Chris Flett

For lifelong Fort McMurray resident Chris Flett, community and hard work go hand in hand. Born and raised in the region he still calls home, Flett has spent all 43 of his years deeply connected to the people and industries that make this place thrive. As the Business Manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 955, he’s built a reputation as a tireless advocate for workers, someone who moves comfortably from the trenches to the boardroom, always with one mission in mind: to fight for fairness, opportunity, and a better future for the region he loves.

“I spend most days fighting to raise the living standards and add economic benefit to the thousands of members I’m privileged to serve,” Chris says. “And I do it with a focus on giving back to Fort McMurray through fundraisers, events, and community participation.”

Chris’s work is grounded in his belief that prosperity should be shared. He’s watched the region evolve over the decades and knows firsthand the challenges that come with economic uncertainty, automation, and shifting industry priorities. “With the prioritization of share prices and corporate profits by the big Client Owners, the ‘little guy’ is being squeezed,” he explains. “As automation continues to evolve, we need to remember that those were well-paid, tax-paying positions once filled by people. Our community needs champions who will fight for residents to get their fair share of the prosperity.”

For Chris, that fight isn’t just professional—it’s personal. Growing up in Fort McMurray, he experienced both the struggles and the generosity that define the community’s character. “There were certainly lean times,” he says. “Members of my family and many of my friends accessed some of the amazing supports within our community. I’ve experienced firsthand the generosity of Fort McMurray and those who make it all possible. I try to share as much of that love and support as I’ve received.”

That gratitude has shaped his approach to community involvement. While his demanding schedule makes it hard to commit to a single organization full-time, Chris uses his platform and connections to help amplify the efforts of others. He previously served on the board of the Justin Slade Youth Foundation (JSYF), an experience that left a lasting mark. “The JSYF board came about because we lost an amazing friend in Justin Slade,” Chris says. “Justin’s family was influential in my early years, and I wanted to give back to a friend who gave me so much. Little did I know the fire it would light from within.”

Today, that fire continues to fuel his advocacy. Whether he’s negotiating across a boardroom table or helping local charities reach their goals, Chris sees his role as both connector and protector. His time in leadership has also deepened his understanding of how interconnected every part of the community truly is. “Bargaining and conversations at the boardroom table have taught me a lot about how the greater economy works,” he says. “It’s also shown me how important it is to be engaged politically. Our organization is political, not partisan. We work with decision makers at all levels, regardless of party, to serve the interests of our membership. I think that’s a fantastic metaphor for life: have a seat at the table, or be the dinner.”

Looking ahead, Chris is focused on creating more opportunities for the next generation. “If we’re not careful, the economic uncertainty in this region will chase young people away as they search for opportunity elsewhere,” he says. “My goal is to grow good career opportunities here in Fort McMurray and across Alberta, so that our youth can build their futures right here at home.”

Despite his leadership titles and professional achievements, Chris remains humble about what matters most. “While I’m incredibly proud of my career trajectory,” he says, “my most important title is dad and friend. My family and my friends mean the world to me.”

From the trenches to the boardroom, Chris Flett continues to fight for the worker and for the community that built him.