Ontario Government Offering Individuals Up To $28,000 Towards Tuition For In-Demand Work

The Ontario Government is launching a new training program, Better Jobs Ontario, on Friday which will pay up to $28,000 in tuition and other costs for short-duration training programs that allow job seekers to match their skills with the needs of hiring employers in the community, they announced at Fleming College on Monday.

Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Better Jobs Ontario will be open to anyone looking to train for in-demand work, including those on social assistance, who are self-employed, gig workers, youth, and newcomers to the province.

“To build a stronger Ontario, we need all hands on deck. Our government is on a mission to help everyday people earn bigger paycheques and we’re leaving nobody behind,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “Whether you are a young person struggling to break into the job market, a gig worker hustling to make ends meet, or unemployed and on social assistance, our government is here to give you a hand up to building a better life and stronger province for us all.”

Starting on Friday, this program will pay up to $28,000 in tuition and other costs for short-duration training programs that allow job seekers to match their skills with the needs of hiring employers in the community. Expanding on the current Second Career program, more applicants will now be eligible for up to $500 per week in financial support for basic living expenses.

“This funding opens doors for underemployed workers, new students and anyone looking to pursue a new career that requires a specific skillset,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “It expands job training and education to those who need it the most.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Green Party Candidate Hosted A 'Policy Walk & Roll” For Earth Day

Robert Gibson, Green Party Candidate for Peterborough-Kawartha, held a walk through downtown Peterborough to speak about current issues on Friday afternoon.

He addressed issues such as climate change, public health, the opioid crisis, natural heritage protection, housing, basic income, public transit and workplace safety reform.

“Doug Ford’s sprawl agenda and failure to protect wetlands has serious local consequences in Peterborough – Kawartha, including severe, expensive flooding,” Gibson said in a press release. “Ontario Greens are the only party with a real plan to protect the nature that protects us.”

Gibson was announced as the Ontario Greens candidate in Peterborough-Kawartha on Thursday. He has a bachelor's degree in environmental science from Trent University, a freelance journalist and frequent contributor to the Arthur; Trent University's student newspaper.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Ontario Government Invests $2.7 Million In New Jobs Program For Peterborough

The Ontario Government is investing $2,714,847 for Pathways to Prosperity to provide workers with training for in-demand and well-paying jobs announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday.

Rhonda Keenan, PKED President & CEO (pictured) speaking alongside MPP Dave Smith who was there on behalf of Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The project is administered by Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED).

PKED is focusing on workforce development over a 12-month period. The project’s goal is to have those employed or unemployed into sustainable well-paying jobs according to PKED. The program has three pillars:

• Pre-Employment Support: readiness, participant supports, referral to training, long-term retention support, including any mental health support.

• Job Seeker Training: 15 cohorts of job seekers will receive comprehensive training designed for four sectors: line cook, manufacturing, agriculture, and construction

• Business Recruitment: recruit 50 local businesses or more to participate and offer job placements for the job seekers at the end of their training.

“We laser-focused on job creation in our region; creating opportunities for workers and families to enter the middle class through well-paying local jobs,” MPP Dave Smith said. “This jobs program will see hundreds of people receive the training and skills development needed to upgrade their careers and earn more money for their families.”

“Creating a collaborative partnership that not only supports the job seeker, but the businesses in this community that are facing a critical skills shortage, was the focus of this program,” said Rhonda Keenan, PKED President & CEO. “Businesses will have greater support to successfully hire people with the skill sets that are most in demand in the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes region.”

This initiative is supported by the government’s Skills Development Fund. They have provided over $200 million in funding for innovative projects that address challenges to hiring, training, or retraining workers during the pandemic according to the Ontario Government.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Ballots Are Filling Up For Peterborough Kawartha Provincial Election

Ahead of the June Provincial election, most major parties in Peterborough-Kawartha have announced their candidates.

Queens Park. Stock Photo.

The Peterborough-Kawartha riding association of the Ontario NDP has announced Jen Deck as nomination candidate for the upcoming election.

Deck is a teacher and the Occasional Teacher President of the Kawartha Pine Ridge Teachers’ Local of the Elementary Teachers Federation Ontario (ETFO).

A nomination meeting will be held on Thursday to confirm Deck as candidate.

Robert Gibson has been announced Green party candidate.

Gibson is a regular contributor to The Arthur, Trent Universities newspaper, and also hosts a show on Trent Radio called “Environmental Soup”. His show focuses on both environmental and social issues.

Gibson studied environmental science and environmental studies at Trent University from 2018 to 2020.

Greg Dempsey was announced the Liberal Party candidate in November 2021.

Dempsey is a Peterborough native, has served in the Canadian Foreign Service, represented Canada at the UN in New York, at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, and in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Tom Marazzo, a spokesperson during the Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa and former Canadian military member is the candidate for the Ontario Party.

Dylan Smith, a pension administrative assistant, is running in Peterborough-Kawartha for the None of the Above Party. The None of the Above party was formed as a response to party members displeasure with all political parties.

Progressive Conservative Incumbent Dave Smith will also be on the ballot.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Ontario Expands Access to COVID-19 Antivirals As Canada's Top Doctor 'Strongly Recommends" Masking Indoors

Ontario's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore, updated the public on Monday about how the province is managing COVID-19 and the expanding access to antivirals at announced Queen’s Park on Monday afternoon.

This was Dr. Kieran Moore’s first media appearance in five weeks. Screenshot.

Moore thanked the public for continuing to adopt the public health measures in place and strongly recommended to continue wearing a mask indoors. He stated the province will not be reintroducing a mask mandate at this time but to be prepared for those measures to return if a new variant of concern emerges or if the healthcare system is threatened due to rising cases.

“I ask everyone across Ontario to continue doing their part to keep their communities and loved ones safe by staying up to date on vaccinations and wearing masks,” said Moore. “I am pleased that we will be able to offer more accessible antiviral treatment options to more people across Ontario.”

Effective immediately, the following higher-risk groups are eligible to be tested and assessed for antiviral treatments such as Paxlovid, in Ontario:

• Individuals aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised (have an immune system that is weakened by a health condition or medications);

• Individuals aged 70 and over;

• Individuals aged 60 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses; and

• Individuals aged 18 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses and at least one risk condition (e.g., a chronic medical condition)

Anyone eligible for an assessment is also eligible for a PCR test at any testing centre in Ontario.

In most cases, treatment for antivirals must be started within five days of symptoms. A list of pharmacies dispensing Paxlovid will be available at Ontario.ca/antivirals as of Wed. 13 at 8:00 a.m. and will be updated as the list of participating pharmacies expands.

“Thanks to the millions of Ontarians who were vaccinated, we have been able to cautiously and safely reopen our province,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By expanding access to antivirals and PCR testing, in addition to recently expanding eligibility for fourth doses, we are using every tool available to us to ensure Ontarians have the best protection available while we adapt to managing and living with COVID-19.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Liberal Candidate to Host Virtual Town Hall Providing Campaign Updates

Greg Dempsey, Peterborough-Kawartha’s Liberal candidate, is hosting a virtual town hall on Zoom this Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Dempsey won the nomination over Dane Bland on Nov. 8 last year. Photo courtesy of Greg Dempsey.

Author and historian John Boyko is joining Dempsey for the upcoming public meeting to discuss politics, the UN and give campaign updates.

In November, Dempsey was nominated as the Peterborough-Kawartha Liberal candidate and was welcomed by the Liberal Party leader, Steven Del Duca.

“Greg is truly committed to improving life for those in Peterborough— Kawartha and brings a lifetime of experience advocating on behalf of Canadians to the table,” said Del Duca.

Photo courtesy of Greg Dempsey.

Greg Dempsey grew up in Peterborough, graduating from Adam Scott CVI in 1999. He holds a BA and BSc from Bishop’s University, a law degree from the University of Victoria, a certificate in International Indigenous Studies from Columbia University in New York and a cum laude LLM in International Human Rights Law from Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

Anyone can attend and RSVP online by clicking here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Mayor Diane Therrien To Return To Office Part Time After Temporary Leave

After taking a temporary leave of absence beginning Feb. 14, Mayor Diane Therrien will return to part time work this week and transition into full time work next week, she announced on Wednesday.

Therrien took a temporary leave to address her personal health on Feb. 14.

During her absence Councilor Andrew Beamer, Deputy Mayor for the City of Peterborough took on the role Acting Mayor.

In a social media post made on Wednesday Therrien thanked Beamer, and Deputy Mayor Akapo for filling in for her.

She noted that her doctor suggested she return part time, and transition back to full time next week.

❤️ pic.twitter.com/6ru4zQwlw4

— Diane Therrien (@DianeNTherrien) March 9, 2022

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough City Hall Lit Blue and Yellow In Support of Ukraine

On a display of solidarity and support to Ukraine in their conflict with Russia, Peterborough City Hall has been lit in blue and yellow that started Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The lights are lit from March 1 to 7.

Before the playing of the Canadian national anthem at Monday’s virtual City Council meeting, 30 seconds of silent reflection were taken.

Several council members dressed their virtual background in the Ukrainian flag at the meeting.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

City Seeks Members For The Election Compliance Audit Committee Ahead Of Municipal Election

With Peterborough’s next municipal election happening on Oct. 24, the City is seeking citizens interested in being members of the Election Compliance Audit Committee announced Monday.

File photo.

The Compliance Audit Committee is a requirement of the Ontario Municipal Elections Act. The Committee will address applications requesting an audit of a candidate’s or third-party advertiser’s election campaign finances and is intended to oversee investigations regarding candidate finances.

Interested candidates should have experience in accounting and audits, law, law enforcement and academics from related fields.

The committee remains in place for the term of the newly elected Council until the next municipal election in 2026. This is a volunteer position and is an excellent opportunity for individuals to offer their assistance as part of municipal election requirements.

The deadline for application is March 18 at 4:30 p.m.

Hard copies of the application are available at City Hall, 500 George St. N. An online application can be filled out here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Ontario Liberal Candidate For Peterborough Kawartha Greg Dempsey Asked To Join Canada’s Mission To The United Nations

Greg Dempsey, the Ontario Liberal candidate for Peterborough-Kawartha has been asked to join Canada’s Mission to the United Nations for a few weeks, he announced via social media on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Greg Dempsey.

Born and raised in Peterborough, Dempsey holds a BA and BSc from Bishop’s University, a law degree from the University of Victoria, a cum laude LLM in International Human Rights Law from Utrecht in the Netherlands, and a certificate in International Indigenous Studies from Columbia University in New York.

Since 2008, Dempsey served in the Canadian Foreign Service, representing Canada at the UN in New York, at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, and in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Some news!

I’ve been asked to join Canada’s Mission to the United Nations for a few weeks.

There’s some things going on, and it felt important to step up.

Our campaign continues apace, with lots of calls and events in the evenings and weekends. Stay tuned!

PS 🇺🇦💪

— Greg Dempsey (@GregforPtbo) February 28, 2022

PTBOCanada contacted Dempsey for a comment regarding this news, though because of the nature of this work he cannot comment.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.