St. Lawrence College Employment Services opened a new office in Verona last week, on Road 38 next to the Revell Ford pre-owned lot and in the same building as Frontenac Mental Health Services.
Spokesperson Karen McGregor said opening this third office (the other two being in Sharbot Lake and Sydenham) serves a geographical need.
“It’s in between Sharbot Lake and Sydenham so we’re hoping it will be easier for those in this area without transportation to get to,” she said. “It’s walking distance from the downtown (Verona) core.
“It’s the same idea as in Sharbot Lake but in a community that hasn’t been served before.”

She said that not only are there businesses in Verona that need employees but also in the surrounding area.
“Verona is unique,” she said. “We’ll be tapping into the tourism-based industries that are off the beaten path.”
Initially, McGregor will be in the Verona office Monday mornings and while drop-ins are welcome, they’d prefer people make appointments by calling the Sharbot Lake office (613-545-3949, press 3).
St. Lawrence provides a range of services for both job-seekers and employers.

For workers, they can help connect them with available jobs and help with things like resumes and “appropriate” email addresses.
“We know there’s a need,” she said. “Times are changing and employers are often asking for resumes via email or other electronic means.
“We can help with that.”

She said they can provide training such as Smart Serve and Working at Heights and even mock interviews geared to certain jobs so that potential employees can get an idea of what they’ll be facing.
For employers, there may be even more benefits.

“Besides training time, we can often arrange subsidies for employers,” she said. “We can read applications and screen employees for them as well.”
McGregor said that they also have services for people who are currently employed but contemplating change.
“Some people hate their job but don’t know what to do,” she said. “Sometimes, it’s about finding a career change.
“I can find you a job but a career is different.”

 If you’re an aboriginal youth aged 15-30 and interested in working in the construction business, St. Lawrence College Employment Centre in Sharbot Lake has just the program for you.

The Centre is beginning an eight-week course which will be offered at the Shabot Obaadjiwan Centre near Arden. Following the course, which is scheduled to run until after Easter, there will be a 12-week work placement will will hopefully lead to permanent employment.

Program coordinator Erin Godfrey said that in order to do the course, participants have to declare indigenous ancestry; no band card is required.

Local contractor Kevin Rioux of K. R. Contracting will be teaching the course which will consist of various skills and knowledge young builders will need, she said.

“There will be plenty of hands-on learning, including a building project,” Godfrey said. “But they will also learn many of the certificate skills they’ll need like CPR, First Aid, Working from heights, scaffold safety, occupational health and safety and personal protective equipment.

“We will also provide things like work boots and belts and some other equipment they’ll need.”

There will also be instruction in things like resume writing, applications and cover letters, she said.

Another aspect of the program is that they’re also looking for some contractors who would be willing to take on the students for a 12-week practical experience part, she said.

“If there are employers out there who could take on some of these students after the classroom and practical aspect, I’d love to hear from them,” she said.

She said they have room for 12 participants and interested people can either come into the Centre in Sharbot Lake in person or call Godfrey at 613-545-3949, ext: 1688.

“We’re hoping we can get people some real world experience that leads to a permanent job,” she said

Feature article - February 17, 2005

Feature article February 17, 2005

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New rules for Paramedic lunch hours affect rural response times by Jeff Green

When the Ontario Ministry of Labour fined the County of Frontenac for not giving Paramedics a mandatory half-hour lunch break, there were implications for ambulance services throughout the province. In the case of the Frontenac County service, which serves the City of Kingston as well, the ruling could mean a half a million dollars a year in extra costs.

In Rural Frontenac County, however, it has already meant the County is serving communities such as Ompah and Plevna with an ambulance stationed well over an hour away, on Justus Drive in Kingston.

When the Parham ambulance goes off service, it is either covered off by an ambulance from the Lanark County Service, which is stationed at an old Ministry of Natural Resources Building on Highway 7 west of Perth [at Wemyss], from Northbrook, or from one of our Kingston ambulances, which is stationed on Justus Drive, said Paul Charbonneau, the Director of Emergency Services for Frontenac County.

Certainly, none of these are optimum circumstances, Charbonneau added, and we are seeking better solutions. For one thing, we have proposed turning the 12-hour Emergency First Response Vehicle, which is stationed at Ompah, into an ambulance. That way the Parham and Ompah units could cover each other off for breaks during the daytime.

The Emergency First Response Vehicle provides the same services as an ambulance does on site, but it does not transport patients to hospital.

The proposal to enhance the ambulance service in North Frontenac is linked to a proposal to put on an extra 24-hour ambulance in the City of Kingston. Frontenac County Council will be deciding whether to enhance the service this week as they finalize the 2005 County Budget.

Even if the enhancements are approved, it would still leave the far reaches of the County under-served during night time lunch breaks.

We are considering all of our legal options with regard to the Ministry of Labour ruling, including launching an appeal, Charbonneau said. We are the first service in the province to be hit with this kind of ruling, so others are watching what happens very carefully.

On February 8th, County Council held a Special Session, and decided to petition the Province of Ontario, through the Ministry of Labour, to amend the regulation of the Employment Standards Act regarding lunch hours to include an exemption for paramedics in the employment of municipalities across the Province of Ontario.

The resolution the County passed on the matter acknowledged the impact of the regulation on the public, stating there are times during shifts of the employees of land ambulance when taking a break may place patients at mortal risk.

For the time being, people in the far-flung reaches of the County are being placed at a greater risk that those living in the City of Kingston.

Feature article, May 26, 2005

Feature article May 26, 2005

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Employment Readiness Training Course provides opportunities for trades careers

by Jeff Green

Anyone who has been trying to hire a builder in recent years is no doubt aware of a lack of skilled trades people. At the same time government agencies are always casting about for ways to find employment opportunities for young people in rural areas so they dont have to leave for the city.

Putting these two facts together, Bob McCallum of St. Lawrence College decided it would be a good idea to put on a starter course in the construction trades for young, and not so young, workers in the northern part of Frontenac County.

He approached the Frontenac Community Futures Corporation, who were in the midst of deciding how to use a pool of money they received last fall from Industry Canada for training and economic Development. One thing led to another, and early this spring St. Lawrence College was promoting an eight- week course, to be based in Sharbot Lake, called Employment Readiness Training for the Construction Trades.

Eighteen people signed up for the course, which was offered free of charge, but required a full time commitment from participants for eight weeks. Of the 18 who signed, 11 saw the course through, and last Friday at the North Frontenac Telephone Company Boardroom, a course end wrap up ceremony and party took place.

Gary Frizzell of Tamworth, a carpenter and contractor for the past 29 years, cleared some time from his schedule to act as lead instructor. Another instructor, Mike Hannah of Sharbot Lake, joined him.

Gary Frizzell had never taught before, and wanted to give it a try. He clearly enjoyed the experience, and judging from the obvious rapport that had developed between the 11 graduates and him, he was a natural at the job. In his short address to the students, he thanked them for making the experience so rich for him.

This was a very important experience for me, he said at the end of his remarks.

Mike Hannah, who runs Land O Lakes Cottage Country Services, came from the local area, and left for 26 years, before returning last year.

Ive been working in training for many years, and Im very proud to have a chance to do this in my home town, he told the students.

The students began the course by building some storage boxes and a shed for one of the courses sponsors, the North Frontenac Telephone Company. They progressed to work on various projects, doing roofing, carpentry, and other building related projects. One contractor who helped out quite a bit was Mike Hawley.

One of the course partners was the Sharbot Lake High School. The schools shop teacher, Geoffrey Murray, chipped in a fair bit, and provided access to the shop two days a week.

I taught some of these students a few years ago, he said, and its nice to see them progress to another level of education. Its nice to see them take steps towards improving their lives.

Many of the students already have work lined up, and Bob McCallum encouraged them to make use of the Job Connect program to get their foot in the door with potential employers.

Employers may not want to take on apprentices if they dont know anything about your work, but with Job Connect they can take you on for a period of time with funding support. We can also provide subsidies for employers who decide to take you on as apprentices. So keep in touch with me after you leave today, he told the graduating students.

The employment readiness training course was funded by the Eastern Ontario Development Fund.

Feature Article - February 23, 2006

Feature Article

February 23, 2006

First public Job Fair for northernFrontenac County

Frontenac County’s first job fair will take place in Sharbot Lake on Thursday, March 9, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Oso Hall on Garrett St. It’s free, both to job seekers and employers.

Job seekers will have a chance to meet potential employers and find out where to get help with resumes, cover letters and portfolio development. They can also learn about training choices and get information about apprenticeships.

Employers will have a chance to screen potential employees, gather resum and discuss work skills. They can network with providers of employment services and training, obtain information on wage-subsidy programs and promote their business at one of the display tables provided. Employers need to book ahead to reserve a table for promoting their business.

Also participating will be employment-service providers and educators.

“Because everything is usually so Kingston-based,” says Joyce Bigelow, one of the organizers, “we felt our community needed a local opportunity to see what jobs are out there and who’s available to fill them.”

Bigelow is with Northern Connections Adult Learning Centres, which is one of the organizations hosting the event. The Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund is the fair’s major funder.

People interested in booking a spot or getting more information at the job fair can call Northern Connections Adult Learning Centres at 279-2499, or Frontenac Employment Resource Centre at 376-6592.

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ODSP Alert:Major changes to employment rules

by Susan Irwin, Lawyer/Executive Director

A column of general information and opinion on legal topics by the lawyers of Rural Legal Services, Box 359, Sharbot Lake, ON, K0H2P0, 613-279-3252, or 1-888-777-8916. This column is not intended to provide legal advice. You should contact a lawyer to determine your legal rights and obligations.

The following article appeared in the Peterborough Community Legal Centre (PCLC) May 2006 newsletter and is reprinted here with permission.

People with disabilities who received Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits should be aware of some major changes to employment rules:

1. Requirements for non-disabled spouses: As of April 1, 2006, if you are married to someone who receives ODSP and you are not disabled yourself, you may have to meet Ontario Works (OW) employment assistance requirements. You will have to do upgrading, retraining, volunteer hours, job searches and/or job placements. The goal will be to place you in paid employment.

How will this work? ODSP offices will review their files to see who should be referred to OW. Referrals will start shortly after June 2006. You may be exempted from the OW employment requirements if you:

are already working or looking for work;

you meet the OW criteria for temporary deferral;

you have to be a caregiver for a young child or for an ill or elderly adult and this makes it impossible for you to look for employment;

there are “special circumstances” so you do not have to meet the OW requirements.

***Important*** The ODSP benefits that your spouse receives will be cut back if OW says that you did not work hard enough to find a job, if you quit a job without a good reason or if you are fired from your job.

2. A new approach to employment supports: If you have a disability, are on ODSP and you want to find a job, you may be able to get Employment Support services.

To get these supports, you have to show that you have the potential to be employable. Examples of Employment Support services are retraining and upgrading, job coaching, specialized equipment and sign language interpreters. Often private individuals or companies are paid by ODSP to provide the Employment Support services.

As of April 1, 2006, the Employment Supports program has new policies to make it easier and faster to get ODSP Employment Supports. The individuals and companies that are hired to provide the services will be paid based on whether you find and keep a job.

What does this mean? As an applicant, you will have to go to an Employment Information Session, you will have to choose a service provider and you will have to sign an Employment Supports Funding Agreement with ODSP. The service provider’s funding will be directly tied to whether you find a job, keep the job and your earnings in the job.

3. Changes to Earnings Exemptions: If you are on ODSP and you or your spouse work, earnings from the job will not be deducted dollar for dollar from your ODSP cheque. ODSP lets you keep a certain amount of earnings each month, depending on your family size, and then allows you to keep 25% of your earnings above that amount. As of November 1, 2006, the earnings exemption rules will change. Under the new formula, your family will keep 50% of all “net” wages (“net” means the amount of the wages after income tax, CPP, EI etc.). On top of this, you will be able to keep $100 for each adult in your family who is earning money from a job or a training program, or who is running a profitable business. ***Important*** Many ODSP recipients will benefit from the new rules, but if your family has only one earner netting between $201 and $305 then you may be worse off under the new rules.

4. Increased employment start-up benefits: You may be eligible for the Employment Start-Up Benefit (ESUB) if you are: getting ODSP income support and accepting a new full or part-time job; starting a training program that leads to a job; starting your own business; or changing to a new job that is a different type of work from your previous job. As of November 1, 2006, the ESUB will be increased from $253 to $500 in any 12-month period. The ESUB will also be available to cover costs related to job searches, job preparation, and volunteer positions that will help you find paid employment. The ESUB will not be issued to cover the costs that you have if you are leaving ODSP for employment, rather these expenses will be covered by the new Employment Transition Benefit.

5. New benefits: These new benefits apply to ODSP recipients who leave ODSP for a job, to do a training program or to run a business. As of November 1, 2006, you will be entitled to new benefits.

The first new benefit, the Employment Transition Benefit (ETB), is $500 which must be paid to you, in these circumstances, once a year regardless of what costs you have in leaving ODSP.

The second new benefit, the Transitional Health Benefit (THB), may be available to your family if you are leaving ODSP but you have no drug, dental and vision care coverage with an employer. Special rules apply as to who may qualify for the THB.

6. Changes to reinstatement on ODSP after periods of employment: As of November 1, 2006 all former ODSP recipients who left ODSP because they got jobs may be “rapidly reinstated” onto ODSP if their employment situation changes.

If you are in this situation you will still have to reapply for ODSP but you will not have to prove again that you are medically eligible. Benefits should be quickly reinstated if you are found to be financially eligible and if you meet all other, non-medical requirements. This reinstatement will happen regardless of how long you have been off ODSP.

With files from the LAO’s Clinic Resource Office and the Income Security Advocacy Centre.

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Feature Article - July 20, 2006

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Feature Article - July 20, 2006

Employment readiness inConstruction trades wins award

The Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation is pleased to announce that the Employment Readiness in Construction Trades project has been awarded the 2006 Youth Initiative Award by from the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporation (OACFDC).

Employment Readiness in Construction Trades was a new initiative undertaken by the Frontenac CFDC and St. Lawrence College in partnership with Northern Connections, the Sharbot Lake High School , and Frontenac Telephone Company. Training Consultant, Bob McCallum from St. Lawrence created an 8-week training course to introduce participants to the construction trades and to prepare them for entry-level positions in the field. Its main focus featured hands-on carpentry experiences, but it also covered trade theory and safety as well as rumwriting and other related training in employment-readiness skills.

The course was designed so its graduates would qualify to start the challenging three-year provincial apprenticeship training program that leads to the qualification of Certified General Carpenter or other apprenticable trades. And it succeeded. A local construction company accepted and employed two of the graduates as carpenter apprentices. Five others found employment in the construction field and another two graduates found new directions and went back to school.

St. Lawrence College received a cheque for $350. Wanda Williams, Director of Student Services, Continuing Education & Contract Training from St. Lawrence College, announced that these funds would be used for a new continuing education bursary, available to a part-time student working toward a certificate or diploma. Applicants must be residents of Frontenac County , including the Townships of Frontenac Islands, South Frontenac, Central Frontenac and North Frontenac. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

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Feature Article - August 10, 2006

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Feature Article - August 10, 2006

Routes toWork expands toSharbot Lake

Routes to Work is a program designed to help people who have a mental illness obtain employment. It is run through the Canadian Mental Health Association Kingston Branch, which has received some funding to run the program out of Sharbot Lake a few times a month.

The program not only helps people to find jobs but helps them to maintain them. Routes to Work has a successful formula in finding employment for people who suffer from a mental illness because it has the right combination of education and support.

The program provides career counseling, goal setting, resume writing, job search, skill development, workshops and employment maintenance. Participants can chose to remain anonymous through the program or have the employment support worker contact potential employers on their behalf.

People who are interested in the program must first qualify. People who are in receipt of employment insurance would not qualify. People must also self identify with a mental illness.

The main barrier for persons with a mental illness is stigma. The people who participate in Routes to Work are educated, intelligent, honest and hard working individuals and they would be an asset to any workplace. They sometimes just need a few considerations such as an extra break, flexible hours or being able to work different hours.

Funding is provided through Social Development Canada Opportunities Fund, which pays for the program to be delivered and for the client support.

For the Sharbot Lake area the program would run out of the Northern Connections Adult Learning Centre located at 24719 Hwy 7 near the corner of Hwys. 38 and 7.

Employers or job seekers who are interested in the Routes to Work program are encouraged to call Sara Carleton at 549-7027 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Legalese - October 12, 2006

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Legalese - October 12, 2006 Change to Employment Requirements if You Receive ODSP

Deirdre McDade, Clinic Lawyer

[The following article appeared in the October 2006 edition of Bafflegab, the Newsletter of the Community Advocacy & Legal Centre, a community legal clinic in Bellville. We thank the clinic for allowing us to share the information.]

If you are married or living common-law with someone who receives Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits and you are not disabled yourself, as of April 1, 2006 you will have to meet Ontario Works (OW) employment requirements.

This means that you will be referred to OW and have to go to school, or do volunteer work (workfare), or look for a job and/or participate in a job placement program. The goal will be to find you paid work.

You may not have to participate in the OW employment assistance program if:

You are a caregiver for a family member who needs assistance or supervision because of disability, illness or old age and this makes it impossible for you to look for work or participate in retraining. You can get a form from your local ODSP office to take to your doctor or other service provider to verify that you cannot participate in OW activities.You are already looking for work or working and it is unlikely that participation in OW will increase the chances of you being employedYou are 65 years of age or olderYou are a caregiver for a young childYou are experiencing “exceptional circumstances” which would make it difficult for you to participate (for example, if you experience anxiety, depression or other illness).

Your family’s ODSP cheque may be cut back if a non-disabled spouse refuses or fails to make good efforts to participate in OW employment assistance activities or quits a job without a good reason or is fired from a job.

If you need more information about this change or if your ODSP benefits are cut back, contact the legal clinic immediately.

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Feature Article - March 15, 2007

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Feature Article - March 15, 2007

Seasonal employment workers eligible for Habitat homes

Potential buyers of Habitat Homes throughout Prince Edward Hastings Habitat for Humanity’s jurisdiction, including this year a part of Lennox and Addington around the Flinton area, now have a greater financial opportunity to qualify.

After consultations with Habitat Canada and various Habitat Affiliates across the country, the local affiliate passed a resolution on March 8 to consider seasonal employment and EI benefits as part of the family selection process for those wishing to apply for a Habitat home.

A single family, ranch style bungalow will be built on a 1.15 acre lot just outside of Flinton this summer, thanks to the generosity of Chisholm’s (Roslin) Lumber, celebrating 150 years as a family-owned company this year.

The Affiliate’s Family Selection Committee has been meeting to review a number of applications received to date but no cut-off date has been set to receive applications.

“People wishing to apply for the Flinton Habitat home should call 613-969-1415 and leave their name and number, which will be passed on to me. I will return your call promptly. Also, check out our web site at www.habitatpeh.org for more information,” said Family Selection Chair, Bonnie Dobson.

The resolution passed on March 8 reads: “A family whose employment is seasonal and who then qualifies to collect Employment Insurance shall be considered for homeownership if they have a history of seasonal work and EI eligibility for 3 – 5 years depending on other indications of stability, such as continued residency in the area and reasons for change of employer.”

“The Prince Edward-Hastings Habitat for Humanity Affiliate’s goal is to provide as many homes for as many low income members of our community as possible and this adjustment to the eligibility policy will help us do that,” said Affiliate president, Karel Vanek.

“The policy sets a precedent for all Habitat Affiliates and if adopted elsewhere can help seasonally employed families all over Canada,” he added.

Under the Habitat program, Habitat built homes are sold to low income first-time home buyers with a zero per cent mortgage and no down payment. Each home buyer is required to help build their home along with Habitat volunteers and professionals.

To volunteer for the Flinton Habitat home build project this summer, contact Ruth Peck, Flinton Build Committee Chair at 613-336-8915.

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