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Hydro employees deliver energy for life in Manitoba

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/03/2026 (208 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Ryan Ault was working as a long-distance truck driver when he was approached by a Manitoba Hydro recruiter at a service station in Misipawistik Cree Nation, of which he is a proud member. “A recruiter I knew told me about the Indigenous pre-placement program for candidates in the North,” says Ault, now manager of waterways programming.

Ault was accepted into Manitoba Hydro’s Indigenous power line technician pre-placement program, and went to Winnipeg to upgrade his knowledge of physics as part of the program. “It was my first experience with the trades and, after six months, I was accepted into the regular program,” he says. That was 25 years ago, and Ault has never looked back.

Manitoba Hydro is owned and operated by Manitobans. Over 5,000 employees provide safe, affordable and reliable energy to homes and businesses throughout the province.

Jamie Hanly, vice-president, people, safety, health and wellness, says Manitoba Hydro has various upgrading programs for people living north of the 53rd parallel, and others. “The province generates a lot of electricity in the North. We want to create opportunities for people to work close to where they live,” she says.

Ault did rotational training in various locations during the four years it took to attain his journeyperson certificate. He then worked as an assistant district operator in Lynn Lake and eventually moved his family from Misipawistik Cree Nation to the Island Lake First Nations area to provide distribution services.

When Ault was ready to start on a supervisory path, Manitoba Hydro supported him in taking a certificate in applied management through the University of Manitoba. He had moved south for a supervisory role which led to positions with progressively greater responsibility. Now, he is a department manager.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Manitoba Hydro’s succession planning,” says Ault.

“I’ve been offered development and opportunities to try something different — from line trades to Indigenous and community relations to management.”

Along with his training, Ault feels the skills and knowledge he gained from growing up in the North are recognized by leaders. He gives an example of being asked to operate a track machine by someone who knew he came from a commercial fishing background.

Ault has also had the opportunity to give input. He has been asked to provide his northern perspective to the company’s Northern Recruitment and Retention Committee. Ault shares his appreciation for the lifestyle in the North along with his perspective on work.

“I enjoy the outdoors,” says Ault. He’s been able to teach his kids to fish, and he does and sees things that are only available in the North. His work has taken him to Churchill, where he’s seen polar bears and beluga whales. And he feels connected to his colleagues.

“I’ve met so many people all over the North that I keep in touch with today,” he says. “If I go to The Pas, or Opaskwayak Cree Nation, I know someone there to call on for coffee.”

Ault finds that Manitoba Hydro staff work together well and everyone contributes. “There is no fear of approaching anyone, regardless of their title,” he says. “They’re all keen to know how you’re doing — not just at work but at home as well.”

“At Manitoba Hydro, we have an opportunity to make a difference — and we understand that people rely on us,” says Quinn Menec, vice-president, operations. “We don’t just work in the community. We’re part of the community.”