2021 Canadians to Watch

CHOSEN BECAUSE:

Jacqueline Thomson, 45, is first female General Assembly Area Manager at the Oshawa plant, helping prepare Oshawa Assembl for the return of vehicle production after the plant was idled in late 2019.

Thomson, a 21-year veteran of GM Canada, had previous roles in corporate communications, labour relations and human resources. Now she spends much of her time working on plant layouts, safety planning and helping bring in new hires.

After GM announced late last year a $1.3-billion investment in the facility, Oshawa is set to produce full-size pickups starting in the fourth quarter. GM calls it one of the fastest plant launches in its history.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

“I know the industry has transformed, and we’ve gone through different things in lieu of that, but to me there’s such a pride within the Oshawa team. I’m ecstatic to be back and a part of it.... It’s like a rebirth.”