Onkar Athwal has over 30 years of HR/Labour Relations and Management experience. Prior to joining Canscott in June, 2016, Onkar was engaged in leading the Human Resources function for Paper Excellence, a multi-national company operating pulp and paper mills in Canada and Europe.  Previously, Onkar worked with Canfor Corp. as Vice President, Human Resources.  He started with Canfor Pulp Products Inc. as Vice President, Human Resources and then became Vice President, Human Resources of Canfor Corporation effective September 24, 2012.

Prior to joining CPPI in January, 2012, Onkar was the Vice President, Human Resources & Strategic Planning with All Weather Windows in Edmonton, Alberta, from January 2009 to January 2012.  From August 2001 to March 2008, he was Vice President, Operations with the B.C. Maritime Employers Association, from August 1999 to July 2001, he served as Director, Labour Relations and from 1990 to July 1999, as Manager, Labour Relations.  Prior to 1990, he was a Senior Human Resources Officer with BC Gas Inc. Prior to BC Gas, Onkar worked for Canada Post Corporation as an Operations Supervisor, General Supervisor, Superintendent and Senior Labour Relations Officer.

Onkar has extensive experience in supervision, labour relations and training.  He developed and delivered supervisory training programs at Canada Post and while working on the Waterfront.  He also developed and delivered a Human Resources course for Simon Fraser University for six years.  Additionally he also developed and delivered a recruitment and interview skills course for Fletcher Challenge, through Simon Fraser University.

Onkar has extensive experience in Labour Relations including arbitration and Collective Bargaining.  He has presented dozens of arbitration cases and negotiated collective agreements for three different industries, including Pulp and Paper.

Onkar holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of British Columbia.