In this edition:
- February is Black History Month
- Over 18,900 unfilled mfg. jobs in Ontario, high concentration in Hamilton-Niagara: CME
- Thorold recruiting committee and board members for current Council term
- TOES Niagara, Brock partnering on project aimed at combatting human trafficking
- Dr. Catherine Zahn appointed Chair of Ontario Health
- NotL Council OKs 12 homes at Tawny Ridge, rejects townhouses
- Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
February is Black History Month
Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities.
The 2024 theme for Black History Month is: “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build”. This theme celebrates the rich past and present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future.
“This month is an opportunity to celebrate these agents of change and recognize their achievements,” said Canadian Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities Kamal Khera. “At the same time, it also offers us the chance to rededicate ourselves to addressing the systemic barriers that continue to be a daily reality for Black Canadians.”
“Black History Month is a chance to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions Ontario’s Black community has made to our province from the very beginning,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. “Ontario is proud of the legacy and impact that Black residents have on every part of our society.”
The Grimsby Museum and Public Library have a series of events and activities planned for residents.
Events and activities throughout February will celebrate Black History Month/African Heritage Month at Brock University.
Over 18,900 unfilled mfg. jobs in Ontario, concentrated in GTA, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Hamilton-Niagara: CME
CME says that Ontario manufacturers continue to face acute workforce needs with 18,900 jobs currently unfilled, over 7,000 confirmed new manufacturing jobs about to open up and significant retirements expected between now and 2028.
Breaking this down by region, the Greater Toronto Area, Kitchener-Waterloo and the Hamilton-Niagara region are facing the largest number of vacancies and are expected to face even more pressure as new manufacturing jobs, especially in the auto and electric vehicle sector, are about to come available, according to data from Statistics Canada and analysis by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME).
Thorold recruiting committee and board members for current Council term
The City of Thorold is recruiting passionate Thorold residents to join a committee or board of management for the remaining 2022 to 2026 term. Recruitment is taking place for the following:
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
- Environment, Climate Change and Biodiversity Advisory Committee
- Heritage Advisory Committee
- Allanburg Community Centre Board of Management
Applicants for appointment must be at least 18 years of age and either a land owner, tenant or business owner in the City of Thorold.
TOES Niagara, Brock partnering on project aimed at combatting human trafficking
A new collaborative community project is being launched to help combat human trafficking in Niagara.
TOES (Tools of Empowerment for Success) Niagara is working in partnership with Brock University Professional and Continuing Studies to develop a code of conduct to increase awareness of human trafficking and provide resources, including prevention strategies, for hospitality and tourism businesses and organizations in the region.
The Welland-based non-profit organization — which supports and promotes the empowerment of women, with a special focus on marginalized and racialized women and youth — has received funding from the Government of Canada’s Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) office to bring the project to fruition.
Dr. Catherine Zahn appointed Chair of Ontario Health
Today, Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, recognized Bill Hatanaka’s tremendous 5-year term as chair of Ontario Health and announced that Dr. Catherine Zahn is being appointed as the new chair of Ontario Health, the province’s agency that connects, coordinates and modernizes the delivery of health care.
Dr. Zahn will be stepping down as deputy minister for the Ministry of Health effective February 7, 2024. Mr. Hatanaka completes his five-year term March 6, 2024.
NotL Council OKs 12 homes at Tawny Ridge, rejects townhouses
Niagara-on-the-Lake councillors want to keep St. Davids small.
After residents campaigned against a mixed residential develoment proposal in St. Davids, council on Tuesday night approved a low-density portion of the Tawny Ridge project and rejected the higher-density parts of the plan.
The project, proposed by St. Davids’ Riverview Estates Inc., would add 32 single-family homes, 24 townhouses and 30 stacked townhouses.
Did you know?
More than 70% of Canadians pay their credit card balance in full each month.
Focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Women still face gender inequalities at work post-pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the longstanding economic inequalities between women and men into sharp focus. From the onset of the pandemic, up until the summer of 2022, economic gender gaps continued to widen.
Lockdowns and economic uncertainties created a perfect storm, leading to job losses and reduced opportunities for women in the workforce. The increased burden of caregiving responsibilities placed an additional strain on women, often forcing them to make difficult choices between their careers and family obligations.
The situation peaked in 2020 when women’s workforce participation plummeted to levels not seen since the 1980s. This decline marked a concerning setback in the progress women had collectively made in the workplace over the past few decades.
Through the Daily Updates, the GNCC aims to deliver important business news in a timely manner. We disseminate all news and information we feel will be important to businesses. Inclusion in the Daily Update is not an endorsement by the GNCC.
