Continued on Page 3 This is an interview with Christian Sell, Bargaining Unit President of District 28 of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF). Class Sizes Sell's letter discusses OSSTF's perceived impacts if the average class size increases to 28 students. That was the Ontario government's original position, however, on October 24, 2019 the government reduced their average class size to 25. Despite that, Sell continued to use the class size of 28. By: Jennifer Layman Locally, Sell notes in his letter to the MPP that, at Fellowes High School, moving from 22.5 to 28 students per class would result in 11 fewer teachers and 66 fewer course offerings. Doing The Math "In the latest edition of OVB, there is an article relating to current negotiations between the Ministry of Education and OSSTF. The claims being made by the Ministry of Education are cited, but not the position of OSSTF. In the interest of balanced reporting, our local president (Christian Sell) would be pleased to discuss OSSTF's position with respect to negotiations, and clarity with respect to the numbers being reported by the Ministry." Background The December 8, 2020 edition of Ottawa Valley Business printed a summary of provincial news, which contained information on the negotiations between the Ontario government and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF). Following that publication, the local OSSTF district had the following request: Christian Sell spent 22 years in the classroom before taking on the role of Bargaining Unit President of OSSTF District 28, a union representing office managers, early childhood educators, teachers and occasional teachers working in the Renfrew County District School Board. Sell assumed the position in July 2019. On January 9, 2020, Sell wrote an open letter to MPP John Yakabuski which was published in several local media (it was not initially submitted to Ottawa Valley Business.) In the letter, Sell focused on class sizes and e- learning. [email protected]According to their website, Fellowes has 719 students and 37 teachers. Some may not teach (ie: guidance counsellor) so it is not certain how many are actually in teaching positions. OSSTF argues that the Ontario government's increase of class sizes would come at the detriment of students. In his letter to Yakabuski, Sell said that when the average class size increased this year from 22 students to 22.5 students "a number of difficult decisions had to be made at the expense of our kids." These "difficult decisions" included cutting some classes, combining some classes and offering classes by e-learning. BUSINESS Ottawa Valley Renfrew, Lanark and regional business news. www.ovbusiness.com | [email protected]January 21, 2020 Published by: Forward Thinking Issue No. 270 “Our Interests Are The Students’ Interests” OSSTF says student success revolves around teachers We can help fill housing rental needs with long-term tenants supported by our agency Looking For Good Tenants? Contact Tina Williams Phone: 613-735-0659 ext.104 Prêts disponibles pour les petes entreprises www.rccfdc.org [email protected]613-431-3951 www.rccfdc.org [email protected]613-431-3951 5 000 $ à 250 000 $ $5,000 to $250,000 Small business loans available from
Transcript
Continued on Page 3 This is an interview with Christian Sell, Bargaining Unit
President of District 28 of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF).
Class Sizes
Sell's letter discusses OSSTF's perceived impacts if the average class size increases to 28 students. That was the Ontario government's original position, however, on October 24, 2019 the government reduced their average class size to 25. Despite that, Sell continued to use the class size of 28.
By: Jennifer Layman
Locally, Sell notes in his letter to the MPP that, at Fellowes High School, moving from 22.5 to 28 students per class would result in 11 fewer teachers and 66 fewer course offerings.
Doing The Math
"In the latest edition of OVB, there is an article relating to current negotiations between the Ministry of Education and OSSTF. The claims being made by the Ministry of Education are cited, but not the position of OSSTF. In the interest of balanced reporting, our local president (Christian Sell) would be pleased to discuss OSSTF's position with respect to negotiations, and clarity with respect to the numbers being reported by the Ministry."
Background
The December 8, 2020 edition of Ottawa Valley Business printed a summary of provincial news, which contained information on the negotiations between the Ontario government and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF). Following that publication, the local OSSTF district had the following request:
Christian Sell spent 22 years in the classroom before taking on the role of Bargaining Unit President of OSSTF District 28, a union representing office managers, early childhood educators, teachers and occasional teachers working in the Renfrew County District School Board. Sell assumed the position in July 2019.
On January 9, 2020, Sell wrote an open letter to MPP John Yakabuski which was published in several local media (it was not initially submitted to Ottawa Valley Business.) In the letter, Sell focused on class sizes and e-learning.
According to their website, Fellowes has 719 students and 37 teachers. Some may not teach (ie: guidance counsellor) so it is not certain how many are actually in teaching positions.
OSSTF argues that the Ontario government's increase of class sizes would come at the detriment of students. In his letter to Yakabuski, Sell said that when the average class size
increased this year from 22 students to 22.5 students "a number of difficult decisions had to be made at the expense of our kids." These "difficult decisions" included cutting some classes, combining some classes and offering classes by e-learning.
BUSINESSOttawa Valley
Renfrew, Lanark and regional business news.www.ovbusiness.com | [email protected]
January 21, 2020Published by: Forward ThinkingIssue No. 270
“Our Interests Are The Students’ Interests”OSSTF says student success revolves around teachers
We can help fill housing rental needs with long-term tenants supported by our agency
$5,000 to $250,000Small business loans available from
Doing Business with the Government of Canada. 10:00am-12:00pm. 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa. The Government of Canada purchases $22 billion in goods and services each year. Find out if they could buy your goods or services. Contact: 819-953-7878
The Town of Petawawa is considering implementation of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT). Staff will hold an interactive session to garner feedback. 6:00-8:00pm. CivicCentre. Phone: 613-687-5678 or [email protected]
January 23, 2020
Public Sector Leadership Conference 2020. Held in Ottawa. Hosted by the Conference Board of Canada. For info: 1-800-267-0666 or [email protected] or www.conferenceboard.ca
February 2-4, 2020
February 19, 2020
February 3-4, 2020
February 4-6, 2020
Perth Chamber of Commerce After 5 Event at Maggies Tea & Toast. 5:00pm-7:00pm. Free for members. Phone: 613-267-3200 or [email protected]
93rd Annual Ontario Road Builders' Association (ORBA) Convention and AGM. Held in Toronto. For info: www.orba.org
Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting. 11:00am-2:00pm. Best Western Pembroke. Speakers are Matt Lemay (Renfrew County Labour Market Group) and Chela Breckon (Community Settlement Initiative). $39.55 includes HST. For information call 613-732-1492 or [email protected]
January 28, 2020
Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDC) Conference 2020. Held in Toronto. For info: www.edcoconference.com
February 5, 2020Mayor's Breakfast. Hosted by the Greater Arnprior Chamber of Commerce. Details TBD. [email protected] or 613-623-6817.
February 5, 2020Doing Business with the Government of Canada. 9:00am-12:00pm. 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa. The Government of Canada purchases $22 billion in goods and services each year. Find out if they could buy your goods or services. Contact: 819-953-7878.
February 19, 2020
Ottawa Construction Association Symposium & Trade Show. The premiere construction event in the eastern Ontario region. EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa. 9:00am-6:00pm. www.oca.ca
February 26-27, 2020
Business at Breakfast at Fiddleheads in Perth. Hosted by the Perth Chamber of Commerce. 7:30-9:00am. Speaker is Sherry Crummy on the new changes to Facebook. $20 members. $30 for guests. Phone: 613-267-3200 or [email protected]
March 4, 2020
HR & Policy Development workshop. Hosted by the Perth Chamber of Commerce. Held at the BIRL at Algonquin College in Perth. 3:00pm-5:00pm. $10 members. $20 guests. Phone: 613-267-3200 or [email protected]
February 26, 2020
2020 Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) Conference. Fairmont Royal York hotel in Toronto. For info: www.ograconference.ca
February 23-26, 2020
Bookkeeping 101: What You Need to Know to Run Your Business. How to set-up accurate record-keeping systems and more. $20. Small Business Advisory Centre, 91 Cornelia Street West, Entrance B. For info: 613-283-7002 x109 or [email protected]
Doing Business with the Government of Canada. 10:00am-12:00pm. 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa. The Government of Canada purchases $22 billion in goods and services each year. Find out if they could buy your goods or
services. Contact: 819-953-7878.
February 27, 2020
January 22, 2020
Ottawa Valley BusinessJanuary 21, 2020 Page 2
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Ottawa Valley Business Page 3January 21, 2020
Book Club
Kristine Carlson has a gift for creating lifelong relationships and is very dedicated to her family, friendships, and personal growth. She loves riding horses, running, and solitude. Richard and Kris were married for over 21 years. She lives in Northern California.
- How to have a really bad day, and get over it
- How to enjoy corporate travel
Richard Carlson, Ph.D., was an internationally known speaker and the #1 bestselling author of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff About Money, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff with Your Family, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff at Work, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens, and coauthor (with his wife Kristine) of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff in Love.
- How to transform your outlook and prepare for the day ahead
- How to manage rush deadlines with rushing
Now, in Don't Sweat the Small Stuff at Work, Richard Carlson shows readers how to interact more peaceably and joyfully with colleagues, clients, and bosses. In this classic roadmap to managing your high-tension job, Richard Carlson shows how to stop worrying about the aspects of your work beyond your control and interact more fruitfully and joyfully with colleagues, clients, and bosses. His key insights reveal:
OSSTF ContinuedMore clarity on the numbers put forth
He predicts that mandatory e-learning will cause graduation rates to fall, locally and Ontario-wide, although he didn't have any numbers to support this claim. An Ottawa Citizen article referencing the Ottawa Carleton District School Board's e-learning courses said the completion rates were "about the same" for online and face-to-face classes. That same article also noted that students who do not manage their time well or work well independently could struggle more in e-learning.
In June, students choose the courses they want to take in September. There might be 12 students sign up for photography which would not be enough to hold the class. This happens in local schools due to the lower student population. Sell explains that many local students use e-learning to take these courses.
Provincially, approximately 10 per cent of students are taking online courses which are taught by OSSTF teachers. Sell is worried that e-learning may eventually be offered by a private company, not an OSSTF teacher. He did concede that the Ontario government is not proposing this.
Course selection in elective courses is largely dictated by the student population, so there is always the potential for courses to be cancelled and students redirected if there is not enough interest in taking them.
Continued on Page 8
Sell is supportive of e-learning, noting that "it is a platform that can be useful for many students." Yet in his letter to the MPP, he demanded that mandatory e-learning "be quashed."What he doesn't like is the word "mandatory."
While both side talk about “average class sizes” because it is easier to communicate, Sell points out that the problem with that is there are some higher than the average (as well as some being lower). He is concerned there could be some classes with 30 students while others have 20 in order to work out the average of 25. It is the higher number he is concerned about.
Moving from 22.5 students per class to 25 students per class would result in a change of three teachers.
E-Learning
- 28 students = 26 teachers - 25 students = 29 teachers - 22.5 students = 32 teachers
However, at 719 students, this is how the math works out:
Continued from Page 1
Moving from 32 teachers (average class size of 22.5) to 29 teachers (average class size of 25) would result in 4 classes per grade not being offered. So, instead of five English classes, there could be four English classes. Classes may be lost, but students can still take the course. Sell says this impact is more prevalent in the senior grades.
- 26 teachers x 6 classes = 156 classes or 39classes per grade
- 29 teachers x 6 classes = 174 classes or 44 classes per grade
- 32 teachers x 6 classes = 192 classes or 48 classes per grade
With 11 fewer teachers, Sell notes that there would be 66 fewer "course offerings." There is a difference between a course and a class and Sell did confirm that it was classes that would be reduced. Each teacher teaches
six classes. Fewer teachers means fewer classes, but it doesn't necessarily mean fewer courses. For example:
Course Offerings
Sell confirms that there are currently "caps" on how many students can be in a class of certain subjects. This is something the Ontario government has not confirmed it will maintain.
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In our last issue of Ottawa Valley Business, we reported that Laurentian Valley Reeve Debbie Robinson had lost the race for warden to Bonnchere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy in 2018. Robinson was not in the race in 2018. It was McNab Braeside Mayor Tom Peckett who was in the 2018 race and lost to Murphy. On January 31, 2019, Robinson announced her intention to run for warden of Renfrew County while Peckett announced his intention to run for the same position later. On December 18, 2019, Robinson was elected as warden of Renfrew County.New LCBO Store in Arnprior
A new LCBO store is now open in Arnprior. The new store is located on Winner's Circle Drive.
Convent To Close, SoldAccording to CBC News, the Sisters of St. Joseph will be moving out of their nearly 100-year-old convent in Pembroke. The Sisters have been on site since 1921 when the convent was home to 80 nuns. The property is expected to be sold by the end of January while the nine nuns remaining will move into other local living accommodations.
NAW Council Meeting Rescheduled
The regular meeting of council for the Township of North Algona Wilberforce scheduled for Tuesday, January 21 has been rescheduled to Thursday, January 23 at 7:00pm.City To Live Stream Meetings
Starting January 21, committee and council meetings at the City of Pembroke will be live-streamed. This means that anyone can watch the meetings from a location with Internet access. The broadcast will continue to be available on Yourtv Ottawa Valley as well. To
access the live meetings, go to the city website at www.pembroke.ca and click on the "live stream" button at the top of the page.
Tay Valley Interim Tax BillsTay Valley’s interim tax bills will be mailed by the end of January. The interim taxes are based on 50 per cent of the property taxes billed in 2019. Interim tax instalments are due: February 26 and April 28. Failure to receive a tax bill will not invalidate penalty and interest charges. The township can arrange for automatic monthly withdrawals and to have your tax bill sent by email. Contact them at 613-267-5353 for further information or visit www.tayvalleytwp.ca.
Town Applies For FundingThe Town of Arnprior is making an application to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program: Green Stream, to replace 400 mm Madawaska Riverwatermain crossing.
HCM Building PermitsHead, Clara and Maria Township has reported issuing 18 building permits in 2019 generating $1,988.68 in revenue. The total value of the permits is valued at $383,500.
Agency Seeks EmployersOntrac Employment Resource Services in Arnprior is taking early job fair registrations from
employers. The job fair will be held March 11, 2020 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. For information call 613-623-4680.
Admaston Bromley Earns Grant
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has approved funding $1,047,750.16 to the Township of Admaston Bromley under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure (ICIP) program - Rural and Northern Stream to reconstruct a portion of Kennelly Road.Airport To Replace Fuel TanksThe Township of Laurentian Valley is reporting that the fuel tanks at the Pembroke & Area Airport will be replaced in 2020. Laurentian Valley will fund its share from the efficiency grant they received in 2019.
Power Outages In QuebecThe Pontiac Journal is reporting that L'Isle-aux-Allumettes had 103 hydro outages in 2019, up from their previous high of 75 in 2016. The 2019's outages combined for 2,675 minutes as opposed to 2016's 4,030 minutes.
Business Closes in ArnpriorKentucky Fried Chicken in Arnprior has closed as of December 31, 2019.
DNE Township Tax IncreaseThe Township of Drummond North Elmsley is considering a 2.94% increase to meet their
2020 budget. The total budget would include a tax levy of $4,441,000.
Pikwakanagan Earns $2 Million Grant
The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan have received $2 million from Indigenous Services Canada for the design of a water treatment plant. The First Nation is currently served by individual systems and concern with groundwater quality has necessitated this project. The total estimated cost of the project is nearly $28 million.
MB Property Details 2020The Township of McNab Braeside completed a property assessment overview for 2020. Based on their roll book, 89 per cent of properties are residential and two per cent are commercial. Farm properties represent six per cent and pipeline properties represent three per cent. The total assessment for 2020 is $968,983,847. The average assessment for a single-detached home is $254,000. The municipality's draft budget has a total levy of $6,225,078 which includes a 1.05 per cent assessment growth. The result is that each residential property will experience an increase of $228 for the year.
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Business News Around The ValleyContinued from Page 4
Airport Runway Shortened The runway at the Pembroke & Area Airport has been reduced by 200 feet due to buildings encroaching on the airport's airspace. Councillor Allan Wren reported this at the meeting of Laurentian Valley. There are four buildings that surround the airport encroaching on the airspace, causing the reduced runway. Transport Canada is reviewing the issue.
Mississippi Mills BudgetThe Municipality of Mississippi Mills has released a graphic of how their $31,239,180 budget will be allocated for 2020. The breakdown is as follows:$8,457,744 - Water & Sewer$241,786 - Council$2,055,411 - Administration$3,249,318 - Emerg. Services$2,747,288 - Recreation $899,655 - Planning & Building$450,358 - Econ. Development$2,728,002 - Childcare$7,711,657 - Roads/Pub. Works$1,859,660 - Waste Management$781,020 - Library A breakdown of the tax bill shows that 39.1 per cent is allocated to the municipality, 18.5 per cent is allocated to education, 33.8 per cent is allocated to the County of Lanark and 8.6 per cent is allocated to police services. The average assessment of a residential property is $364,000. With a projected 2.5 per cent tax increase, the total taxes will be $1,844.00 for the property.
Petawawa Reviews 2019 At the Town of Petawawa's January 6, 2020 meeting of council, Mayor Bob Sweet gave a review of the 2019 year. Sweet stated there was$26 million in development permit values in 2019. He noted that 475 homes were sold in Petawawa with the average price being $296,000. Total assessment in Petawawa is approximately $1.94 billion and Petawawa continues to be a debt-free community.
Scotiabank Closure Seems Imminent
Despite community efforts, Scotiabank in Beachburg appears to be scheduled to close. An email from Ian Mole, Manager of Customer Concerns for Scotiabank to Whitewater Region CAO Robert Tremblay, has stated that the branch closure is scheduled for June 4, 2020. Mole says he knows the decision will impact the community but will allow greater resources to be put into the branch in Cobden.
Access To Garrison Doesn't Benefit County: Peckett
myFM is reporting that the County of Renfrew's operations committee is considering several options to alleviate traffic on Petawawa Boulevard. These options include a traffic circle at the entrance to Garrison Petawawa, traffic light timing and left-turning traffic limitations during peak hours. Operations committee chair, Tom Peckett, said the County of Renfrew won't put any funds towards the project because it
doesn't benefit the county as a whole and suggests Garrison Petawawa should assume any costs. Garrison Petawawa is the County of Renfrew's largest employer and contributes $802 million annually into the Renfrew County economy.
Mississippi Mills Community Grants
The Municipality of Mississippi Mills is recommending $23,350 in community grants to various organizations for 2020. They include: North Lanark Agricultural Society $5,000, Royal Canadian Legion Pipe Band $3,000, Old Home Week $2,500, Almonte Fish & Game Association $4,100, Almonte in Concert $1,750, Mississippi Lakes Association $500, Almonte Celtfest Society $2,500, North Lanark Highland Games $2,500 and Pakenham Civitan Club $1,500.Petawawa To Create CSWBP
Staff for the Town of Petawawa is recommending joining with
the City of Pembroke to create a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. They have allotted a financial commitment of $15,000.
Local Mayor Featured in Provincial Video
Laurentian Hills Mayor Jed Reinwald was interviewed and featured as part of a video promoting the value of small airports in Ontario. The video was produced by the Airport Management Council of Ontario and Reinwald shared his story of how the Pembroke & Area Airport made it possible for the transfer of his grandson to CHEO when he was born without the ability to breathe on his own. The video is available at www.flycyta.ca
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January 21, 2020 Ottawa Valley Business Page 6
Biz Quiz
8) This world-famous couple has announced their intention to live part-time in Canada. Who is it?
7) The B.C. government wanted to require provincial permits before heavy oil could be shipped through pipelines in the province. They lost at the B.C. Court of Appeal and appealed to the Supreme Court. What was the result?
How well do you know the business news for the past few weeks? Take the test!
2) A report using Statistics Canada data suggests that women earn less than men one year after graduation from a post-secondary institution. How much less do women earn?
1) By the end of February, McDonald's restaurants plans to start accepting "this" due to customer demand. What is it?
3) Who is Evan Siddall?
4) Aphria, a Leamington-based cannabis company, says two things have contributed to lower revenues than forecasted. What are they?
6) 2019 marked a milestone for the federal government. What was it?
5) What is the deadline for someone to declare they are a candidate in the Conservative Party of Canada race?
10) Donald Trump is the third U.S. president to be impeached. Who were the other two?
9) A new plant-based, meatless burger company has been approved to sell in Canada. They use soy leghemoglobin to replicate the taste and texture of meat. What is the company?
Answers on Page 10
Federal Government InternshipYouth can apply by February 10, 2020
OPP Detachment Updates
The opportunity for students to have an internship with a Member of Parliament is now available through the Summer Leadership Program (SLP). Applications close on February 10, 2020 and the program begins May 4, 2020. The Summer Leadership Program is a unique political internship opportunity developed to invest in the future success of
young people from across the country. The program allows young people to contribute to Prime Minister's team while gaining vital job experience serving in the offices of Members of Parliament, Ministers' offices, the Prime Minister's Office and the Liberal research bureau. SLP participants working with Members of Parliament may
have a split internship experience by serving two months in Ottawa and two months in the Member's riding. In some cases, SLP participants working with Members of Parliament may have an opportunity to work the full four months in the Member's riding. For information, visit https://slp2020ple.infolib.ca/
Bancroft Detachment
Renfrew DetachmentFrom December 30 to January 5,
the Renfrew Detachment of the OPP investigated 228 calls for service. There were nine domestic disputes.
Lanark County Detachment
Killaloe Detachment
UOV Detachment
From January 6-12, there were 100 calls for service for the Killaloe Detachment of the OPP including the Whitney Detachment. There were 15
motor vehicle collisions, of which 10 were animal-related. There were two domestic disputes which resulted in Criminal Code charges.
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the OPP is investigating after Canadian counterfeit notes in $50 and $100 denominations were passed at four area businesses in Pembroke and Laurentian Valley on January 10. Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP at 613-732-3332 or Pembroke-Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at www.vallleytips.ca
On January 6, officers from the Bancroft Detachment of the OPP received the report of a theft from a business on Highway 62 in the Municipality of Hastings Highlands. Outbuildings were also forcibly entered. The break, enter and thefts occurred between December 20 and January 6. Property reported stolen included vehicle parts, chainsaws and brush saws. If you have information, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
From January 6-13, officers from the Lanark County Detachment of the OPP responded to 354 calls for service. There were 28 motor vehicle collisions including 11 that were animal-related. There were two impaired driving incidents, eight domestic incidents, one break and enter, 13 thefts, four incidents of mischief, five incidents of fraud and seven mental health incidents.
Fire, Safety and Electrical ServicesA full-time master electrician is now on staff so feel free to contact us for
your electrical services, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, suppression systemsand safety gear needs. We look forward to serving you.
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300Years Canada can sustain natural gas production at current levels
20%World production of natural gas
from the U.S.
18%World production of natural gas
from Russia
6%World production of natural gas
from Iran
5%World production of natural gas
from Canada
4%World production of natural gas
from Qatar
1,220Trillion cubic feet of Canada's
natural gas reserves
28,216Trillion cubic feet of the world's
natural gas reserves
69%Canada's marketable natural gas
produced in Alberta
98%Canada's natural gas produced in
western-most provinces
46%Canadian natural gas production
that is exported
$6.1 BillionValue of Canadian net exports of
natural gas (minus imports)
32%Natural gas energy used in
Ontario
Source: www.nrcan.gc.ca
Provincial News In BriefHealth cards, skilled trade and small business taxHealth Card Notice
The Government of Ontario is officially ending the use of red and white health cards as of July 1, 2020. 300,000 cards are remaining in circulation. Holders will be required to pay for services and then request reimbursement after obtaining a photo health card. Photo health cards can be obtained at ServiceOntario locations. The photo health cards were first introduced in 1995 to prevent $65 million in fraudulent health claims being committed annually with the non-phoo cards.
Skilled Trades Initiative The Government of Ontario is taking action to attract more people to the skilled trades and employers to hire more apprentices. They have launched a marketing campaign to highlight good-quality, well-paying and flexible careers in the
trades, under the slogan 'Find a Career You Wouldn't Trade.' The government is also investing approximately $75 million in three programs to expose high school students to the trades: $12.7 million in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, $42 million in the Specialist High Skills major program and $20.8 million in a pre-apprenticeship program. Over the first nine months of 2019, Ontario employers had, on average, 204,000 job openings across all occupations and industries. Of these, 13,000 were in the construction sector.
Small Business CIT RateThe Ontario government has reduced the small business Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate to 3.2 per cent effective January 1, 2020. This tax cut will deliver up to $1,500 in annual savings to more than 275,000 businesses -
from family-owned operations to innovative start-ups. Today, there are more than 470,000 small businesses in Ontario representing almost 98 per cent of all businesses in the province. Small businesses provide about one-third of private-sector employment — just over two million jobs — and play a large role in the economy by providing goods and services to larger companies, consumers and government.
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Notice of Request for Proposal (RFP) Service Delivery and Operational Review
Project description: Submit proposals for a Service Delivery and Operational Review.
Yvonne L. Robert, CMO, Administrator-Clerk Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley
6544 New Dublin Road, RR#2 Addison, Ontario K0E 1A0
Ensure your staff stays up-to-date on the latest business news in the area. Find out what your colleagues are up to, local achievements, people who move companies and successful tender bidders.
Keep current on local business events and opportunities to bid on local tenders.
Tom Renaud has retired as the Public Works Supervisor for the Town of Petawawa. Renaud worked for the municipality for 45 years.
Chris ManthaChris Mantha is the Manager of Public Works for the Town of Petawawa. Mantha was previously the Supervisor of Roads and Fleet for the City of Pembroke. Mantha is also the president of the Renfrew County Road Supervisors Association.
Erin GienowErin Gienow is the new Executive Director of the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. Gienow has a long history with the Foundation including starting with them as a volunteer and then as a part-time fundraising assistant. She has been with the organization for eight years and moves into the head role after serving as a Donor Relations Coordinator. Gienow replaces Toni Lavigne-Conway who has retired.
Ric McGeeRic McGee, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Town of Deep River appears to be leaving the municipality. While there has been notice from the Town of Deep River, the Town of Kirkland Lake announced that McGee will be starting the position March 2, 2020. According to the notice, McGee is "eagerly looking forward to the position." McGee has been the CAO for the Town of Deep River since August 2014.
Robin PaquetteRobin Paquette, Planner for the Town of Arnprior, has been appointed interim Chief Administrative Officer. Paquette is the municipality's planner but has 27 years in municipal government experience. She has accepted the position on a six-month interim basis to see if she would like to apply for the full-time role.
OSSTF ContinuedEducation is Ontario’s second priority, next to health
There are, of course, others who would feel differently, and thus is the government’s dilemma on this issue. Sell admits he is not an expert in how tax dollars are dispersed, but he believes other budgets could be cut or taxes could be increased to add more to education to pay the teachers. However, higher taxes result in a higher cost of living and the OSSTF is also arguing for an increase in salaries for teachers to keep up with the higher cost of living.
Sell was not aware of the allocation of the Ontario budget. However he did say, "Education is an investment, I hope we don't see it as an expense."
"I would rather not have the ability to buy beer at my corner store; that money could be put into education," he says. "The head of EQAO now makes $140,000 a year and it used to be a $5,000 honorarium. That's an example of spending that didn't
need to happen. Also, tax cuts don't have to happen either for corporations."
The same argument could be made for everything our taxes contribute towards in the province. 100 per cent of our taxes are investments, but they are also expenses.
Whether e-learning remains voluntary or is mandatory, as it is taught by OSSTF teachers. However, e-learning can accommodate larger class sizes, thereby reducing the number of teachers required to provide the courses.
Student Success Impacts
Continued from Page 3
Every service government provides is funded by taxes. Healthcare receives the lion's share of our taxes at $63.8 billion, however, education is second at $31.7 billion. In third place is Children, Community and Social Services at $17.2 billion. Everything else - justice, jobs, the environment, economic development, agriculture - all other portfolios would not collectively total $10 billion.
The OSSTF believes that class size is the most important factor in a student's ability to learn. "The socio-economic situation does not affect a child's intelligence or their ability to do well in school," he says. "Lower class sizes allow a child more access to the teacher."
Investment and Expense
The two sides aren't that different.
Make no mistake, this is about business. The union is a corporation that is financially dependent upon members. In order to maintain their budget, they must maintain their membership or increase their dues from fewer members. Ironically, that's not much different from the government's position. The government is financially dependent on taxes. to pay their expenses, they must maintain costs or increase taxes.
Two Sides The Same?
In the end, Sell agrees that his mandate is to do what is best for the teachers, although, he does believe that what is good for the teachers is good for the students.
OSSTF only wish their salaries to cover the cost of living. He feels the salaries are fair considering the investment teachers make in their education. According to OSSTF, the provincial salary average is $86,682 plus benefits. The Ministry of Finance has reported that the average household income in Ontario was $70,336. The union is requesting a two per cent salary increase.
Sell did mention the request for a salary increase for teachers in his letter to the MPP. He said he "didn't think that request would resonate" with Yakabuski, even though it is a regular part of any negotiation.
Salaries
The education system is recognizing this already with counsellors and mental health professionals becoming more and more available in schools. To be fair, the mental health of
students is not in the purview of Christian Sell and the OSSTF, nor would it be in their mandate to argue in favour of them. But if the goal is to provide the very best student experiences, socio-economic factors are part of that conversation. The Ontario government's announcement of more funding for student mental health can only help - not only students, but also teachers. The OSSTF has not argued against that funding.
An abundance of studies and organizations suggest otherwise. Everything from relationships, where we live, our environment, substance abuse and income play a role in determining how access opportunities in society. It's not just the ability to learn, but also being supported to do so.
Concept Layouts for Proposed MFRC. Defence Construction Canada. Awarded to Architects DCS of Ottawa in the amount of $70,864.94.
Engineering Design & CA Services, Townline Lift Station Forcemain Upgrades and Generator Replacement. City of Pembroke.Ainley Graham - $264,470.00EXP Services - $441,098.00
Repair Main Entrance Door at P-118. Defence Construction Canada. Awarded to Wade General Contracting of Petawawa in the amount of $63.650.00.
PW-28-2019 Sale of Surplus Equipment. Tandem Dump Truck-Snow Plow. Town of Petawawa.Winning bid was by W.W. Siegel Sand & Gravel in the amount of $16,600.
Sale of Allan Drive Lot 2 - CBS-2019-03. Arnprior.No bids were received.PW-29-2019 Sale of Surplus Equipment. 2008 Dodge Ram Half-Ton Truck. Petawawa.Winning bid was Daniel Bimm in the amount of $600.
Horton Community Centre Bar Renovations. Horton.Garnet Headrick - $37,569.00At Your Service - $14,664.00
Supply of Surplus Equipment. Admaston Bromley.No bids were received.
General Insurance and Risk Management Services CORP-2019-02. Arnprior.JP Mulvihill - $249,574.68BFL Canada - $419,980.60MIS Municipal Insurance Services - $269,341.96
Small Roof Replacements PW-2019-02. Arnprior.Only one bid was received. Headrick Construction in the amount of $51,556.38.
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Making Your Values KnownHow to connect them to impactful marketing
DeadlinesOTTAWA VALLEY
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101 THINGS TO DOIN THE VALLEY
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Biz Quiz Answers
1) Reusable coffee mugs2) 12% or $5,700 on average3) CEO of Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) 4) Store count in Ontario plus Alberta, Newfoundland and Quebec not allowing vapes5) February 276) The highest level of federal government spending in Canada's history7) The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the appeal8) Harry and Meghan9) Impossible Burger10) Andrew Johnson (1868) and Bill Clinton (1999)
An organization I belong to recently wrote an editorial on living by their values. In the article, they explained their five values and listed three succinct points to describe each of them. “When we are at our best, the values are an extension of our words and actions,” said the president. We probably all have a “code” or values that determine how we make decisions in our organizations, but how many of you use them, effectively, in your marketing? Sharing your values can build trust with your customers and future (and current) employees. It allows people some insight into your organization and gives them a way to relate to you. One of the examples of the values of this organization I belong to is “Elevating Excellence.” Their three points
on how they do that are as follows: 1) We recognize, celebrate and teach excellence in the art and business of our industry. 2) We feature experts and diverse examples of industry-leading excellence. 3) We are committed to lifelong improvement. I chose this example because it is one that many organizations could relate to in their own operations. Imagine that being part of your website or recruiting package. It could make a difference, and it sure wouldn't hurt.
Getting Started While this organization chose five values, you could start with one or two. Think about what is important to you or what sets you apart from others in your field. For example, a lumber company may have the value of using the whole tree for its operations. They make boards as a primary objective, but they also use residuals to make wood chips. This eliminates any waste and provides additional options for their business. A retail store might have the value to promote Canadian-made products. They do this because the quality is better and they
support the Canadian economy, as they hope others will do in being a customer of their store. Values articulate who you are as much as they explain who you are not. Both can work in your favour as part of marketing your organization.
Connecting Values with Marketing
Your values can also help with finding ways to connect your business with marketing opportunities. Using the “elevating excellence” value above, this organization might bring in a speaker that is a leader in their industry and host a public session. They might partner with their local Chamber of Commerce or other organization to host a workshop or session that features a learning opportunity that local organizations might not otherwise be able to access in their immediate area. Values can be shared externally as well as internally to the benefit of your organization. It could be valuable to put some time into making them known.
Jennifer is the president of Forward Thinking Marketing Agency. Her column appears in every issue.
