Position
Employer Representative
Appointment Date
May 2025
About
Heather Cruickshanks is a seasoned entrepreneur, respected leader, and tireless advocate for women in the skilled trades. As the owner of L.E. Cruickshanks Sheet Metal Ltd. for 40 years, Heather has built a legacy of excellence in Nova Scotia’s construction and sheet metal industry, alongside her husband, Leo, and their daughter, Sarah, who currently serves as the company’s Operations Manager.
Heather’s leadership extends well beyond her business. She currently serves on the boards of both the Construction Safety of Nova Scotia and the Construction Association of Nova Scotia, bringing her insight and experience to help shape the future of the trades sector. She is also a Board member of the Merit Contractors Association of Nova Scotia and Board President of Techsploration, an award-winning, Nova Scotia-based not-for-profit that delivers hands-on, mentor-led programming to young women and gender-diverse youth in Grades 9 through 12. Heather also participated and was a valued member of the 2014 Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency Inaugural Board, where she championed innovation and inclusion in skilled trades education and policy. Heather remained on the Apprenticeship Board until 2022.
In recognition of her lifelong commitment to advancing women in trades, the Heather Cruickshanks Women in Trades Award was established through Merit NS to support Nova Scotia Community College students pursuing careers in trades and technology. This honor reflects Heather’s enduring dedication to creating opportunities and inspiring change.
Widely regarded as a changemaker and advocate, Heather Cruickshanks continues to lead by example—shaping the trades industry with integrity, passion, and a deep commitment to mentorship and equity.
“As a small business owner in the construction industry for over 40 years, I understand the vital role the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) plays in supporting both employers and injured workers. Our industry is evolving, and WCB is evolving with it. I want to be a part of that change.
My goal is to contribute to a service delivery model that best meets the needs of employers and injured workers across Nova Scotia. With my decades of hands-on experience, I bring a balanced perspective on safety, accountability, and support — all essential to building a system that works for everyone.”