App-Based Gig Workers Get General Minimum Wage Established By Ontario Government

The Ontario Government introduced new legislation that will give app-based gig workers a $15 minimum wage and transparency regarding their tips announced on Monday.

According to a survey conducted by Ipsos, 62 per cent of Ontarians agree that the province should guarantee a certain minimum level of income for technology platform or ‘gig’ workers. Screenshot.

The “Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act” permits app-based employees — such as ride-share drivers and couriers — to a $15 minimum wage and their tips.

Workers will also receive a recurring pay period and payday with their tips prohibited from being withheld by platform operators.

“As part of our plan to build a stronger economy that works for everyone, we want all workers to have every opportunity to earn a good living and provide for their families,” said Doug Ford, Ontario Premier. “It doesn’t matter if you work for a big company, a small business or for a rideshare app. Our government won’t leave any worker behind.”

Ford added that five Canadians work in the gig economy and says data predicts an increase in app-based workers.

The government’s proposals have laid out the following rights and protections for digital platform workers:

• Earning at least the general minimum wage for time worked

• The right to keep their tips along with regular pay periods

• The right to information and clarity around algorithms including

  • how pay is calculated; and

  • how and why a worker might be penalized in the allocation of work

• Written notice if they are being removed from the platform and why

• The right to resolve their work-related disputes in Ontario

• Protection from reprisal should they seek to assert their rights.

“No one working in Ontario should ever make less than minimum wage for an hour's work," said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour Training and Skills Development. “No one working in Ontario should be dismissed without notice, explanation, or recourse. No one should have to travel out of the country to resolve a workplace dispute or sign a contract they do not understand. These core rights are a foundation in our mission to help all workers earn bigger paychecks to take care of their families, not an endpoint.”

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Wednesday Job Fair To Hire 150 Positions

The Concentrix call-centre in Peterborough is hosting a job fair on Wednesday and hopes to hire 150 people.

Stock Photo.

Positions will be customer-service based with the ability to work from home.

The job fair will take place online from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. over Zoom. To receive a link to attend, contact Glenys Gillet at Glenys.gillet@concentrix.com.

During the information session, applicants can meet recruiters, learn more about the available opportunities, as well as get an introduction to the culture and staff at the Time Square call centre in East City.

All available jobs are also posted at careers.concentrix.com.

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Employers Can Now Apply For Canada Summer Jobs 2022 Funding

Employers in Peterborough and area can now apply for funding from the Canada Summer Jobs 2022 program.

File Photo.

Canada Summer Jobs, a federal grant program, allows employers to hire youth and young adults between 15 and 30 and give them their first summer work experience.

Not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers, and those private sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees can apply for funding until noon on January 25, 2022.

Funding confirmations will be sent to employers beginning in April 2022.

Jobs can start as early as April 25, 2022 and as late as July 24, 2022. The latest someone can work under Canada Summer Jobs is September 3, 2022.

Employers interested in applying for Canada Summer Jobs 2022 funding can submit their applications online here or the Grants and Contributions Online Service (GCOS).

Applications received by fax or by email will not be considered.

Applications that support local priorities, identified by local Member of Parliament, will receive additional points during Service Canada’s assessment.

Priorities for Peterborough-Kawartha as highlighted by local MPs are:

Projects supporting local and regional tourism development

• Projects supporting environmental protection

• Projects supporting not-for-profit organizations

• Community events

• Projects supporting small businesses

Funds are distributed to successful applicants based on the results of Service Canada’s assessment of applications, and from feedback provided by MPs during their review of the list of projects.

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City of Peterborough Accepting Applications for Advisory Committees and Hearing Officers

The City of Peterborough is accepting applications for citizen appointments to advisory committees and hearing officers.

The City’s legislated and advisory committees provide input and guidance on the provision of municipal services and programs for our community. These citizen appointments are volunteer opportunities.

Appointments are available on the following committees: 

• Age-friendly Peterborough Advisory Committee 

• Arenas, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee 

• Community Investment Grant Advisory Committee  

• Museum and Archives Advisory Committee 

• Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee  

• Peterborough Environmental Advisory Committee 

Applications for advisory committees are accepted until Dec. 23. An interview may be required.

Applications are also being accepted for the position of Hearing Officer in accordance with By-law 20-077.

Hearing Officers are delegated authority by Council to independently conduct hearings and make delegated powers of decision.

Eligible candidates must have knowledge of and experience in administrative law. Hearing Officers are remunerated at the rate established by Council.

Applications for Hearing Officer are accepted until Dec. 17 at 4:30 p.m.

Applications for all positions are available online at peterborough.ca/committees , and hard copies are available at the Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 500 George St. N., during regular business hours.

The City requires all volunteers to provide proof of vaccination from COVID-19 prior to their first day of volunteering.

Career Fair at Peterborough Square Hosted By AON

AON is hosting a Career Fair at Peterborough Square on Nov. 30 and Dec 2.

From 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. both days AON will be hiring positions at five senior residences across Peterborough.

Positions include housekeeping, dining services, cooks, and nurses.

Hiring managers will be present and can interview on site.

“CERB just recently ended, we thought this might be a good time to hold one of these events, especially prior to the holidays. This is a good chance for us to put ourselves in front of candidates and allow them to meet with hiring managers and potentially be offered employment,” said Cheryl Filiatrault, AON.

AON is offering signing bonuses, competitive wages and flexible hours.

Currently all available positions require proof of vaccination.

The career fair is open to everyone. High school students planning on working in the industry in the future are encouraged to attend to ask questions.

Peterborough Music Fest is Hiring an Event Coordinator

Peterborough Music Fest released a call for a Host / Event Coordinator beginning in December, on Wednesday.

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This part time, contract position runs for nine weeks.

The successful candidate would report to the General Manager, and assist in the preparation and onsite responsibilities at events and fundraisers.

Hours and schedule will vary, evening and weekend work is required.

PMF notes that if the successful applicant shines, they intend on bringing them back for the 2022 summer concert series.

For job details and to apply click here.

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4th Line Theatre Announces Call for Proposals for New Interdisciplinary Residency Program

4th Line Theatre announced on Tuesday a call for applications for its new Interdisciplinary Residency Program for regional artists.

Megan Murphy at the Winslow Farm by Jess McDougall. Photo courtesy of 4th Line Theatre.

Four residencies, which will provide an opportunity for artists, based in Millbrook, Peterborough, Lakefield, Port Hope, Cobourg and the surrounding environs, will be awarded to develop a new work.

The successful candidates will be announced in December 2021.

The 2022 Interdisciplinary Residency Program will foster artistic development and engagement between 4th Line Theatre, local artists and community member in theatre, music, dance and film.

“In our continuing effort to give regional artists opportunities to explore and create new work, we have developed these longer form residencies for just that purpose,” said Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell.

They are seeking project proposals from local artists/collectives to create original works or develop existing works during their residency. Priority will be given to artists who explore the history of the region, in whatever medium they chose to work.

Special consideration will also be given to artists who look to follow 4th Line Theatre’s mandate which is to develop and present original Canadian works of artistic excellence that explore regional themes, history and heritage, and to present this work in a politically-responsible and culturally-sensitive manner.

Four grants of $2,500.00 will be awarded to four successful candidates in the above stated performance forms.

Applications must include a 500-word description of the proposed project, what category they are applying under, and the artist(s)’s CV/Bio. The deadline to submit proposals is December 13, 2021 at 5 p.m.

All proposals must be emailed to 4th Line’s Artistic Administrator, Jess McDougall, at jess@4thlinetheatre.on.ca.

Successful residency applicants will be notified by December 20, 2021. The four residencies will begin in January 2022. 4th Line Theatre will feature a hybrid (digital and live) presentation in October 2022. The presentation will showcase a performance from each of the four resident artists.

For more information regarding the residencies, please contact Jess McDougall by phone at 705-932-4448 or by email at jess@4thlinetheatre.on.ca.

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