It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our dear friend, colleague and skills family member John Oates on Wednesday, May 12.

John joined the SCNL Board of Directors in 2003 and the Skills/Competences Canada Board in 2004; he devoted a significant part of his life to the skills movement and the youth of this country.

John served as Board President, both provincially and nationally, and has made a lasting and important impact on Canadian Youth from coast to coast to coast. John joined the WorldSkills International Board in 2020, recently being elected to its Executive and was excited to share his expertise and passion for the benefit of youth worldwide.

John had long been a strong proponent of promoting careers in the skilled trades and technologies as an educator and administrator with College of the North Atlantic for almost 40 years. He was dedicated to continuing this advocacy across Canada and internationally.

John will forever be remembered for his kind and gentle demeanor, his professionalism and passion, his humour and commitment to youth.

We mourn his loss and offer our sincere condolences to his wife, Karen, his family, friends, and many colleagues in the Skills organization across the country and globe.