Great Canadian Entertainment’s team members are at the heart of our organization. Their dedication and passion drive the exceptional experiences we deliver to guests across our destinations and corporate offices. The 2025 Standing Ovation Awards recognize outstanding team members who exemplify Great Canadian Entertainment’s core values: service excellence, drive to succeed, integrity, trust and transparency, and a commitment to our communities through PROUD, Responsible Gambling, and Compliance. 

This year, our winners were invited to Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto for a multi-day celebration in recognition of their achievements. The festivities began with a Toronto Blue Jays game, where winners enjoyed food, refreshments, and a special in-game acknowledgment. The following day featured an awards ceremony at The Eatery, followed by an exceptional three-course dinner at Copperhorn Meet House. 

The celebration brought together winners from British Columbia, Ontario, and the Atlantic provinces, creating a memorable opportunity to recognize their outstanding contributions and accomplishments. 

The following are our 2025 Standing Ovations Winners: 

Drive to Succeed 

These team members deliver strong performance and help move our business forward. They take ownership, find solutions, and set a high standard for others. 

• Rodrigo Perez Chacon, Assistant General Manager, Elements Casino Surrey.   

• Suruchi Handa, Specialist, Learning, Talent and HR Analytics, Corporate Services.   

• Mehrdad Riahi, Dealers Supervisor, Casino Nova Scotia Halifax.   

• Terry Lee, Assistant Manager, Facilities, Elements Casino Mohawk.   

• Beata Kruszewski, Manager, Housekeeping, Pickering Casino Resort.  

• Anita LeCraw, Slot Attendant, Shorelines Casino Belleville. 

Service Excellence 

These team members create memorable experiences for our guests and support their teams with care and professionalism. They show what great service looks like in action. 

• Rob Melo, Assistant Manager, Facilities, Flamboro Casino.   

• Emma Tran, Dealer, Shorelines Casino Peterborough.   

• Hannah Carr, Usher Supervisor, Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.   

Integrity 

These team members do the right thing even when no one is watching. They protect our reputation and ensure we operate responsibly and ethically. 

• Shannon Visser, Deputy Privacy Officer & Senior Legal Operations Manager. 

• Amy Gillis, Surveillance Operator, Flamboro Downs.   

Trust & Transparency 

Recognize a team member who promotes open communication and builds trust through clear and honest interactions. 

• Mary Ann Planta, EVS Supervisor, Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.   

Compliance Ambassador 

This award recognizes a team member who promotes ethical practices, asks questions, and helps others understand compliance expectations. 

• Tanya Cracknell, Security Shift Manager, Great Blue Heron Casino and Hotel.   

Responsible Gambling Ambassador 

This award highlights leadership in player protection and responsible gambling practices. 

• Shaun Rawlings, Security Manager, Elements Casino Surrey.   

PROUD Community Ambassador 

This award recognizes a team member who brings people together and strengthens our connection to the community. 

• Tamsin Skinner, HR Coordinator, Great Blue Heron Casino and Hotel.