NorWest Community Health Centres Undergo Major Expansion
INSIDE Tbaytel Launches Tbaytel for Good Community Fund: Company wants to connect
with Good Neighbours and Good Schools “Attitude: Thinking Your Way to the Top� Ontario Creating Job Opportunities for Indigenous Youth North Superior Publishing @tbay25
Lakehead University appoints first Chair on Truth and Reconciliation
Ontario Investing in Renovations to Thunder Bay
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2016
SMALL BUSINESS IS BIG BUSINESS! By Sherry Aalto The definition of a small business is an independently owned and operated company that is limited in size and in revenue depending on the industry. A local bakery that employs 10 people is an example of a small business. A manufacturing facility that employees less than 500 people is an example of a small business. Small and medium-sized businesses are the cornerstone of the Canadian economy. They account for 99.9 per cent of all Canadian companies and employ close to 90 per cent of private sector workers. For 37 years now, the BDC (Business
Development Bank of Canada) has been organizing a national celebration of Canadian entrepreneurs and their contribution to Canada’s economy. Every third week in October, events are held across Canada to bring together entrepreneurs and prospective entrepreneurs, through workshops, conferences, luncheons and meetings and provide to them, opportunities to learn, to network, to share ideas and to socialize with their peers. The first Small Business Week celebration began in British Columbia in 1979 when the branches of the Federal Business Development Bank (as BDC was then known) in British Columbia’s Lower Fraser Valley organized a week of small business management training sessions for entrepreneurs of small businesses. They called the initiative Small Business Week. In British Columbia, employees repeated the process and in 1981, Small Business Week was officially launched. In not too short of time, Small Business Week became recognized and The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and local chambers and boards of trade across Canada, collabo-
rate with BDC on organizing Small Business Week events. Over the years, other Crown corporations and large companies have also participated as sponsors. Each year, hundreds of activities across Canada attract thousands of business people to Small Business Week. Small Business Week has been a registered trademark of the Business Development Bank of Canada since 1986. As with any special event, a theme is always presented to capture its audience and Small Business Week certainly is no exception. This year’s theme for Small Business Week is “Measure Up! Shape Your Future!” As part of BDC Small Business Week™ 2016, we are inviting Canadian entrepreneurs to measure up and discover their true potential. On October 17, we are launching Canada's first business productivity benchmarking tool to help entrepreneurs improve performance and compare their productivity levels to those of other companies in their sector. After having said all that…one might ask, ‘Just how important are small businesses to local communities?’ Small businesses are an absolutely critical part of Canada’s economy, prosperity, and future. Nearly 70 per cent of Canada’s total private labour force are people who work for small businesses. For much of the past decade, small business employers created 77.7 per cent of all private jobs. Ontario and Quebec are home to 57 per cent
of all Canadian businesses, while the Western provinces account for 36 per cent. The Northern regions account for 0.3 per cent of the country’s employer businesses. Canada is home to 950,000 self-employed women, who make up about one-third of all self-employed people here. Nearly one in seven Canadian small businesses are owned solely by women. In a 2012 study, 71 per cent of women surveyed said they would like to start their own business. About 150,000 new small businesses are created in this country each year. Little more than half of small businesses survive past their fifth year. Small businesses contribute about 30 per cent to Canada’s total GDP. Approximately 19 per cent of immigrants are self-employed, compared to 15 per cent of those born in Canada. One in five Canadians say they plan to start their own business in five years. The average self-employed Canadian works 50 hours a week, compared to 37 hours a week for average full-time employees. There are more than 1.1 million employer businesses in Canada. Of that number, 98 per cent are small businesses. Only about 24 per cent of small business owners have a succession plan in place for when they retire. More than 65 per cent of small business owners have a postsecondary education. Small businesses account for 31 per cent of Canada’s annual spending on research and development. (source Lendified) So, when you add it all up… SMALL BUSINESS IS BIG BUSINESS!
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2016
Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner Province Supporting Cultural Development
Ontario is providing $119,458 to renovate the Thunder Bay Francophone Centre, cre-
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Ontario Investing in Renovations to Thunder Bay Francophone Centre ber-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon econ-
Quotes
“By investing in improvements to the Centre francophone, our government is reaffirming its commitment to the francophone community in Northern Ontario. The province’s NOHFC funding for the
Minister of Government and Consumer Services and Francophone Affairs
“I am pleased with our province’s investment in Centre francophone in Thunder Bay. The francophone Community is a key piece of the rich cultural fabric of Thunder Bay and the region and is a key reason why Thunder Bay is a great place to live and raise a family.” Bill Mauro MPP Thunder Bay-Atikokan “We thank the province for partnering with us through the NOFHC to invest in the future of Thunder Bay’s francophone community. Our renovated Centre francophone will offer a modern gathering place and contribute to the development of social, educational and socioeconomic activities for our members and partners.” Claudette Gleeson Project coordinator, ROFTB
ating five jobs and fostering economic, cultural and artistic growth for the francophone community in Northwestern Ontario. With this investment from the province's Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), the Coopérative du regroupement des organismes francophones de Thunder Bay (ROFTB) is renovating the Centre francophone. Upgrades to the facility include new flooring, insulation, plumbing, heating and wiring for computers and telecommunications. Centre francophone provides a central location for the area's French-speaking population to gather and celebrate their culture and access programs and training. Investing in community infrastructure is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its num-
omy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
Centre francophone will help to create a modern space where members of Thunder Bay’s francophone community can promote, celebrate and participate in their vibrant culture.”
Quick Facts
Michael Gravelle Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC
Since 2013, Ontario has invested more than $423 million through the NOHFC in over 2,730 projects, leveraging more than $1.3 billion in direct economic activity and creating or sustaining over 9,830 jobs in Northern Ontario. The NOHFC’s investments in community infrastructure are part of the Ontario government’s Growth Plan for Northern Ontario [pdf]. The ROFTB was incorporated in 2000 and includes six francophone organizations in Thunder Bay.
“The renovation of the Centre francophone de Thunder Bay will promote a greater sense of belonging. This investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to the development and the vitality of the francophone community in Northern Ontario. I am proud the Ontario government is a partner in this much-needed project.” Marie-France Lalonde
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2016
LIFE CAN BE TOUGH SOMETIMES © 2016 Brian Babcock
court to comment on the damages, so they clearly wanted to make a point.
Emotional upset is not enough harm to receive damages for personal injuries. The Ontario Court of Appeal went out of their
In the case, the Plaintiff was acquitted of charges hanging over his head for six years. He was drawn away from his business pursuits. He felt humiliated, even after he was acquitted. There was however no expert psychological or medical evidence, so the appeal court distinguished the emotional upset from cases where there is a diagnosis of a recognized psychological or medical condition resulting from the wrongful act.
Legal Matters way to remind us of this rule of law in a recent decision arising out of Thunder Bay. In that case, the appeal court overturned the trial judge’s decision that the police had been negligent in their investigation. Since there was no fault on the part of the police, it was not strictly necessary for the
This decision is consistent with earlier cases, including those of the Supreme Court of Canada. Life can be tough sometimes, and not every upset in entitled to compensation. This principle also applies
in employment disputes, where as one judge expressed it, people need to accept that “living is a stressful activity and that much of life can be nasty and brutish. Tort law does not provide compensation for all stress-causing and nasty conduct that individuals may suffer at the hands of another.” In the law of wrongful dismissal, courts also recognize that anytime someone is fired, it is an upsetting event. However, normal distress and hurt feelings resulting from dismissal are not compensable unless the employer committed acts at the time of the dismissal that were unfair or in bad faith by being, for example, untruthful, misleading or unduly insensitive. The Supreme Court states that “Examples of conduct in dismissal resulting in compen-
The Placebo Effect In last month’s column we introduced the topic of the placebo: a substance that has positive effects as a result of a person’s perception that it is beneficial rather than as a result of a causative ingredient. To define this a little more accurately the substance itself does not have a positive effect, it is the thought that creates the positive effect. In fact, one does not even need to have a substance. Rather, it could be a person’s remembered experience, an emotion, a feeling that creates
the placebo. However, for a placebo to have maximum effect a person must first be primed. Priming is when something in our environment triggers associations that are hardwired into our brains which then cause us to unconsciously act in certain ways. It is just like the prime pump in your lawn mower. There needs to be a little gas (belief) in the pump already for the pump to work properly. This allows for greater suggestibility which is essential for an effective placebo. The placebo has three key elements:
sable damages are attacking the employee’s reputation by declarations made at the time of dismissal, misrepresentation regarding the reason for the decision, or dismissal meant to deprive the employee of a pension benefit or other right, permanent status for instance.” We should all sympathize with the plight of the wrongfully accused, or the wrongfully dismissed, but they will not receive compensation in court unless they meet these very strict tests. Weilers has been helping clients seek damages, or defend claims, for almost 70 years.
- Part II
conditioning, expectation and meaning. Conditioning is when we associate a past memory (taking a pain killer) with a physiological change (relieving a headache). We allow for something in our outer world to change something in our inner world. This is called associative memory. Conditioning is based on past experience while expectation is based on future anticipated experiences. For example, you have chronic pain and the doctor enthusiastically recommends a medication or some form of therapy that will relieve your pain. If you believe in your doctor you are then suggestible to this idea and the chances of the therapy having a positive effect and reducing your pain is significantly improved – placebo. By emotionally accepting and embracing the idea you have made the associative memory even stronger. Your brain will actually fire the same neural circuits to release naturally occurring pain reducing chemicals. Meaning is what helps it all work. When we understand an idea we put greater conscious energy into it. You believe more when you are educated on its benefits which increases the chances of a positive response. The more frequent these positive thoughts the more hardwired the neural circuitry becomes. In other words “nerve cells that fire together wire together”. A very brief explanation of how the brain works may help. The brain is made up of 100 billion nerve cells called neurons. These neurons resemble a tree with extensive branches on one end and a very complex root system on the other end. Each neuron is a mini biocomputer with 1000s of connections and can process hundreds of thousands of functions per second. Learning new things will cause neurons to make new connections and pass information with each other. Memory is the biological action of neurons keeping connections intact. Our thoughts then produce brain chemicals called neurotransmitters which is what passes between these connection. The more we think the same thoughts the more strongly these neurons keep firing off the neurotransmitters. This in turn creates a protein which travels to the cell nucleus which then ends up in the DNA where it turns on certain genes. Genes then create more proteins which strengthens the neural
network. So quite literally, when you think a new thought you actually change your body, neurologically, chemically and genetically. A great example of the placebo and the mind’s ability to heal is a study done in 2010 on patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A group of 40 patients were given a bottle of pills that was labeled “Placebo pills”. They were told that the pills were inert but that clinical studies showed they still produced significant improvement in IBS symptoms through a mind-body self healing process. The second group was a control group of IBS patients and they were given nothing. After three weeks the
placebo group reported twice as much improvement as the control group even though they knew they were taking the placebo! Why, because they believed in the suggestion that placebos could help them, their bodies made the change regardless. The placebo effect is not a sham, patient delusion or a threat to medications and therapies. Rather, the placebo works best when people have a high confidence in their therapy of choice. Lets embrace it and use it to it’s highest potential. 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.
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2016
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Tbaytel Launches Tbaytel for Good Community Fund: Company wants to connect with Good Neighbours and Good Tbaytel is proud to announce a new social giving program for northern Ontario that supports inspiring projects and builds strong and healthy communities. Tbaytel for Good Community Fund will provide funding to individuals, schools, community groups, not-for-profit organizations and charities throughout the year.
Tbaytel for Good Community Fund has three main funding programs: Good Neighbour, Good Schools and Good Community. Today, alongside youth from Evergreen a United Neighbourhood, Tbaytel representatives officially opened the application process for the Good Neighbour and Good Schools programs. The Good Neighbour program supports small volunteer-driven projects that enhance community spaces and improve the neighbourhood, while the Good Schools program supports school-based projects that inspire discovery, readiness to learn and improve learning potential. “Tbaytel is committed to taking care of neighbourhoods and communities in Northern Ontario where we do business. Together, we accomplish more good than
we ever could alone;” says Tbaytel president and CEO Dan Topatigh. “From breakfast clubs and anti-bullying initiatives to community gardens, neighbourhood play days or projects that provide assistance to neighbours in need, there are many different ways that Tbaytel for Good Community Fund can help. This new fund is intended to be more grassroots and allow us to work together with neighbours
and communities to make a tangible difference where it matters most.” As a part of the launch, Tbaytel donated a new picnic table to Evergreen a United Neighbourhood as well as school supplies for its youth members. "Tbaytel was informed by a neighbour that Evergreen’s picnic table was broken and a group of employees immediately wanted to help.
This is exactly the type of initiative that can be funded through the new Tbaytel for Good Community Fund. It's about being a good neighbour by recognizing a need and stepping up to support it;" says Tbaytel for Good Community Fund Coordinator Laura Foulds.
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2016
NorWest Community Health Centres Undergo Major Expansion BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Thunder Bay BUSINESS When you drive down Simpson Street on the south side of Thunder Bay you have probably noticed the large construction project at the long time NorWest Community Health Centre site. This health facility is undergoing a more than doubling of size to better accommodate the on site staff of 60 and large client base. “ We have been around since 1998 on Simpson Street. This building we are in today is about 26 years old. We have out-
grown the building and have been struggling for space for about 5 or 6 years now. It has been over 10 years trying to get an expansion of this site.” said Wendy Talbot Chief Executive Officer, NorWest Community Health Centre. The organization started in a small storefront on Simpson Street just down the street from their current operation. NorWest Community Health Centre is a multi service organization that provides primary health care in addition to many services such as social service programs, counseling and advocacy. “ We deal with some pretty complex issues that people struggle with and serve
some of the most complex and disadvantaged people in the city.” said Wendy. NorWest Community Health Centre also provides services to the District of Thunder Bay and has a site in Long Lac. Their staff includes physicians, nurse practioneers, foot care specialists, dieticians, social workers, community heath workers- a full range of health care professionals that deal with almost anything imaginable. They have approximately135 staff in the organization. “ Part of the issue in health care is if a senior has fallen, why did they fall. Does it
have to do with their diet, a disability, is there not supports in the home? We deal with the whole person. It is a truly interdisciplinary model and our team works together.” said Wendy Talbot. The NorWest Community Health Centre serves a significant number of people with about 20,000 charts in the whole organization. This well-designed new space will help the NorWest Community Health Centre. This original space was designed for 12 staff and now houses over 60 staff. Continued
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2016
NorWest Community Health Centres Undergo Major Expansion Continued “ Over the past 12 years we have been purchasing lots in the area such as across the street, a garage and 4 more properties to expand this building. We will also have a garden sitting space of about 50 by 50 feet. The addition is 16,000 square feet with about 13,000 presently so it will be a substantial increase for us.” notes Wendy. “The construction started last July and we
are close to completion, but not there yet. Right now we don’t have enough space for our staff, as simple as that. We don’t have a reception area that is big enough for our clients. It becomes a risk management issue for us. If you get some wheelchairs or a baby buggy it is pretty crowded and not conducive to good care. We also need more exam rooms. The new facility will help us with this. We will fill this building expansion right away and it will make us more efficient.” An important addition the area for Wendy Talbot and her team is a new crosswalk for Simpson Street. “ We have been talking about a cross walk here for 15 years and is something that is more and more urgent. Simpson Street is a high traffic Street and the type of vehicles on the street are quite often large trucks. It
is busy and wide and an artery with not many stop signs so speeds get higher. We are working with the city to get the cross walk. Wendy Talbot has had an eclectic background, which helps her in this job. She started in the teaching field, worked with kids that are in trouble with the law, was an outdoor educator and has a degree in clinical psychology although that is not
her forte. She also has some education in business. “ This type of job requires a varied background because you are doing a lot of work with people as well as administration, your funders, the ministry and so on. It requires business acumen but also the ability to work with people. We have a good management team that deals with the operations of the facility,” said Wendy Talbot. “ You do need to understand the clientele.I have been around for 27 years now and I think if you are going to be in
an organization that long you certainly should love the organization.” “ NorWest Community Health Centre has developed their organization with 12 staff when I first started and have about 135 now. It is a complex organization but one I
believe in whole-heartedly. We see the results with the people we work with. The construction project has been good and bad as well as frustrating at times but at the end of the day we will end up with a phenomenal facility.”
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2016
NorWest Community Health Centres Strategic Intent Working to improve the health of Northwestern Ontario by integrating primary health care across our communities. NWCHC is a primary health care organization which operates within a community development framework by building upon and strengthening the local community. Our Values: • Promoting social justice and addressing the social determinants of
health • Improving accessibility through overcoming system-based barriers • Providing holistic, integrated and comprehensive health care • Advocating to improve both the services and system of care • Promoting cultural diversity and inclusion • Responding to high risk, vulnerable and marginalized people who lack access to • health care Our Mission: NWCHC exists to provide a continuum of integrated services that improve the health and well being of people.
Our Broadest End or Vision Statement: “EveryOne Matters” Our Ends: 1. NWCHC exists to improve the health of people through the provision of primary health care, prevention of illnesses, and the promotion of health, such that people: a) have improved access to integrated primary health care b) receive appropriate treatment to address their primary health care needs c) are better able to assume
responsibility for own health care d) have increased understanding of the factors affecting their health and how these can be prevented, addressed and overcome 2. NWCHC exists to build the capacity of the local community through community leadership, advocacy, integration and part-
nerships. As such our Centre: a) provides leadership and support for new community initiatives that address the system barriers, social injustice and inequality b) establishes community partnerships to enhance and strengthen the work of the Centre c) participates in system-wide forums, public policy, networks and committees that strengthen the community’s ability to prevent and address health care needs d) advocates for increased funding for primary health care Service Delivery Philosophy Policy We believe that health is determined by many factors, including housing, environment, education, social support, opportunities for employment and contributions to society. We believe that people have the right and the capacity to participate in and make informed choices about the factors that affect their health and their health care. The Centre will inform clients, in an appropriate manner, of their rights to independent expression, choice to accept or refuse treatment or services, to be treated with respect, dignity, consideration, in privacy, in a safe and secure service environment that is free of discrimination. Your Rights and Responsibilities Thank you for becoming a client of the NorWest Community Health Centres. We encourage you to learn as much as you can about your health and well-being and to recognize the things that affect it. We operate within the context of a multi-disciplinary team to provide comprehensive care. We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with respect, dignity and privacy. As well, as rights, you have the responsibility to ensure you get the best care possible.
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2016
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“Attitude: Thinking Your Way to the Top” By Jeff Garofalo B.A., C.T., L.F.C. Possibly the greatest obstacle we face in achieving success in anything is our own “negative thinking”. “Self-Sabotage” and “limiting Beliefs” have stopped more people from achieving the success they
deserve. We question more than we should, and hesitate more than we need too! You never know how truly great you are until you step out of your “comfort zone!” There is a self-fulfilling prophecy that says: “You are what you think about daily.”
Mahatma Ghandi once said: “Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it”. Two things, a “positive mental attitude” combined with a “focused mind” will accomplish amazing results. The feeling you will experience will attract to you those who wish to achieve what you have become. “Success gravitates to success!” Professional athletes use “visualization” in order to overcome physical and mental obstacles and barriers. The best of the best are where they are because of that “conditioned” way of thinking. Earl Nightingale and W. Clement Stone summed it up perfectly: “If you can conceive it and believe it, you can achieve it!” Your attitude in life will create your altitude in life. The individual who exudes confidence, positive, along with a focused mind and a desired goal will likely achieve his or her destiny. Besides your attitude, something else you need to consider when climbing your ladder of success is the ability to overcome “FEAR” It is the second greatest killer of dreams. The acronym most commonly used is “FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL”. I like the one “FEELING ENERGIZED AND READY”. It’s all in the way you word things. Many fear taking a risk
for the fear of “losing” something or possibly the fear of “criticism” To eliminate this, change the word to “challenge” or “opportunity”. It is important to think positively when focusing on your goals and dreams. Life is based on accepting challenges, taking risks, and overcoming adversity. This is all a part of “growth!” The more obstacles you persevere through the stronger you will become. My favorite saying from Georgette Mosacher went like this: “Fear of failure and fear of the unknown are always defeated by faith. Having faith in yourself, in the process of change, and in the new direction that change sets will reveal your own inner core steel”. Your attitude will play an important role in whatever you wish to achieve. Nothing worthwhile in life was ever created without hardships and difficulties. You need to be patient and believe in your talents and abilities. Obstacles are only a test to see what you are made of at the time. The term “trial and error” is just another way of saying “practice makes perfect”. Stay strong and finish like a champion. We all have what it takes to be a winner!!! Jeff Garofalo is a certified Lifestyle Fitness Coach and former International Sports Sciences Association (“I.S.S.A.”)
August 2016 Housing Starts in Thunder Bay Ontario Housing Starts Ease in August Housing starts in Thunder Bay Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) were trending at 162 units in August, up from 145 units in July according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) of housing starts. "The latest data shows that housing starts activity trended up slightly due to higherthan-average apartment starts. Meanwhile, flat employment conditions are the principal reason for an unremarkable year for housing starts thus far in Thunder Bay," concluded Warren Philp, CMHC Market Analyst for the Thunder Bay CMA. CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for considerable swings in monthly estimates and obtain a more complete picture of the state of the housing market. In some situations, analyzing only SAAR data can be misleading in some markets, as they are largely driven by the multiples segment of the markets which can be quite variable from one month to the next.
Housing starts in the Ontario region were trending at 73,731 units in August, down from 74,867 units in July, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) of housing starts. "The Ontario residential construction trend eased in August due to the more volatile apartment sector and to a lesser extent easing construction of low density homes. However, housing starts remained elevated. An improved economy, less choice in the resale market and low rental vacancy rates continue to exert upward pressure on starts," said Ted Tsiakopoulos, CMHC's Ontario Regional Economist.
CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for considerable swings in monthly estimates and obtain a more complete picture of the state of the housing market. In some situations, analyzing only SAAR data can be misleading in some markets, as they are largely driven by the multiples segment of the markets which can be quite variable from one month to the next. The SAAR of total urban housing starts declined to 69,328 units in August, down from 72,493 units in July. For the period ending August 2016, Ontario urban home starts are running 11 per cent higher versus the same period one year ago.
The standalone monthly SAAR was 247 units in August up from 182 units in July due mainly to stronger apartment starts. Preliminary Housing Starts data is also available in English and French at the following link: Preliminary Housing Starts Tables As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers objective housing research and information to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. For more information, visit our website at www.cmhc.ca or follow us on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook. www.hatch.com
fitness trainer. He has over forty years of experience in helping people achieve their fitness goals through body transformations and lifestyle changes. Jeff was a top 2000 finisher worldwide and currently shares his expertise both locally and across Canada via technology. As a successful language trainer in South Korea, Jeff worked with top business professionals in leading multinational companies. He believes that everyone has what it takes to make their dreams become reality.
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2016
Lakehead University appoints first Chair on Truth and Reconciliation Lakehead University’s President and ViceChancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, has appointed Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux as the University’s Chair on Truth and Reconciliation. This historic appointment takes effect immediately.
Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux will be responsible for leading the development of a plan that articulates Lakehead University’s response to the Report on Truth and Reconciliation.
She is a former Advisory Member of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, a Board Member for Healthy Minds Canada and for the newly formed Teach for Canada Non-Profit. Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux is a member of the Governing Circle of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba and she was inducted as an “Honourary Witness” by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Since July 2013, Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux has served as the University’s ViceProvost, Aboriginal Initiatives.
In her new role as Chair, Dr. WesleyEsquimaux will advocate for Truth and Reconciliation within the Lakehead University community, while serving as an ambassador for Truth and Reconciliation issues in Northwestern Ontario and Simcoe County, as well as at the provincial and national levels.
“This is an incredibly important time in history and this appointment is an important statement by Lakehead about its commitment to moving forward on the process of reconciliation in our region and country,” explained Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux, who was inducted as an “Honourary Witness” by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2015. “I am humbled and honoured to have been selected for this role.”
Lakehead’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, said the appointment is an exciting and timely one for Lakehead University. “The appointment of our first Chair on Truth and Reconciliation comes at the same time that Lakehead students from around the world are starting their undergraduate programs that incorporate our unique Indigenous Content Requirement.
“These efforts show that Lakehead University is leading the way when it comes to educating students about Aboriginal issues and Canada’s past, and we will continue to lead the way with advocacy and assistance from Dr. WesleyEsquimaux,” added Dr. Stevenson.
The establishment of a Lakehead Chair on Truth and Reconciliation has been designed to highlight and further the work guided by Lakehead University’s Strategic and Academic Plans, and to ensure that Lakehead responds appropriately and effectively to the recommendations outlined in the Report on Truth and Reconciliation.
and in Indigenous Studies at the University of Toronto, and an Adjunct Professor at Carleton University. She continues to hold a Status Only Assistant Professorship at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Social Work.
Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux is interested in environmental and humanitarian causes and is actively engaged in a variety of initiatives across Canada. Her teaching and academic writing is directed towards understanding Historic and Intergenerational Trauma within the Aboriginal community and she is a member of the Chippewa of Georgina Island First Nation in Lake Simcoe.
She will work to support, and lead as required, Lakehead University’s focus on Aboriginal/Indigenous priorities, and advise the President and other Executive Team members on provincial and national issues in regards to Indigenous peoples.
For more information about Lakehead’s Indigenous Content Requirement, visit the University’s website (http://www.lakeheadu.ca%29/.
Dr. Margaret (Peggy) Smith, Associate Professor in Natural Resources Management, will serve as Interim ViceProvost, Aboriginal Initiatives, effective immediately.
Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux
Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux began at Lakehead on July 1, 2013. Since then, she has served as the University’s first Vice-Provost, Aboriginal Initiatives.
Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux has held the Nexen Chair in Aboriginal Leadership at the Banff Centre in Alberta, was an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Social Work
Dr. Margaret (Peggy) Smith
Dr. Smith joined Lakehead in 2000. Her research examines the social impacts of natural resource management.
She was hired by the Faculty of Natural Resources Management to develop curriculum on Indigenous people’s roles in natural resource stewardship. Her course, Aboriginal Peoples and Natural Resources, has been a required course for NRM students for over a decade. She has also
taught the course in the Faculty of Law.
Dr. Smith focuses on three elements of Indigenous involvement: protecting Indigenous values, protecting Aboriginal and treaty rights, and ensuring a fair share of economic benefits for Indigenous peoples from natural resource development.
Lakehead University has about 9,700 fulltime equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies. Maclean’s 2016 University Rankings place Lakehead University second in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and first among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2015, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead first among Canada’s undergraduate universities. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca. Lakehead is proud to be ranked Re$earch Infosource's Research University of the Year. To learn more about Lakehead University's exceptional 50-year journey and our accomplishments of the past year, see their 2014/2015 Annual Report.
THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2016
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Ontario Creating Job Opportunities for Indigenous Youth Ontario is continuing its support for natural resources management training and skills development programs that provide Indigenous youth with opportunities for summer jobs and rewarding careers. The First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment Program (FNNRYEP) and the Mink Lake First Nations Youth Employment Program (MLFNYEP) are offered through partnerships among the province, Confederation College and Lakehead University. Both two-year summer employment programs give Indigenous youth, aged 16-19, natural resource management experience through work projects in the forestry, mining and energy industries. Nearly 50 Indigenous youth from 25 First Nations communities across the province have graduated from the programs this year. Past graduates of these programs have gone on to rewarding careers as foresters, underground miners, heavy equipment operators and Assistant Band
Managers, and have also pursued further education in fields such as political science, engineering and Indigenous law.
achieve a more secure retirement.
Programs like the FNNRYEP and the MLFNYEP enable experiential learning and help build on Ontario's world-class skills, education and training systems to prepare the current and future workforce for the technology- and knowledge-based jobs of today and into the future.
Quick Facts
Helping young people develop their careers is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a lowcarbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians
Each program participant can obtain two high school co-op credits while working during the summer. 93 per cent of first year participants successfully completed their first year in the programs. 929 summer job placements have been created to date within the programs. Since the inception of FNNRYEP in 2000 and MLFNYEP in 2015, more than 389 youth from 52 First Nations across Ontario have graduated. In 2016, Ontario contributed $200,000 and in-kind support to both programs. The FNNRYEP and MLFNYEP are offered in partnership with Confederation College and Lakehead University. Quotes
“First Nations youth represent a large and increasing percentage of the workforce in Northern Ontario. Our investment in these programs will help participants build awareness and knowledge about natural resources management, policies and practices while removing barriers to employment by providing job skills training, education and summer opportunities.” Kathryn McGarry Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
“This program demonstrates the tremendous potential of Indigenous youth in Ontario. Youth are able to gain on-the-job experience and have opportunities to develop their own careers. Our commitment to partnering with Indigenous organizations and communities to create programs that support Indigenous youth is one way we’re helping Ontario’s young people access the jobs of the future. Congratulations to all of the graduates!” David Zimmer Minister of Indigenous Relations and
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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2016
Canada’s Ports Honour Pioneer in Grain and Shipping Industry Recently, the Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA) presented Richardson International Limited, a pioneer in the grain industry, with the prestigious ACPA Medal of Merit Award at the 58th annual ACPA conference. Richardson International Limited has con-
ties. The company’s first elevator set a new precedent for grain terminals with its expedited handling and loading capabilities. “Richardson International Limited is truly a Canadian-grown success story. The company recognizes the value in marine shipping and has invested heavily in a transportation system that relies on marine terminals for export and transshipment. The
Richardson terminal to be built in Thunder Bay. The company unloaded its first railcar of grain on January 3, 1919, and has since become the largest grain storage capacity of any operator in Thunder Bay. “Richardson has had a presence on the Seaway System for over 150 years and a significant presence in Thunder Bay;” said Tim Heney, Thunder Bay Port Authority CEO. “The company has consistently been among the top shippers of cargo from the Port of Thunder Bay, becoming a major economic driver in the city, contributing to local jobs, local spending and industrial tax revenue.” Six generations of the Richardson family have been instrumental to the company’s success. The company is involved in every stage of agriculture and continues to stay true to its pioneer spirit. "On behalf of the Richardson family, I extend a sincere thank you to the Association of Canadian
tributed to Canada’s economic growth for more than 150 years and has evolved into the country’s largest agribusiness, bringing Canadian agriculture to the world since 1857. The company, that is often referred to as the longest continually running, family-operated business in Canada, was the first to handle western grown grain and to build elevators in many Prairie communi-
company plays a significant role in several ports across Canada with port terminals in Vancouver, Hamilton, Sore, Prince Rupert and Thunder Bay, which is the host community of this year’s ACPA conference,” said Wendy Zatylny, President of ACPA. This year marks a century since James Richardson selected the site for the
Port Authorities for bestowing Richardson International with the Medal of Merit. It is a testament to the men and women of our organization whose hard work and dedication to our Thunder Bay facility have kept it thriving for nearly 100 years," said Hartley T. Richardson, President & Chief Executive Officer of James Richardson & Sons, Limited and Chairman of Richardson International Limited. The Medal of Merit recognizes outstanding works or service on a national platform by an individual, institution, or organization in the port, shipping or Maritimes fields. ACPA has awarded the Medal of Merit annually since 1975.
For more information, please visit acpa2016.ca. About the Association of Canadian Port Authorities: The Association of Canadian Port
Authorities was founded in 1958 and groups together ports and related marine interests into one national association. ACPA represents all Canadian Port Authorities, various government entities and companies doing business in the marine sector. It is the leading Association for the advocacy and advancement of the Canadian Port Industry. ACPA members contribute significantly to the local, regional and national economy of Canada, responsible for more than tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and handling some $400 billion in cargo annually.