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  • March 2022 Scholarships: Apply now!

    Stossel in the Classroom Scholarship Contest
    Scholarship Value: $50 to $2,500
    Awards Available: 51
    Award Deadline: March 11, 2022
    Address: https://stosselintheclassroom.org/essay-contest/


    Leonard Foundation Scholarship Program
    Scholarship Value: $1,000 to $1,500
    Awards Available: Approximately 100
    Award Deadline: March 15, 2022
    Address: http://www.leonardfnd.org/

     

    Toronto Regional Real Estate Board’s Annual Past President’s Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,500 to $5,000
    Awards Available: 8
    Award Deadline: March 25, 2022
    Address: https://trreb.ca/files/scholarship/2022_TRREB_Scholarship_Application_Form.pdf


    Kezian Science Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,200
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2022
    Address: https://www.drkezian.com/science-scholarship/


    Kochhar & Co. Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $1,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2022
    Address: https://kochharandco.ca/application

     

    Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $500
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: March 31, 2022
    Address: https://odenzascholarships.com/

     

    Northern Transitions Award
    Scholarship Value: $3,000
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: April 1, 2022
    Address: https://ssb.unbc.ca/ssb/bwyfagui.p_display_award?one_up_no=12148534&awrd_desc_search=&awrd_code=6080&form_code=FAFORMGUID&sort_code=DESC

     

    Young Women in Public Affairs Award
    Scholarship Value: $1,500 to $5,000
    Awards Available: 42
    Award Deadline: April 1, 2022
    Address: https://www.zonta.org/Web/Our_Programs/Education/Young_Women_in_Public_Affairs_Award/Web/Programs/Education/Young_Women_in_Public_Affairs_Award.aspx


    Global Lift Equipment Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $500
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: April 15, 2022
    Address: https://usedforkliftcalifornia.com/forklifts/2880/clark_forklifts_texas.php

     

    Mission Creek Orthodontics Scholarship
    Scholarship Value: $500
    Awards Available: 1
    Award Deadline: April 15, 2022
    Address: https://missioncreekortho.com/orthodontists.php

  • A Look at the Global Disability Summit 2022 (French version available)

    A Look at the Global Disability Summit 2022 (French version available)

    What is the Global Disability Summit?

    The Global Disability Summit (GDS) is a meeting of disability advocates, organizations, and governments to discuss future goals which further inclusion of disabled persons around the world. It was created in 2017 from the combined efforts between the International Disability Alliance (IDA) and multiple governments.

    The first Global Disability Summit was held from July 23rd to July 24th, 2018, in London, England, where it was hosted by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the Government of Kenya, and the International Disability Alliance (IDA). At that time, 171 governments and organizations participated and made 968 individual commitments towards the themes of The Global Disability Summit 2018:

    1. Tackling stigma and discrimination
    2. Inclusion in education
    3. Routes to economic empowerment
    4. Harnessing technology and innovation

    It also included two cross-cutting themes – topics that are considered alongside main themes, but sometimes overlap, without losing focus on the main themes:

    1. Women and girls with disabilities
    2. Conflict and humanitarian contexts

    What Does the Global Disability Summit Want to Achieve?

    The Global Disability Summit has four main objectives:

    1. Raise global attention and focus on neglected areas and inclusive sustainable development
    2. Mobilize targeted and concrete commitments on disability inclusion and inclusive development
    3. Showcase best practices and evidence from across the world on disability inclusive development, and progress made from the Global Disability Summit in 2018
    4. Strengthen the capacity of organizations of persons with disabilities in the Global South and their engagement with governments

    The Global South has at least three main definitions. It can be assumed that the Global Disability Summit, as a meeting of multiple organizations, uses the term to describe countries in Africa, Asia, Oceania, Latin America, and the Caribbean that are low or middle income.

    What is the Global Disability Summit 2022?

    This year, the Global Disability Summit was held in Oslo, Norway albeit with most events planned virtually. It was held from February 14th to 17th, co-hosted by the International Disability Alliance (IDA), the Government of Norway, and the Government of Ghana. The main event, the Global Disability Summit top level meeting, was held on February 16th and 17th.

    It was preceded by the Global Disability Youth Summit on February 14th, and the Global Disability Summit Civil Society Forum on February 15th.

    The Global Youth Summit 2022

    The Global Disability Youth Summit, a meeting of youth and their organizations over the world, was featured on the first day of the event. It was co-hosted by the International Disability Alliance (IDA), and the Atlas Alliance, represented by Youth Mental Health Norway.

    Its purpose was to highlight the voices of disabled youth and create commitments to support them in the future. This was the first time that youth were appointed to create their own summit, for the interests of disabled youth around the world.

    Civil Society Forum 2022

    Hosted by The Civil Society Reference Group, The Civil Society Forum was featured on the second day of the event. It served as an opportunity both to discuss issues relevant to the disability movement around the world, and to strive towards the items listed in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

    This forum helped form a general briefing that influenced the more in-depth conversation which was addressed at the Summit’s top-level meeting on February 17th.

    The Core Goals of GDS 2022

    The Global Disability Summit 2022 focused on some of the core goals of the summit as an event, some of the themes from the previous summit, as well as some new ones:

    1. Inclusion in education
    2. Strengthening the capacity of organizations of persons with disabilities in the Global South and their engagement with governments
    3. Inclusive health
    4. Inclusive employment and livelihoods
    5. Inclusion in situations of crises and conflict, including a focus on climate change

    Alongside these main themes, gender was a cross-cutting theme.

     

    Sources:

    “A Global Disability Summit for Youth.” The Atlas Alliance, https://atlas-alliansen.no//the-youth-summit. Accessed 5 Feb. 2022.

    Alonzi, Alta. “What Are Cross-Cutting Themes?” ProposalforNGOs, 12 Feb. 2018, https://proposalsforngos.com/what-are-cross-cutting-themes/. Accessed 5 Feb. 2022.

    “Civil Society Forum – GDS18.” Global Disability Summit, https://www.globaldisabilitysummit.org/pages/gds18-civil-society-forum. Accessed 5 Feb. 2022.

    “Civil Society Forum 2022.” Global Disability Summit, https://www.globaldisabilitysummit.org/pages/civil-society-forums. Accessed 5 Feb. 2022.

    Clarke, Marlea. “Global South: What Does It Mean and Why Use the Term?” Global South Political Commentaries, University of Victoria, 8 Aug. 2018, https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/globalsouthpolitics/2018/08/08/global-south-what-does-it-mean-and-why-use-the-term/. Accessed 5 Feb. 2022.

    “Global Disability Summit – Civil Society Consultations 2020.” International Disability Alliance, https://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/GDS-consultations-2020. Accessed 5 Feb. 2022.

    “Global Disability Summit – Home.” Global Disability Summit, https://www.globaldisabilitysummit.org/. Accessed 5 Feb. 2022.

    “Global Disability Summit 2018 – London, UK.” Global Disability Summit, https://www.globaldisabilitysummit.org/pages/global-disability-summit-2018-london-uk. Accessed 5 Feb. 2022.

    “Global Disability Summit 2022.” Minority Rights Group, 31 Jan. 2022, https://minorityrights.org/opportunities/global-disability-summit-2022/. Accessed 5 Feb. 2022.

    “Global Disability Summit 2022.” The Atlas Alliance, https://atlas-alliansen.no//en/global-disability-summit-2022. Accessed 5 Feb. 2022.“Global Disability Youth Summit 2022.” Global Disability Summit, https://www.globaldisabilitysummit.org/pages/youth-summit. Accessed 5 Feb. 2022.

  • It’s OK Not to Be OK: Why Tapping into Your Emotions Is Healthy

    It’s OK Not to Be OK: Why Tapping into Your Emotions Is Healthy

    There’s no denying that the pandemic has taken its toll on us, not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. According to online Leger surveys from 2021 analyzed by the Association of Canadian Studies, two out of every three Canadians think that their mental health is worse now than before the pandemic. In addition, 16 per cent of respondents reported having been diagnosed with depression.

    Yet, despite the obvious possibility that the surge in such cases are largely due to having our lives turned upside down because of lockdowns, restrictions, and health and safety protocols related to COVID, there’s still a misconception that we have to pretend that everything’s fine and rosy to cope with the pandemic.

    Toxic Positivity

    Having a positive outlook is amazing to have. When you’re positive, it usually is infectious and the people around you feel it as well and they also adapt an upbeat attitude. However, if left unchecked, this positivity can easily turn into toxic levels. Rather than feeling cheerful, some feel anxious because they feel pressured to have a sunny disposition even when they can’t and know full well they have a good reason why they can’t.

    As a result, they start questioning themselves and the feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy seep in. They start to feel their emotions are invalid because the positive affirmations aren’t getting through to them.

    The Harmful Effects of Toxic Positivity

    When one’s practically toiling to suppress their emotions so they can pretend everything’s hunky-dory because people expect them to, more harmful psychological effects are likely to occur compared to when one fully embraces their feelings and allow themselves time to process their emotions.

    The pressure to be positive eventually leads to anxiety and depression, resulting in poor sleep and substance abuse, among other issues.

    COVID and Its Negative Impact

    When you stop and thoroughly think about it, it’s reasonable to have this rollercoaster of emotions in the middle of a pandemic. Imagine, if you’ve been planning a tropical vacation for so long only to find out that you won’t be able to do so, or if you’ve been longing to visit a relative you haven’t seen in years only to learn that you can’t, then of course you’ll be upset.

    Why is that? Because you care and are excited about these things and suddenly COVID has swooped in and taken these opportunities away from you. It’s a completely valid human reaction to be disappointed.

    Tuning into Your Emotions

    In situations like the ones above, it’s OK to step back and allow yourself those emotions instead of sweeping them under the rug merely because someone keeps on telling you to “don’t worry, be happy.”

    Your plans didn’t work out as smoothly as you’d hoped. Of course you’ll feel let down.

    And the sooner you realize that and let your emotions be, then the better you’ll be able to come to terms with the situation. This way, you’ll be motivated to take action to handle it well.

    The pandemic definitely has brought us struggles that we haven’t experienced before, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. The knee-jerk reaction to force ourselves to have a plastered smile on our faces and pretend everything’s OK is not the answer. This will do more harm than good. Allowing ourselves those genuine emotions is the healthier option than bottling them up. And eventually, we will be OK.

     

    Sources 

    Ibrahim, Erika. “Polls suggest decline in mental health, but point to clues on how to address it.” CTV News. https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/polls-suggest-decline-in-mental-health-but-point-to-clues-on-how-to-address-it-1.5719146

    Scully, Simone M. “‘Toxic Positivity’ Is Real — and It’s a Big Problem During the Pandemic.” Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/toxic-positivity-during-the-pandemic#Its-OK-not-to-be-OK-right-now-in-fact,-its-normal

  • Here to Help: Support Groups That Provide COVID Resources for Students with Disabilities

    Here to Help: Support Groups That Provide COVID Resources for Students with Disabilities

    As we’re going into the pandemic for two years now, there’s a laundry list of how it has created a ripple in our lives and how it will still affect us even after everything is said and done.

    However, this doesn’t mean that everything is cold and dreary. With every difficulty, we must always find a way to look into the positive side of things, and there are countless stories around the world of how COVID has brought out the best in people.

    Communities have come together to help each other out in this time of need. Oftentimes, communities know where to fill in the gaps and be of help to those who are underserved, like the disabled community. Here’s a look into COVID resources for people with disabilities based in Toronto, Ontario.

    Vaccination drives
    https://www.ontariocommunitysupport.ca

    Vaccines are important to stay healthy and keep our communities safe. However, there may be individuals with mobility issues who have problems accessing the vaccine locations in the city. The Ontario Community Support Association recognized that and thus has launched the Accessible Drive-to-Vaccines program. They provide door-to-door rides to vaccination sites so the individuals will be able to go to their vaccination appointments with no issue.

    Meals on Wheels
    https://www.mealsonwheels.ca/  

    With all the lockdowns and restrictions, it had been incredibly challenging for those with mobility issues to obtain meals for their sustenance. These meal deliveries are also a good way to do a health check to maintain the overall well-being of clients. In addition, these also aim to address the food insecurity issues where individuals don’t have access to nutritious food. With these Meals on Wheels programs, the organizers ensure that nutritious meals are delivered.

    Recreational activities
    https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accessibility-human-rights/accessibility-at-the-city-of-toronto/city-services-for-people-with-disabilities/accessible-recreation/

    Physical activities contribute to one’s overall well-being, which is something we must prioritize during COVID, and thus the City of Toronto has designated at least 12 community centre locations to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. These sites offer specialized programs that encourage people with disabilities to register in activities of their own choosing. Some of the adapted programs and inclusive services include adapted swim lessons or leisure swims, adapted cooking, and adapted adventure camp.

    Arts
    https://www.meetup.com/Living-and-Learning-Enrichment-Center/ 

    Arts can be therapeutic during these hard times of COVID, and there’s a non-profit group that’s dedicated to working with individuals who have disabilities. The events organized aren’t only arts-focused, they also do music appreciation and anime night, which is a hit with the younger set.

    Employment
    https://www.odenetwork.com/

    Organizations like the Ontario Disability Employment Network or ODEN is dedicated to bring businesses together and provide opportunities for job seekers with disabilities. ODEN encourages businesses to apply more inclusivity and diversity in their hiring practices. This is actually a great way for businesses to promote productivity in their company. A study revealed that companies that practice inclusive hiring are likely to see 72 per cent more employee productivity.

     

    Sources

    CBC. “Pandemic has brought Canadians together, pushed Americans apart, poll suggests.” https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/covid19-pandemic-pew-countries-1.5702522

    ODEN. “Business Benefits.” https://www.odenetwork.com/businesses/business-benefits/

    Rawlinson, Kevin, and Tobi Thomas.”‘I found myself’: how the pandemic brought out the best in people.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/sep/09/i-found-myself-how-covid-pandemic-brought-out-the-best-in-people

    Sing, Nathan. “Demand for Meals on Wheels—and the drivers who make it possible—is soaring.” Maclean’s. https://www.macleans.ca/society/demand-for-meals-on-wheels-and-the-drivers-who-make-it-possible-is-soaring/

    Toronto.ca. “Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation.” https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/pdf/funguide/ny/NY_Adapted.pdf

  • Words of Encouragement for Those with Low Productivity Levels during COVID (French version available)

    Words of Encouragement for Those with Low Productivity Levels during COVID (French version available)

    During the early stages of COVID in the spring of 2020, when most of the world experienced lockdowns, were confined to their homes, and only went out to shop for essentials, there were plenty of individuals who suggested the alleged free time be used to pursue passion projects or work on self-improvement. After all, as the meme that went viral suggested, William Shakespeare wrote the masterpiece “King Lear” while isolating because of the bubonic plague.

    What’s more fascinating is, Shakespeare also wrote two other masterpieces (“Antony and Cleopatra” and “Macbeth”) during the plague according to research.

    So if Shakespeare then, without any aid of technology and modern medicine, was able to work on three of his greatest works, we shouldn’t have any excuse for not trying to create or produce something, right?

    For a lot of people, the answer was a resounding YES. As we were bombarded with health statistics and news of the rapid development of COVID vaccines, there were people who channelled their inner entrepreneurs, bakers, writers, filmmakers, songwriters, artists, and what-have-you, and showcased to the world their beloved endeavours, under the guise that the pandemic resulted in high productivity levels.

    Who could forget those two Toronto-based sixteen-year-olds who founded their own confection company in late 2020 at the height of the global health crisis to produce smash hearts, or chocolate geometric hearts you can smash to get the candy filling and messages or gifts inside it? That was a novel venture, and it probably inspired lots of teens to think of similar business ideas that would be a hit in the market.

    But every coin has two sides, as they say, and for every individual who turned themselves into Marie Kondo and redesigned their homes like a pro, there’s an individual who chose to not embark on any new project and instead opted to take it all in.

    And of course, since our social media pages were overflowing with posts and stories about others’ newly discovered talents or reignited passions, and Jeremy Haynes, the CEO of one of the top digital marketing agencies in the world telling us that if we didn’t make use of the free time we have during lockdown to start a business or learn a new skill, then it meant we lacked discipline. It was inevitable to feel the pressure to do something like everyone else seemed to have done.

    But according to Jessi Gold, a professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, it is completely normal to feel anxious during a pandemic and not feel up to being productive. Not only did the pandemic interrupt our normal lives, but it also further magnified already existing issues like job insecurity, underprivileged communities, and limited healthcare access, and with these, it is perfectly reasonable to feel anxious.

    Gold says that there’s nothing wrong if one wants to take up a project or grab opportunities for learning or growth in the middle of the pandemic. However, the issue is when they force this so-called standard to the people around them, be it family, friends, or classmates.

    But psychological experts suggest that those who try to overachieve during tough times are probably overcompensating for the things beyond their control. If vacation plans or summer job plans went awry due to the pandemic, it’s natural for people to take on something they can easily control as a way to cope.

    Doing so can be harmful though as it can result in stretching themselves too thin. It’s akin to juggling too many balls. At some point, you’ll lose a handle of one, then everything is bound to come tumbling down.

    If you’re thinking of pursuing something, don’t think in terms of its grandiosity (like starting a business) or its popularity (like an influencer). It should be something that fulfills you as a human being and has meaning for you. But cut yourself some slack if you’re not thinking of pursuing. Don’t put pressure on yourself merely because you feel you need to keep up with everyone else.

    “There’s nothing you’re supposed to get out of this,” as Gold reiterates. “If what you get out of this is, like, you’re breathing, congratulations.”

     

    Sources

    Lightfoot, Scott. “16-year-old sweethearts create their own sweet company.” CTV News. https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/16-year-old-sweethearts-create-their-own-sweet-company-1.5278871

    Livingston, Mercey. “You’re not just lazy: Why it’s hard to be productive right now.” CNET. https://www.cnet.com/health/why-you-dont-feel-as-productive-during-the-pandemic/

    Lorenz, Taylor. “Stop Trying to be Productive.” The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/style/productivity-coronavirus.html

    North, Anna. “Lockdown was not a sabbatical.” Vox. https://www.vox.com/22536756/covid-pandemic-quarantine-lockdown-productivity-hobbies-work

  • Supply Chain and Construction Will Lead In-Demand Trades in the 2020s (French version available)

    Supply Chain and Construction Will Lead In-Demand Trades in the 2020s (French version available)

    Demand for certain jobs rises and falls from year to year and decade to decade, but there has been an overall trend of strong growth across the trades for the past few decades.  In the wake of the pandemic, this will be truer than ever before.  As the country and the economy work to get back on track, many areas that rely heavily on tradespeople will be seeing a sharply increased need for workers with the right skills.

    This means there will be many opportunities for new workers to enter the skilled trades over the next few years, particularly in areas related to supply chain and construction.

    Modernizing the Supply Chain Will Require Skilled Tradespeople

    Supply chain issues have dominated the news over the past two years, with delivery delays causing product shortages in every industry from agriculture, to retail, to manufacturing.  As companies fully reopen and begin to climb back up to their pre-pandemic levels, they will need to modernize and improve their supply chains both to return to regular operations, and to future-proof against disruptions in the future. This means that there will be a significant need for skilled and knowledgeable workers in the trades.  These jobs will span multiple industries, including manufacturing, air cargo and rail transport, and ecommerce deliveries.

    In particular, delivery van and truck drivers have become ever more vital with the increase in food and package delivery to come out of pandemic measures that kept people at home.  Even when in-person shopping and eating out make a return to normal, it is unlikely that these new levels of delivery service will subside.  On the larger scale, the supply chain will need a growing number of long-haul truck drivers, last-mile delivery drivers, and warehouse workers for shipping/receiving, forklift operators, and material handling.

    Customer service roles related to supply chain will also be a growing area.  This includes essential retail and customer support workers both in physical retail settings, and behind the scenes of ecommerce and virtual customer experiences.

    Growth in Commercial and Residential Construction Will Drive Economic Recovery

    The construction industry is expected to be a significant driver of economic recovery over the next five to ten years.  This industry relies heavily on tradespeople, and an increase in construction and infrastructure projects will translate into strong growth in a wide range of trades and across every province and territory.

    Welders are one of the most in-demand trades in Canada, and one that is vital to the construction industry.  Industrial and commercial construction projects will also require framers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, stonemasons and bricklayers, pipefitters, crane and heavy equipment operators, ironworkers, and many other skilled tradespeople.

    According to the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, top in-demand trades jobs in Ontario in 2021 included boilermaker, bricklayer, cook, and welder. In B.C., the list included boilermaker, bricklayer, carpenter, hairstylist, and welder.

    New construction projects are just beginning to ramp up as we near the end of the pandemic.  This means that young tradespeople who are just beginning their apprenticeships or college courses will find they have an increasing number of options when it comes time to enter the construction workforce.

     

    Sources

    Farrell, Robynn. “Top Skilled Trade Jobs In-demand in Canada in 2022.” Canadianvisa.org. https://canadianvisa.org/blog/jobs/top-skilled-trade-jobs-in-demand-in-canada

    Government of Canada. “Follow you passion. Find your skilled trade.” https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/skilled-trades.html

    Meltzer, Rachel. “Top 11 Jobs In Demand In Canada In 2022 & Beyond.” Lighthouse Labs. https://www.lighthouselabs.ca/en/blog/fastest-growing-jobs-canada

    Pivotal. “17 most in-demand job positions in Canada from 2019 to 2024 — emerging trends and most-competitive careers.” https://www.pivotalsolutions.com/17-most-in-demand-job-positions-in-canada-from-2019-to-2024-emerging-trends-and-most-competitive-careers/

    Trade-Schools.net. “17 High-Demand Jobs in Canada.” https://www.trade-schools.net/ca/articles/careers-in-demand

  • Skilled Trades Ontario and How It Helps Tradespeople

    Skilled Trades Ontario and How It Helps Tradespeople

    Getting work in a trade can be difficult without help from other people. For some people, the Ontario College of Trades has helped to give information and promote trades and developing standards. Recently, the agency’s name changed to Skilled Trades Ontario. This renewed organization can help tradespeople get the information and help that they need.

    Suppose that you were wondering whether or not to pursue a career in the trades, or you are unsure which trade would suit you best. You would need information from a reliable source. Skilled Trades Ontario has information on aspects such as apprenticeships and certification, as well as general information about the trades and other topics. This information includes explanations of compulsory and non-compulsory trades, as well as discussing other topics that that many tradespeople could find useful.

    This kind of information is important for helping people decide what kind of career to pursue or learning about the process of training for a trade. Other resources are also available, many of which potentially have useful and accurate information. However, a government website like Skilled Trades Ontario pulls the most important information together while providing useful links for people getting into the trades.

    Suppose that you have finished an apprenticeship and want to know the next step for becoming qualified. The Skilled Trades Ontario website has information on the Provisional Certificate of Qualification and on the process for becoming fully certified. Users can even click a link on the site to book the certification test. With all of the necessary information on the site, tradespeople in training can find out what they need to do so that they can become fully qualified.

    As a Crown agency, Skilled Trades Ontario is part of the regulating process for trades in the province. The organization will develop training standards and examinations for each trade, a process that could take up to two years. At the end, tradespeople will have a better idea of what knowledge and skills they are supposed to have when they are fully qualified. Even though individual differences among tradespeople will still exist, they will know the requirements for working in these fields.

    The idea of basic standards is very important for tradespeople and the employers or clients who hire them. Anyone who hires an electrician, for example, wants to know that the work will be done to a high standard rather than putting the building at risk of burning down in an electrical fire. Similarly, people who hire plumbers want to know that their homes will not be flooded because of a leaking pipe or improperly installed sink.

    Following these standards can be difficult, especially when people in these trades are spread throughout the province, working in a variety of different situations. For example, someone in a small town in northern Ontario might be much more difficult to monitor than a tradesperson working in a large city, close to experts working in the same field. However, an organization like Skilled Trades Ontario gives people, including those outside the field, an idea of what to expect of tradespeople. That way, they can take note of problems and alert the certifying bodies if necessary to ensure that unskilled people get the upgrading they need before they continue with their work.

    Skilled Trades Ontario is only one tool for ensuring a high quality of trade work in the province, but it is important. With its work in ensuring high standards and the best training possible, the agency has an essential role in monitoring the trades in Ontario.

     

    Bibliography:

    Global News. Ontario Launches New Crown Agency to Promote Skilled Trade Services.” https://globalnews.ca/news/8536661/ontario-launches-new-crown-agency-skilled-trades/.

    Government of Ontario. “Ontario College of Trades Replaced by Skilled Trades Ontario.” https://www.canadiancontractor.ca/canadian-contractor/ontario-college-of-trades-replaced-by-skilled-trades-ontario/1003290481/.

    Ontario.ca. “Skilled Trades.” https://www.ontario.ca/page/skilled-trades.

    Skilled Trades Ontario. “Welcome.” https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/.

  • The Future of Electric Vehicles in Canada: Adoption, Challenges, Job Opportunities, Etc.

    The Future of Electric Vehicles in Canada: Adoption, Challenges, Job Opportunities, Etc.

    Sometime in the future, you might buy a car, either one that runs on gasoline or diesel, or possibly an electric vehicle or a hybrid. If you choose to buy an electric vehicle, you will be part of an increasing trend in Canada. Electric vehicles are becoming more popular in this country, bringing both opportunities and challenges.

    Electric vehicles have been around for many years, but they have only recently been gaining in popularity. In Alberta, for example, gasoline-powered vehicles have been dominant for years, partly because the province has a large supply of fossil fuels. Even there, the purchase of electric vehicles increased by 835 percent between 2017 and 2021, although most drivers still use gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicles.

    In Canada and elsewhere, people are very concerned about the climate and the effect of greenhouse gas emissions on the planet. Transportation is a major factor in producing harmful emissions that are contributing to climate change. The government has pledged to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by twelve megatonnes by 2030. To accomplish this goal, many people will need to use electric vehicles, which are much cleaner to drive than ones using traditional fuels.

    This goal presents many challenges, but also many opportunities. One of the challenges is dealing with charging stations. Vehicles that run on gasoline or diesel normally take only a few minutes to refill the fuel tank. Many vehicles can go in and out of gas stations in a short period of time. Electric vehicles, in contrast, can take several hours or even overnight to recharge. For long trips, drivers would need to find something to do while they are waiting for the vehicle to be ready for the road again.

    Some shopping malls already have recharging stations for electric vehicles for people who expect to shop there for several hours. Many charging stations, however, have very little for people to do while they are waiting for their electric vehicles to recharge. If they had games for children, and tables and chairs for people to sit and eat while they wait, recharging batteries would be much more practical than it is now.

    This challenge could be an opportunity for problem-solvers. If you enjoy thinking a problem through and looking for a solution, you could find a way to make the recharging process faster, or you could design charging stations to have activities that could keep people busy while they wait for their vehicles to be ready. You could supply good food for people to eat while they wait, or you could find other ways of dealing with the challenges of electric vehicles.

    Another challenge is to find better sources of electricity. Although the electric vehicles themselves have no emissions, the process of producing electricity can generate greenhouse gases, either in manufacturing the batteries or building the recharging stations. Finding a cleaner way of producing electricity could make these vehicles an even better choice for people who care about the environment.

    One of the advantages of gasoline-powered vehicles has been that they are generally reliable, even in cold weather, while other vehicles have not been as good in extreme weather. If you have mechanical and design skills, you could work on finding a way to make electric vehicles easier to use, even when the temperatures fall far below freezing.

    As electric vehicles become more popular, people will need to work through some of the issues that accompany this technology. If you are interested, you can be one of the people working with this important technology.

     

    Bibliography:

    Car and Driver. “Every Electric Vehicle That’s Expected in the Next Five Years.” https://www.caranddriver.com/news/g29994375/future-electric-cars-trucks/.

    Cyr, Alex. “What Do EVs Mean for the Future of the Gas Station? Playgrounds and Better Food.” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-what-do-evs-mean-for-the-future-of-the-gas-station-playgrounds-and/.

    Howlett, Trevor. “A Wave of Electric Vehicles is Coming at Us. Are We Ready? https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/electric-vehicles-future-analysis-1.6298596.

    PwC Canada. “Accelerating Canada’s Electric Vehicle Transition.” https://www.pwc.com/ca/en/industries/automotive/publications/accelerating-canadas-electric-vehicle-transition.html.

  • Two Years Later…

    Two Years Later…

    Little did we know what was in store for us back in March 2020. Here we are two years later in a very different world. As the world reopens, things might return to “normal,” but we can’t just forget the past 24 months.

    We are still coping with the loss of the past two years — not only the victims of COVID-19, but also the time we lost with friends and family, as well as experiences outside our homes. We are still coping with the anxiety and fear. But with every cloud comes a silver lining, and there are definitely positive changes afoot.

    Remote options for work and school have become the norm. There is a greater awareness of public health concerns, from wearing masks to not showing up to the office or classroom when you’re sick. Many people have had a chance to reflect on what truly matters to them and readjusting their lives accordingly, including yours truly.

    As more things return to in person, this month JPD takes a look at how to dress to make a good first impression, and how to make new friends in post-secondary school. We reflect on how ADHD diagnoses have increased during the pandemic, and look ahead to the International Day of Happiness on March 20th. There are also profiles on Futurpreneur.ca, a site supporting young entrepreneurs, as well as the careers of marine engine technicians and teacher assistants.

    Check out those articles plus the featured ones below and more. Have a great March Break and enjoy the first days of spring!

     

    Sincerely,
    Anthony Teles, Vice-President of Content

  • How COVID-19 Provided Conditions for Self-Reflection (French version available)

    How COVID-19 Provided Conditions for Self-Reflection (French version available)

    Two Years of the Pandemic

    March 2022 marks the two-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic’s large impacts on Canadian life. There have certainly been changes, and now everyone must adjust to the “new normal”: life that has been shaped by this pandemic.

    Everyone started wearing face masks, hand sanitizer was a must-have item more than ever, and simple tasks like shopping for groceries became a task riddled with caution. It was scary to see the way we lived change so rapidly.

    Working, schooling, and other social interactions shifted to purely online ways of connecting. No one was shaking hands anymore — this quickly shifted to a waving emoji that flashed on a screen. Work meetings were reduced to seeing your colleagues through multiple small windows in a Zoom chat room, and large classrooms were condensed into a single monitor.

    The negative impacts of the pandemic were surely felt by many: As humans, it is in our nature to be social, and the pandemic stripped us of such tools to foster social connections.

    However, I would like to share a story of how the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic positively affected me. The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a solely positive effect on me, but with the negatives came something positive.

    Where I Was at the Beginning of the Pandemic

    At the start of the pandemic, I was in my third year of post-secondary schooling. Despite this, I had little idea what direction I wanted to take with my schooling and my future career. I had little passion for schooling due to this lack of direction. Classes were attended, notes were taken, and tests were completed, but everything was still a big question mark.

    I went to classes thinking that most days dragged on with the same cycle: I would wake up, go to campus, attend classes, and then go straight home. Rinse and repeat. When classes had shifted online “temporarily” (which really meant two-and-a-half years for me), I did not know how to process this change.

    If I could not go to campus, this meant that I was pulled away from my normal social circles. I could not see the classmates that I saw all the time anymore. Like many others, I longed for the day that I could go back to my “normal” life — as if a pandemic had not happened — but the world had progressed further than my past perception of “normal.”

    This initially felt horrible, but I realized that this isolation had provided me with the perfect conditions for self-reflection. I was no longer around people that I (wrongly) assumed had everything “put together” and “planned out.” I was no longer under the (self-inflicted) pressure to present as if I knew what I was doing.

    How the Pandemic Helped Me

    What did I want to do? This question was put on hold for many years, due to not wanting to confront the unknown.

    Even though I was annoyed with the apparent “monotony” of my life, there was something in that familiarity that I also did not want to change. Familiarity is a comfort, and the pandemic flipped that all upside down.

    Some of the previous barriers in sorting out my educational path had become easier: counselling had shifted completely online, allowing for the ease of booking appointments and attending them, and entire discussions that I needed to have with authority were done entirely through email.

    Prior to the pandemic, actions like walking into an office and booking appointments were nerve wracking. Simple, but nerve wracking. The pandemic gave me the first push out the door (ironically) to start the steps of reworking what I had wanted.

    The pandemic had only intensified my desire to communicate with others, and writing was one of the methods to do so. Focusing on something to make use of writing, one of my greatest strengths, was what I needed to do. Where I did not find strength in speaking or in numbers, I found in writing.

    While I have not figured out what occupation I want, I have a direction to follow.

    The severity of the pandemic’s negative effects has been felt, but the potential positives need to be highlighted as well. After all, it was the imbalance of social life that allowed me to find balance within my own life.

     

    Sources:

    Kirkey, Sharon. “After the COVID-19 Crisis Ends, What Does Our ‘New Normal’ Look Like?” National Post, 15 May 2020, https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/covid19-crisis-new-normal-coronavirus. Accessed 12 February 2021.

    Sukel, Kayt. “In Sync: How Humans Are Hard-Wired for Social Relationships.” Dana Foundation, 13 Nov. 2019, https://dana.org/article/in-sync-how-humans-are-hard-wired-for-social-relationships/. Accessed 12 February 2021.