NEW NORTHERN ONTARIO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION!
INSIDE Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me? The International Women’s Day Entrepreneur Panel Government of Canada invites proposals for projects to help newcomers enter the job market faster
North Superior Publishing @tbay25
Til-Ka Construction Partners with Rainbow Restoration
BUYING THE FARM lands at Magnus Theatre
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2019
Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me? By Sherry Hanes If you are an adult, no one is going to babysit you to make sure you eat all your veggies and that you eat only healthy meals and moderate the deserts! By this time of your life, you should have that all figured out. But having said all that, do you know one of the big reasons more and more people are choosing to purchase organic vegetables instead of the ‘run of the mill’, everyday vegetables? It isn’t just because the ordinary veggies have steroids, alterned GMO’s and artificial colours added, or because they have the Monsanto kiss of death in them…..they also buy them because, when comes down to cost versus life…life wins. Organic produce also has the added benefit of soil nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. However, soils contains a large number of other nutrients, that are physiologically important in plants--iron, nickel, and strontium for example. When produce, is planted in soil that is used over and over again, there can be a significant loss of nutrients absorbed by the plants, which is supposed to be the beneficial aspect for consuming the produce in the first place. So. If the nutrients are missing, or are at extremely low levels, what is the point in spending your money on something you are not getting the benefit from, in the first place? So where is the health benefit. Taste is another aspect that is reduced in the product, because the nutrients are not available as they should be. The over use of a ‘growing field’, coupled with all the chemicals that have been used and have been absorbed into the soil, let alone the food, is the perfect combination for health disaster, like cancer…the big one…. So the alternative is this….organic…Now before you decide to turn away from the topic, because … ‘it costs more’, be thoroughly informed of the benefits and aspects for choosing something that will give you what you absolutely need because, nutrients and having food that is chemical free, can reduce, even prevent illness and decease, such as cancer! You will hear it several times throughout the year about ‘eating healthy’. Taking your vitamins. Stay away from chemicals and processed foods and preservatives as well. But, one of the problems for a lot of people is, because they can’t SEE the chemicals…. they conclude that they must not be there. Out of sight! Out of mind! Commercial growers are not going to list the chemicals or the process in which the products are grown or harvested…. commercial growers are in it for ‘the bottom line’ and as George Carlin would say, … ‘it ain’t you!’ Commercial growers, produce products that, grow faster, last longer, grow bigger, have great colour and cost less! Hmmmm? Let’s see? Grows faster? Lasts longer? Grows bigger? And has greater colour? And this is all done how??? I hope you didn’t think ‘naturally’? What is natural about chemicals and GMO’s? Purchasing ‘Organic’ products means, that you are buying absolutely, better quality for your money and your family and, that the product is free of synthetic additives like pesticides, chemical fertilizers, dyes, and are not processed using industrial solvents, irradiation, or genetic engineering. Since most people do not have time to garden or they do not have the resources to have a garden, they purchase their produce at the local grocery store and why not? It’s fast, convenient and fits into the budget. Continued on page 10
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2019
Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner
The International Women’s Day Entrepreneur Panel
Recently Alison MacKay, Manager of Ingenuity, at Lakehead University’s Business Incubator created an event to celebrate local women entrepreneurs. In honour of International Women’s Day at Lakehead University The International Women’s Day Entrepreneur Panel happened.
well but we focus on Northern Ontario including Sudbury, Timmins, Sault Ste Marie and North Bay and now into Manitoba.” “We love beer that’s why we opened a brewery! We would sit at the bar and talk to strangers about how great beer is so we translated that into our company to create a craft beer culture and educate people on how interesting and fun beer is.”
Local women entrepreneurs shared with the audience their greatest accomplishments and discussed challenges along their journey to running their own businesses. “We want to drive some inspiration in a casual way to make entrepreneurship approachable,” said Alison MacKay. “At our office we host events that inspire entrepreneurship as well as work with students one on one to help develop their business plans, marketing and business
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Andrea Mulligan, Co founder and CEO of Sleeping Giant Brewing Company wasone of the panelists.
ness. We started smaller by purpose and dug in our heals to be able to manage the growth well and be responsible. Two years ago we expanded to a larger building and currently have 34 staff including 20 full time.”
“ This June will be our 7th year in busi-
“ Our product goes to Southern Ontario as
development. Our main target audience is students.”
“ It is a creative business with never a dull moment. We can still grow our business, say in the states or across Canada, and some ship to Japan and China. We like to control our growth. Our partner came on about 5 years ago and his focus is on business development.”
Why? I’m Glad You Asked. There is an old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t’ fix it!” However, even a perfectly good running machine still needs to be tuned up, polished and cleaned regularly if you expect on making it last and run efficiently for a long time. Of course, if you plan on just running everything you own to the ground and then throwing it away to buy a new one, the point is moot. Human beings are not machines. Sure they can change a few parts here and there but nothing is as good as the original and the new parts generally wear out faster than the real thing. So, it becomes even more important to tune up, cleanse and maintain your body and mind regularly.
I often will ask my patients: “What do you consider to be good health?” Some will say it means not having any pain. Others will say it means not having to take any drugs. Although I am sure most do not want to experience pain or take drugs, these are limited definitions of health. The World Health Organization of the United Nations (WHO) defines health as: … not just the absence of disease or disability, but the optimal state of physical, mental and social well-being. Mental and social states would also include emotional and spiritual well-being. All these health states are interrelated. It is difficult to reach optimal physical health if you are emotionally and mentally unwell. Likewise, one of the best ways to improve mental fatigue and emotional instability is to become physically fit. With that being said, there are two very different but important paradigms of health care. One is the reductionist model. This model tries to separate every aspect of your health into parts and compartments. It works fairly well for emergency or crisis situations like, traumas (slips, falls, car accidents etc.), heart attacks, and strokes. But it is not so great at treating chronic disease or optimizing health. It is mostly a symptom based quick fix approach to health care. Using a reductionist model to treat chronic disease is also very expensive. The other paradigm is the holistic approach. This methodology focuses on improving the health of the whole person and sees each system and part interconnected to each other. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this approach if you were bleeding from a gash or suffering a
heart attack. But there is so much more to health than crisis intervention. A holistic health paradigm looks to the why, the root cause of your health problems. As an example let us use headaches. There are many different types of headaches. Headaches can last minutes or days, cause severe stabbing pain or be mild dull and achy, very serious in nature or just common and trivial. However, I guarantee you that headaches are never due to a lack of pain medication in your body. A holistic approach focuses on the root cause of your headaches rather than just masking the symptoms. Ask yourself “Why”. A pinched or irritated spinal nerve in the neck often leads to a headache. The appropriate therapy for this cause could be chiropractic care. If your headaches were due to chronic muscle tension then a massage therapist might be the answer. Perhaps your eyes are the cause, then the optometrist would be best. If grinding your teeth is the cause, then visit the dentist. However, you then need to take it a step further. Ask yourself “why is the why”. For example, why do I have a pinched nerve in my neck, or chronic muscle tension? Is it because you sleep on your stomach or have poor ergonomics at work? Why do I grind my teeth? Is it a physical, mental or emotional reason? Obtaining optimal health is not an event it is a way of life. This is a hard sell in modern time. Many in our society accept the practice of popping a pill daily for the rest of their lives for temporary symptom relief instead of making simple lifestyle changes to improve their health. Everything we watch on television, hear
on the radio, smart phones, and movies comes to us in fast action clips and snippets of information. Our attention span is becoming smaller and smaller while our desire for instant results and gratification becomes stronger. Ending with another old adage: When it comes to healthcare our society is mostly “penny wise and pound foolish”.
James DiGiuseppe is a local chiropractor with a busy family and wellness practice. For more health information or to contact Dr. DiGiuseppe visit www.portarthurchiropractic.com
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2019
Til-Ka Construction Partners with Rainbow Restoration International of Thunder Bay! There are always big smiles at the end of a Rainbow Restoration! By Sherry Hanes When life happens…. Call Rainbow! Jim Tiller, Owner/President of Til-Ka Construction, located at 636 Squier Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario, partners with Rainbow Restoration International, adding this service to his already well established, new home construction company. Along with Jered Zieroth, who was brought on board by Til-Ka, is General Manager of Rainbow International and is ready to manage the new facet of the company. As a team, they are firmly focused on the bottom line – ‘customer satisfaction’. Jered, previously, the CEO of Thunder Bay United Way, is more than ambitious and brings with him, his expertise in management of the mandated operations. So? Who is TIL-KA Construction and who are they becoming? Jim Tiller shares, “Til-Ka was established in 1995,
in Thunder Bay, and we are a ‘Registered Builders’ company, in Ontario, with an Ontarian Warranty Number so, we build new homes. There is also a full exterior side to the business, that includes installation of windows, doors, siding, soffit facia,
Jim Tiller, Owner/President of Til-Ka Construction and Jered Zieroth, General Manager of Rainbow International roofing and blown in insulation. Then we have our commercial construction side, which deals with mid-size commercial work.” Jim has a labour force of about 20 for Til-Ka and about, six for the Rainbow Restoration side of the business. Jim knows that, even though it is early yet with Rainbow being newly introduced into the company, many, many people are dealing with the effects and results of the natural elements and there is always room for one more restoration company in the region. Jim Tiller was always focused to one day, be in restorations, and in 2017, when the opportunity was presented to him, he immediately took on the arduous task of preparing for the new additional services to his company. Typically, in the past, Til-Ka would be working with insurance companies as Til-Ka Construction, for probably a dozen years or more, performing restorations to homes and businesses, but now Jim will lead his own company in restorations and he says, “It is a good
business to get into.” The opportunity with Rainbow Restoration International: In October of 2017, Til-Ka was contacted by Rainbow Restoration International under the umbrella of Neighborly, the umbrella company, of the Parent Company, formerly, known as the Dwyer Group. The original company, Dwyer Group, was founded by Don Dwyer Sr., in 1981 which is now a holding company of 22 service brands, 19 of which are franchise brands. Collectively, these concepts offer customers a broad base of residential and commercial services. Neighborly now has nearly 3,700 franchisees and 11 corporate support centers throughout North America, U.K. and Germany. Our North American brands include: Aire Serv®, Five Star Painting®, Glass Doctor®, Molly Maid®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Handyman®, Mr. Rooter®, Protect Painters®, Rainbow International®, Real Property Management®, The Grounds Guys®, Portland Glass, Cumberland County Glass, Mosquito Joe®, and Window Genie®. How it works: As more Neighborly franchises are in a locality, municipality or city, those entities often work together as a team. The franchises are owned separately but they call upon each other for exact services for a customer and they also make recommendations to clients for other services, within the
Neighborly umbrella. For example, if a customer would like to acquire home or office cleaning services, a cleaning service contact, under the umbrella of Neighborly, would be recommended to them and all the customer would have to do is make the call. The same works in reverse. If a Neighborly franchised company has customers that require
restoration services, that company would oblige and provide the customer with the contact information for Rainbow Restorations International, through Til-Ka Construction Company.
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Til-Ka Construction Partners with Rainbow Restoration International of Thunder Bay! Continued When it comes to restoration services, customers can exercise their freedom of choice to call which ever restoration company THEY choose. Restoration and emergency services, is an immediate and major concern for clients. Clients who suffer damages, in either minor or catastrophic degrees, are at the mercy of the elements causing the damage. Anyone who puts in a call for restoration, is already dealing with high, even extreme levels of stress. What the client’s needs is the reassurance that they will be out of despair in the shortest period of time and that the services provided are performed by professionals. Understanding the roller coaster of emotions that clients experience, is the first step is securing their confidence by providing understanding and assurance. The next steps are engaging in assessment and strategy to ‘restore’, just to put it in a nut shell. With years of experience in construction, Jim knows precisely, the ins and outs of building functionality and esthetics so, restorations are a natural progression for him in his business. Natural elements in weather, can do unforeseen damage to your home and or business, such as ice damming, hail, felled trees, snow build up on your roof tops, or water coming into your home. Other restorations involve fire and smoke damage, sewer back-up and a host of other uninvited circumstances affecting structure and esthetics. How it works with insurance companies.
Typically, the client will call their insurance company and the insurance company will call one of the authorized companies that they deal with. But what the client doesn’t usually realize is that, they have the right to choose the company that they want the insurance company to deal with. With TilKa branching out with Rainbow Restoration International, Thunder Bay, customers who are seeking to deal with a reliable, authorized restoration company, can now call Rainbow Restoration. To date, upcoming on 24 years of service and experience, coupled with a long-standing reputation for customer satisfaction and competitive pricing, Til-Ka Construction Inc. showcases an impressive portfolio of new home construction, interior renovations and commercial construction. Supporting functionality and esthetic appeal, Til-ka has been helping improve and update the look and feel of clients’ properties. Whether you’re planning improvements to make
your entire home more energy efficient or designing an addition to add more office and storage space to your business, Til-Ka has the experience and skills to create your vision. Til-Ka Construction Inc. is Thunder Bay’s authority when it comes to residential and commercial renovations, inside & out. Til-Ka takes, very seriously ensuring that customers are completely satisfied with the finished product and they want the customer to be so happy that, they’ll return to Til-Ka Construction Inc. for your next renovation project – and of course, tell all their friends and family about their great experience with Til-Ka. The same principals, that Jim has built his reputation on in business, resonates, in his newest service addition, Rainbow Restoration. With the expertise of Jim Tiller and Jered Zieroth at the helm, the highest achievable standards, for customer satisfaction, exceeds the bar. Rainbow, itself, has a proven set of values, that is directly inline with that of Til-Ka and those values are, R. I. C. H. - respect, integrity, customer focus and have fun. When it comes to experience, knowledge and thousands of ultimately satisfied customers, the proof is in the restoration. YOU Choose! Make Rainbow Restoration International your very first call: 807-7001552. Or you may drop by their office at 636 Squier Street, Thunder Bay, you may also email them at thunderbay@rainbowintl.com you can also visit their website at www.rainbowintl.com/thunder-bay. or you can find them on FACEBOOK at Rainbow International of Thunder Bay.
Working Hours: Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM Sat: Appointment only Sun: Closed After hours emergency services.
CALL 807-700-1552. Mark down this number and keep it handy because everyone loves a Rainbow!
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS A;PRIL 2019
Metro Grocery Loves Local! Ontario Farmers and Vendors Products, in Your Metro Grocer Now! By Sherry Hanes If you always loved Metro Inc. grocery stores, you’re going to love them even more now!
Katarina: “The local purchasing policy was unveiled in May 2013, when it was implemented in Québec. In June 2016, Metro launched its local program in Ontario and updated its policy and made the commitment to roll out across the province.”
Metro, one of Canada’s leading grocery retailers, says its enhanced local purchasing policy will allow much smaller farmers and food producers in Ontario to supply to the chain, a move that allows the company to carry a higher percentage of local produce and products in its stores.
Sherry: “In the Metro Press Release, it is reported that, January 31, 2019, was the launch date of the Local Purchasing Policy for the Lakehead Region. Further down in the body content, the report states that, the Northern Ontario launch was in August 2018. Could you elaborate? Is the Lakehead, (meaning Thunder Bay), outside the geographical parameters of what is considered Northern Ontario?”
In a special query with Katarina Oestreich, of Metro Ontario, we learned a little bit about when and how the introduction of ‘local supplier products purchasing policy’ was manifested and the responses from the most important aspect of the community, the customers!
Katarina “Metro does consider Thunder Bay part of Northern Ontario. However, with the launch of the Lakehead Region, the products are even more localized to the Thunder Bay community and we felt it was appropriate to give the region its own name.”
So! Let’s begin!
Sherry: “When will the official launch take place in the GTA?”
Sherry: “When and where, was the ‘Local Purchasing Policy’ first implemented?”
Katarina: “The Local Purchasing Policy launched on February 28, 2019 in the
GTA.” Sherry: “As everyone is very excited about the introduction of locally sourced food products in the Metro stores, may I request a personal comment from you, that I may quote you from in the article?” Katarina: “As the neighbourhood grocer, we are always looking to tailor our products and services to the community. Through our Local Purchasing Policy, we are able to meet the needs of our customers and are continuing to support Ontario-based suppliers by stocking new, locally sourced products,” says Joe Fusco, Senior Vice President, Metro.” The Ontario Launch: On June 10th, 2016, Metro launched its local purchasing program in Ontario, which aims to optimize the accessibility and promotion of local products. The program, which is part of Metro's overall corporate responsibility approach, is based on three guiding principles and aims to make Metro a unique showcase for regional products; A key partner of Foodland Ontario and sectoral agri-food associations that promote Ontario products; a key ally of Ontario innovative suppliers. The local purchasing policy can be consulted on metro.ca. The Metro 2016 Corporate Responsibility Report is also available online at metro.ca/responsibility, which states: ‘Metro's commitment is built around four pillars that we have aligned to our business strategy: Respect for the environment, Delighted customers, Strengthened communities and Empowered employees.’ Currently, there have been sixteen regional suppliers, introduced into Metro’s, Local
Purchasing Policy… just another reason for you to confirm that Metro Inc. is ‘My Metro’. Boreal Berry Farm - Our locally grown fruit is hand harvested at the peak of perfection and frozen within hours of harvest, locking in sun ripened flavor, nutrition and quality for the ultimate taste experience! 100% Canadian, all our fruit is grown and packed in Canada. For over 60 years Always 100% Naturally Grown, Certified Organic and Non-GMO. Bennett’s Bakery – Home of the World’s Famous Persians – According to most reliable sources, the "Persian" originated in Thunder Bay, Ontario in the 1930s and remains a popular treat there. Take a dozen or two home today! Brule Creek Farms – Ontario’s Northwestern Flour Mill. Brule Creed Farms, proudly grow their own grain, using sustainable farming practices. No additives or preservatives used, ever. Brule Creek Farms, produces wheat, rye, canola and cover crops, on 225 acres and makes a variety of different types of flour, such as baking mixes and cold-pressed canola oil and is now available in your local Metro Grocer. Chino’s Pasta Sauce – With sauce this great, no explanation can suffice! Pasta sauces from old-world family recipes, all natural and organic foods and ingredients. Experience the difference and then come back and stock up for the variety of recipes you just can’t wait to taste. Crazy Good Spices - Grace Ward, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, presents a line of easy to use, No MSG, gluten free, all natural, balanced blends of herbs and spices and is available in your local Metro Grocer now. Grace Wards’ spice and herb blends, might just be your best cooking secret yet! Donato’s Bakery - Over 100 years of family baking traditions. Products are ‘stone baked’, a process similar to the old wood fired ovens. There are no preservatives added and the family ingredients remain simplistic, just like they were over 100 years ago. Bread, sweets, pizzas, sauces and meat balls, who can resist? Heartbeat Hot Sauce Company – Restaurateurs, Nancy Shaw & Al Bourbouhakis of Thunder Bay, have been sourcing local pepper farmer, Chris Paulusma, also of Thunder Bay for years and in 2015, Nancy and Al have created the world’s most versatile hot sauce. Heartbeat Hot Sauce is fermented in small batches and handcrafted in Offering, bold and balanced, irresistible, flavours, that will pair beautifully with all your favourite foods.
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Metro Grocery Loves Local! Ontario Farmers and Vendors Products, in Your Metro Grocer Now! Continued North Country Meats – Established in 1990 in Thunder Bay and considered to be ‘The Best of the Best!’ North Country Meats is dedicated to its customers and is committed to using traditional methods, that has always been the healthiest choices. Try their pepperettes, kielbasa sausage, Smoked Italian Sausage, Bratwurst and Legion (Garlic). And don’t forget to stock up on Bavarian Style Smokies, available in the exciting flavours of Reg/Hot, Cheese, Jalapeno & Cheese and Turkey. Your family and even your BBQ, will notice the difference! Prime Gelato - Makes their authentic gelato, daily. They use many local, raw ingredients from the True North such as maple syrup, honey, wild blueberries, strawberries, pumpkins, carrots, herbs and many others. There are no artificial flavours, or modified milk ingredients. No high fructose corn syrup, no fillers, no preservatives and no artificial colours are in any of their foods. Even the waffle cones are made, using local Brule Creek flour. Quinta Superfoods Inc. - Metro Ontario is proud to support local Ontario food producers! Fun Fact - Jamie Draves from Georgetown, ON, faces the Dragons looking for an investment in his quinoa business. It’s more important than ever to Ontarians to have locally sourced options on the shelf at their local grocery store. In fact, almost 80 per cent of primary shoppers incorporate locally grown food into at least one meal per week. Roots to Harvest - Thunder Bay, ON. Offers locally sourced granola and can be purchased in your local Metro grocery stores now. Roots to Harvest is in the city, on farms, and in schools, working with young people and the community all year round. Food plays a crucial role in the health, resilience and independence of individuals and communities alike, and Roots to Harvest is doing their part to grow food and community, in Northern Ontario. The Canadian Wild Rice Mercantile – Thunder Bay, ON. Canadian non-pasteurized honey, Canadian Maple Syrup, Canadian Wild Rice, Natural &Organic Canadian products, Pure Maple Syrup, Wild Rice, Steal Cut Oat, Granola Bar, Tea Bar, Thunder Bay Famous Product, Pure Canadian Product, Canadian Business, Honey, Pure Honey, Pure Maple Syrup, Cashew, Brazil Nut, Organic Product. The King of Caesars - Our dressings are gluten-free, sugar-free, low-carb, keto, and fish -free. Creamy dill. Classic Caesar dressing with extra garlic for the garlic lover and a zip of lemon. Also, try the blue cheese. It is unique and flavorful, with a strong blue flavor and lots of chunks. And don’t go home without a jar of King of Greek dressing, made with real Feta Cheese. Use as a dressing, dip or spread. The Poppin’ Hut - The original kettle corn company serving Thunder Bay delicious, sweet and salty treats since 2003. Our Kettle Corn is cooked at just the right temperature and our sifting table takes care of
any unpopped kernels (old maids) to ensure a delicious bag every time. Slightly sweet, lightly salted and popped with all-natural ingredients. 100% Pure Corn Oil, Sugar & Salt, Nebraska Corn,100% Gluten and Peanut Free, 43 different flavours. Thornloe Cheese - Thunder Bay division, has produced a respected brand of cheese products in Northern Ontario. Thornloe Cheese is 100 per cent Canadian, 100 per cent farmer owned and more successful than ever. Thornloe Cheese continues to produce a quality Northern Heritage Cheese. Found in the dairy case of your neighbourhood Metro
Grocer. Wolfhead Coffee - Hand Crafted in Northern Ontario. Taking our name from the shape of Lake Superior, Wolfhead Coffee is a Northwestern Ontario gem. Tucked away in one of Thunder Bay’s oldest suburbs, and close to the bustling cafés of its downtown core, we do small-batch coffee roasting and smoking in our custom-designed and built roastery. Try Wolfhead Coffee today and wake up your coffee senses! Now available in your local Metro Grocer. The Metro Grocer Stores, Customer Service
Representatives, are always more than happy to share information about any of the local and or Ontario products, now available in their stores. Laurie Merchant, of the James and Arthur Street store, was more than helpful to me, when I made an impromptu telephone call, inquiring about the Roots and Harvest product, granola, that is in the store now. Simply put, . . . Metro Loves Local! One more reason to make Metro your number one grocer choice.
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2019
Government of Canada invites proposals for projects to help newcomers enter the job market faster Canada is recognized as an international leader in the settlement and integration of newcomers. However, internationally trained newcomers to Canada often face challenges in getting their credentials rec-
ognized so that they can find good-quality jobs. The Government of Canada is helping newcomers get their credentials recognized and gain their first Canadian work experience so they can put their education and skills to work sooner in Canada.
Recently, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, launched a Call for Concepts under the Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Program. The total funding for this Call for Concepts is up to $10 million, which will fund approximately 15 projects to help newcomers find work.
“There is nothing more disappointing than seeing talent and experience going to waste when newcomers cannot move smoothly and quickly into the workforce in Canada due to credential and accreditation issues. Our region needs highly skilled individuals to fill gaps in the labour market that are hard to fill. Any progress on accreditation and recognition of skills and experience of newcomers would help meet the needs of employers and grow our economy. An improved system that could assess and recognize the international credentials and work experience that individuals have acquired in other countries would both assist newcomers and help reassure employers.” – Cathy Woodbeck, Executive Director, Thunder Bay Multicultural Association Quick facts · The FCR Loans project delivers up to $15,000 to eligible recipients to cover costs of getting their credentials recognized and provides direct employment supports.
The Government is seeking innovative and collaborative concepts from stakeholders that address specific barriers to the integration of highly skilled newcomers into the Canadian labour market. Helping people, including internationally trained newcomers, find and keep good, well-paying jobs, is part of our government’s plan to grow our economy and strengthen the middle class. Quotes “Helping newcomers obtain assistance to have their foreign credentials recognized will allow them to join the Canadian workforce faster, which is critical to growing our economy and strengthening the middle class. Through this Call for Concepts, we are giving more newcomers a fair chance at success in Canada.” – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
· The Innovation and Skilled Newcomer Employment Call for Concepts addresses the third component of the Targeted Employment Strategy for Newcomers—assistance to acquire first Canadian work experience in their profession or in a field related to their profession. · Recent immigrants have a lower employment rate (62.2%) than non-immigrants (71.7%) according to the 2016 Census. · Visible minority newcomer women are more likely to be unemployed. The unemployment rate of visible minority newcomer women (9.7%) is higher than that of visible minority (8.5%) and nonvisible minority (6.4%) newcomer men, based on the 2016 Census.
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2019
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NEW NORTHERN ONTARIO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION AIMS TO EMPOWER THE FIRST NATION BUSINESS COMMUNITY A stronger voice and a new era for Anishnawbe-owned businesses begins with the launch of the ABPA The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (ABPA) launched recently with special guests and community leaders in attendance. The launch event was held at the NADF office in Thunder Bay with traditional ceremonies performed by a local elder and drum group. The ABPA will be initially run by an all-Indigenous powerhouse board of directors from multi-disciplinary backgrounds. The founders of the non-profit corporation include: • John Beardy • Brian Davey • Ron Marano • Rachael Paquette • Jason Rasevych • Jason Thompson The ABPA unveiled its organizational brand, mission, vison, values and the launching of its website www.anishnawbebusiness.com. The ABPA aims to stimulate and promote the growth of the First Nation business community in northern Ontario. The ABPA is accepting memberships for two classes; Anishnawbe Business Members and Associate Business Members from northeastern and northwestern Ontario and First Nations communities from Treaty #3, Treaty#5, Treaty #9, the Robinson Superior 1850 Treaty and Robinson Huron Treaty areas. With First Nation political organizations focused on analyzing the implications of public policy often reacting to partisan announcements, it leaves a void and need for support and advocacy for the First Nation business community. Jason Rasevych, a Ginoogaming First Nation band member is appointed to serve as the President of the ABPA. He is no stranger to the challenges that First Nations’ economic development corporations and indigenous entrepreneurs face in the marketplace. About the ABPA The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association is a non-profit, member-based organization with an office in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The ABPA serves the First Nation business community and express positions on business issues and other public issues relevant to First Nation business, on behalf of its members. The ABPA provides a forum for the First Nation business community to develop policies and programming which contribute to the socio-economic well-being and quality of life of First Nations peoples in Northern Ontario. The ABPA also serve non-First Nation businesses by providing information, guidance, and access to a wide-ranging network through events and sponsorship. About our logo The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association logo and visual identity was designed to convey a strong message of an ‘awakening’ that is occurring in the Northern Ontario First Nation business community. The “howling wolf” represents the strong voice of the First Nation business community behind the background of a moon shaped like the Canadian Dollar (Loonie) representing the currency of mainstream economy activity. The wolf is strategic, assertive and confident; so too is the ABPA which seeks, not only inclusion, but a formidable and transformative presence in the overall economy for Anishnawbe business. -
“We need greater diversity and inclusion at all levels of the northern Ontario business
environment. We must work together to tackle socio-economic barriers that lead to unemployment and financial hardships in our First Nations. The ABPA is here to provide a stronger voice for the First Nation business community and prioritize the need to address these systemic issues,” Rasevych said. Throughout Jason’s career he has broken through barriers by securing ownership and equity for First Nations in major projects. He has led in negotiating agreements between First Nations, government and industry proponents that includes preferred procurement programs and hiring policies targeting First Nations peoples. In 2018 he was recognized as one of Canada’s Top Economic Developers by CANDO (Council of Advancement of Native Development Officers) for his work in the North. The APBA highlights the importance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) and its calls upon the corporate sector in Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources. Rachael Paquette is a Mishkeegogamang First Nation band member raised in Slate Falls First Nation and a local lawyer and partner at Cheadles LLP. She joins the board as the Vice President bringing a highlevel view on business and reconciliation. “I believe that companies operating in northern Ontario have an important role to play in developing programs as employers to promote the hiring of women, visible minorities or indigenous peoples,” stated Paquette. “Reconciliation is not only about access to jobs, it’s about equitable access to business opportunities including the opportunity to accumulate wealth. We must be particularly conscious of the needs of Anishnawbe entrepreneurs and Anishnawbe participation in entrepreneurship writ large. Through the ABPA we will facilitate investment opportunities for First Nation businesses with an awareness of corporate social responsibility of investors,” she stated.
Jason Thompson, a Red Rock First Nation band member and local entrepreneur joins the board of directors with the intention of guiding First Nation businesses. “We view our role as being the business ambassadors for the army of indigenous entrepreneurs that are setting up operations in the North.
and medium enterprises are the key to growing Ontario and Canada’s GDP, we need to do more to support the Anishnawbe businesses.”
We’re forming a network from a diverse range of industries to collaborate, support and build capacity for First Nation businesses and promote cultural training to nonindigenous businesses. We will inform and guide industries where policies are needed and provide advice on partnership formation. There will be no excuses in procurement processes for a general contractor to say that they didn’t know a First Nation business existed, we will provide the Northern link,” Thompson added. Ron Marano is a member of North Caribou Lake First Nation (aka Weagamow Lake or Round Lake). He completed his Commerce degree and MBA at Lakehead University and he believes that it is important to bring those skills back to his community. He wants to see the First Nation employment and business benchmarks improve in northern Ontario. “We see many studies and reports with recommendations for increased First Nation economic participation that sit on the shelf. We need to work together to put those recommendations into action and agree to hold each other accountable on the results over time,” Marano stated. “Small
the executive director of NADF, an Aboriginal Financial Institution that provides grants, loans and support services to over 88 First Nations in northern Ontario. “Access to capital has been at the core one of the biggest barriers for business expansion in the North. The northern Ontario First Nations’ enterprises continue to request capital that exceeds the NADF capacity. With the ABPA - we would like to assist our members to realize their potential through access to capital and market information to encourage First Nation business participation in northern Ontario,” Davey said.
Brian Davey, Moose Cree First Nation band member brings a wealth of knowledge, as
The next steps for the ABPA includes a membership drive, promotion of the business directory, hiring of key personnel and holding its first event this spring. The ABPA will also be seeking to collaborate with key partners and agencies that are involved in First Nation economic development. Several ABPA representatives visited Toronto to attend the annual PDAC conference from March 3-6, 2019 to raise awareness and make a presentation during the Northern Ontario Mining Showcase.
PAGE 10
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2019
Don’t Worry Retire Happy I have had the good fortune of serving my clients as a financial advisor here in Thunder Bay for over 30 years. Every morning I wake up grateful to go into my office and work with clients that have become friends. I work hard at helping my clients achieve their personal and business financial goals. After 30 years, I now enjoy the benefit of watching clients, many who have been with me from the beginning, enjoy a secure and predictable retirement. The ultimate reward for me as an advisor is that these
clients are now excellent financial teachers to their own children and grandchildren.
peace of mind – and what is more important in retirement than your fair share of that?
When I was to work on a Canadian version of his bestseller, I was instantly excited about the project and knew that this would be a great opportunity to fill a gap in the Canadian marketplace that we have seen for many years. In my opinion, books on retirement don’t do a very good job at putting all the pieces together for folks who are ready to retire. Most books are on accumulation, gathering up a retirement asset nest egg to last for retirement. I recognized that the gap was in “decumulation” - how to spend your nest egg better and more effectively.
I recently partnered with two industry greats, Tom Hegna and Jim Ruta, to bring to Canadians, Tom’s best-selling American book, Don’t Worry Retire Happy. Don’t Worry Retire Happy is also an American PBS Special based on the strategies found in the book.
Tom Hegna is one the most well-known and respected thought leaders in the financial services industry. Tom makes planning retirement easy to understand. He has a common sense approach combined with cutting edge thinking. He shows us how anyone can do a better job and worry less. Less worry means more
Most books and articles weren’t showing Canadians how to put strategies in place that minimized financial worries, so they could enjoy retirement with more peace of mind. As we outline in the book, most Canadians are worried that they don’t have sufficient retirement savings. But, retirement security is an easier game than most books, financial pundits and the media have made it sound. Retirement security doesn’t have to be scary.
retirement as they learned and implemented the 7 steps to retirement security.
In the Canadian version of Don’t Worry Retire Happy, you will discover our 7 steps to retirement security and we introduce new retirement planning strategies like a “hybrid retirement” and “long-term care”. We also dive into topics like Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) maximization. We answer your questions on when to take your government benefits and how to be more tax effective.
This is a book you’ll read from cover to cover. It’s an easy read with all sorts of valuable information. You won’t want to skip any of the chapters because each one takes you that much closer to a happy and worry-free retirement.
Michael Morrow is a Certified Financial Planner and Life Insurance Advisor at Morrow Financial Inc. He has authored 4 books for financial advisors and their clients. He can be reached at 807 684 1805, mike@morrowfinancial.ca Don’t Worry Retire Happy is available at Chapters.
The PBS Special, Don’t Worry Retire Happy is a huge success in the United States, and for many Americans it has changed everything. Suddenly, preretirees had fewer worries about their
Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me? Continued from page 2
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But somewhere along the line the inevitable catches up. The trade off to save money has now caught up and are revealing some health concerns. To be direct, there is a confirmation of cancer. Now, this is not a scare tatic but, think about it. How many times have you, yourself, known people to develop cancer and THEN start making the choices to develop better living habits. They suddenly want to cure themselves and live longer and live healthier? Prevention should ALWAYS happen BEFORE there is an issue or concern. As a matter of fact, that is what people are starting to do…they are genuinely showing concern for their health, and that of their families, BEFORE a condition is devel-
oped. Prevention of cancer is a ‘one day at a time’ process and a highly, personal responsibility, but, despite the only down side…the cost…the results are well worth the change! When you think about it, choosing the right foods is paramount because, consuming food is a major part of our daily living, and just based on volume alone, one should have concern for the amount of chemicals one, and one’s family would ingest daily? So, there you have it! Now you know! Chemicals and GMO’s can bring on the BIG ‘C’ and Organic? …. doesn’t! Simple! Hmmmmm? Which will YOU choose?
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS APRIL 2019
PAGE 11 Next Issue:
Thunder Bay Business Topic: Construction Ad Copy Deadline: April 23rd Contact Sylvia @ 629-7599 or Scott @ 628-7095
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PAGE 12
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS MARCH 2019
BUYING THE FARM lands at Magnus Theatre Magnus Theatre continues the 2019-19 Season with a brand new Canadian play. BUYING THE FARM by Shelley
Hoffman and Stephen Sparks is a romantic comedy in two acts about a young real estate agent who approaches a third generation farmer to buy up his farm for devel-
opment. Things heat up when the young man meets the farmer’s feisty and smart
niece, who is definitely against the urban sprawl that the land developer represents. “This is a great new play, very funny, very gentle,” says Magnus Theatre Artistic Director Thom Currie. “What I love about BUYING THE FARM is that everyone in the story is likeable, and everyone in the audience knows someone like these people. It’s a lovely little story of family and tradition.” Tristan Carlucci plays Brad Deacon, the young real estate agent. Carlucci is a well-known Winnipeg film and theatre actor and stunt performer who has appeared onstage across Manitoba. Olivia Ulrich plays Esme Fossen, the quick-tempered city girl turned farmer. A recent graduate of the University of Winnipeg and a very busy actor, Ulrich is making her Magnus Theatre debut in BUYING THE FARM. The cast is rounded out with Sandy Winsby as Magnus Bjornsen, the crusty and lovable old farmer. Winsby, in addition to having appeared at Magnus Theatre numerous times over the years, has worked on stage across North America, from Shakespeare at the Stratford Festival to musicals on Broadway. BUYING THE FARM is a new play by Shelley Hoffman and Stephen Sparks. Hoffman is an award winning television writer and Stephen Sparks is one of the busiest actors in Canada. They created Buying The Farm based on Spark’s youth on his family farm. Fun fact: the couple met in 1998, working at Thunder Bay’s only professional theatre, and the character of Magnus is named in honour of this history. Thom Currie “ The show has been touring Northern Manitoba for 6 weeks and will be at Magnus for 3 weeks. You can expect a really lovely evening with a clashing of rural versus city, young versus old and boy and girl. It is a very complete evening in the theatre and a nice lighthearted play about rurual life and how things are changing. We have all met people before like the characters on the stage.”