Leading with Safety Culture: Meet Vince Gagner Woodfibre LNG’s Site HSSE Manager

“Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) is the foundation of every decision on a large-scale project like Woodfibre LNG. With so many moving parts, it’s critical that the well-being of all workers and the surrounding environment is a value that remains uncompromised,” says Vince Gagner, the Site HSSE Manager at Woodfibre LNG, who joined the team in October 2024.

Gagner studied at Ryerson and the University of Alberta before becoming a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP). He has worked in HSSE as a consultant, regulator, site / corporate manager, and general manager in the construction, oil and gas, mining, and petrochemical sectors. At Woodfibre LNG, Gagner leads a strong team of advisors who engage and coach workers in the field and collaborate with contractors to develop and implement progressive HSSE strategies.

Away from the job, Gagner is a proud father of three accomplished daughters: a nurse, an engineer, and an opera singer. He lives with his wife, a schoolteacher, and enjoys spending time with her, their children, and friends anywhere on or near the water. Most recently, while on the Project, he has developed a keen interest in learning more about Coast Salish history, culture, traditions, and stories.

When presented with the opportunity to join Woodfibre LNG, Gagner saw the chance to apply the many learnings he has accumulated over 30 years to a truly unique project. As a veteran in the energy industry, he understands how the work at this site will extend benefits beyond the Sea-to-Sky region and how safety is integral to moving forward successfully.

“I’m proud to be part of a project that contributes to building critical national infrastructure, driving positive impacts for the region, province, and nation, while delivering sustainably produced energy to global markets,” Gagner said.

While ensuring compliance with Woodfibre LNG’s HSSE standards, as well as federal, provincial, and local regulations remains essential, Gagner embraces the integration of Indigenous values directly into Woodfibre LNG’s Site HSSE Plans.

“I’m honoured to work for a company that is the first in Canada to recognize a non-treaty Indigenous government as a regulator,” he says. “When workers arrive on-site, they participate in sessions led by an Indigenous leader, focusing on truth and reconciliation, including gender safety programming. These sessions can be direct, uncomfortable, and challenging, but they are crucial in transforming our workplace culture.”

By integrating Indigenous cultural knowledge with conventional safety protocols, Woodfibre LNG is creating an even more secure work environment where people feel respected and supported. “The combination of Indigenous and Woodfibre LNG values fosters a strong belief and attitude of shared responsibility where we are all each other’s keepers. The scope of HSSE also expands where we not only assess and control physical hazards but also hazards that pose risk to emotional and mental health.”

Gagner feels one strength of the project lies in the exceptional quality of the contractors and skilled workers. He understands the open and honest reporting of hazards that he has seen from these teams shows trust in the collective commitment to learning and continuous improvement.

He also believes that another strength is how the project leaders go out to the field, engage directly with workers, listen to feedback, and provide support and recognition for safety. Gagner explains, “Safety may start with identifying hazards on paper, but our leaders take it a step further by getting boots on the ground, connecting directly with crews, and ensuring that every worker on every crew is set up for success.”

Gagner shared how, “it’s a career milestone to be part of this incredible team building this highly sophisticated LNG facility but it’s a personal privilege to do this in the Squamish region where the commitment to HSSE excellence will set new standards for others to follow across Canada, and the world.”