PCL Construction's Mike Widdifield Receives 2026 Male Allyship Award for Advancing Women in Construction

📅 Today

Mike Widdifield of PCL Construction has been awarded the 2026 Male Allyship Award by the Canadian Association of Women in Construction for his commitment to promoting gender equity in the construction industry.

In a notable recognition of commitment to gender equity within the construction sector, Mike Widdifield, operations manager at PCL Construction's Toronto office, has been honored with the 2026 Male Allyship Award from the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC). This accolade acknowledges his significant efforts in advancing the role of women in the industry. Widdifield has dedicated over two decades of his career to PCL, where he has consistently utilized his influence to uplift women and advocate for their access to leadership positions.
Myke Badry, the vice-president and district manager of PCL’s Toronto office, praised Widdifield’s proactive approach, stating, "Mike leads with intention and understands that creating equitable opportunities requires action." Badry emphasized that Widdifield is a steadfast advocate for women, even in their absence, ensuring that talented individuals receive the necessary visibility and support to progress in their careers. This recognition not only highlights Widdifield’s personal impact but also reflects the broader commitment of PCL to fostering an inclusive workplace.
As the sponsor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at PCL Toronto, Widdifield has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing representation and facilitating career advancement through high-profile assignments, leadership training, and networking opportunities. Under his guidance, the district’s sponsorship program has seen remarkable success, engaging 44 percent of female operations employees, which is approximately double the initial participation target. Additionally, women have made up 46 percent of new operations hires in Toronto this year, marking a significant step in the right direction for gender representation within the company.
Widdifield expressed his gratitude upon receiving the award, stating, "I’m honored to receive this award and thankful to the many mentors, colleagues, and team members who have shaped my career." He emphasized the importance of teamwork in the construction industry, remarking, "Building great projects starts with building great teams, and I believe our responsibility as leaders is to create an environment where people can bring their best, develop their potential, and help shape the future of our industry."
The Male Allyship Award is presented to a male leader who actively promotes equity, amplifies women's voices, and creates substantial opportunities for women to thrive both within their organizations and the construction sector at large. Widdifield’s recognition underscores the crucial role of allyship in driving change in an industry that has historically struggled with gender disparities.

Related Posts