in the workplace, and see the defining of Radon Compliance on a national scale.
