Career Practitioners
Career Practitioners is a section for professionals with news and events on employment. Announcements and events posted are distributed to the Constellation, a network of nonprofit agencies that share web-based information and resources on employment and training. You can also check out our Resources section tailored for the career practitioner.
What's New
EI Workers to Join the Ranks of the Unemployed
Service Canada is cutting 600 employees who handle EI claims, according to a report by The Globe and Mail and other news organizations. In a bid to balance its budget, Service Canada is cutting these employees on top of another 600 who were laid off in May. The union representing the employees affected by the move was formally notified at the end of August and was warned more cuts may come in January. A spokesman for Human Resources Minister Diane Finley suggested the job cuts are actually a positive economic signal. "These temporary staff worked almost exclusively processing EI claims," said Ryan Sparrow by email. "As a result of our government's economic action plan, we are receiving fewer EI claims and these temporary jobs were no longer needed."
Good News for Ontario Students
Starting this year, the province is streamlining student aid by making the application process for the Ontario Student Assistance Program and Student Access Guarantee funds easier, according to a government press release. As well, the province is providing more assistance (PDF) for tuition, living costs, books, supplies and equipment and is allowing students to keep more of the money they earn from part-time jobs. The government is also providing:
- A no-interest, no-payment period on student loans for six months after graduation
- Additional support for married students and students with children
- A new $500 grant for part-time students
- More flexibility on repayment
Building a Fair Toronto for All
Equity Toronto and the Good Jobs for All coalition is hosting a public mayoral debate to assess the candidates' positions on building a fair Toronto. Six mayoral candidates, who were chosen based on their standing in the polls and their responses to a questionnaire, will be asked questions about how they would ensure good public services and good public sector jobs for all. The debate takes place Sept. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Ave., University of Toronto, St. George Campus. For information, contact Jessica Bell, at 416- 937-0076 or jbell@labourcouncil.ca, or Alina Chatterjee, at 416-392-0335 ext.230 or alina@scaddingcourt.org.
Symposium: Schools as Community Hubs
Come out on Sept. 24 to a free Social Planning Toronto symposium that explores the diverse visions for schools in the community. Schools as Community Hubs: The Vision, The Challenge, The Opportunity looks at the barriers schools face in becoming the heart of our communities. The symposium also looks at the opportunities which already exist.
It takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ontario Bar Association Conference Centre, 20 Toronto St. The deadline for registration (PDF) is Sept. 15. Refreshments, lunch and post-conference reception included. Space is limited.
Workers' Action Centre Campaigns Against Bill 68
Not everyone is happy with Ontario's Bill 68, the Open for Business Act, 2010, which proposes significant changes to Ontario's Employment Standards Act. The Workers' Action Centre (WAC), for one, contends that the bill will create more barriers for workers. Amongst other things, WAC is unhappy that the bill would make most workers enforce their ESA rights with their boss before filing a claim. Watch this video clip (scroll down) to hear why WAC members oppose Bill 68. You can also email Minister of Labour, Peter Fonseca, at pfonseca.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org if you disagree with the changes under the bill.
Money for Toronto Innovators to Create 65 Jobs
Three innovative technology companies will each receive $500,000 in funding from the province's Investment Accelerator fund, according to YongeStreetMedia. The three companies are expected to create a total of 65 jobs over the next three years. The companies are Geminare, a cloud-based server backup company, MedCurrent, an online application company that helps medical professionals improve workflow and decision making, and Receptor Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing anti-cancer therapies.
Funding for Youth Project
Dixon Hall will receive $213,337 in federal Skills Link funding to support its Calico YED project, according to a government press release. Calico will help 20 youth facing employment barriers develop life and job skills to ease their transition to work or a return to school.
Chrysler Investing in Etobicoke Plant
At the end of August, Chrysler Group LLC announced a $27.2 million investment in its Etobicoke casting plant, which produces front and rear crossmembers. (Located underneath the motor vehicle, these essential components provide significant structural integrity to the vehicle.) This investment will help retain 280 jobs and keep the Etobicoke plant from shutting its doors.
Information and Referral Conference Coming Up
Mark Sept. 27 and 28 on your calendar. That's when Inform Canada holds its 2010 I & R conference. Geared to
Youth-Led Drug Policy Reform Conference
Join students, young people, researchers, social workers, policy makers, activists, and academics Nov. 5 to 7 for a weekend featuring panel discussions on pressing topics in drug policy. There'll be interactive workshops, student poster presentations, social events and more at the Daring to be Sensible conference hosted by the Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy, University of Toronto Chapter. Register online before Oct. 10 and save $5 off the regular $50 fee.
Credit Education Week Canada
Credit Canada is calling all community agencies to help bring financial literacy awareness to the community during Credit Education Week Canada from Nov. 15 to 19. Agencies can host a number of events, such as open houses and information sessions or workshops, on budgeting, banking and consumer rights. Credit Education Week Canada will provide financial literacy material and a maximum of $500 for approved budgets. For more information, contact Elena Jara at 416-228-2535 or email ejara@creditcanada.com.
