Hamilton, ON (April 2026)— Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) and eCampusOntario announced today a new partnership that will strengthen collaboration across postsecondary institutions and expand access to skills training opportunities for learners across Canada.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing coordination across educational institutions to improve access to flexible, high-quality learning opportunities that respond to evolving labour market needs. By aligning national and provincial efforts, C2R2 and eCampusOntario will support a more connected and accessible postsecondary education ecosystem.

As part of this collaboration, C2R2 will work with eCampusOntario to integrate its member institutes’ programs into the Skills for Jobs Canada, Canada’s national upskilling platform, designed to connect learners and employers with short-duration, skills-focused education and training. This will enable broader dissemination of programs offered by C2R2 institutes and improve access for learners seeking to upgrade their skills.

“C2R2 is committed to working collaboratively with partners across Canada to strengthen access to education and support workforce development,” said Cebert Adamson, VP Academics at Mohawk College and C2R2 Steering Group Co-Chair. “This partnership with eCampusOntario represents an important step in improving the visibility and accessibility of programs offered by our member institutes, while supporting a more coordinated, pan-Canadian approach to skills development.”

eCampusOntario, a provincially supported not-for-profit organization, plays a key role in advancing digital learning and collaboration across Ontario’s postsecondary sector. Through this partnership, eCampusOntario will extend its collaborative infrastructure to support broader inter-institutional engagement and improved access to educational opportunities.

“eCampusOntario is pleased to partner with C2R2 to support greater collaboration across institutions and jurisdictions,” said Robert Luke, CEO of eCampusOntario. “By working together, we are enhancing pathways for learners and strengthening connections between education providers and employers, contributing to a more responsive and inclusive education system.”

The partnership includes coordinated onboarding, training and ongoing support to facilitate institutional participation, as well as the use of standardized data and metadata to improve program discoverability and alignment with labour market information.

This initiative underscores the importance of collaboration in advancing equitable access to education and supports broader efforts to build a skilled, adaptable, and resilient workforce.

About Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2)

Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) is a coalition of highly aligned colleges, cégeps, and polytechnics across Canada with an established commitment to sustainability. The coalition members have come together as a driving force, providing the skills required to transition to a clean economy in Canada. C2R2’s administration and secretariat are located at Mohawk College in Hamilton.

About eCampusOntario

eCampusOntario is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, that supports innovation, collaboration and digital-by-design education in Ontario’s publicly assisted colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes. It provides the sector with platforms, programs, and services to advance digital participation in postsecondary education, connecting Ontario’s postsecondary institutions and learners to the future of learning and work.

For further information, please contact:

Sean Coffey
Director, Communications
Mohawk College
905-575-2127
sean.coffey@mohawkcollege.ca

Jason Northway-Frank 
Senior Manager, Governance and Public Relations
eCampusOntario
647-719-0555
jnorthway-frank@ecampusontario.ca

Mohawk College has been recognized with the Large Employer Award at the Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Gala, held on May 13.

Presented annually by the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, the Business Excellence Awards celebrate organizations and leaders making significant contributions to Burlington’s economy and community. This year’s gala recognized 73 finalists across eight award categories, highlighting the strength and diversity of the city’s business community.

The Large Employer Award recognizes Mohawk College’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and community partnership in the Burlington region.

“This award represents our ongoing commitment to meeting the workforce development needs of the Burlington region, and we look forward to strengthening our connection to the city in the coming years," said Mohawk College President, Paul Armstrong. “On behalf of Mohawk College, we congratulate the fellow nominees and award recipients recognized for their contributions to Burlington’s continued growth and success.”

He enjoyed the science, the practical applications, and loved working with his hands. After taking a gap year and landing work with Dufferin Heating & Cooling in his hometown of Shelburne, ON, Rideout knew he’d found the perfect combination with skilled trades training. He could obtain an excellent education and gain pertinent qualifications through the one-year Gas & Oil Burner Technician 2 program at Mohawk.

Rideout said Mohawk graduate Devon Suttell, Owner/Operator at Dufferin Heating & Cooling highly endorsed the program’s curriculum. 

“I had been working with the company for eight months and I just loved it. I like learning new things, how to do new things – how to put the pipe together, how to pressure test the pipe, how gas works, and how to safely handle gas, all of it.”

Schulich Builder awards  

Rideout is one of 10 Mohawk College skilled trades students who’ve been awarded prestigious Schulich Builder scholarships for this academic year.  

“We are proud to support students in the skilled trades and open doors to this meaningful career path,” said Judy Schulich, director of the Schulich Foundation. “Behind every home built and every community strengthened are the tradespeople who make it possible. Today, the shortage of these skilled workers is holding Canada back — and that’s why investing in young people who choose this path is one of the most impactful ways we can build a stronger, more prosperous country for all.” 

As a new Schulich Builder, Rideout is excited for the year ahead. “I’m so grateful for this,” he said. “It’s going to give me financial freedom and that’s rare. A lot of college students don’t have this and it is just very good for your mental health and things like tuition, buying tools and supplies. They’re investing in my future.” 

Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong applauded the Schulich Foundation’s continued commitment to bolstering skilled trades education.  

“The Foundation continues to be a national leader recognizing the value of skilled trades and students who are working to bring their talents and expertise to our communities,” said President Armstrong. “We are thankful for their remarkable investment in our students.”    

Joining Rideout as Schulich Builders at Mohawk College this year are: 

One-Year Programs

Logan Liepold, Mississauga, Gas & Oil Burner Technician 2  

Tara Olooto, Welland, Construction Techniques

Olivia Salmon, Stoney Creek, Construction Techniques

Cole Weiderick, Smithville, Mechanical Techniques (Welding & Fabrication)  

Two-Year Programs 

Riley Alexander, Grimsby, Construction Engineering Technician – Building Renovation

Emma Mcdonald, Hamilton, Construction Engineering Technician – Building Renovation

David Woernert, St. Catharines, Electrical Engineering Technician – Power

Luna Lio, Burlington, Construction Engineering Technician – Building Renovation

Michal Denkiewicz, Burlington, Manufacturing Engineering Technician – Automation (Industrial Mechanic Millwright)  

This year marks the third cohort of Schulich Builders scholarship recipients, who are college students enrolled in a diploma or certificate skilled trades program before entering the workforce.  

Alumni successes 

Ryan Cassalman ’24, a graduate of the Construction Techniques program, credits the Schulich Builders Scholarship and training he received at Mohawk College with providing a platform to launch his career, which led him first to Nova Scotia to work in construction and now back to Ontario where he is employed at Penn Energy Renewables, working on a solar farm. He aims to use his background in construction techniques to deepen his knowledge and skills in the renewable energy space.  

Nathaniel Weinert ’25, is an apprentice with Expert Plumbing & Drains. He said the scholarship was invaluable in helping him excel in his chosen field of study. “Becoming a Schulich Builder was amazing. It helped push me to the next level and provided support for my learning. I was able to move up and get a gas licence through the College and now I have an apprenticeship.”  

Supporting the success of young people has been important to Seymour Schulich, founder of the Schulich Foundation, and was one of the reasons for writing his book, Get Smarter: Life and Business Lessons, where he offers advice to those beginning their careers, drawn on his own experiences. In an addendum to the book, “Get Even Smarter: Lessons for Success and Fulfillment,” Schulich provides additional reflections and guidance on “what really matters on the path to a successful and fulfilling life,” including the importance of supporting education and “enabling others to reach their full potential.” 

About the Schulich Foundation 

The philanthropy of The Schulich Foundation is focused on raising the standard of living for Canadians by supporting high-performing people with promise. The Schulich Foundation is one of Canada’s largest foundations, having committed over $500 million to philanthropic endeavours. Seymour Schulich established and funded The Schulich Foundation. He holds Canada’s highest civilian award, the Order of Canada, and is among Canada’s greatest philanthropists. Having benefited greatly from a scholarship that enabled him to do his MBA, Schulich has built a well-earned reputation as a champion for education and access to education in Canada and around the world. The Schulich Foundation has endowed university faculties of business, engineering, medicine, law, education, music, chemistry, nursing and dentistry; libraries, dormitories, courtyards, medical health centres, lecture and music halls. Over 6,000 scholarships are awarded annually to students.  

The Foundation’s largest initiative is the $200 million Schulich Leaders Scholarships program, spanning 25 universities across Canada and Israel, in support of students pursuing STEM education. 

HAMILTON, Ontario, August 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – The Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) is proud to announce a new nationwide green building skills training initiative, Advancing Access and Skills Training for Green Buildings and Retrofits, supported by an $11.3 million investment from the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP). 

With federal investment between April 2025 and March 2028, 13 C2R2 coalition member institutions will deliver accessible, industry-aligned training that equips workers with the technical and leadership skills needed to support Canada's lowcarbon 
transition. The investment will train a workforce to build and retrofit homes and buildings to reduce energy consumption and achieve low-carbon performance. 

The project aims to implement upskilling training opportunities for mid-career workers through programs at accredited postsecondary institutions, mobilize the knowledge of subject matter experts from the C2R2 institutions to inform curriculum development using innovative perspectives and increase accessibility to skills training for equity deserving groups. 

Training will be accessed through the Quick Train Canada platform and delivered through the following C2R2 members: Algonquin College, British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Holland College, Mohawk College, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), Okanagan College, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech), Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies(SIIT), Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Seneca Polytechnic, The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and Yukon University. 

“This investment from the Government of Canada is an important step forward in continuing to prepare our workforce for a sustainable future,” said Paul Armstrong, President of Mohawk College and Co-Chair, C2R2 Governance Committee. “C2R2institutions are ready to deliver practical, innovative training that connects people to meaningful careers while helping Canada meet its climate and housing goals.” 

"When we invest in green building skills training, we support sustainable careers for workers across the country,” said the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. “By equipping 5,400 learners with the necessary skills to thrive in the low-carbon economy, this initiative is addressing urgent workforce needs and paving the way for a greener and more resilient future for all Canadians. This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between post-secondary institutions, industry, and government in achieving our climate and economic goals." 

Through this initiative, C2R2 will: 

• Enroll 5,400 participants in training programs tailored to high-demand roles such as HVAC technicians, electricians, carpenters, GIS specialists, and construction project managers; 
• Ensure 4,320 participants complete training, with 75% securing employment following program completion; 
• Engage over 200 stakeholders — including employers, industry associations, and community organizations — to co-develop curriculum and ensure job-market alignment; 
• Launch 10 new and scale 30 existing training programs. 

C2R2’s project is one of eight innovative initiatives across Canada sharing $75 million in funding through the Government of Canada's Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program. This broader initiative aims to provide skills training opportunities for more than10,000 Canadian workers in key economic sectors and supports the federal government’s commitment to a resilient, inclusive, and low-carbon economic recovery. 

“This project exemplifies how Canada’s post-secondary institutions can work together with government and industry to create a stronger, more resilient economy,” said Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, President, Holland College and C2R2 Governance Group Co-Chair. “We are proud to support an initiative that creates new opportunities for learners from all walks of life to build sustainable careers in a growing sector.” 

This initiative supports Canada’s commitments under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and advances the national conversation on green skills training, creating new opportunities for mid-career workers while helping communities across the country build a cleaner, more inclusive future. 

For more information, visit: www.resilientcolleges.ca. 
 

About Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) 

Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) is a coalition of 15 highly aligned colleges, cégeps, institutes, and polytechnics across Canada with an established commitment to sustainability. The coalition members have come together as a driving force, providing the skills required to transition to a clean economy in Canada. C2R2’s administration and secretariat are located at Mohawk College in Hamilton. 
 

For more information: 
Sean Coffey 
Director, Communications 
Mohawk College 
905-575-2127

Mohawk College announced today the 2025 Alumni of Distinction recipients, honouring 10 outstanding graduates who have made a remarkable impact in their careers and community contributions, providing an exceptional source of inspiration for future generations. 

"These incredible alumni are inspirational leaders who demonstrate a deep commitment to making a difference in their fields. Their achievements encourage and motivate current and future graduates,” said Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong. “We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and honoured that Mohawk College could play a role in their career journeys." 

Congratulations to the 2025 Alumni of Distinction recipients: 

• Brian Henry ‘91 – Chief People Officer, Bird Construction (Affinity) 
• Jason DeBoer ‘92 – Partner, KPMG Enterprise (Business) 
• Jennifer Urosevic ’98 – President & CEO Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (Community Services) 
• Timothy Cherry ’86 – Producer, TPC Productions (Creative Arts and Design) 
• Kim Saltarski ’82 – Executive Producer, Amazing Ain’t It Productions (Entrepreneur) 
• Bahar Karimi ’04 & ’06 – Executive Director Clinical Practice & Centre of Excellence, Thrive Group (Health Sciences) 
• Jennifer Burton ’02 – Program Coordinator, Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography, Mohawk College (Mohawk College Employee) 
• Dilini Fernando ’20 – Operations Lead, TD Insurance and Co-Founder and Operations Lead, Certitude by K (Recent Graduate) 
• David Colle ’97 – Executive Vice President, Integrated Infrastructure Solutions, Green Infrastructure Partners Inc. (Science Engineering & Technology) 
• Nate Fehrman ’03 – CEO and Founding Partner, michael + clark construction (Skilled Trades) 

Alumni of Distinction recipients will be presented with their awards at a celebration dinner on October 2, 2025. 

Since 1996, the Alumni of Distinction Awards have proudly recognized deserving Mohawk graduates. All of the nominees are individuals who set the standard of excellence for which Mohawk College is recognized, and they are a source of inspiration for future generations. 

Visit the college’s website for more information about the Alumni of Distinction Awards, including past recipients and more information on this year’s Alumni of Distinction recipients. 

“ONCAT’s funding for institutional projects will reduce barriers and smooth transitions for learners,” said Dr. Galway. “We prioritize innovative initiatives with the potential to scale or be adopted across institutions, that help learners successfully navigate their academic journey and receive appropriate recognition for previous academic and work experience. Our mission is to ensure that learners complete their postsecondary credentials and transition successfully into the workforce.”  

“Our province’s postsecondary education programs are building Ontario’s workforce of today and tomorrow,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Our government is proud to support ONCAT and their critical efforts to reduce barriers for students looking to get the training they need to begin successful careers that meet our province’s labour market needs.” 

“This project will support improved access to postsecondary education for underserved and underrepresented groups in our city,” said Dr. Cebert Adamson, Vice President Academic at Mohawk College. “By recognizing and celebrating the academic competencies and transferable employability skills that have been developed through involvement in community-based activities and informal learning opportunities, we can help to build confidence and curiosity among these youths, and strengthen their commitment to pursuing postsecondary education.”  

ONCAT-funded projects showcase innovative approaches to enhancing learner mobility across Ontario’s postsecondary sector. At Mohawk College, this funding supports the following project: 

Pathways to Postsecondary through Community-Based Prior Learning Evaluations 
Project summary: Supports Black, Indigenous and racialized youth by awarding micro-credentials that can be applied for credit toward a college certificate. The project will enhance a framework for community-based prior learning and improve the accessibility of postsecondary education. 

 For a complete overview of 2024-25 ONCAT-funded institutional projects, visit oncat.ca.    

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About ONCAT  

Established in 2011, the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) plays a  

pivotal role in supporting learner mobility, working to support students seeking to  

move between the province’s public colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes. ONCAT  

partners with postsecondary institutions to help establish academic pathways, facilitate  

recognition of prior learning, and support learners’ transition into the labour market. ONCAT  

is funded by the Government of Ontario. To learn more, visit oncat.ca. 

HAMILTON, Ontario, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Innovative climate solutions require bold ideas, and young leaders are stepping up to the challenge. Wawanesa Insurance and Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) are thrilled to announce the latest recipients of the Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grants. The $150,000 in available funding will support youth-led projects focused on tackling climate change and building more resilient communities across Canada.

Through a competitive selection process, five outstanding projects have been chosen to each receive a $30,000 grant to develop and implement their climate-focused initiative with support from C2R2 partner institutions. These projects represent the creativity and commitment of young Canadians striving for meaningful environmental impact.

“The level of innovation and dedication from young leaders across Canada is truly inspiring,” said Has Malik, Saskatchewan Polytechnic Provost & Vice President Academic and C2R2 Co-Chair. “By investing in these projects, we are not only supporting youth-led ideas, but also empowering the next generation to take an active role in shaping a more sustainable future.”

Recognizing the critical role youth play in driving climate adaptation and mitigation solutions, Wawanesa first awarded the grant last year in partnership with C2R2. The initiative is part of the Wawanesa Climate Champions program, which reinforces the insurer’s annual $2 million commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities.

“Canada’s youth are instrumental in building more climate-resilient communities,” said Jackie De Pape Hornick, Director, Communications & Community Impact at Wawanesa. “These grants are designed to empower young climate champions to transform their innovative ideas into action. We’re proud to once again partner with C2R2 to support another group of changemakers as they create a meaningful, lasting impact in our communities.”

The Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grants received over 10 outstanding submissions from youth across seven of C2R2’s institution partners. Of the projects, the following have been selected to receive funding:

·         Anamika Gupta at Saskatchewan Polytechnic for her project; Prairie EcoWatt: Energy Champions of Saskatchewan.

·         Clarissa Getigan at New Brunswick Community College for her project; Sustainable Greenhouse Farming: Securing Food with Resource Efficiency.

·         Dexter Guino at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology for his project; Enhancing the Durability Performance of Low-Carbon Concrete using Carbon-Sequestered SCM.

·         Jeshuah Gilroy at Holland College for his project; Novel bioremediation approach to neutralize nitrous oxide precursors from water.

·         Maninder Kailay and Nga Phan at the British Columbia Institute of Technology for their project; Supercritical CO₂ Techniques for Lithium-Ion Battery Metal Recovery.

These projects will be implemented over the next year, with recipients working alongside industry experts, academic mentors, and community partners to maximize their impact.

About Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2)

Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) is a coalition of 15 highly aligned colleges, cégeps, institutes, and polytechnics across Canada with an established commitment to sustainability. The coalition members have come together as a driving force, providing the skills required to transition to a clean economy in Canada. C2R2’s administration and secretariat are located at Mohawk College in Hamilton.

For more information, visit www.resilientcolleges.ca.

About The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company

The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, founded in 1896, is one of Canada’s largest mutual insurers, with over $3.5 billion in annual revenue and assets of $10 billion. Wawanesa Mutual, with its National Headquarters in Winnipeg, is the parent company of Wawanesa Life, which provides life insurance products and services throughout Canada, and Western Financial Group, which distributes personal and business insurance across Canada. Wawanesa proudly serves more than 1.7 million members in Canada. The company actively gives back to organizations that strengthen communities, donating more than $3.5 million annually to charitable organizations, including over $2 million annually in support of people on the front lines of climate change. Learn more at wawanesa.com.

For more information:

Sean Coffey
Director, Communications
Mohawk College
905-575-2127
sean.coffey@mohawkcollege.ca

Michel Rosset
Manager, Corporate Communications & Media Relations
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
media@wawanesa.com

Former Mohawk College President Keith McIntyre was presented with the college's first-ever President Emeritus Mohawk College at the Creative Industries, Communications and Global Studies Convocation ceremony today, Wednesday, June 21. 

In a fitting tribute to the former president, the honour was presented in the McIntyre Performing Arts Centre, which is named in honour of Keith. The title of President Emeritus Mohawk College is reserved for former presidents who provided outstanding and distinguished service to the college.

Keith joined Mohawk College in 1976 as vice president. He was appointed president of Mohawk College in 1980 and led the college for 17 years, retiring in 1996.

A pioneer of the new Ontario college system established in 1968, Keith joined Mohawk College in 1976 as vice president. He was appointed president of Mohawk College in 1980 and led the college for 17 years, retiring in 1996. Along the way, he guided the growth of the college and celebrated many firsts.

A champion of co-operative education, Keith became an internationally recognized leader in the promotion of co-operative education, which allows students to alternate between paid work terms and class studies. Keith helped found the World Association for Co-operative Education and served in the association’s leadership for three years. Closer to home, he was instrumental in building the partnership with McMaster University that led to the construction of the Institute for Applied Health Sciences, and the unique, long-standing collaboration between the college and the university that has continued to flourish and grow in the years since.

Working with the Students Representative Council (the precursor to the Mohawk Students’ Association), Keith played a leadership role in building the first Student Centre at an Ontario college, without any funding from government. He also led the college during its expansion into Brantford with the construction of a new campus on the outskirts of the city in 1992, and helped to grow the college’s presence in the skilled trades and apprenticeship programs with the expansion of programs from the former Wentworth Campus in Hamilton to the campuses in Brantford and Stoney Creek.

In 1983, Keith helped to establish the Mohawk College Foundation. Based on the model used by hospitals throughout Ontario, the Mohawk College Foundation was set up to protect and facilitate charitable donations made to the college during a time of decreasing government support. The Mohawk College Foundation continues to play an important role in supporting the students and the college to this day.

Outside of the college, Keith was active in the community, serving on several boards and volunteering his time with local clubs and associations. He was a founding board member of the Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness (CCEP) and the Canadian Disaster Recovery Institute (CDRI). He was a member of the Hamilton Downtown Rotary Club for 32 years, serving as president from 2004 to 2005. He served on the boards for the St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, Joseph Brant Hospital, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Hamilton Automobile Club.

Keith has a Bachelor of Applied Science, Engineering and Business, from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Business Administration, Operations Management and Supervision from McMaster University. He also holds honorary doctorates from McMaster University, Northeastern University (Boston, MA) and the University of Waterloo.

 For more information on Keith and his many accomplishments at Mohawk College and within the college sector, visit: https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/about-mohawk/mohawk-colleges-distinguished-fellows/keith-mcintyre-president-emeritus-mohawk-college

With more than $600,000 in funding, Mohawk will be able to provide global learning for students, intended to unlock student potential through life-changing global skills and experiences, increasing their intercultural competencies and giving them new and in-demand work skills.

Over the next three years, three cohorts of 15 to 20 students in the Business-General Program, with the support of two professors, will have the opportunity to study for two weeks at the CUOA Business School in Vicenza, Italy, learning about the influence of culture and innovation on business model performance within an intercultural setting. As well, supported by staff and faculty in the Indigenous Initiatives, Education, and Student Services (IIESS) and the General Arts and Sciences program, 16 Indigenous students from across the college will experience traditions, thought and practices from Māori culture with Māori scholars, knowledge-keepers and Elders, will visit sites of cultural and historic significance, and participate and share in gatherings and ceremonies for three weeks in New Zealand in 2023. In advance of these trips, participating students will prepare for these transformative experiences from safety and intercultural development perspectives.

Global Skills Opportunity is a national outbound student mobility program that is expected to enable more than 16,000 Canadian college and undergraduate-level university students from across the country to acquire the global skills employers want and the Canadian economy needs. A key component of the Government of Canada’s International Education Strategy, Global Skills Opportunity is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada and is administered jointly by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada.

While open to all Canadian post-secondary students, the national program targets groups for whom international experiences have traditionally been less accessible — specifically Indigenous students, students from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities. It also aims to diversify destination countries where Canadian students pursue international learning.

Compared to similar countries, fewer Canadian students – only 3% of college students – participate in work or study abroad experiences during their studies. The new program stands to change that. By empowering post-secondary institutions to implement innovative solutions to barriers to participation, Global Skills Opportunity will expand the horizons of Canadian students from coast to coast, and improve Canada’s competitiveness on the world stage.

Over the next four years, Mohawk College will be one of 54 colleges and institutes and 56 universities that will be implementing a total of 124 GSO-funded projects in collaboration with international partners in more than 100 countries and to the benefit of tens of thousands of students.

“Mohawk College is proud to have been selected to participate in the Global Skills Opportunity program and to be a part of this first-of-its-kind initiative in Canada. This program will provide our students with life-changing, transformative intercultural experiences and skills critical to succeed in the global workplace and our faculty with opportunities to further enhance their intercultural teaching competencies and internationalize the curriculum.”
- Anuraj Bajwa, Dean, International & Partnerships, Mohawk College

“Study and work abroad programs are invaluable learning experiences that ensure students are culturally literate, resilient, adaptable and ready to succeed in an increasingly globalized world. This is perhaps more important than ever, which is why we are so proud to work with our partners to deliver Global Skills Opportunity. This ground-breaking program will allow more Canadian students to access these opportunities to develop the skills they need to gain a foothold in today’s global marketplace.”
- Denise Amyot, President, Colleges and Institutes Canada

The project is funded by Global Skills Opportunity, the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program.

The BACCC, a collaboration between 13 regional organizations and supported by the Cities of Hamilton and Burlington and the Centre for Climate Change Management at Mohawk College, is hosting a community forum to discuss the climate change priorities of the community and the possible paths forward. The evening includes:

• a dinner discussion and workshop session, with presentations by local leaders;
• a BACCC report on 2019 and initiatives for 2020;
• workshops to gather feedback on community climate change priorities; and
• a keynote address by Dr. Mark Jaccard, professor of Sustainable Energy at Simon Fraser University & author of The Citizen's Guide to Climate Success.

The event is sold out and the BACCC has created a livestreaming option for those who have registered for the wait list. Access to that option can be found at: https://events.eply.com/2020ClimateChangeForum

“We look forward to reporting on recent successes and sharing our current goals with the community and we are keen to learn what issues are most important to the citizens of the Bay Area. Having Dr. Jaccard with us to share his insights will certainly benefit everyone in attendance.” - Richard Koroscil, Chair, BACCC

“The City of Hamilton supports the work of the Bay Area Climate Change Council (BACCC) and looks forward to our continued partnership with Mohawk College and the City of Burlington. Fighting climate change is a key priority for the City of Hamilton and this powerful collaboration will help further mobilize the community to collectively reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to a changing climate.”

- Mayor Fred Eisenberger, City of Hamilton

“The City of Burlington is proud to be a partner in the work being done around the shared waterway and space at the bay with regards to local climate change. We have declared a climate emergency in the City and we are continuing to work on our Climate Action Plan. This upcoming forum is an excellent opportunity for the public to explore our local bay area climate change priorities and solutions.” — Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

WHEN: February 25, 2020, 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Mohawk College, Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation, Room EA013(135 Fennell Ave West, Hamilton)

For more information on the BACCC visit: www.mohawkcollege.ca/BACCC

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Media Contacts

Mohawk College – Bill Steinburg

905-575-2408 bill.steinburg@mohawkcollege.ca

Climate change is one of the defining environmental challenges of our time. Increasing education, awareness and action on climate change through independent third parties will support Canada’s efforts to protect the environment and transition to a cleaner economy.

Today, the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas, Filomena Tassi, highlighted funding through the Climate Action Fund to help the Centre for Climate Change at Mohawk College advance climate action in the Bay Area.

Through this funding, Mohawk College recently organized the Cities in Action: Bay Area Climate Change Summit from March 25-28, and the Youth Summit on March 29, 2019. These events empowered people and organizations to take climate action in their communities.

The Climate Action Fund provides up to $3 million to support projects delivered by students, youth, Indigenous Peoples and organizations, not-for-profit organizations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and research and educational institutions.

Funded projects will raise awareness of climate change and clean growth and encourage others to take action in support of Canada’s climate goals.

Quick facts

• Mohawk College will receive up to $262,000 in funding through the Climate Action Fund.

• The Cities in Action: Bay Area Climate Change Summit and the Youth Summit last week brought together more than 400 people.

• Look for a series of free public seminars on community climate change through Mohawk College. This project will continue engaging Bay Area community, youth, and businesses.

• The Climate Action Fund supports initiatives that help bring new ideas and innovations to help tackle climate change and encourage climate action. This supports Canada’s climate plan objectives by making investments in climate solutions.

Associated links

• Climate Action Fund
• Backgrounder Climate Action Fund
• Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change
• Centre for Climate Change, Mohawk College

Contacts

Sabrina KimPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change819-743-7138sabrina.kim2@canada.ca
Media RelationsEnvironment and Climate Change Canada819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free)ec.media.ec@canada.ca

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Twitter page

Environment and Natural Resources in Canada’s Facebook page

 

Bill Steinburg, Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
bill.steinburg@mohawkcollege.ca
905-575-2408

Bill has extensive background in advocacy, crisis communications, media relations and media training. He joins Mohawk after a successful career in journalism, publishing and, most recently, leading corporate and public affairs initiatives for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto for the past 13 years.

As a Hamilton resident, Bill is passionate about Mohawk’s mission and about serving our community. He is eager to start telling the Mohawk story and working across the college to continue to build and enhance the college’s profile locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.

Bill is also an avid runner. He has completed 21 marathons including five Boston marathons and represented Canada in the 2016 ASICS Beat the Sun International Trail Race.

Bill officially joins Mohawk on Monday, February 11. He will serve as a member of the Public Affairs, Marketing and Strategic Initiatives team working out of the President’s Office at the Fennell campus.

Addressing skills gap is critical to meeting Canada’s climate change goals and represents $24.3 billion in lost GDP

Ottawa, ON – January 29, 2019 – A new report by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) provides an action plan to close the low-carbon building skills gap in the Ontario construction industry. With buildings accounting for 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions, addressing the current gap in low-carbon building skills is critically important if Canada is to reduce its emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. In Ontario, the most populous province, the impact of the skills gap is estimated at $24.3 billion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in foregone company revenues, with an additional $3.7 billion lost in foregone taxation.

Entitled “Trading Up: Equipping Ontario Trades with the Skills of the Future,” the report puts forward recommendations for new types of training, incentives and construction processes that will help the trades workforce support the construction and mass retrofit of buildings that lower greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, tradespeople need to be trained on how to build efficient building envelopes, including framing, insulation, windows and glazing; install advanced mechanical systems, including heating, cooling, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as maintain energy efficient furnaces, boilers, water heaters, solar panels and geoexchange systems. Creating more efficient building envelopes is critical to reducing greenhouse gases from the built environment.

“Training the labour force with the skills necessary for designing, constructing and operating highperforming, low carbon buildings is critical in supporting a clean growth economy and meeting Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions targets,” says Thomas Mueller, President and Chief Executive Officer of CaGBC. “To date, not enough attention has been paid to building the skilled labour market that’s urgently needed to meet increasing activity in Canada’s growing green building industry and meet future demand that is imminent.”

CaGBC’s report also demonstrates that technical skills alone will not satisfy the requirements of low-carbon buildings. The report shows the threshold for mistakes in high-performing buildings is narrow and demands a higher level of sophistication, integration and precision for the entire project team. Adjustments to the construction approach and an overall increase in green literacy across the trades is necessary to deliver high-performing buildings.

“Technical skills are immensely important, but even technically proficient trades cannot do it alone,” says Aubrey LeBlanc, Chief Administrative Officer of the Ontario Building Officials Association. “The whole construction ecosystem needs to be trained to achieve a higher level of green literacy if zero carbon buildings are to become the industry standard. Education for building officials would improve communication and collaboration with the trades on construction sites.”

The report explores different delivery modes for training, ranging from full-time in-class courses to short online and on the job training as well as calling for a new certificate for low-carbon skills to help the construction industry identify and secure skilled trades for future projects. CaGBC’s report calls on governments to create supportive public policies and incentivize workforce education and training programs that industry should implement for workers at all career stages.

“Ontario’s highly skilled workforce can help drive the transition to a new era of low-carbon and energy efficient buildings,” says John Cartwright, President of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council who was part of the advisory group that developed the report. “Building on existing skills while taking a systems approach to embracing new techniques and technologies will be essential to meet the future needs of our province and world.”

The evolution to green buildings comes at a time of transition and rapid growth for Ontario’s construction industry. More than 87,000 retirements – almost 20% of the workforce - and up to 80,000 new jobs are forecast in the trades workforce over the coming decade. In the Toronto region alone, it is estimated that there will be 147,000 job openings in construction in the next 15 years. Filling these positions with people who are proficient in how to construct low-carbon buildings is of paramount importance as Canada moves towards a zero carbon economy.

“This report helps governments and industry identify where shortages in skills training exist, and offers an actionable plan to address those shortages, which will create an education and training market for low-carbon skills,” says Wayne Ostermaier, Dean of the Marshall School of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario, who was also part of the advisory group that developed the report. “Retraining the trainers is critical too. Coaches and professors who teach the construction ecosystem need to be brought up to speed.”

Adrian Conrad, Chief Operating Officer at Cora Group Inc., adds: “Well-informed, integrated teams are essential for delivering projects that perform well and meet goals in line with Canada`s zero carbon design aspirations. Including tradespeople from a very early stage will ensure that good intentions transform into actual results.”

The full “Trading Up” report can be accessed here. It was compiled by CaGBC with Mohawk College, McCallumSather, The Cora Group, the City of Toronto and the Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA). The project was funded, in part, by the Government of Ontario. The report examines the Ontario construction industry, but its recommendations can be applied throughout Canada.

Media Contacts:

Joel Baglole
CaGBC Communications
Phone: 613-894-7772
media@cagbc.org

 

The partnerships are being funded with a $600,000 grant from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. Mohawk will conduct labour market analysis in partnership with the Mayor of Hamilton’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Workforce Development, Workforce Planning Hamilton and the City’s Neighbourhood Action Strategy. Mohawk will then work with employers over the next three years to develop preparatory courses that address local skill shortages.

The employer-driven training will be delivered through Mohawk’s City School initiative. City School offers tuition-free college credit courses and workshops at the Eva Rothwell Centre in North Hamilton, the Central Public Library in downtown Hamilton and at a mobile classroom.

In 2016, the Province invested $1.6 million in City School to fund the custom-built mobile classroom and provide more programming to more people in the community.

CONTACT:

Mohawk College
Jay Robb, Director of Communications
905.979.8893
jay.robb@mohawkcollege.ca

The Bay Area Climate Change Summit is hosted by the Centre for Climate Change Management at Mohawk College in partnership with the City of Hamilton, the City of Burlington, Sustainable Hamilton Burlington and the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

Along with showcasing local and international initiatives, the summit will launch the process for developing a Bay Area Climate Change Action Plan that builds on the existing Hamilton Community Climate Change Action Plan and the Burlington Community Energy Plan.

The summit will feature presentations and panel discussions by representatives from the cities of Hamilton, Burlington and London, EllisDon, IKEA Canada, the Bay Area Restoration Council, Environment Hamilton, Burlington Green, Ontario Centres of Excellence, Intact Centre of Climate Change, Quality Urban Energy Systems of Tomorrow and Copenhagen-based Quercus Group.

To register and for more information on the Bay Area Climate Change Summit, go to www.eply.com/cccmsummit or email sustainability@mohawkcollege.ca.

WHAT: Bay Area Climate Change Summit

WHERE: Royal Botanical Gardens Auditorium, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington

WHEN: Wednesday, March 7 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a keynote by Sebastian Damm Wray, Development Manager for Copenhagen-based Quercus Group on how Denmark is enlisting people and business to combat climate change.

Thursday, March 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with panel and table discussions on business and community initiatives.

WHO: Summit is open to industry, business, government, not-for-profits, academic institutions, community organizations and the general public

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jay Robb, Director of Communications, Mohawk College, 905.979.8893, jay.robb@mohawkcollege.ca

The $3 million lab at the Fennell campus features six FANUC robots, including two collaborative robots that work safely alongside people and do not require protective barriers. Mohawk is the first postsecondary education institution in Canada to have FANUC collaborative robots.

In addition to training on FANUC robots, students in the lab have access to the company’s simulation software. FANUC’s industrial training curriculum has also been integrated into three Mohawk Engineering Technology programs and two Mohawk-McMaster Bachelor of Technology programs.

Students have the opportunity to take the FANUC certification exam while in their programs. Students who pass the exam are qualified to program and operate the company’s robots. More than 450,000 FANUC robots are used worldwide by manufacturing and industrial companies.

The new FANUC Robotics Lab is part of the largest renewal of labs and classrooms in Mohawk’s 50-year history. The Government of Canada is supporting the renewal of Mohawk’s Engineering Technology labs and construction of the country’s largest net zero institutional building with a $20 million investment through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund.

FANUC Canada is a subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION in Japan, and provides industry-leading robotics, CNC systems, and factory automation. FANUC’s innovative technologies and proven expertise help manufacturers in the Americas maximize efficiency, reliability and profitability.

Mohawk College educates and serves 30,000 full-time, part-time and apprenticeship students at three campuses in Hamilton, Ontario. Mohawk has ranked first in student satisfaction among colleges in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area for seven consecutive years and is among the top 15 colleges in Canada for applied research activity.

CONTACTS:

Jay Robb, Mohawk College Director of Communications, jay.robb@mohawkcollege.ca, 905.979.8893

Tanya Proietti, FANUC Canada – Sr. Marketing Analyst, tanya.proietti@fanuccanada.com, 905.812.2333

MARSHALL FAMILY MAKES $1.5 MILLION COMMITMENT TO TRADES PROGRAMS AT MOHAWK COLLEGE

HAMILTON, ONTARIO (Aug. 16, 2017) – A local family is making another major gift to support skilled trades training in Hamilton.

The Marshall family today announced they will donate $1.5 million for apprenticeship programs at Mohawk College’s Stoney Creek campus.

Mohawk recognized the family with the naming of the Marshall School of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship at the Stoney Creek campus.

In 2006, the family honored their late father Gerald Marshall by supporting major construction and renovations at the Stoney Creek Campus and in recognition for their outstanding support the building was named the Gerald Marshall Centre for Transportation.

The family continues to host an annual fundraiser that celebrated its 10^th anniversary last year. This year’s event is being held on October 13^th at the Grand Olympia in Stoney Creek.

QUOTES:

“The Marshall family are great champions of the skilled trades and outstanding supporters of apprentices, students and our college. We’re proud to recognize their generous support by naming our School of Apprenticeship & Skilled Trades in their honour.” – Mohawk College President Ron McKerlie

“Skilled tradespeople have been essential to the success of our family businesses and to the strength of our community. We hope our family’s support for Mohawk College inspires others to give and to pursue rewarding careers in the skilled trades.” – Jo-Anne Spadafora

FAST FACTS:

• Mohawk is the largest trainer of apprentices in Ontario, with more than 4,500 apprentices and students enrolled in 17 apprentice programs and 19 certificate and diploma programs at the Stoney Creek campus.

• In 2006 the Marshall family’s donation, supporting construction and renovations at the Stoney Creek campus, was the largest private gift given to Mohawk.

• In 2010, Mohawk named the Gerald Marshall Centre for Transportation in honor of the late Gerald Marshall who founded a trucking company and helped open Marshall Truck and Trailer Repair in Hamilton.

CONTACTS:

Jay Robb, Mohawk College Director of Communications, 905.979.8893, jay.robb@mohawkcollege.ca

For more information or questions about how you can support capital projects like this one, please contact:

Katie Burrows, Director, Development
905-575-2200, x3350
Email Katie Burrows

For more information about the Mohawk College Foundation, please visit: Mohawkcollege.ca/foundation

For the seventh consecutive year, Mohawk finished first among all colleges in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) for student satisfaction. Ninety-one per cent of students also reported they would recommend Mohawk to family and friends.

With a graduate employment rate of 86 per cent, Mohawk finished first among GTHA colleges for the fifth consecutive year. Ninety-six per cent of graduates said they would recommend Mohawk to family and friends.

Mohawk graduates earned high marks from employers, with overall employer satisfaction scores exceeding 90 per cent for soft skills and personal qualities, including teamwork, responsibility, adaptability and oral communication.

The KPI survey was conducted between March 2016 and February 2017 by two independent research firms. The Province and Ontario’s 24 public colleges have gathered annual data on college results since 1998.

CONTACT:

Jay Robb, Director of Communications, 905.979.8893, jay.robb@mohawkcollege.ca.

MEDIA RELEASE

INDUSTRY EDUCATION COUNCIL LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO CLOSE SKILLS GAP IN HAMILTON

HAMILTON, ON (Oct. 6, 2016) -- The Industry Education Council of Hamilton (IEC) is launching a new program to train youth for high-demand jobs with local manufacturers.

The Employer Skills Training Advantage to Employment (ESTATE) program was developed by IEC in direct response to the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Workforce Development and the Premier’s Highly Skilled Workforce Expert Panel.

Up to 48 high school graduates will be enrolled in the 28-week program at Mohawk College’s Stoney Creek campus starting in January 2017. Students will train for jobs in advanced manufacturing / computer numeric code (CNC) and mobile industrial / hydraulics. Registration is $350 with a $200 refund on successful completion of the program.

The ESTATE program is being delivered by IEC in partnership with Mohawk College, Mohawk College Enterprise, Express Employment Professionals, the City of Hamilton, the Government of Ontario and several local companies.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Growth has invested $627,500 in the ESTATE program with an additional $627,426 in in-kind services from participating community partners.For more on the ESTATE program, email estate@iechamilton.ca or call 905.529.4483 ext. 226.

QUOTES

“The ESTATE Program will support the Hamilton workforce by creating unique training and employment opportunities for our youth with local employers. This is an effective experiential learning program, made possible through the support of our strong educational and community mentors, who guide and shape the training.”

- Cesare Di Donato, Executive Director, IEC of Hamilton

“The funding support for the ESTATE Program from the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth is another vote of confidence in Hamilton by the Province, recognizing that we are doing great things here in our community. The work of the Blue Ribbon Task Force has provided relevant information to inform this project, which is one of several positive outcomes.” – Mayor Fred Eisenberger, City of Hamilton

“Closing the skills gap is a priority for Mohawk and our industry partners. We’re proud to be working with IEC on developing and delivering the curriculum for a program that will meet the workforce needs of employers and open up a world of opportunity for young people.” – Ron McKerlie, Mohawk College President and Chair of the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Workforce Development

“Fruitland Manufacturing recognizes the need to excite and engage students for the CNC machinist trade. We are committed to developing a strong relationship with all stakeholders of the ESTATE program with the intent to provide stable career employment opportunities.” - Chris White, President & COO, Fruitland Manufacturing

For more information, contact:

Cesare Di Donato, Industry Education Council of Hamilton Executive Director, Cesare.didonato@iechamilton.ca, 905.529.4483 ext. 225.

Mohawk's David Braley Athletic and Recreation Centre opened in the Fall of 2013.

HAMILTON (Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015) – Mohawk’s David Braley Athletic and Recreation Centre has received LEED® Gold certification from the Canada Green Building Council.

The 7,143 square metre centre opened in the fall of 2013, making it the newest addition to the College’s flagship campus in Hamilton. The centre features three gymnasiums, a multi-purpose studio, a fitness centre and an indoor track. Outside the building are basketball courts, a beach volleyball court, an outdoor movie screen and a large pedestrian plaza.

The David Braley Athletic and Recreation Centre is the second building to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification at the Fennell Campus. The first was the Learning Exchange and Cummings Library which opened in 2011. Sustainable development is one of the priorities identified in the College’s Environmental Management Plan. LEED is the global standard for green buildings in over 130 countries.

From the ground up, the David Braley Athletic and Recreation Centre was built with sustainability in mind. The building uses 31% less energy than an equivalent building based on the Model National Energy Code for Buildings. This translates to a 41% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or a carbon reduction of 249 tonnes.

Fast Facts:

• The building is surrounded only by native/adaptive drought resistant plants that survive on rainwater alone and do not need watering. Together with efficient plumbing systems and other water conservation features this results in the building using 40% less water than a building of comparable size.
• Permeable concrete surrounding the facility allows water to flow through, minimizing runoff resulting in groundwater recharge.
• More than 30% of the construction materials used were sourced within 800 kilometers of the Fennell Campus.
• More than 20% of the construction materials used are made from recycled material, including recycled glass paving used at the entrance to the building.
• Products with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde were used within this building to reduce indoor air quality problems for the construction workers as well as the occupants.
• The floor systems used all meet either the Green Label Plus and FloorScore Certification and/or meet the California Department of Public Health Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Emissions from Various Sources using Small-Scale Environmental Chambers.
• All major building systems are monitored and controlled including heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting. Lighting can be programmed based on an established occupancy schedule.
• A flat-plate solar collector and reflective rooftop features reduce the amount of non-renewable energy required to heat water used in the building and helps to reduce the ‘heat island effect’ created similar structures.
• Mohawk developed a self-guided tour for each of its LEED certified buildings. The tour showcases the sustainable features that contribute to the building’s LEED certification.
• Since implementing its Environmental Management Plan five years ago, Mohawk has achieved a 24% reduction in Greenhouse gas emissions. The College is committed to achieving a 30% reduction by 2020.

For more information, contact:

Alan Griffiths 
Manager, Sustainability Office,
905-575-1212, ext. 4168
alan.griffiths@mohawkcollege.ca

Jay Robb
Director of Communications,
905.979.8893
jay.robb@mohawkcollege.ca

• working with Mohawk students and faculty on applied research projects to bring innovative solutions to market


• auditioning prospective employees through co-operative work terms, field placements and apprenticeships


• developing advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns through The Agency, and


• serving on advisory committees to develop programs and revise curriculum

-30-

• Acting Chief Administrative Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister at Treasury Board Secretariat (October 2014 – December 2014)


• Director, Enterprise Strategic Business Unit, Ministry of Government Services (2013-2014)


• Director of Operations, Deputy Minister’s Office, Ministry of Government Services (2010-2013)


• Director, Tourism Agencies Branch, Ministry of Tourism (2009-2010)


• Director Consumer Policy & Liaison Branch, Ministry of Consumer Services (2006-2009)


• Provincial appointee to the Tarion Board of Directors (2005 – present)


• Bachelor of Journalism, Ryerson University


• Corporate Governance Designation, Rotman School of Management/Institute for Corporate Directors


• Ivey School of Business Executive Leadership Program