Rob Liddle, former Communications Manager with Bruce Power, with former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, during a site visit in 2015. Liddle retired in April and was a recent recipient of the Canadian Nuclear Association’s Education and Communication Achievement Award.

An innate curiousity, a passion for the nuclear industry, the ability to make understandable the complex and a natural ability to tell a story are why a recently retired Bruce Power employee has been honoured by the Canadian Nuclear Society and Canadian Nuclear Association.

From a June 12 Bruce Power media release, Rob Liddle, who hung up his hardhat in April as Bruce Power’s Communications Manager after a 40 year career on the site, received the Society’s Education and Communication Achievement Award at a ceremony in Niagara Falls June 6.

Liddle was a tireless educator and advocate for the nuclear industry, speaking to everyone from school children to Premiers and Prime Ministers during his many years at the Bruce Power Visitors’ Centre, where he first worked in 1984 and completely retrofitted over the final years of his career. He was also the lead communicator for the Bruce A restart project, which required intensive knowledge of the technical CANDU systems and the uncanny ability to explain them to visitors and fellow employees in comprehendible terms, said James Scongack, Bruce Power’s Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Environment.

“Rob was also a mentor for dozens of professionals entering the field of nuclear power and the best advice given any new hire was to spend some time with Rob,” Scongack said. “When I entered the industry as a development student, I was fortunate enough to work for Rob at the Visitors’ Centre. His knowledge of the industry, ability to connect with people and good humour are a part of his legacy and we strive to match his benchmark of professionalism every day.”

During his six year career at Bruce Power, Bill Walker, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, worked closely with Liddle on the restart project. In his current role as MPP and the Nuclear Committee Chair for his caucus, Walker and his staff continued to interact with Liddle up until his April retirement.

“Rob is an objective, courteous, articulate and open-minded professional, able to interact with my staff, stakeholders and members of the public,” Walker said, in a letter of support for Liddle’s nomination for award. “Rob maintains high personal principals and standards of trust, ethics and integrity and is a consummate communications professional. He is a conscientious, hardworking and dedicated individual who believes in giving back to his profession and his community as evidenced by his many contributions to help build strong and inclusive communities.”

Liddle, who is enjoying the extra time retirement affords golfing, working outdoors and spending time with his two grandchildren, said he was humbled to receive the award.

“The award was a nice surprise from two organizations that take education very seriously,” Liddle said. “It’s also a testament to my former co-workers at Bruce Power and their ongoing efforts to ensure the public understands nuclear energy and the important role it has in society.”