Through this agreement, CLAC and Mohawk College will collaborate on the development of classroom and lab space at CLAC’s location in Grimsby, a short distance from the college’s skilled trades campus in Stoney Creek. The added capacity the Grimsby location provides will help with the backlog of apprentices waiting for in-class training in high demand Red Seal Programs such as electrical, plumbing, welding and carpentry.

The collaboration aligns with the Government of Canada’s Team Canada Strong initiative, which aims to recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal skilled trades workers by 2030-31. It also aligns with the province’s long standing push to get more people into the skilled trades.

“This partnership demonstrates how colleges and labour organizations can work together to solve urgent workforce challenges,” said Paul Armstrong, President of Mohawk College. “By expanding access to high-quality, hands-on apprenticeship training, we are helping more people move into in-demand careers while supporting the skilled talent pipeline employers need to grow Ontario’s economy.”

Rooted in a shared commitment to workforce development, the partnership brings together Mohawk College’s strength in industry-led skilled trades education with CLAC’s direct connection to workers and workforce needs in the field. Mohawk and CLAC will work together to identify skills gaps in the trades and respond with targeted, industry-informed programming. They will also explore how they can support accelerated learning pathways and integrate emerging technologies into trades education based on worker experience and insight, from the field.

“Ontarians need the breadth, depth and expertise of our community colleges, to serve the vast number of prospective tradespeople who come from all corners of the province,” said Ian DeWaard, CLAC Provincial Director. “This partnership strengthens our ability to support the next generation of skilled trades professionals by ensuring people have accessible pathways into well-paying, in-demand careers.”

Beyond physical infrastructure, the agreement commits both organizations to exploring future partnerships in applied research, workforce development, and emerging areas such as green construction, sustainable building practices, and next-generation skilled trades training. The facility is currently in the preliminary design stage, with plans to start the approvals process latter this year, and a ground breaking in early 2027.

Media contacts:
 

Andre Van Heerden
Communications Director
Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC)
416-906-0989

Sean Coffey
Communications Director
Mohawk College 
sean.coffey@mohawkcollege.ca

About Mohawk College:

Mohawk College is a nationally recognized leader in applied research and education. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, the college serves more than 27,500 full-time, part-time and apprenticeship students annually across four main campuses. It offers nearly 200 industry-led programs spanning health, technology, aviation maintenance, skilled trades and climate action, and operates living classrooms embedded within industry partner sites. Since opening in 1967, more than 180,000 students have graduated from Mohawk College.

About CLAC:

CLAC is one of Canada’s largest independent national unions, with over 60,000 members working in a wide range of sectors—construction, education, emergency services, healthcare, retail, service, transportation, manufacturing, and more. CLAC (Christian Labour Association of Canada) was formed in 1952, based on the values of respect, dignity, and fairness.

Endorsements:

“Stoney Creek and Hamilton as a whole have long been known for their hard-working tradespeople. I am pleased to hear that reputation will continue to grow as Mohawk College and CLAC have partnered to get more apprentices the in-class training they need to succeed in growing fields such as welding, plumbing, carpentry and electrical work. The best way to ensure Canada continues to grow and prosper is to take care of those building it. I look forward to the valuable opportunities this will create for the residents of Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.”
- Ned Kuruc, MP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek

“Canada needs more skilled tradespeople, and meeting that challenge takes a Team Canada approach. Partnerships like this one between Mohawk College and CLAC are exactly how we get there - expanding apprenticeship training, opening doors to good, rewarding careers, and building the skilled workforce to move our country forward."
- Lisa Hepfner, MP for Hamilton Mountain

“The future of Hamilton's economy depends on a strong skilled trades workforce, and Mohawk College is leading the way by preparing the next generation for careers in the building trades. Their work is helping build a Canada Strong economy while creating good-paying opportunities for workers across our region.”
- John-Paul Danko, MP for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas

"Our government is focused on helping more young people discover the skilled trades and giving them clear pathways to rewarding, good-paying careers. Partnerships like this between Mohawk College and CLAC will expand access to hands-on apprenticeship training and give the next generation of workers the skills and experience they need to succeed. By working together with colleges, labour and industry, we’re building the skilled workforce Ontario needs to keep growing and building for the future.”
- Sheref Sabawy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

“Our government is making historic investments in skills training to ensure Ontario has the workforce needed to build homes, hospitals, schools, roads, and other critical infrastructure. The partnership between Mohawk College and CLAC will help more apprentices access the training they need right here in Hamilton, and strengthen our city’s position as a hub for the skilled trades. Partnerships like these will help fill in-demand jobs, support local employers, and create lasting opportunities for workers and families across our region.”
- Monica Ciriello, MPP for Hamilton Mountain

“We at the Town of Grimsby are excited for this new partnership between Mohawk College and the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC). Workforce development has remained a key priority for the Town, and this new Memorandum of Understanding will help us achieve greater workforce alignment in the skilled trades. The College’s current apprenticeship pathways –like that with VTR Solutions here in Grimsby–are already bringing new talent and generating real successes for local industry and business. As we continue to work with our educational partners, we ensure success for local industry in training and retaining highly skilled professionals for the jobs in our community.”
- Mayor Jeff Jordan, Town of Grimsby

July 6, 2026

This notice relates to a recent event that could affect the confidentiality of certain current/former students and staffs’ personal information, due to a third-party incident affecting MyCanvas accounts.

What Happened? On April 26, 2026, a malicious actor obtained unauthorized access to certain myCanvas accounts hosted on Instructure inc. (‘‘Instructure’’), including myCanvas accounts belonging to Mohawk College (‘‘Mohawk’’). This activity was subsequently identified as part of a ransomware incident impacting Instructure. On or around May 2, 2026, Instructure notified Mohawk of the Incident. Mohawk subsequently commenced its own internal response with the assistance of third party cybersecurity specialists.

On or around May 12, 2026, Instructure advised Mohawk that it reached an agreement with the unauthorized party, resulting in the return of the data, assurances it will not be shared, and evidence that copies have been deleted. At the time of this update, there is no evidence that the data has been posted online. That said, we are issuing this notice as a precautionary measure, so that students and staff may consider taking the appropriate preventive measures.

What Information Was Involved? Personal information that has been identified in the myCanvas accounts may include any combination of the following: name, email addresses, institutional/student identifications, user-generated content, including messages.

What We Are Doing. We take this event and the security of information in our care very seriously. Upon discovery of this event, we immediately began an exhaustive investigation to determine its nature and scope.  As part of our ongoing commitment to the confidentiality of the information, we are also working to put in place additional security measures to further protect against the risk of a similar event occurring in the future. We have also reported this event to the appropriate regulatory authorities, including the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (‘‘IPC’’).

Please note that you are entitled to make a complaint to the IPC. The complaint must be made in writing and filed with the IPC by no later than May 2027. The mailing address for the IPC is: 2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400 Toronto, ON, M4W 1A8.

What You Can Do. While we have no indication of fraud or identity theft as a result of this event, we encourage you to remain vigilant for phishing or suspicious messages, not click unfamiliar links or share personal information. We invite you to report any concerns to the IT Service Desk.

For More Information.  We understand that you may have questions about this event that are not addressed in this notice. If you have any further questions or require assistance, please contact us at mohawkcommunications@mohawkcollege.ca.

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May 22, 2026

Update on Canvas Security Incident

Mohawk College continues to monitor the global cybersecurity incident involving Instructure, the provider of MyCanvas.

Instructure has advised it reached an agreement with the unauthorized party, resulting in the return of the data, assurances it will not be shared, and evidence that copies have been deleted. At the time of this update, there is no evidence that the data has been posted online. This provides additional reassurance; however, situations involving unauthorized third parties carry inherent uncertainty, and the Mohawk community should continue to remain vigilant.

Current Status

• MyCanvas is fully operational and safe to use
• No action is required from students or employees

Precautionary Guidance

• Remain vigilant for phishing or suspicious messages
• Do not click unfamiliar links or share personal information
• Report concerns to the IT Service Desk

The college will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if warranted.

May 12, 2026

Update on Canvas Security Incident

Instructure has advised that it has reached an agreement with the unauthorized party, resulting in the return of the data, assurances that it will not be shared, and evidence that any copies have been deleted. While situations involving cybercriminals can never be guaranteed, this development provides some reassurance.

At this time, no action is required. However, we strongly encourage you to remain vigilant for phishing emails or suspicious messages. Be cautious of unexpected requests for personal information and avoid clicking unfamiliar links.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.

May 8, 2026

Update: MyCanvas Learning System Back Online

Mohawk College’s MyCanvas learning system is back online and is safe for use by students faculty and staff.

The college continues to monitor the situation with MyCanvas provider Instructure and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

May 7, 2026

MyCanvas Learning System Offline

Mohawk College’s MyCanvas learning system is unavailable until further notice.

Students who have concerns about assignments, assessments, or course-related deadlines are encouraged to contact their program coordinator directly for support and guidance. Faculty and staff are aware of the outage and will adjust their teaching plans accordingly. No assignments are due during the outage. 

This outage affects the MyCanvas learning system only. No other college systems are affected. The college continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

May 6, 2026

Important IT Notice: Third‑Party Incident Affecting MyCanvas

Mohawk College is aware of a global cybersecurity incident involving Instructure, the provider of the MyCanvas learning system.

At this time, there is no required action for students or employees. Passwords and login credentials were not affected, and there is no indication that financial or highly sensitive personal information was involved.

Users are encouraged to remain vigilant for phishing emails and report any suspicious messages.

The college continues to monitor the situation and will share updates if needed. 

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to creating learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom and connect students to a broader global community. As institutions respond to an increasingly interconnected world, this partnership will support the development of innovative, cross-disciplinary opportunities that prepare students for global success.

“This partnership is unique for Mohawk College because it intentionally integrates academics and athletics to enrich global learning,” said Paul Armstrong, President Mohawk College. “By collaborating with Wrexham University, we are creating opportunities for students to develop skills, build confidence, and broaden their perspectives in ways that go far beyond the classroom.”

This partnership is part of Mohawk College’s flagship Beyond Borders program, which provides students with international learning experiences designed to broaden their understanding of the world and their place within it. Through this MOU, both institutions will explore joint initiatives including student exchanges, faculty collaboration, applied research, and athletic engagement opportunities, offering students a more holistic and global educational experience.

“We are delighted to partner with Mohawk College, strengthening our shared commitment to global collaboration, student opportunity, and the development of skills that will have real impact across our communities. This agreement represents an exciting step forward in creating meaningful international pathways for our learners,” said Joe Yates, Vice Chancelor Wrexham.

The MOU also strengthens the longstanding relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom in education, public service, and innovation, reinforcing a commitment to collaboration, exchange, and student success.

About Mohawk College
Mohawk College is a leading Canadian college focused on applied education, innovation, and student success. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, Mohawk is known for its strong industry partnerships, experiential learning, and global engagement initiatives.

About Wrexham University
Wrexham University is a forward-thinking university in North Wales recognized for applied research, student-centered learning, and community impact.

Kenora, ON – Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is improving access to certification for apprentices in Northwestern Ontario by opening the Agency’s first examination centre in Kenora. CEO Candice White joined the Honourable David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, and Minister Rickford to mark the announcement at Seven Generations Education Institute in Kenora.

The Kenora centre is the latest addition to a province-wide network of 24 partnerships between colleges and institutions across Ontario, giving apprentices the ability to write their certifying exams closer to where they live, work, and learn.

“Apprentices across Ontario have told us what a five-hour drive to an exam centre meant for their certification – in time, in cost, and in delays,” shares CEO Candice White. “For too long, that has been the reality. Bringing certifying exams to apprentices exactly where they are changes that. This is what the apprenticeship pathway should look like – meeting apprentices where they are, with the consistency and integrity they deserve. We’re grateful for our industry partners and to the STO team who made this possible.”

The exam centres are located at:

• Centennial College, Ashtonbee Campus
• Durham College, Whitby Campus
• Georgian College, Midland Campus
• George Brown College, Casa Loma Campus
• Humber College, Trades and Technology Campus
• Skilled Trades Ontario Headquarters
• Algonquin College, Ottawa Campus
• Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus
• Fleming College, Peterborough Campus
• Loyalist College, Belleville Campus
• St. Lawrence College, Cornwall Campus
• St. Lawrence College, Kingston Campus
• Canadore College, Commerce Court Campus
• Collège Boréal, Timmins Campus
• Collège Boréal, Sudbury Campus
• Confederation College, Thunder Bay Campus
• Confederation College, Kenora Campus
• Sault College, Sault Ste. Marie Campus
• Conestoga College, Skilled Trades Campus
• Fanshawe College, London Campus
• Georgian College, Owen Sound Campus
• Lambton College, Sarnia Campus
• Mohawk College, Stoney Creek Campus
• St. Clair College, Windsor Campus

STO has delivered more than 7,200 exams across this network of exam centres throughout the province. This total is exclusive of final-level exam offerings which boast an additional 5,400 exams. Behind this number is a dedicated team of Skilled Trades Ontario staff who set up and manage these examination locations every day. They are the reason we can ensure the integrity of the exam experience at each of our sites.

“The opening of the examination centres reflects STO’s continued commitment to improving client service and expanding equitable access to certification across the province,” said Board Chair Michael Sherrard. “This milestone strengthens Ontario’s skilled trades system, supports the growth of a highly qualified workforce, and reflects ongoing efforts to expand regional access and improve service for apprentices, sponsors and employers across Ontario.”

These examination centres will make Ontario’s certification system for apprentices more accessible, responsive and equitable by bringing essential services closer to communities. This work is helping strengthen the skilled trades workforce that will build Ontario’s future.

About Skilled Trades Ontario
Skilled Trades Ontario is an agency of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development responsible for apprenticeship and skilled trades certification in Ontario. Skilled Trades Ontario is dedicated to simplifying access to services for skilled trades professionals, promoting the skilled trades as a career of choice and addressing the labour shortage in the skilled trades, in partnership with government and industry.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Media Relations
Skilled Trades Ontario
media@skilledtradesontario.ca

On Thursday, April 23, two Mohawk College employees, Abby Taylor and Mariano Arriaga received Leadership Excellence Awards from Colleges & Institutes Canada, the national association for publicly supported colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics, at their annual conference.   

Mohawk College IDEAWORKS’s Centre for Emerging Research Initiatives led by Andrea Johnson, received a Program Excellence Award as well.   

“Congratulations to Abby, Mariano and the Centre for Emerging Research Initiatives team led by Andrea, on this well-deserved national recognition. Their work reflects the commitment to excellence, collaboration and a student-focused mindset that defines Mohawk College. These awards highlight the impact our faculty and staff have on students and the communities we serve,” said Mohawk College President, Paul Armstrong.  

Learn more about each award recipient:  

Abby Taylor – Silver Recipient, Leadership Excellence Award for Non-Managerial Staff 

In her role as a Student Success Advisor for more than six years, Abby Taylor advised thousands of students in more than 50 programs across Business, Creative Industries, General Studies, and Engineering Technology, to achieve their goals through personalized guidance.  

Known for transforming complex challenges into streamlined solutions, Abby overhauled transfer processes, created tools to track academic progress, and personally ensured pathways for students during program suspensions. A mentor and trusted resource to colleagues, she uplifts teams through collaboration and knowledge-sharing.  

Mariano Arriaga – Bronze Recipient, Leadership Excellence Award for Managerial Staff  

Since 2018, Dr. Mariano Arriaga, General Manager, Energy & Power Innovation Centre (EPIC) has transformed EPIC into a leading hub for applied energy research and innovation. Under his visionary leadership, EPIC has secured over $8 million in funding, completed more than 100 projects, and partnered with over 70 organizations, including Ontario Power Generation, Independent First Nations Alliance, and Black & McDonald.  

His collaborations with industry, government, and Indigenous communities have advanced clean technologies, reduced emissions, and created numerous student learning and employment opportunities.  

Centre for Emerging Research Initiatives (CERI) Program – Silver Recipient, Program Excellence  

The Centre for Emerging Research Initiatives (CERI) at Mohawk College led by Andrea Johnson, General Manager, was established in 2022 to build applied research capacity for faculty and anticipate emerging areas of opportunity in applied research through a structured five-stage pathway.   

Created by CERI, the Applied Research 101 (AR 101) is Canada’s largest virtual training program for Applied Research. CERI equips faculty to lead research projects, fosters cross-disciplinary and inclusive collaboration, and expands student opportunities. The AR 101 framework is transferable across institutions, and its sustainable, on-demand model is now used nationally and internationally, supporting innovation and research excellence across the college sector.  

Hamilton Sports Group announced today a new three-year partnership with Mohawk College, bringing together two long-standing Hamilton institutions to create meaningful opportunities for student learning, mentorship and community engagement. 

The partnership will connect Mohawk College students with both Forge FC and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, providing hands-on experience across professional sport operations while strengthening ties within the local community. 

“This partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to Hamilton and creating opportunities for the next generation,” said Kyle Lohnes, Vice-President, Partnerships & Retail, Hamilton Sports Group. “Working with Mohawk College allows us to give students real-world exposure to the sports industry while continuing to engage with our community in a meaningful way.” 

At the centre of the partnership is student development, with a focus on experiential learning and industry access. Mohawk College students will gain exposure to multiple areas of Hamilton Sports Group through mentorship opportunities, including gameday job shadowing and in-office experiences across the organization. 

That access is complemented by a speaker series featuring Hamilton Sports Group executives, offering students insight into the sports industry and potential career pathways. 

Students will also have the opportunity to engage directly with the club’s football operations. Forge FC will lead technical learning initiatives, including access to a first-team training session and a behind-the-scenes look at the professional environment. 

“We’re proud to partner with Hamilton Sports Group to give Mohawk College students access to professional sport environments right here in Hamilton,” said Paul Armstrong, President of Mohawk College. “It’s an exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute, while strengthening the community we are proud to call home.”  

Community programming will play a key role in the partnership, with Mohawk College Summer Camps set to feature player or mascot appearances. Camp participants will also receive ticket vouchers to attend a Forge FC or Tiger-Cats home game. 

Additional initiatives, including on-field experiences at Hamilton Stadium and expanded community programming, will be introduced throughout the partnership. 

Together, Hamilton Sports Group and Mohawk College will support student success while continuing to strengthen their shared connection to the Hamilton community. 

Hamilton, ON – Mohawk College has become the Official Post-Secondary Education Partner of TD Coliseum, putting the college at the heart of Hamilton’s most high-profile and transformative entertainment destination. Through the partnership, the college’s brand will be prominently featured throughout the newly transformed venue during major concerts, sporting events and live performances, reaching hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

“Hamilton is our home, TD Coliseum is taking its place as a world-class destination for live entertainment and sport that reflects the city’s ambition.” said Mohawk College President, Paul Armstrong. “This partnership connects Mohawk College to the energy, creativity and economic momentum happening right here in our community. It allows us to showcase the opportunities we offer students, while contributing to long-term economic prosperity and workforce growth in Hamilton.”

In addition to advertising on signs and screens in and around the TD Coliseum, the official partner status gives the college access to opportunities such as branded activation zones during ticketed events, and the opportunity for students to participate in job-shadowing experiences at the facility.

TD Coliseum opened to great fanfare in late November 2025 with a sold-out, grand opening performance by rock legend Paul McCartney. As the new centerpiece for concerts, sporting events and family entertainment in the Golden Horseshoe, the celebrated building has also featured recent performances by Andrea Bocelli, Jonas Brothers, mgk and comedian Matt Rife and serves as home ice for the Toronto Rock. Upcoming shows include Disney on Ice, Journey, Twice, Ne-Yo and Akon and the 55th annual JUNO Awards in March.

The original version of this release is available at https://mohawkmountaineers.com/index.aspx

HAMILTON, Ont. – The CCAA Men's Basketball National Championship will return to Hamilton in 2027, with Mohawk College selected to host the nation's top eight men's collegiate programs at the David Braley Athletic and Recreation Centre (DBARC).

A host banner was unveiled Saturday prior to the Mountaineers' home game against the Humber Hawks. The CCAA formally announced the hosting decision Monday.

It will mark the first time since 2015 that the CCAA Men's Basketball National Championship is held at Mohawk, and the first national championship hosted by the institution since 2023.

"Hosting the 2027 CCAA Men's Basketball National Championship is an incredible opportunity for Mohawk and for the City of Hamilton," said Matthew Ferreira, Mohawk's director of athletics and recreation. "We are proud of our experience as hosts, from the 2023 CCAA Women's Basketball National Championship to several provincial championships, and we are excited to once again deliver an exceptional championship environment. This event will allow us to showcase Hamilton's love for the game, our campus and the strong community that surrounds basketball in this city."

Over the past several years, Mohawk's Department of Athletics and Recreation has built strong partnerships with local basketball leaders and club programs, spearheaded by men's basketball head coach Jamie Girolametto. Since being named head coach at Mohawk in 2023, Girolametto has guided the program to a 36-20 record.

"This is an amazing opportunity for not only the men's basketball program, but for the entire athletic department, Mohawk College and the Hamilton community," said Girolametto. "Hamilton is a basketball city, and I have no doubt the department will do an incredible job as hosts and that the community will wholeheartedly support the CCAA Championship."

The top eight teams in the country will compete in Hamilton in March 2027, with the Mountaineers guaranteed a host berth. Mohawk has previously competed at the national championship three times, winning the title in 2012.  

Since hosting the 2023 CCAA Women's Basketball National Championship, the Mountaineers have completed a full rebrand, including a new logo and colour scheme, new gym floor and a new scoreboard featuring an LED video board that functions as a jumbotron to display live action.

"Being selected as the host of the 2027 CCAA Men's Basketball National Championship is a proud moment for Mohawk College and a testament to the strength of our Mountaineer athletes, coaches, staff and community partners," said Mohawk College president Paul Armstrong. "The event is a great way to showcase our campus and Hamilton on the national stage, and reflects our deep connection to a community that truly loves this game."

The DBARC is Mohawk's 65,000-square-foot athletics and recreation facility, built to accommodate major events such as CCAA championships. The 19,375-square-foot triple gymnasium will seat approximately 800 spectators, with the option to add portable bleachers for an additional 300 seats.

"Mohawk College is proud to host the 2027 CCAA Men's Basketball National Championship and welcome teams across Canada to Hamilton," said CCAA men's basketball national convenor Eric Savage. "Fans can expect an exciting week filled with intensity, skill and memorable moments, as student-athletes compete on the national stage in an atmosphere that reflects the passion and pride of collegiate sport."

Further details about the 2027 CCAA Men's Basketball National Championship, including ticket information, will be released as they become available.

Inquiries regarding sponsorship opportunities can be emailed to Matthew Ferreira at matthew.ferreira@mohawkcollege.ca.

All media and communications requests, including interview and photography inquiries, can be sent to Satbir Singh at satbir.singh6@mohawkcollege.ca.

McMaster University will receive over $6,900,000 through the Facilities Renewal Program for renovations to labs and lecture halls, along with elevator modernization.

Mohawk College will receive nearly $4,500,000 through the Facilities Renewal Program to support upgrades to electrical and building automation systems, along with accessibility improvements to washrooms and doors. In addition, the college will receive more than $586,000 through the College Equipment Renewal Fund for robotic hybrid stations for building and construction programs, as well as equipment for programming at the School of Health, such as handheld ultrasound units, medication carts, feeding pumps, wheelchairs and PPE carts.

“Our government is continuing to support Hamilton’s post-secondary sector to ensure that students have more opportunities to succeed in today’s job market,” said Neil Lumsden, MPP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek. “By upgrading classrooms, infrastructure, and equipment at Mohawk College and McMaster University, we are helping these world-class institutions develop talented, made-in-Hamilton graduates who are ready to contribute to a strong workforce – not just here in our city, but across Ontario.”

This funding is part of the government’s $242 million to upgrade classrooms and equipment at publicly funded colleges and universities across the province. Institutions can use the funding for major building systems upgrades, heating and ventilating system upgrades, as well as mechanical and electrical system upgrades. The funds can also be used to buy educational tools, such as modernized computers and software for teaching purposes, specialized equipment, or machinery for use in labs, shops and classrooms. As a shared responsibility, part of the capital infrastructure program requires colleges and universities to make matching contributions.

This investment builds on the record setting funding from the province for the publicly assisted postsecondary sector, including nearly $1 billion to fund over 100,000 more seats in economy-driving programs such as construction, teaching, nursing, and STEM. By expanding key programs and modernizing learning tools, the government is equipping students to lead, innovate and drive in a rapidly evolving economy.

QUICK FACTS 

• As announced in the 2025 Ontario Budget, the government is investing over $2 billion in capital grants for colleges and universities, protecting Ontario’s future workforce by modernizing facilities with upgraded technology, critical repairs and improved energy efficiency.

• The Facilities Renewal Program provides annual funding to help colleges and universities renew and modernize their campuses by repairing and renovating existing facilities, including major building systems upgrades, roof repairs, heating and ventilating system upgrades, and mechanical and electrical system upgrades.

• The College Equipment Renewal Fund provides annual funding to help colleges buy and renew instructional equipment and learning resources, such as specialized equipment, machinery or tools for use in labs, shops and classrooms.

QUOTES

“As MPP for Hamilton Mountain, I am proud our government under Premier Ford’s leadership is investing to prepare students for in-demand jobs which will be critical to the future of our province. By upgrading facilities and equipment, our government is helping students gain the skills they need for good-paying, in-demand jobs while strengthening Ontario’s economy. This investment will ensure students at Mohawk College and McMaster University have access to modern classrooms and hands-on training that reflect the needs of today’s workforce.
- Monica Ciriello
MPP, Hamilton Mountain

“This investment reinforces the importance of Ontario’s colleges as engines of skills, innovation, and economic growth. At Mohawk College, it will help ensure our learning environments remain modern, safe, and aligned with the needs of students and industry, while strengthening the college system as a whole.”
- Paul Armstrong
Mohawk College President.

“This investment will help McMaster modernize learning spaces and provide students with hands-on training for in-demand careers, delivering direct benefits for Ontario by strengthening the province’s skilled workforce and economic competitiveness.”
- Susan Tighe
President & Vice Chancellor, McMaster University

Additional Resources
Ontario universities
Ontario colleges

Media contact

For all media inquiries, please contact
Allyson Bessegato
Office of Neil Lumsden, MPP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek
allyson.bessegato@pc.ola.org

In a region rich with history and home to world-class research facilities, hospitals, and postsecondary institutions, it’s hardly surprising that employers in the Hamilton-Niagara area are looking to the future and investing in their employees. That's the message from Hamilton-Niagara's Top Employers (2025), announced last week by Mediacorp Canada Inc., which organizes the Canada's Top 100 Employers project. The Hamilton-Niagara winners were announced in a special magazine published by The Hamilton Spectator. 

“Mohawk College is committed to supporting the well-being of our employees,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Megan Mascarin. “We strive to create a workplace where people feel valued and able to thrive, both professionally and personally.”

Mohawk College has been named one of Hamilton-Niagara's Top Employers for 13 years running. Some reasons cited for the college being honoured this year include: the college's offering numerous wellness workshops and sessions addressing a range of topics, including mental health first aid, stress management and achieving work-life balance -- and offers a generous mental health practitioner benefit as part of its health benefits plan; its generous maternity and parental leave top-up support; and the college's flexible work options. 

In its 19th edition, Hamilton-Niagara's Top Employers is an editorial competition that recognizes employers with exceptional human resources programs and forward-thinking workplace policies in the Hamilton-Niagara area. Editors at Mediacorp review employers on eight criteria, which have remained consistent since the project’s inception: (1) Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial & Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6) Performance Management; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement. Any employer, private or public sector, with its 2 head office or principal place of business in the Hamilton-Niagara area may apply for this competition. 

HAMILTON November 13, 2025 - Mohawk College students pursuing studies in sustainability, climate action, biotechnology and environmental technology are eligible for new entrance scholarships created through a generous $100,000 gift from the Paletta family and the Alinea Land Corporation.

Scholarship recipients, who will be based in the College’s School of Climate Action, can gain practical expertise in sustainability solutions, agricultural and medical biotechnology, biomanufacturing, sustainable business models, data use and energy systems. Co-op work terms are available in some programs.

Five $4,000 scholarships based on academic excellence and merit will be awarded each year for five years.

The School of Climate Action, which officially launched in April, offers diploma and degree programs focused on solving real-world problems in a variety of fields, including environment, health and business.

The gift was made by the Paletta family, through the Pasquale and Anita Paletta Family Fund at the Hamilton Community Foundation, and Alinea Land Corporation. Paul and Michael Paletta said they were proud to invest in the next generation of climate action and sustainability leaders who are passionate about building a more sustainable future. 

“At Alinea, we believe true community building extends beyond development — it’s about investing in the people who will shape the future,” said Paul Paletta, Chief Executive Officer and President of Alinea Land Corporation. “Through our family’s ongoing commitment to education and sustainability, we hope to inspire young leaders to create lasting, positive change.”

Through the Pasquale and Anita Paletta Family Fund and business initiatives, including Alinea Land Corporation, the Paletta family is dedicated to fostering growth, opportunity, and wellbeing in the communities they call home. Alinea’s work is rooted in the belief that responsible development and education are key to building a thriving and sustainable Ontario.

Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong thanked the Palettas and Alinea Land Corporation for their leadership and generosity.

“We are immensely grateful to the Paletta family and the Alinea Land Corporation for their generous gift in support of our students,” said President Armstrong. “The Alinea Excellence in Achievement Entrance Scholarship will enable our students to contribute meaningfully to their communities and our shared sustainable future. This gift really speaks to what strong communities do best — they work together to open doors, to support people, and to invest in the future.”

David Santi, Dean of the School of Climate Action and Dean of the Marshall School of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship, said the new scholarships are a tremendous opportunity for students committed to pursuing careers in sustainability and climate action.

“We are thankful for this gift which gives us the ability to help meet growing demand from our students for a climate-focused education that will shape their future careers and address climate challenges,” said Santi.

The School of Climate Action will be launching two new applied degree streams next fall. The Honours Bachelor of Technology – Sustainability and the Honours Bachelor of Management – Sustainability are designed to prepare students to lead in the transition to a more sustainable future. Key features include work-integrated learning, applied research and capstone projects, strong links to industry partners, integrated Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing and flexible curriculum delivery.

The School partners with industry, non-profits, local community and government, bringing together diverse perspectives, expertise and resources to collectively advance sustainability and climate action locally, regionally and beyond.

For media inquiries contact:
Sean Coffey
Director, Communications
sean.coffey@mohawkcollege.ca

Mohawk College is launching two new applied degree streams with a focus on sustainability. The Bachelor of Technology in Sustainability and the Bachelor of Management in Sustainability will accept students starting in September 2026. Both streams offer learners the option to pursue a 4-year honours (Honours, Bachelor of Technology / Honours, Bachelor of Management)or 3-year bachelor's degree, with entrance scholarships available for all streams. 

These new programs meet a growing demand for sustainability professionals by offering an interdisciplinary approach that integrates technology, environmental systems, social responsibility, and economic strategy. Unlike many existing programs that focus primarily on environmental sustainability, these degrees prepare graduates to lead and innovate across multiple sectors and disciplines. 

The Mohawk College programs will incorporate broader aspects of sustainability, like sustainable building design and operations, technologies for sustainability, project management, accounting and risk management in sustainability, social responsibility and climate justice perspectives, and sensemaking for a sustainable future. Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing have also been integrated throughout the curriculum. 

Because they are applied degrees, learners will participate in a full term of work-integrated learning, ensuring graduates are career-ready. Real-world experience is gained through capstone projects, industry partnerships, case studies and applied research projects. Courses are delivered in a flexible blend of in-person and online formats. 

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

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

Mohawk College has been selected to receive one of 60 grants from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada’s Go Wild Grants. 

With the grant, the college will create a bioswale (a long, sloped channel filled with vegetation to filter and slow rainwater runoff) in one of our parking lots at the Fennell campus. The native grasses and flowers used will provide food and shelter for wildlife while reducing the amount of rainwater entering the municipal storm water system. Mohawk will receive $2,000 to support the bioswale project. 

The bioswale will be planted this spring by student volunteers with support from Mohawk’s Sustainability department staff, creating teaching and learning opportunities that engage our students. 

“We're excited to launch this project as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the presence of nature on campus. This initiative will empower students through hands-on learning, allowing them to take meaningful action for the environment,” says Allison Maxted, Manager, Sustainability Office at Mohawk College. 

“We can’t wait to see this year’s 60 Go Wild projects spring to life across the country. By restoring native plants at schools, on campuses and in communities, youth will create a meaningful impact for wildlife while taking steps to make their community more resilient to climate change. In the process, they will be champions for nature and support a future where people and wildlife thrive,” says Elizabeth Hendriks, Vice-President of Restoration and Regeneration at WWF-Canada. 

The Go Wild Grant program began in 2015 and has funded 589 school and campus projects since its creation, including Mohawk's Pollinator Garden project in 2016. The college has also previously received support from WWF-Canada for planting a seed orchard on campus in 2022.  

Learn more about the 2025 Go Wild Grants on the WWF-Canada website.  

Hamilton, ON – Mohawk College is the first institution in North America to receive the Responsible Futures accreditation, recognizing its commitment to embedding sustainability into every aspect of student learning. The accreditation underscores the college’s dedication to creating positive, lasting change in academic practices, policies, and campus culture, focusing on social and environmental responsibility.

Responsible Futures is a framework and accreditation program from Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS-UK), designed to help universities and colleges adopt sustainable teaching, learning strategies, and policies. Through a partnership with the Mohawk Students’ Association, the program actively engages students, staff, faculty, and leadership to drive sustainable change from within.

A 2024 survey of 2,095 Mohawk College students revealed that more than 90% of students are eager to learn about sustainability. This finding is consistent with broader global trends, including a 2023 report from EY and JA Worldwide, which found that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are concerned about the climate crisis but feel their education lacks sufficient sustainability content. These findings emphasize the growing need for educational institutions to embed sustainability into curricula and campus life.

Key initiatives contributing to Mohawk College’s Responsible Futures accreditation include:

• The Climate Action Plan – Demonstrating leadership through sustainable campus practices, educating future students on climate action, and fostering applied research in the green economy.
• The Sustainability Initiatives Fund – Supporting green projects and programs across campus.
• CIRKL (Centre for Indigenous Relations, Knowledge, and Learning) – Promoting Indigenous-focused education and community engagement, including Indigenous Knowledge Learning Outcomes (IKLOs) to help students understand Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives.
• Student Engagement in Sustainability Leadership – A planning team of student organizers who have guided the college’s sustainability initiatives, ensuring they reflect student priorities and values.

In 2023, Mohawk College also announced the upcoming launch of the School of Climate Action, designed to train the next generation of skilled workers for the green economy. The college is developing new programs focused on climate action careers, and promoting interdisciplinary research in green skills supported by The Gina Fraser Chair in Skilled Trades for the Green Economy.

According to RBC Economics’ "Green Collar Jobs" report, 3.1 million Canadian jobs will be impacted as the country transitions to a Net Zero economy, underscoring the need for educational institutions to prepare students for these new opportunities.

The Responsible Futures program will continue as a collaboration between the Sustainability Office, the Mohawk Students’ Association, and the School of Climate Action, ensuring that sustainability efforts remain student-driven and are integrated into future educational opportunities.

“Mohawk College is committed to sustainability in all areas of our campus life,” said Paul Armstrong, President of Mohawk College. “We are proud to be the first in North America to receive this accreditation and to lead in sustainability education globally. We will continue to work alongside our students and the Mohawk Students’ Association to build a sustainable future.”

"Congratulations to Mohawk College and the Mohawk Students’ Association on this fantastic achievement,” said Quinn Runkle, Director of Education at Students Organising for Sustainability. “This commitment to empowering students to build a sustainable and just world is an inspiration.”

The Responsible Futures certification marks another significant milestone in Mohawk College’s ongoing journey to becoming a global leader in sustainability education and action.

Mohawk College Computer Systems Technology—Software Development student Robert Kumar is the recipient of the 2024 Experiential and Work-Integrated Learning Ontario (EWO) Co-op Student of the Year award in the College category.  This is the 4th consecutive year that a Mohawk College student has received the award.

The EWO Co-op Student of the Year Award recognizes Ontario students who have showcased exceptional job achievement, extracurricular involvement, academic achievement, and have made a strong contribution to co-op education and work-integrated learning.  

In his fifth semester of the Computer Systems Technology—Software Development program, Robert has excelled both in and out of the classroom. While maintaining an over 96% GPA, Robert has supported his fellow learners through peer tutoring and as a Peer-Assisted Study Session Leader with the Learning Support Centre.   

In his 8-month co-op placement with Hero Technical Solutions Inc. Robert applied what he learned in the classroom to real-world challenges. “I developed web forms, created business workflows, and worked on integrations using various applications from Zoho’s development suite. I also incorporated Javascript, Python, and SQL—much of which I learned at Mohawk.” Hero Technical Solutions offered the support and resources for Robert to thrive as a co-op student.   

“[Robert] not only met expectations but exceeded them in every way. From the outset, he displayed an exceptional ability to quickly grasp complex concepts and tackle challenges with confidence. His proactive approach and enthusiasm for learning allowed him to take on responsibilities far beyond the typical scope for co-op students,” says Len Kamerman, President of Hero Technical Solutions Inc.  

Throughout his co-op term, Robert became a reliable and effective member of the Hero team by rewriting and repairing complex client algorithms, which ultimately resulted in client satisfaction and retention.  

“I’ve had incredible leadership from my supervisor, and Hero Technical Solutions’ Owner and President, Len Kamerman, as well as from VP of Professional Services, Linda Dang. Without their guidance my experience wouldn’t have been as amazing as it was,” he says. “I must also credit Drew Redford, a senior developer with Hero. He was there for me for anything I needed throughout my terms with Hero. Drew was an incredible mentor, and I owe all of my success to his guidance, patience and fantastic teaching abilities.” 

Looking ahead Robert is eager to complete his program and work in the field of software development, continuing to grow as a developer. “This field has a lot to offer, and I have a lot to learn,” he says. 

For more information on the Experiential and Work-Integrated Learning Ontario award visit, https://ewo.ca/awards/. 

Mohawk College has launched two online medical imaging programs that will help address skills shortages in high-demand fields while appealing to those who want to remain in their community while they learn. 

The Ultrasonography – Advanced Diploma and Radiography – Advanced Diploma programs are now accepting applications for September 2025. Delivered through a mix of online and in-person learning, the programs are aimed at those who already have postsecondary experience and may be interested in changing careers or advancing in their current careers. Both programs are two years long and include three, 2-3 week on-campus skills intensives at the college’s Institute for Applied Health Sciences campus located at McMaster University. Both programs also include clinical placements where students are placed at clinical sites to work with real patients. 

Medical imaging professionals are in demand across Ontario and throughout Canada, and with more than 3,800* of them approaching or nearing retirement age within the next decade the demand will only continue to grow.  

“Over the next decade, the medical imaging profession in Ontario will see a decline in the number of qualified imaging professionals due to changing demographics and retirements,” said Laura Thomas, Associate Dean of Medical Imaging, and Academic Director Centre for Integrated and Advanced Medical Imaging at Mohawk College. “These programs will help to address these shortages by appealing to people who want to advance or change careers but don’t want to uproot themselves for two years to do it.” 

Thomas said the online format is better suited to learners who are comfortable with online delivery and can commit to managing their learning remotely. For students who prefer the more traditional pathway of attending college full-time, the college continues to offer in-person versions of the same programs through a collaboration with McMaster University. With a range of medical imaging programs available, learners who complete their studies in one program can continue their studies in another field without retaking courses that are common to all imaging programs.  

Mohawk College began offering medical imaging programs in the 1970s, and in the years since has become a leader in the field. The college’s current President, Paul Armstrong, is a graduate of the radiology and ultrasonography programs. 

In 2023, the college celebrated the opening of Centre Integrated and Advanced Medical Imaging (CIAMI), which combines educational training and research with increased access to magnetic resonance imaging for patient care. The first of its kind in Ontario, CIAMI enables a new model of training with a living lab for interdisciplinary teams to provide education, taking pressure off hospitals for clinical placements while expediting the capability to graduate MRI technologists into the system. The centre was developed in partnership with Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton with funding from Ontario’s Ministry of Health.  

The opening of the centre led to the launch of a one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which offers current technologists working in radiography, sonography, cardiac sonography (CMRITO registered), radiation therapy or nuclear medicine the option to expand their practice to include MRI. 

For more information on these and other programs at Mohawk College, visit our program page at www.mohawkcollege.ca/programs.  

*Source CMRITO Fall 2022 

In a region rich with history and home to worldclass research facilities, hospitals, and postsecondary institutions, it’s hardly surprising that employers in the Hamilton-Niagara area are looking to the future and investing in their employees. That's the message from Hamilton-Niagara's Top Employers (2025), announced this week by Mediacorp Canada Inc., which organizes the Canada's Top 100 Employers project. The Hamilton-Niagara winners were announced in a special magazine published by The Hamilton Spectator. 

“It is through the dedication and hard work of Mohawk College employees that our students flourish,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Megan Mascarin. “We are committed to making employees feel supported at work and in their personal lives.” 

Mohawk College has been named one of Hamilton-Niagara's Top Employers for the 12th consecutive year. Some reasons cited for the college being honoured this year include: the college's offering numerous wellness workshops and sessions addressing a range of topics, including mental health first aid, stress management and achieving work-life balance -- and offers a generous mental health practitioner benefit as part of its health benefits plan; its generous maternity and parental leave top-up support; and subsidized memberships to on-site fitness facility that features a complete range of workout equipment, gymnasiums and instructor-led fitness classes. 

In its 18th edition, Hamilton-Niagara's Top Employers is an editorial competition that recognizes employers with exceptional human resources programs and forward-thinking workplace policies in the Hamilton-Niagara area. Editors at Mediacorp review employers on eight criteria, which have remained consistent since the project’s inception: (1) Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial & Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6) Performance Management; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement. Any employer, private or public sector, with its 2 head office or principal place of business in the Hamilton-Niagara area may apply for this competition. 

A collaboration between two Ontario public colleges is enhancing opportunities for students while addressing critical skill gaps in their local healthcare sectors.

Mohawk College and Niagara College have recently signed an agreement that creates dedicated learner spaces in high-demand programs for their Pre-Health Sciences graduates. Thanks to the new agreement, that will be effective for Pre-Health students starting in Fall 2025, a set number of graduates from each college’s Pre-Health Sciences programs will be able to access select high-demand programs which are not available at their institutions.

As part of the agreement, Mohawk College will reserve spaces for NC’s top Pre-Health Sciences graduates for several of its leading diploma programs including Cardiovascular Technology, Medical Radiation Sciences-Radiography, Medical Radiation Sciences-Ultrasonography, and Biotechnology. NC, in turn, will provide guaranteed admission consideration to its in-demand Dental Hygiene and Paramedic programs, with spaces reserved annually for Mohawk’s top graduates. As both colleges develop and launch additional allied health programs the agreement can be expanded.

The focus of this new collaboration goes beyond academics; it ensures local impact by keeping talented students in their region throughout their programs and work placements. Where possible, work placements will be strategically located in each institution’s region and prepare students to meet the needs of their communities and address growing demands for skilled healthcare professionals.

“Our new collaborative agreement with Mohawk College is a win for students, a win for our colleges and a win for our communities,” said NC Vice-President Academic, Fiona Allan. “This creative solution enables us to respond expeditiously to critical staffing needs in our local healthcare sector, while forging new pathways for our Pre-Health Sciences students into sought-after programs and careers.”

Allan also noted that the new agreement benefits NC’s Pre-Health Sciences graduates by enabling them to stay in the Niagara region.

“This collaboration gives our Pre-Health Sciences students exposure to diverse pathways to careers in healthcare while allowing them to live and work locally,” said Allan.

NC had been seeking ways to support Niagara Health’s need for diagnostic imaging employees; however, launching new programs at NC would take years. To help address labour market needs more quickly, NC met with Mohawk College to initiate the new agreement.

“The agreement with Niagara College shows how colleges can leverage each other’s strengths to address critical workforce needs in our communities,” said Cebert Adamson, Vice President Academic at Mohawk College. “This will help to address critical shortages in both communities while providing our Pre-Health Sciences students with more opportunities upon graduation from their program.”

The agreement with NC is part of a larger commitment by Mohawk College to strengthen workforce development in Hamilton and the surrounding communities. It is the latest in a series of moves that includes the college announcing this past summer that it was expanding into Burlington, where there is growing demand for talent in areas like healthcare.

News of the articulation agreement is being applauded by the healthcare sector in Niagara and Hamilton.

“Niagara Health has strongly advocated for expanded medical imaging training opportunities, and we are delighted to have innovative partners answer our call for support. Programs like Medical Radiation Sciences and Cardiovascular Technology are critical for addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields,” said Simon Akinsulie, Executive Vice President of Practice, Clinical Support and Chief Nursing Executive, Niagara Health.

“With healthcare systems across Ontario facing an ongoing shortage of skilled professionals, this partnership between Niagara College and Mohawk College is a timely and impactful solution. By creating clear pathways for students in our region to enter in-demand fields, they are helping build a stronger foundation to address the health human resource challenges in Niagara.”

“The Hamilton Paramedic Service, like many ambulance services provincially, has faced challenges related to recruitment and retention within the service,” said Hamilton Paramedic Service Chief Michael Sanderson. “We have been advocating for greater access to paramedic training locally and see this agreement as a step in the right direction and one that will help build a stronger talent pipeline for our service.”

To explore information about NC and Mohawk College pathways, please visit niagaracollege.ca/pathways and mohawkcollege.ca/pathways.

About Niagara College

Niagara College has a full-time enrolment of more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, who study in 130 diploma, certificate and bachelor degree programs at specialized campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara College is also involved in educational projects and partnerships around the world and is ranked Canada’s No.1 research college. Learn more at niagaracollege.ca.

About Mohawk College

Mohawk College educates and serves more than 32,500 full-time, part-time, apprenticeship and international students at four main campuses in Hamilton, Ontario. Mohawk is committed to upholding an equitable, diverse and inclusive learning, working and engaging environment for students, employees and the community. The college is among the top ranked colleges for applied research in Canada and holds a GOLD STARS rating from AASHE for sustainability achievements. More than 170,000 people have graduated from Mohawk since it was founded.

Media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Greco 

NC Communications Consultant 

905-328-2532 

jgreco@niagaracollege.ca

Sean Coffey

Director, Communications

Mohawk College

905-575-2127

sean.coffey@mohawkcollege.ca

The Bay Area Climate Change Council (BACCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Victoria Coffin as the Acting Manager of BACCC during the extended absence of Manager Jesse Elders on family leave.

Coffin began her duties on November 18, with a transition period extending until December 2, when she assumed the lead of the Burlington-Hamilton-based environmental collective.

“The board and members of BACCC are happy to welcome Victoria into this acting leadership role,” said Richard Koroscil, BACCC’s Chair. “I am confident she will guide BACCC in the achievement of its goals over the next year.”

A former Canadian diplomat and executive director of the Buildings Ontario Transformation Hub, Victoria has extensive experience leading multi-stakeholder collaborative initiatives. She provides BACCC with a strong background in governance, policy, and communications from several industries, including construction, green energy generation, energy efficiency, and information and communications technology. She is also a former practicing lawyer and current member of the Law Societies of Alberta and Ontario. 

“As I step into this role, I am excited to work alongside a passionate team and dedicated collective committed to driving real change in our region. Together, we have the power to create sustainable solutions, accelerate climate action, and leave a positive impact for future generations”, says Coffin.

BACCC is a collective of organizations advancing climate action in Hamilton and Burlington. BACCC is unique in that it uses a collaborative and regional approach to address the climate emergency, bringing together partners across a wide range of sectors to catalyze climate action. Its efforts have focused on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial, transportation, and building sectors, which are the three largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the Cities of Hamilton and Burlington.

BACCC is jointly and entirely funded by the Cities of Hamilton and Burlington, and administratively housed within the Centre for Climate Change Management at Mohawk College.

Mohawk College students are charting the path to a more sustainable future for their college.

Mohawk College recently completed its involvement in the Responsible Futures International Pilot Program, a global initiative transforming higher education to support sustainable development. The college announced today it has committed to ongoing membership in this student-centred international movement.

Based in the United Kingdom, the Responsible Futures accreditation program supports universities and colleges around the world to make transformative changes to their teaching and learning, strategies, and policies in partnership with students. Mohawk is the first college in North America to participate in the program.

“There is a strong desire among students to have sustainability included in their everyday programs,” said Kelsey Armour, a student leader on the Mohawk College Responsible Futures team. “The environment touches every single sector, no matter what job you're in, so it’s important to have sustainability included in each program to make sure students can take those skills into their careers.”

Student surveys confirm that students consider sustainability a high priority in their lives and they want the college to be socially and environmentally responsible while preparing them for today’s global challenges. Additionally, there is a growing demand for graduates with these skills in the workforce across all sectors.

“Responsible Futures offers students a really great opportunity to voice their concerns, their ideas and priorities,” said Jonah Scrymgeour, another student leader on the Responsible Futures team. “We can focus on the issues that students think are most important and take the steps to raise awareness and make change happen.”

Membership in Responsible Futures is consistent with recent initiatives at Mohawk. In 2023, an ambitious new Climate Action Plan was introduced that will see the college reach net-zero emissions in direct campus operations by the year 2035; will embed sustainability across the curriculum of all programs; and will support research with community partners to develop more than 50 deployable solutions to the climate crisis by 2030.

“At the core of Responsible Futures is a commitment to student leadership in sustainability. This program is unique because students assess the college’s progress against sustainability criteria through their own perspectives,” said Cebert Adamson, VP, Academic at Mohawk College. “The students hold us accountable and guide us toward more sustainable practices. We are excited to move forward on the college’s decarbonization journey with student priorities guiding our path.”

The criteria within the Responsible Futures framework covers key themes, such as establishing baselines and benchmarks, partnership and planning, leadership and strategy, policy and commitment, interventions and outreach. The 50 criteria used by Responsible Futures provide a roadmap for actions. 

In just seven months, Mohawk College has made significant strides in establishing a baseline for progress toward meeting the Responsible Futures criteria. Typically, that process takes two years.

Some key milestones of the pilot project include:

• The Responsible Futures Planning Team was formed, including students, student union representatives, and staff working together on sustainability efforts.
• A student-led audit was conducted, with eight students assessing progress against the Responsible Futures criteria by reviewing evidence and conducting interviews.
• A Student Sustainability Survey was conducted, reaching over 2,000 students and providing valuable insights into how students view sustainability in education.
• Mohawk College received international recognition for its leadership and commitment to this global initiative.

Based on the accreditation audit by Responsible Futures, the Mohawk College Responsible Futures Planning Team will identify strategies to advance sustainability efforts at the college. The Responsible Futures mark is awarded to institutions that follow their student-led audit, embedding sustainability across all aspects of student learning.

The Responsible Futures international framework was co-created in 2023 with pilot institutions and students: Queen’s University, Trinity College Dublin, Murdoch University, Mykolas Romeris University, University of the West Indies, Women’s University in Africa, Mohawk College and delivery partner International Association of Universities. 

ECO Canada and Mohawk College are excited to announce a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing workforce development within Canada's rapidly growing environmental sector. This new partnership will be called the Centre for Applied Learning in Sustainability. This collaboration will leverage the unique strengths of both organizations to deliver innovative training solutions that address the pressing need for skilled professionals in this critical industry.

With approximately 1,400,000 individuals directly or indirectly contributing to environmental protection, natural resource management, and sustainability across Canada, as well as an increasing demand for new entrants and upskilling of existing workers with a need for 500,000 more by 2033, this partnership is timely. The joint initiatives will include a range of programs designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in emerging areas of the green and blue economies.

"This partnership brings together the academic leadership of Mohawk College with ECO Canada's expertise in environmental workforce solutions. Together, we are committed to filling the existing gaps between industry needs and available training," said Kevin Nilsen, President and CEO of ECO Canada.

Through this partnership, Mohawk College will be responsible for course development, delivery, and program management, while ECO Canada will provide National Occupational Standards, marketing, and support for certification and employment resources. The programs will feature stand-alone micro-credentials, certificates, and pathways to diplomas and bachelor's degrees, tailored to meet the needs of both new entrants and seasoned professionals in the environmental workforce.

"This collaboration aligns with Mohawk College's mission to provide high-quality education that prepares learners to be leaders in the workforce of the future," said Cebert Adamson, Vice President, Academic at Mohawk College. "The environmental sector presents a significant opportunity for job growth and career advancement, and our partnership with ECO Canada will ensure that Canadians have access to the skills and training required to succeed."

The partnership will also introduce newly created course curriculum which will serve the current and future needs of the environmental industry, positioning the partners as the providers of premier workforce solutions for the environmental sector. The initiative aims to meet both individual career goals and the broader societal priorities of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

For more information, please visit www.eco.ca and www.mohawkcollege.ca

About ECO Canada

ECO Canada is the steward of the Canadian environmental industry. From job creation and wage funding to training and labour market research - we champion the end-to-end career of an environmental professional. We aim to promote and drive responsible, sustainable economic growth within the industry while ensuring that environmental care and best practices are priorities. Over the past 30 years, we have forged academic partnerships, tools, and research to train and certify environmental job seekers and help fill the labour market.

We work alongside government, policymakers, academia, students, employers, professionals, industry, and international audiences to ensure we support Canada as a global leader in innovative workforce solutions and job creation. We remain the go-to source in the environmental labour market; our research provides unmatched statistics and analysis on the industry's economic and labour trends that identify workforce gaps.

Canadian aviation industry pioneer Bruce MacRitchie knows first-hand the value of hands-on learning.

MacRitchie, 90, has been deeply involved in helping to train pilots and technicians in the aviation industry, operating several aviation businesses, running hangars and overseeing the Welland airport for three decades since obtaining his first pilot’s licences and aircraft technician credentials more than 60 years ago.

When the Welland resident heard about Mohawk College’s thriving Centre for Aviation Technology campus, based at the John C. Munro International Airport, he was intrigued. A “couple of hours” meeting that turned into a day-long campus visit inspired MacRitchie to make a personal contribution to enhance students’ learning: a 1968 Cessna C421 Golden Eagle airplane.

The plane is part of MacRitchie’s personal collection, which was housed in his private hangar

at the Niagara Central Dorothy Rungeling Airport. In June, he was on board with pilot Bill Chernish, who was taught to fly by MacRitchie, when the plane was flown to its new home at the Mohawk College Centre for Aviation Technology at the Hamilton airport.

MacRitchie’s gift will provide a unique training opportunity for twin-engine piston pressurized aircraft as it features equipment students will see on the job during their careers.

“When I talked to some people about Mohawk, I said this is hands-on,” said MacRitchie, an honorary board member and long-time director of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. “I went and spent the day, I was only going to go for a couple of hours. I knew Mohawk was where I wanted to do something.”

Learn more:   Interview with Bruce MacRitchie

Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong thanked MacRitchie for his investment in students and the aviation campus, which was created in partnership with the Hamilton airport and aviation companies such as KF Aerospace and Boeing.

“Thank you, Bruce, for your foresight and generosity,” said Armstrong. “With industry leaders like you, we have built a relevant and growing aircraft fleet to provide students with the essential hands-on learning experience they need to be job-ready for careers in the industry.”

The MacRitchie plane becomes the 13th aircraft in the college’s training fleet. Nearly 350 students train every year in three Aviation Technician programs: Aircraft Structures, Aircraft Maintenance, and Avionics Maintenance. This is more than double the number of students enrolled prior to the move to the 75,000-sq. ft. leading-edge campus three years ago.

“We are sincerely grateful to Mr. MacRitchie for his generosity, which reinforces our collective commitment to providing our learners with exceptional training opportunities,” said Jeff McIsaac, dean, Engineering Technology & Aviation. “His gift will help build confidence and technical expertise in Mohawk College graduates, ensuring they excel in their chosen careers across the aviation industry.”

Mohawk College is enhancing its position as a national leader in healthcare training and research with the opening today of the expanded Mohawk College Centre for Healthcare Simulation and Research (CHSR), located at the college’s Institute for Applied Health Sciences.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology that replicates real-world healthcare environments, the expanded CHSR facility increases the college’s capacity for in-demand healthcare programs. The CHSR will improve students’ experience in simulation training, allow for new teaching methods, and support research in the use of simulation tools in healthcare education.

“Opening the new Centre for Healthcare Simulation signals a new chapter of growth and innovation for healthcare education at Mohawk College,” said Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong. “More students will have access to a safe, controlled environment to experience real-world medical scenarios and develop important skills to equip them for the demands of a rapidly evolving healthcare sector.”

The CHSR will be available for students in the School of Health programs, such as nursing, medical imaging, pharmacy, cardiovascular technology, personal support worker, and occupational therapy assistant/physiotherapy assistant.

“We are excited to open this renovated and expanded space to allow healthcare students to experience a wide range of clinical scenarios that may not be readily available in local healthcare settings,” said Wendy Lawson, Associate VP, Academic and Dean of the School of Health. “Learners can develop confidence and competence in managing challenging healthcare conditions before encountering them in the field. This experience is a huge benefit for preparing future healthcare professionals.”

The new CHSR includes:

• six high-fidelity simulation suites, complete with advanced manikins for lifelike medical scenarios;
• two Activities of Daily Living (ADL) apartments, designed to simulate real-life care settings;
• two Virtual Reality and Simulation FlexRooms, offering versatile spaces for mixed-reality learning experiences and detailed debriefing sessions;
• video/audio capture in all spaces; and
• debriefing facilities are available for in-depth analysis and reflection, ensuring that every simulation scenario becomes a powerful learning experience.

Simulation scenarios can be customized to the learners’ needs and learning objectives. For example, simulations can replicate rare disease processes or complex clinical situations that learners might not encounter during regular clinical rotations.

The CHSR will also serve as a hub for collaboration between healthcare professionals and researchers across the region, including college partners at McMaster University, Hamilton Health Sciences, and Hamilton’s St. Joseph’s hospitals. It will serve as an incubator for the testing and validation of new medical equipment, with the goal of improving clinical practices and patient outcomes.

The innovative new features of the CHSR will complement the ongoing efforts of the Centre for Integrated and Advanced Medical Imaging (CIAMI) and further contribute to Mohawk College’s commitment to driving innovation in healthcare education, research, and technology development.

The bridge pathway is a route for graduates of an advanced diploma in Engineering Technology to transfer into an upper year of the civil, mining, mechanical, or chemical degree programs offered by Smith Engineering at Queen’s University. This pathway is a faster and more cost-effective route to becoming a professional engineer in Ontario, in comparison to completing a standalone degree after college.

This September, 13 graduates from six Ontario colleges have started their civil engineering studies in third year at Queen’s University, working towards a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Engineering. Prior to joining their classmates on campus this fall, these students completed two online courses part-time and then a full-time summer semester of foundational curriculum to help them smoothly transition to the campus environment and university dynamic.

Dr. Adrienne Galway, the President and CEO of ONCAT shared her perspective on the program’s impact, “The completion of this bridging program represents a significant milestone for these students as they continue their journey in higher education, with their eyes on future careers. We encourage other Ontario institutions to explore similar opportunities that promote inclusivity and accessibility, enhancing a more equitable educational landscape for all students.”

“I am thrilled that our College has partnered in this inaugural Engineering Technology to Degree pathway and, further, that 6 Mohawk students have already benefited directly.  Working collaboratively with sector partners to enhance student mobility is a key priority of the College," said Dr. Cebert Adamson, Vice President Academic at Mohawk College.

“I would like to thank ONCAT and Queen’s University for their terrific work in providing more flexible postsecondary options for Ontario’s future engineers,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “By making it easier for students to transfer their credits between postsecondary programs and institutions, we can help students get where they want to go – no matter where they begin – and secure high-demand jobs.”

Students in this year’s cohort are graduates from the following colleges: Mohawk College, St. Lawrence College, Algonquin College, Seneca Polytechnic, Humber Polytechnic, and Durham College. However, graduates of any Engineering Technology program are eligible to apply to the pathway.

The development of the Smith Engineering Bridge pathway was funded by ONCAT.

Established in 2011, the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer plays a pivotal role in supporting learner mobility, working to reduce barriers for students seeking to transfer among the province's public colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes. For more information, visit www.oncat.ca. ONCAT is funded by the Government of Ontario.

Ten Mohawk College students have been named as recipients of the prestigious Schulich Builders Scholarships as they pursue skilled trades education.

In 2023, The Schulich Foundation announced the Schulich Builders Program, dedicated to supporting students who are pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Schulich Builders scholarships are provided to cover tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trade program at one of 10 participating colleges, including Mohawk College. In addition to financial support, Schulich Builders also receive leadership training and mentorship opportunities to set up graduates for success. 

“Congratulations to Mohawk College’s 2024 Schulich Builders Scholarship recipients,” said Paul Armstrong, President of Mohawk College. “It is wonderful that they can pursue their skilled trades education without the additional financial pressures that can distract students from practicing for their trades. We are grateful for the support of The Schulich Foundation as the college prepares these promising students for graduation and for rewarding careers in high-demand fields.”

Through the Schulich Builders Program, each college awards 10 scholarships per year: five $20,000 scholarships for one-year certificate programs, and five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs.

"We are proud to promote the skilled trades and support students pursuing this rewarding career path," said Judy Schulich of The Schulich Foundation. “Canadians rely heavily on the trades to build and maintain infrastructure critical for prosperous communities. Our challenge today is not having enough of these talented people to meet the demand.”

"Post-secondary education plays an instrumental role in preparing graduates for in-demand jobs," said The Honourable Jill Dunlop, Ontario Minister of Education. “This investment in Ontario’s students is an investment in their future, and in turn will help build the skilled trades workforce that Ontario needs to thrive.”

"Schulich Builders Scholarships provide a wrap-around support program at the largest Ontario colleges offering skilled trade programs," said David Goodman, Executive Director of The Schulich Foundation. “Recipients benefit from a full-ride scholarship that covers full tuition of their certificate or diploma, multiple four-figure monetary stipends, and a completion bonus, as well as intangible benefits such as week-to-week mentorship with a dedicated Schulich Builders resource officer that facilitates job recruitment prep and industry connections to employers. The Schulich Builders greatly benefit by being plugged into a peer-to-peer network of fellow scholarship recipients at their college on a monthly basis. This scholarship program will undoubtedly advance these students' trajectory to reach their full potential and launch a promising career in their skilled trade. It can be a life-changing opportunity for the Schulich Builders!”

Out of a pool of 350,000 potential candidates across Canada, more than 1,000 students were nominated and 120 were honoured with this celebrated award. The Mohawk College student recipients are listed below.

Ella Felker, of St. Ann’s, Ont., is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of E.L. Crossley Secondary School in Fonthill, Ont., Felker entered Electrical Engineering Technician – Power program this fall.

Adrian King, of Hamilton, Ont. is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Westmount High School in Hamilton, Ont., King entered the Manufacturing Engineering Technician - Automation (Industrial Mechanic Millwright) program this fall.

Taylor Skewes, of Hamilton, Ont. is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Cathedral High School in Hamilton, Ont., Skewes entered the Construction Engineering Technician - Building Renovation program this fall.

Ava Sunderland, of Burlington, Ont. is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. Nominated by Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin, Sunderland entered the Construction Engineering Technician - Building Renovation program this fall.

Aaliyah Young-Lalumiere, of Burlington, Ont., is a recipient of the $40,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. Young-Lalumiere was also nominated by Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin, and entered the Construction Engineering Technician - Building Renovation program this fall.

Mauricio Gonzalez Villarreal of Burlington, Ont. is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Corpus Christi Catholic Secondary School in Burlington, Ont., Gonzalez Villarreal entered the Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Techniques program.

Tyrese Kutama, of Barrie, Ont., is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. Kutama entered the Power Engineering Techniques program at Mohawk College this fall.

Kyle Madsen, of Welland, Ont., is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Welland Centennial Secondary School, Madsen entered the Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Techniques program this fall.

Justin Mehlenbacher, of Fort Erie, Ont., is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of Lakeshore Catholic High School, in Port Colborne, Ont., Mehlenbacher entered the Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Techniques program this fall.

Nathaniel Weinert, of Milton, Ont., is a recipient of the $20,000 Schulich Builders Scholarship. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Secondary School in Milton, Ont., Weinert entered the Gas & Oil Burner Technician 2 program this fall.

About The Schulich Foundation

The Schulich Foundation is one of Canada’s largest foundations, having donated in excess of $350 million. 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, Mr. 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 centers, lecture and music halls. Over 6,000 scholarships are awarded annually to students in Schulich Schools.
The Foundation’s largest initiative is the $200 million Schulich Leaders Scholarship Program, spanning 25 universities across Canada and Israel, in support of students pursuing STEM education. Based on the resounding success of Schulich Leaders, the program model was adapted toward future skilled trade workers pursuing post-secondary education at leading colleges across Ontario. The program has awarded two cohorts comprised of 220 future skilled trade workers to date.

The Centre for Professional Advancement offers employer-sponsored scalable, sustainable, and customized educational offerings that enable successful onboarding, upskilling, and reskilling, as well as the introduction of emerging roles, empowering workforce development across industries globally. This generous donation will help to create new education and employment opportunities as well as aiding employers with their recruitment and retention efforts.

“We have the right model and the right high-performing team at the Centre to help change workers’ lives and improve communities,” said Paul Armstrong, President of Mohawk College. “Through this gift and the support of champions like The Marinucci Family Foundation, CPA programs will provide even greater benefit to workers and employers across Canada.”

To acknowledge this gift, Mohawk College has changed the name of the CPA to The Marinucci Family Centre for Professional Advancement.

“At the Marinucci Family Foundation, we believe that education lights the path to success, which is why we’re thrilled to support Mohawk College’s Centre for Professional Advancement,” stated John Marinucci and Sarah Vienot, of The Marinucci Family Foundation. “Their innovative approach to develop and deliver tailored curriculum and training programs for industry partners resonates deeply with us, and we're excited to help them transform the way we educate and reskill our workforces in an ever-changing world.”

Over the past two years, the CPA has developed 18 customized programs and courses for employers to address their workforce challenges, enrolling nearly 2,500 learners in 56 deliveries across three provinces and internationally.

“I am deeply touched by the generosity of the Marinucci family,” said Larisa Volman, Associate Dean of The Marinucci Family Centre for Professional Advancement. “This gift will accelerate our success in leading workforce transformation and position the Centre to make a measurable impact through innovative educational and training solutions.”

The Marinucci Family Foundation has been a strong supporter of Mohawk College for more than 15 years. The Marinucci Family Foundation generously committed $500,000 to the Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation. Another $250,000 donation was made in support of applied research at the college. John was also engaged with the college as a member and Chair of the Mohawk College Board of Governors from 2009 through 2015. He was recognized as a Distinguished Fellow in 2023.

This donation will support the goals of The Marinucci Family Centre for Professional Advancement over the next five years:

• to be a national leader in workforce development;
• to graduate 10,000 learners from CPA programs; 
• to develop at least 100 employer partnerships across Canada and beyond.

Mohawk College has been recognized as the sixth-top ranked college in its category and maintained its prestigious gold rating in the international 2024 Sustainable Campus Index, managed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

The Sustainable Campus Index recognizes top-performing sustainable colleges and universities overall and in 17 impact areas, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). Mohawk College first received its gold STARS rating in 2019 and has maintained its 67.4 ranking score.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition from AASHE, which underscores Mohawk College’s commitment to climate leadership across the post-secondary sector,” said Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong. “We are excited to continue leading by example, as we execute an ambitious new Climate Action Plan and continue to foster a culture of sustainability within our college and the broader community.”

Mohawk College unveiled a new Climate Action Plan in November 2023 that will see the college reach net-zero emissions in direct campus operations by the year 2035; will embed sustainability across the curriculum of all programs; and will support research with community partners to develop more than 50 deployable solutions to the climate crisis by 2030. The college also announced plans to create a new school of programs, the School of Climate Action, and has received a donor gift to establish a new Research Chair, Skilled Trades for the Green Economy – the first position of its kind at a Canadian college.

The college’s sustainability team manages over 30 programs and initiatives each year that are dedicated to embedding sustainable practices into operations and programming across all Mohawk College campuses and providing learning opportunities in sustainability for Mohawk students. As well, the opening of The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation in September 2018 introduced students to one of the largest zero-carbon institutional buildings in Canada, meaning there are no net greenhouse gas emissions associated with the building’s operations.

With more than 1,200 participants in 52 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in five overall areas: 1) academics 2) engagement, 3) operations, 4) planning and administration, and 5) innovation and leadership. 

Learn more about the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index

Mohawk College’s STARS report is publicly available on the AASHE website.

A research partnership between Mohawk College and the City of Hamilton has created some ripples in the Canadian water management sector and has been shortlisted for a national Water Canada Award in the Stormwater category.

The City of Hamilton’s Water team partnered with Mohawk College’s Unmanned and Remote Sensing Innovation Centre (URSIC), part of the college’s IDEAWORKS applied research division, to explore the use of drones to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of surveying Hamilton’s stormwater ponds for maintenance purposes. The research demonstrated that the survey can be conducted by drones reliably and accurately.

“We are proud of this successful collaboration with the City of Hamilton, and we are grateful that our research has been recognized by Water Canada,” said Mohawk College Dean of Applied Research Cristina Gage. “This research is a fitting example of how applied research can help organizations address operational problems. Our drone-based approach not only improved data accuracy for the City but also improved the safety and efficiency of its stormwater pond management practices.”

Hamilton is responsible for monitoring 137 stormwater management facilities, including 70 wet ponds and wetlands. Accurate data collection from these ponds is essential for compliance with regulations, protecting the natural environment, and informing the City’s decisions regarding scheduled dredging activities.

“The City of Hamilton is honoured to be a finalist for multiple Water Canada awards,” said Marnie Cluckie, City Manager with the City of Hamilton “Through our collaborative research project with Mohawk College, Hamilton Water staff are able to enhance stormwater pond management within the City, which in turn protects our vital waterways.”

Traditional surveying methods involve manual, labour-intensive measurements, which can lead to inaccurate data and imprecise dredging schedules. To address these challenges, the City of Hamilton and URSIC tested a drone-based echo sounder. This advancement enables the City of Hamilton to optimize maintenance schedules, ensuring timely and cost-effective dredging operations while ensuring sustainable operation of Hamilton’s drainage system.

The successful deployment of this technology in Hamilton provides a compelling innovation in traditional stormwater management practices, offering a more efficient, accurate, and cost-effective method for maintaining critical infrastructure.

Mohawk College today announced its intention to expand its academic operations into the City of Burlington.

Hamilton-based Mohawk College has formalized a Letter of Understanding with the City of Burlington and Burlington Economic Development to establish new Mohawk College learning hubs and campuses in Burlington.

“Burlington is a vibrant and growing community, with impressive residential, commercial and industrial growth, but is not currently home to a public community college,” said Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong. “For 57 years, Mohawk College has been educating and preparing highly skilled graduates for success. We are excited to extend the college’s world-class post-secondary training into Burlington.”

The recent launch of Mohawk College’s School of Climate Action, the continuing shortages in Ontario’s healthcare system, and growing demand for more people and training in skilled trades and technology are all priorities for the college. Additional classrooms, labs, shops and applied research facilities will be required to meet the demand in these growth areas. Burlington is an ideal location to achieve this growth. Many locations within the city are easy to access through public transit and it is closer to home for many Mohawk College students who commute to Hamilton campuses from other communities.

The college already has a presence in Burlington through its partnership with Schlegel Villages, with a Living Classroom located at The Village at Tansley Woods. The site is used to deliver the Personal Support Worker (PSW), Practical Nursing (PSW to PN Bridging Stream), and Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant (OTA/PTA) programs.

The proposed expansion aligns with the City of Burlington’s Strategic Plan. Burlington City Council has identified the attraction of a post-secondary institution as an objective that will contribute to the overall health of the city. It supports Burlington’s goals of developing complete communities, expanding its youth population, and providing an educational environment to attract startups and grow businesses. The City is supportive of post-secondary opportunities for its residents.

“Burlington is open for business,” said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. “We welcome post-secondary institutions and satellite programming as one way to boost local employment and support business. We're partnering with Mohawk College to ensure our future is as bright, innovative, and as forward-looking as our community.”

“There are promising opportunities in Burlington in healthcare, in industry, and across the regional economy,” said President Armstrong. “Students are looking for rewarding, fulfilling careers in desirable communities and employers are looking for well-educated and well-trained workers. Mohawk College is excited to create pathways to employment, preparing future-ready graduates for bright careers in Burlington and beyond.”

This planned expansion will roll out in phases over several years, with a variety of programs being offered in different locations. Mohawk will work with Burlington Economic Development to explore potential locations and uses. More specific information will be provided in the coming months as plans take shape and the requisite agreements are finalized.

“Mohawk College’s plan to expand their facilities into Burlington is very exciting news,” said Anita Cassidy, Executive Director of Burlington Economic Development. “Mohawk College has supported our local business community for a long time, through access to applied research areas, experiential learning hubs, and of course connecting employers to top talent. We look forward to working with them in the coming months to find the ideal location for their students, faculty and staff to thrive here.”

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About Mohawk College

Mohawk College educates and serves more than 32,500 full-time, part-time, apprenticeship and international students at four main campuses in Hamilton, Ontario and learning hubs across Hamilton through City School by Mohawk, as well as at the Mohawk College Mississauga Campus in partnership with triOS College. Mohawk is committed to upholding an equitable, diverse and inclusive learning, working and engaging environment for students, employees and the community. The college is among the top colleges for applied research in Canada. It has been named one of Hamilton-Niagara’s top employers and one of Canada’s greenest employers and holds a GOLD STARS rating from AASHE for sustainability achievements. More than 170,000 people have graduated from Mohawk since it was founded.

About the City of Burlington

Burlington is a city where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.

About Burlington Economic Development

Burlington Economic Development (Burlington EcDev) is an agency of the City of Burlington that works to attract high-value companies to Burlington, support the expansion of existing businesses, and encourage the start-up and growth of new companies. The team works across all industries and sectors to deliver personalized support to businesses and collaborates with partners across the private and public sectors to maintain Burlington’s robust and diverse economy.

Website: investburlington.ca 

The Mohawk College Additive Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) has received $1 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to increase its capacity for advanced industrial 3D printing projects with regional companies.

The announced funding will allow AMIC to expand its applied research work with multisectoral industries on applied research and technology development through next-generation additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, commonly known as 3D printing.

“We are grateful for the support Mohawk College has received from Canada Foundation for Innovation,” said Mohawk College President Paul Armstrong. “This strategic investment will solidify AMIC’s position as a national leader in additive manufacturing research and development while creating innovative new opportunities for students and supporting local and sustainable manufacturing initiatives.”

"Additive Manufacturing 2.0" (AM 2.0) represents the evolution of AM technologies, featuring faster print speeds, increased efficiency, lower unit costs, superior component quality, and enhanced process repeatability. Through this funding, AMIC will acquire new industrial 3D printers, including a metal binder jetting system, a state-of-the-art direct metal laser sintering system, and an automated fused deposition modelling system.

“We are thrilled to receive this CFI funding, which will allow AMIC to remain at the forefront of additive manufacturing in Canada,” said Simon Coulson, General Manager, Additive Manufacturing Innovation Centre, IDEAWORKS. “These new AM 2.0 technologies will drive the adoption of additive manufacturing by more companies by supporting innovative designs, prototypes, and mass production validation. This equipment is more competitive with traditional manufacturing processes while maintaining the flexibility and design freedoms inherit with legacy AM technology.”

Since its inception in 2014, AMIC has successfully completed 223 applied research projects with industry partners in various sectors, including manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, materials, and academic research institutions. This is the second time that Mohawk College’s AMIC has received CFI funding in 10 years.

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About the Canada Foundation for Innovation

With a bold, future-looking mandate, the Canada Foundation for Innovation equips researchers to be global leaders in their field and to respond to emerging challenges. Our investments in state-of-the-art tools, instruments and facilities at universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions underpin both curiosity- and mission-driven research that cuts across disciplines and bridges all sectors. The research infrastructure we fund mobilizes knowledge, spurs innovation and commercialization, and empowers the talented minds of a new generation.

About IDEAWORKS

At Mohawk College, IDEAWORKS fills the space between research and solutions by delivering customized support to organizations. As an active hub of applied research and innovation, we provide our industry and community partners with access to faculty and staff expertise, an inspired student workforce, exceptional facilities and top-notch technology. IDEAWORKS is home to over eight areas of expertise including several research centres: the mHealth and eHealth Development and Innovation Centre (MEDIC); the Additive Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC); the Energy and Power Innovation Centre (EPIC); and the Centre for Climate Change Management (CCCM), the Unmanned and Remote Sensing Innovation Centre (URSIC); and the Medical Technologies Innovation Centre (MTIC). It also houses several research labs, and other emerging research areas such as the Industrial Internet of Things Lab (IIoT), the Sustainable Building Technologies, and augmented and virtual reality development labs.

For more information about AMIC and its projects, please visit Additive Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) or email ideaworks@mohawkcollege.ca.

Mohawk College and SEE Institute, the net-zero emissions building based in Dubai, UAE, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create opportunities for the students, faculty and researchers at both institutions in the areas of research, training and academic studies.

Based in Dubai, SEE Institute is a hub for sustainability education, research and business incubation, promoting sustainable practices in the Middle East and around the world. Mohawk College, in Hamilton, ON, is an internationally recognized leader in sustainable development, research and education. The partners are also home to two of the world’s most recognized net-zero institutional buildings, Mohawk College’s Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation and See Institute building. The announced agreement is rooted in the partners’ shared commitment to promoting the mainstream adoption of sustainability and climate action in pursuit of a net-zero carbon future.

“Mohawk College is excited to partner with SEE Institute to pursue a net-zero future through collaboration, education, and research,” said Paul Armstrong, President of Mohawk College. “Our institutions share a common commitment to climate action and achieving the ambitions of the Paris Agreement and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and we have each demonstrated that net zero is possible. We look forward to working with SEE Institute to create rich, empowering learning and life opportunities for the students and faculty of both our institutions.”

Engineer Faris Saeed, the Founder and Chairman of SEE Institute, said: “This partnership with Mohawk College signifies a powerful alignment of our mutual goals to drive innovation and foster a global mindset towards sustainability. By combining our expertise and resources, we are creating unparalleled opportunities for students and faculty, while setting a precedent for international cooperation in achieving a net-zero emissions future.”

Through the announced agreement, the partners will explore ways to:

• promote student exchanges/pathways from degree, diploma, and certificate programs;
• explore credit transfers, dual credentials, and joint degrees, through student and faculty exchanges (virtual and in-person);
• share teaching resources;
• explore opportunities for co-ops, placements, internships, and projects for students;
• promote the institutions at conferences and symposiums; and
• conduct research and applied research collaborations and industry studies.

Once the institutions have decided on the terms for any education, training, or mobility opportunities, they will establish formal agreements accordingly. This initial agreement will remain in place for five years.

…..

About SEE Institute

SEE Institute is a hub for sustainability education, applied and institutional research and business incubation, seeking to enhance knowledge sharing, foster partnerships and empower sustainable practices around the world.
SEE Institute oversees a diverse curriculum of professional education programs, conducts data-driven research projects in collaboration with governments, industry, and academia and supports innovative start-ups in the sustainability field.
The pioneering net zero emissions building hosts world-class events and conferences, which are elevated by state-of-the-art technology and immersive theatre and cultural destination.
SEE Institute uses its location, The Sustainable City in Dubai, as a living lab, testing prototypes, collecting data, and running pilot programs within real-life contexts.

About Mohawk College

Mohawk College educates and serves more than 32,500 full-time, part-time, apprenticeship and international students at three main campuses and at the College’s Centre for Aviation Technology in Hamilton, Ontario. Since becoming the first college in Ontario to introduce a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (2011), Mohawk has been a leader in environmental stewardship. Mohawk is home to: The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation, the first building in Canada to be zero carbon dually certified; The Centre for Climate Change Management at Mohawk College; and the Bay Area Climate Change Office. The college supports a Research Chair for Sustainability and a Sustainability Team that manages more than 30 programs and initiatives each year. Mohawk College is a leading member of the Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery pan-Canadian coalition. A key aspiration of the college's Strategic Plan is to Make a meaningful impact on climate change.

Mohawk College Vice President, Advancement & Alumni Engagement, Lorna Somers, was honoured today with The E. Burr Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award by The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the global non-profit association dedicated to educational advancement.

This prestigious award recognizes Lorna’s 36-year commitment to post-secondary education and her tireless promotion of principled development practices in Canada and around the world. Lorna is the first Canadian advancement professional to receive the E. Burr Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award and the first person in the world to have received all of CASE’s top honours.

“Congratulations to Lorna on this remarkable achievement. Her distinguished career deserves to be recognized and celebrated by CASE, by Mohawk College and by the advancement professionals around the world who Lorna has taught, mentored and advised,” said Paul Armstrong, president of Mohawk College. “We are proud to have Lorna among our executive leadership, bringing her impressive knowledge and experience to the Mohawk College Foundation and Alumni Relations. In what has already been a truly world-class career, Lorna continues to champion students, working with Mohawk College supporters and partners to prepare highly skilled graduates for success and contribution to the community, Canada and the world.”

During her career so far, Lorna has worked with others to secure more than $500 million in gifts for students, teaching, and research initiatives. In addition, she has mentored and presented to institutional leaders, faculty, students and advancement staff on six continents and on more than 65 campuses around the world.

She co-authored Planned Giving for Canadians with Dr. Frank Minton, now in its sixth edition, which is considered required reading for everyone in planned giving and development. Lorna joined the Mohawk College Foundation in 2022 and has made an immediate impact, championing the college’s strategic priorities and supporting students’ educational journeys.

“Having a nearly four-decade career, doing gratifying work with people I admire, has been a privilege,” said Somers. “I have had a front-row seat - sometimes even playing a small role - watching ordinary people do extraordinary things through their generosity, vision, and wisdom. Being able to also give back through teaching and writing has been a rare gift and one truly made possible because of CASE.”

Lorna has previously been honoured by CASE with the John Lippincott Award (2016), the Frank Ashmore Award (2011) and the CASE Crystal Apple for excellence in teaching and training. The Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) honoured Lorna with the Friends of CAGP national award (1997) and the CAGP Lorna Somers Legacy Award is named in her honour.

Last year, Lorna received the 2023 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education, recognizing her contribution to advancement education and philanthropy in Canada.

The CASE E. Burr Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates individuals who, through their professional accomplishments and long-time service, have made a significant and lasting impact on the profession and their colleagues.

“Each of the leaders honoured this week has made a significant impact in their respective fields. Their efforts have resulted in stronger, healthier companies, institutions, and communities,” said Mohawk College President and CEO Ron J. McKerlie. “By demonstrating the positive influence one person can have in their career, these Distinguished Fellows serve as inspiration for Mohawk College graduates who are setting out on their own career journeys.” 

Mohawk College’s Distinguished Fellows make invaluable contributions to the college through academic advisement, student engagement, community outreach, and strategic advisement to the college’s senior leadership team. Participation in the Distinguished Fellow program is by invitation only. The title is conferred, and service to the college is recognized during Convocation ceremonies.

Since 2012, Mohawk College has honoured 67 community leaders as Distinguished Fellows.

2023 Distinguished Fellows

Melissa Farrell - President & CEO, Halton Healthcare

Distinguished Fellow

Melissa Farrell is a health system leader who is passionate about building integrated care and making sure people have the support they need from all parts of the health system. Prior to joining Halton Healthcare, she was president of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and had a long and distinguished career largely focused in the public sector.

Linda Franklin - Chair, William Osler Health System

Distinguished Fellow

Linda Franklin recently retired as the president and CEO of Colleges Ontario and was previously CEO of the Wine Council of Ontario. As well as serving as the chair of the William Osler Health System, she is a member of the board of Niagara College, The Post Secondary Education Quality Assessment Board, and the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council.

Stacey Hill - Indigenous Liaison Officer, Hamilton Police Service

Distinguished Fellow - Honorary Diploma

A Mohawk College alumnus, Stacey Hill is the first Indigenous liaison officer for Hamilton Police Services. She has worked for HPS for more than 25 years, serving as a patrol officer in the east end, and now works closely with Hamilton’s newly formed Indigenous Consultation Circle to assist Indigenous people in navigating contact with police.

Victoria Mancinelli - Director Public Relations, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships LiUNA

Distinguished Fellow

Through outreach and education, Victoria Mancinelli promotes economic independence, strengthens unionized labor, and promotes skilled trades as a first-choice career. She has served on the Exhibition Board of Governors, the Ontario Task Force on Women and the Economy, the United Way Women’s United Council, and the advisory council for a Coalition for a Better Future and Creating Alternatives Day Program.

Dr. Michael Noseworthy - Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, McMaster University

Distinguished Fellow – Adjunct Professor

A full professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering at McMaster University, Dr. Noseworthy is the Associate Chair (Research) for the McMaster Department of Medical Imaging. In this role, he has been a huge supporter of The Centre for Integrated and Advanced Medical Imaging (CIAMI) at the Institute for Applied Health Sciences campus, a partnership between Mohawk and McMaster.

Michael Schwenger - Chairman Emeritus, StressCrete Group

Distinguished Fellow

Michael S. Schwenger initially worked for and, in 1981, purchased StressCrete Ltd. He expanded the business from eight employees to a group of companies with more than 500 employees. He has served as Board Chair of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton Health Sciences, the Art Gallery of Hamilton, and the Carpenter Hospice. In 2015, his family established the Schwenger Family Foundation.

For more information on our 2023 Distinguished Fellows and to view past recipients. 

Mohawk College announced today the 2024 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 remarkable alumni have applied their college training in amazing and transformational ways. They have made a positive impact in their industries and communities, and they have made life better for us all,” said Mohawk College President and CEO Ron J. McKerlie. “We are proud of the role their Mohawk College education and experience has played in nurturing the skills and talents that started them on their flourishing careers.”

Congratulations to the 2024 Alumni of Distinction recipients:

• Beverley Dinham Spencer ’72 - Chairperson, Strategic Management & Training Consultants Limited (Business category)
• Janine Gaunt ’88 - Senior Manager, Recreation Operations, City of Hamilton & Assistant Basketball Coach, Mohawk College (Affinity category)
• Stacey Hill ’88 - Indigenous Liaison Officer, Hamilton Police Services (Community Services category)
• Rob Darling ’02 - Founder & CEO, runQL.com (Entrepreneur category)
• Jason Herd ’05 - CEO and Founder, Tradetraks Inc. (Apprenticeship category)
• Amanda White ’08, ’09, ’11 - Director, Centre for Indigenous Relations, Knowledge, and Learning (CIRKL) Part-Time Faculty, Indigenous Studies Courses (Mohawk College Employee category)
• Andrew Moles ’09 - General Manager, PCL Construction Canada Inc. (Technology category)
• Ricardo Gonzalez ’10 – Artist, It’s a Living (Creative Arts & Design category)
• Lori Zozzolotto ’12 - Regional Clinical Specialist, Convatec Canada (Health Sciences category)
• Adil Khalqi ’20 - Police Constable, Brantford Police Service & Town Councilor, Town of Milton (Recent Graduate category)

Alumni of Distinction recipients will be presented with their awards at a celebration dinner on October 8, 2024

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.

Check 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.

The Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) has announced 39 new projects focused on supporting postsecondary learner mobility, including a community collaboration with City School by Mohawk College.

Over the next year, ONCAT is flowing over $2.8 million to support learner mobility projects at 35 colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes in Ontario. These projects aim to empower learners by recognizing previous education and professional experiences and facilitating smoother transitions between programs and institutions. At City School by Mohawk College, this funding supports the following project:

The Community Learning Alliance (CLA) – This project will involve collaboration between City School by Mohawk College,  nine community social service agencies, and three local employers. Through this partnership, learners receiving interpersonal and life skills training through partner agencies will be awarded a Mohawk College micro-credential. In addition,  the time they spend in CLA programs can be credited towards the College Fundamentals Certificate program. ONCAT is contributing $75,000 to this project.

“Empowering learners with accessible pathways to navigate their educational journey is key to helping them achieve their professional and academic goals,” said ONCAT Executive Director Dr. Adrienne Galway. “The increased funding will promote improved transitions between institutions and programs, helping learners get where they want to go.”

“The Ontario government is proud to support ONCAT’s important work to make it easier for learners of all backgrounds to pursue their educational goals,” said Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop. “By facilitating smoother transitions and recognizing the wealth of knowledge gained through previous experience, we are fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment to advance student success in Ontario.”

“Mohawk College and City School are grateful for ONCAT’s support of The Community Learning Alliance,” said Jim Vanderveken, Dean of Mohawk College’s Centre for Community Partnerships & Experiential Learning. “Working closely together, this network of dedicated community agencies and forward-thinking employers has the potential to drastically improve the lives of people dealing with economic and social precarity in the Hamilton area.”

Partnering agencies include Eva Rothwell Centre, Goodwill, Hamilton Public Library, Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, Immigrants Working Centre, Mission Services, Wesley, YMCA, and YWCA. Employers committed to the project include Thrive Group, Walters Group, and the City of Hamilton.

In Fall of 2023, ONCAT initiated calls for projects for greater accessibility and impact within the postsecondary sector. This call was met with an unprecedented number of applications from postsecondary institutions, demonstrating a growing interest to support greater learner mobility, expand access to postsecondary opportunities and improve pathways to the labour market. 

Established in 2011, the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer plays a pivotal role in supporting learner mobility, working to reduce barriers for students seeking to transfer among the province's public colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes. For more information, visit www.oncat.ca. ONCAT is funded by the Government of Ontario.

Mohawk College’s Board of Governors is pleased to announce that Paul Armstrong will become the college’s ninth President. Armstrong’s first day as President will be July 1, 2024.

Armstrong, 56, is no stranger to the college. He began his Mohawk College career as a student in the late 1980s. In 1992, he joined the college as a faculty member in the Department of Medical Imaging. In 2013, Mohawk College recognized Armstrong’s career success and achievements with an Alumni of Distinction Award in the Health Sciences category. He was Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Community and Urban Studies at the time. 

Armstrong was appointed Vice President Academic in 2016. He is currently the college’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), a role he has held since 2020. As COO, he played a crucial role in navigating the college through the global pandemic, one of the most challenging periods in the college’s history.

Throughout the more than 30 years he has been with the college, Armstrong has developed and led many successful initiatives and partnerships that have contributed to its growth and provided significant benefits for students, employees, partners, and the communities it serves.

He led the development and implementation of the college’s current strategic plan. One of the key elements of this plan is the college’s ongoing work to advance Truth and Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, both of which are very important to Armstrong. He led the development of the college’s first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, and has worked closely with Indigenous college and community leaders to enable programs and services that support their communities.   

Working with 15 other colleges, polytechnics and cégeps from across Canada, Armstrong helped establish Canadian Colleges for Resilient Recovery, a coalition that is working together to offer Canadians the training and skills they need to succeed in a green economy.

“With more than 30 years of experience as an educator and leader at Mohawk College, Paul Armstrong has dedicated his career to advancing and accelerating the opportunities available to learners, employees, employers, and the broader community,” said Anna Filice, Chair of Mohawk College’s Board of Governors. “Paul is a recognized leader in the college sector, provincially and nationally, and has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Ontario colleges today. As President, Paul will use his experience and insight to position Mohawk College for continued innovation and leadership.”

“To be given the opportunity to lead Mohawk College is a great honour for me,” said Armstrong.  “I was fortunate to begin my postsecondary journey at this college. Mohawk gave me the skills I needed to succeed in my chosen career, and provided the foundational knowledge that prepared me for success as a leader. I am proud to be part of an amazing team of faculty and staff at Mohawk College, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that has been such a big part of my life.” 

Mohawk College’s Board of Governors began its search in December 2023 engaging the services of the executive search firm Phelps. Ron McKerlie will continue to serve as President until Armstrong begins his tenure on July 1. McKerlie will then assist with the transition in an advisory role until July 31, 2024.

Upon Armstrong’s appointment to President on July 1, the Mohawk College Foundation will complete a restructuring, moving the operations and employees of the Foundation into the college’s operations, and removing the need for the Foundation to have its own separate President. The Foundation will continue to lead the fundraising initiatives for the college, with the Foundation’s Executive Director reporting to Armstrong and serving as a member of the college’s executive team. The Mohawk College Foundation Board of Directors will continue to provide strategic fundraising advice and guidance for the Foundation’s activities.

About Paul Armstrong:

• Paul and his wife, Lucy, live in Hamilton. He has two adult children, Daniel and Katrina.
• Is originally from Owen Sound, Ontario.
• Is currently Chair of the Board for Skills Ontario and a Director on the Board for Skills Canada.
• Is Past Chair, Board of Directors, Industry Education Council of Hamilton.
• Has a Master of Business Administration from Queens University and has completed the Advanced Management program from the Harvard Business School.
• Mohawk College credentials include a Diploma in Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound ’89 and a Diploma in Radiological Technology ’88.
• Began his career working at the Hamilton General Hospital and McMaster University Medical Centre as a Radiological Technician from 1988 to 1989 and as an Ultrasound Technologist from 1989-1992 and worked at Mohawk College in part-time roles.

The College Student Success Innovation Centre (CSSIC) at Mohawk College announced today that Dr. Daniel Schmidtke has been selected as the college’s inaugural CSSIC Research Fellow.

Dr. Schmidtke, a Research Associate (Academic) for the McMaster English Language Development (MELD) program and an affiliated researcher in The Centre for Advanced Research in Experimental and Applied Linguistics (ARiEAL) at McMaster University, will lead a project geared toward enhancing student success in Mohawk College’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program through a reading intervention.

“We are pleased to award Dr. Schmidtke with this first-of-its-kind fellowship as Mohawk College and CSSIC continue to advance research around student success in post-secondary education,” said Mohawk College VP, Academic, Dr. Cebert Adamson.  “The work that will be done through the CSSIC Research Fellowship will support applied research in student success while developing tangible best practices in the field. As is the case with all CSSIC research, we are confident this project will benefit students, practitioners, and researchers at post-secondary institutions across the country.”

In collaboration with the CSSIC team, Dr. Schmidtke will conduct research on phonological decoding (the process of mapping printed letters to spoken sounds), an especially important sub-skill of reading for learners acquiring English as an additional language. The goal is to provide crucial support to these learners, including international students, who face the challenge of acquiring English reading proficiency in order to study effectively.

Students who use English as an additional language but lack the required English proficiency credentials can enroll in EAP programs in preparation for Canadian post-secondary education. Students who successfully complete the EAP program are granted admission to their prospective post-secondary education program of study.

The intervention study being led by Dr. Schmidtke will provide training opportunities for student co-researchers at Mohawk College, and undergraduate and graduate students at McMaster University. Findings from the research will be shared locally and internationally through workshops, presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and technical reports.

The Fellowship began on May 1, 2024, and will run for three years, into 2027.

Established in May 2023, the CSSIC Research Fellowship provides up to $100,000 in funding to support the direct costs of one or more research projects that identify and validate innovative student services and/or teaching approaches, methods, and practices, to be implemented with Mohawk College students in collaboration with the CSSIC and Mohawk College students, staff, and faculty.

About CSSIC

The College Student Success Innovation Centre (CSSIC) at Mohawk College is Canada’s first research centre on a college campus uniquely focused on community college student success. Since 2018, CSSIC has been designing, implementing, and evaluating innovative interventions throughout the student lifecycle to determine what works in supporting student success. CSSIC has implemented and supported over $5 million in funded research projects in partnership with over 20 post-secondary, community, and industry collaborators. The introduction of the CSSIC Research Fellowship allows the centre to build on past strengths and explore new partnerships.

Job seekers with Community Employment Services at Mohawk College can take advantage of a revolutionary service while preparing for their future careers, thanks to a new partnership with InStage, an AI-enabled virtual reality learning platform.

This partnership offers job seekers at Community Employment Services the opportunity to practice their job interview skills at their convenience using InStage AI-driven interview simulations that are entirely conversational, offering a fully personalized training experience. Job seekers can paste a job posting into InStage and a mock interview with questions tailored to that role is instantly generated. This unique feature allows participants to practice independently to gain useful feedback and gain confidence as they prepare for job interviews. The service enriches job seekers’ experience with their employment consultants during the training and job-searching process.

“Practice produces proficiency, and InStage for Mock Interviews gives job seekers the opportunity to independently practice the skills they learn from their employment consultants as they proceed with their job searches,” said Beth Gibson, Manager of Workforce Partnerships at Mohawk College. “The virtual interviewers assess responses, body language and the suitability of phrases and then provide instant feedback, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement at the end of the interview. Developing and practicing these skills allows the job seeker to improve their performance once they secure a job interview.”

About Community Employment Services at Mohawk College

Funded by Ontario Employment Services, in partnership with Fedcap Canada, Community Employment Services at Mohawk College provides a team of career experts, who help job seekers with career services, training and access to technology resources as they prepare to re-enter the workforce, and helps employers recruit, onboard and upskill their existing workforce.

About InStage

InStage is a leading technology provider specializing in AI-driven mock job interview simulations. By mimicking real-world interview scenarios, InStage provides invaluable, customized training experiences.

About Fedcap

Fedcap Canada—a company of The Fedcap Group works alongside other local organizations and community partners to provide tailored support for unemployed people, including those with disabilities, on their journey towards sustainable employment. We are committed to strong market stewardship, capacity-building the existing Service Provider networks and will operate with a deep respect for the role of local communities in delivering outcomes.

The Skills Ontario Competition offers a unique opportunity for top students from colleges across the province to demonstrate their mastery of their skills in their field. Over the two and a half days, they turn the heads of their educators, family, friends and prospective employers. Winners in several categories also have the opportunity to compete in the national Skills Canada competition, which will be hosted in Quebec City, May 27- June 1.

This year, the Mohawk College team included 37 competitors in 21 different competitions, finishing on the podium in more than half of those categories.

Mohawk College Skills Ontario 2024 Medalists 

Gold   

• Jarvis Noon - Aircraft Maintenance (coach: Adam Sabourin)
• Liam Alford - Auto - Collision Repair (coach: Robert Paladichuk)
• Colton Lawrence - Auto – Painting (coach: Monika Gonthier)
• Louis Budai - Industrial Mechanic Millwright (coach: David Clarke)
• Charles Batista – Sheetmetal (coaches: Brian Lyle, Robert (Cam) Wakeling)

Silver  

• Matthew Gawley - Graphic Design – Studio Production (coach: Mitch Thompson)
• Jack Birdsell & David (Rodney) Binns - Horticulture (Team of 2) (coach: Michele Berlingieri)
• Nickolas Saffar - Refrigeration (coaches: Mike Boss, Jonas Kybartas)

Bronze

• Andrew Doyle - Refrigeration (coaches: Mike Boss, Jonas Kybartas)
• Mateo Smith - Carpentry – Industrial (coach: Andy Ross)
• Thomas McBrine - Heating Systems Technician (coach: Greg Stewart)

Gene Haas Foundation Manufacturing Award

During the final ceremonies for Skills Ontario 2024, Mohawk College also received the Gene Haas Foundation Manufacturing Award.

This award, including $5000 designated for student scholarships in the manufacturing programs, recognizes the post-secondary institution that shows the greatest dedication to promoting the manufacturing sector. Mohawk College emerged as the top-ranking institution in overall competition scores in manufacturing, demonstrating the college’s commitment to providing exceptional education and support to our students. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and students alike.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this outstanding accomplishment: the students, faculty, and employees who all contributed to Mohawk College’s success, setting new standards of excellence and inspiring success in our community.

“Congratulations to Greg and Tara-Lyn. This is an impressive achievement and a proud moment for our college,” said Mohawk College President and CEO Ron J. McKerlie. “These honours demonstrate their incredible commitment to Mohawk College students and their college experience.”

Dinyer, a professor in the college’s School of Health and Community Services was the Gold medal recipient for CICan’s Award of Excellence in the Faculty category at CICan’s national conference in Calgary. She has developed innovative teaching solutions and created unique partnership opportunities in the Health, Wellness, and Fitness industry, including coordinating the annual Fit-to-Pitch capstone project for students in the Health, Wellness, and Fitness program.

Gagnon, a technician with Mohawk College’s Accessible Learning Services received the Gold medal in the Non-Managerial Staff category. Working with students who are overcoming physical or learning disability challenges, Gagnon is exceptionally dedicated to their success. His expertise, and his kind, caring and compassionate approach to students, make him a highly respected member of the Accessibility team.

In addition, Mohawk College received a third honour from CICan , in partnership with CityLAB Hamilton, in the Program Excellence category. Started as a pilot project in 2017, CityLAB Hamilton is an innovation program between the City of Hamilton, Mohawk College, McMaster University, and Redeemer University. Students, faculty, and civic leaders work together to develop innovative solutions to city-identified projects that align with the City’s Strategic Priorities.

CityLAB Hamilton and Mohawk College have been awarded the gold medal in Program Excellence by Colleges & Institutes Canada (CICan).

The Program Excellence Award recognizes programs across Canada that demonstrate innovation, portability, sustainability and effectiveness. Mohawk College nominated CityLAB Hamilton after seven years of successful collaboration. The award was announced on April 30, 2024, during the CICan national conference in Calgary, Alberta.

“The national recognition of the City LAB program underscores the significant community-building efforts of our student-led initiatives,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “Our long-standing partnership between the City of Hamilton and Mohawk College is a testament to the great work that can be done when we join forces to build a better Hamilton for today and future generations.”

Originating as a pilot project in 2017, CityLAB Hamilton is a collaborative innovation program between the City of Hamilton, Mohawk College, McMaster University and Redeemer University. This program unites students, faculty, and civic leaders to develop innovative solutions to city-identified projects that align with the City’s Strategic Priorities.

CityLAB officially transitioned to a permanent program in 2022 with support from Hamilton City Council. Annually, the CityLAB program engages approximately 450 students in experiential learning projects that meaningfully address civic challenges, yield tangible community benefits, and cultivate a long-term sense of civic responsibility. CityLAB projects tackle complex challenges and pioneer new solutions while mentoring and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

“We are delighted that CityLAB Hamilton has received this national recognition,” said Dr. Cebert Adamson, VP, Academic, Mohawk College. “We are proud that Mohawk College students and staff are involved in the innovative projects being done through CityLAB, and we are proud to share the story of our collective success with other Canadian colleges by way of our nomination. One of the criteria for this award is a program’s ability to be replicated in other regions. This recognition shines the spotlight on another innovative Hamilton collaboration that may be replicated across the country.”

"This award highlights the strength of our CityLAB partnerships and celebrates our commitment to innovation and student engagement," said Marnie Cluckie, City Manager. "It's a proud moment for all involved, showcasing how collaboration can address real-world challenges and strengthen our community."

Experiential learning through CityLAB allows students to explore careers of interest while developing transferable interpersonal skills and work habits that will benefit them in the future.

The City of Hamilton and Mohawk College value the ongoing partnership created through CityLAB Hamilton and look forward to continued collaborative successes. 

QUICK FACTS

• CICan is the national association for publicly supported colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics.
• CICan’s Gold Medal Program Excellence Award recognizes innovative, effective, student-involved initiatives.
• Since 2017, Mohawk College has contributed more than 32,500 hours of civic engagement through 44 unique experiential learning projects, involving 1,449 students and 30 faculty members.

Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) announced today the five youth-led projects selected to receive funding through the Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grant – an initiative, in collaboration with Wawanesa Insurance, that supports young leaders who aim to address climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Announced in March 2024, the initiative was created to inspire and support the next generation of leaders in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts with the assistance of applied research professionals from accredited Canadian colleges. Youth currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a C2R2 partner institution submitted their climate-focused ideas for evaluation. The five selected projects receive the support of $30,000 from Wawanesa Insurance, providing the young innovators with a unique opportunity to work with C2R2 partner institutions to develop, deploy, and advance their project ideas.

Wawanesa’s $150,000 support is part of the Wawanesa Climate Champions program, which sets aside $2 million annually to support people on the front lines of climate change working to build more climate-resilient communities.

In total, C2R2 received 16 project submissions from nine of its partner institutions. Of those submitted, the following projects have been chosen to receive funding:

• CNETE – Maxim Bergeron - Creation of Microbial strains producing 2 enzymes for degrading hydrocarbons and plastics
• Red River College Polytechnic (RRCP) – Sophie Walker - Climate Resilient Nursing
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic – Muhammad Abdullah - Flood Zone Mapping with Machine Learning and Augmented Reality
• Seneca College – Navdeep Singh - Reducing Carbon Emissions with Variable Rate Technology and Best Practices in Agriculture
• Mohawk College – Pal Patel – Asset Management for Climate Resiliency in Indigenous Communities 

“The quality of the proposals received for the Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grant was impressive. Congratulations to the successful innovative young leaders,” said Paul Armstrong, C2R2 Chair and Chief Operating Officer, Mohawk College. “This grant presents an amazing opportunity to advance these important initiatives across the country and we are excited to see the impact these impressive young people and their projects will have on Canada’s climate action efforts.”

The projects selected will have one year to implement and achieve deliverables outlined in their submitted project plans, with the goal to create a long-lasting impact.

“We are proud partners with the Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery on the Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grants,” said Jackie De Pape Hornick, Director, Communications & Community Impact, Wawanesa. “The passion and commitment youth across the country display towards building more climate-resilient communities is inspiring. We are honoured to support the five selected students and their work.”

C2R2 is proud to partner with Wawanesa Insurance. This partnership underscores the shared dedication to fostering positive change and resilience in the face of climate-related challenges, and C2R2’s overarching goal of supporting Canadians coast to coast to coast in the transition to a green economy.

About Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2)

Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) is a coalition of 14 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. They are positioned to support workforce upskilling and bridge the skills gap across Canada, and currently run Quick Train Canada and the Community Workforce Development Program. C2R2’s administration and secretariat are located at Mohawk College in Hamilton.

For more information, visit www.resilientcolleges.ca

About Wawanesa Insurance

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

Mohawk College has been selected as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the 11^th consecutive year.

Mohawk is one of five Ontario colleges receiving this recognition, joining Centennial, Durham College, Fleming College and Humber College.

“We are proud of the leadership role Mohawk College plays in Ontario’s climate action efforts and we are grateful to be recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers,” said Mohawk President and CEO Ron J. McKerlie. “The college recently intensified its commitment to this imperative cause by introducing a Climate Action Plan aimed at reaching net-zero emissions in direct campus operations by 2035. We announced the creation of a new School of Climate Action and established The Gina Fraser Chair in Skilled Trades for the Green Economy.

“A great deal of work needs to be done in response to the climate change crisis and Mohawk College is dedicated to providing regional solutions and educating a generation of people who can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.”

Mohawk College has a stated commitment to making a measurable impact on climate change. 
(Learn more about Mohawk College’s Climate Action Plan.)

Canada's Greenest Employers have developed exceptional sustainability initiatives – and are attracting people to their organizations because of their environmental leadership. Prior to 2009, this award was called "Canada's Most Earth-Friendly Employers". This year’s winners were announced on April 16, 2024 in a special magazine distributed online in The Globe and Mail. Read the press release issued the same day for more background in this year’s competition.

Here are some of the reasons why Mohawk was selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers (2024):

• Mohawk College hosts a variety of awareness initiatives, including sustainability webinars and a sustainability leadership program for students with online courses covering local food, waste, green jobs and sustainability development goals
• Mohawk College has introduced numerous environmental programs across the campus, including community gardens, honeybee apiaries, pollinator gardens, water bottle filling stations (in support of a disposable water bottle ban)
• Mohawk College maintains a 51-plot community garden with over 300 members and a fruit orchard -- and as part of the harvest, the college manages a campus farm stand that features produce from July to November, including "Bounty Bags" and "Eat Better Bags" along with annual food donations to local community organizations

Now in its 17th year, Canada's Greenest Employers is an editorial competition organized by the Canada's Top 100 Employers project. This special designation recognizes the employers that lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness in their organizations.

Mohawk College is expanding its student housing options with the opening of the college’s first off-campus residence, located in downtown Hamilton.

The nine-story dorm-style residence (Mohawk College Linden Hall, 55 Catharine Street S.) has 150 units and will accommodate as many as 300 students. Each unit has two double beds, two desks and two storage cabinets, a small refrigerator, and a bathroom with a bathtub/shower.

“We are excited to nearly double our residence space by providing Mohawk College students with an off-campus housing option,” said Kim Watkins, Mohawk College Vice President, Corporate Services. “This residence will provide students with another safe, affordable option for accommodation when they choose to move to Hamilton to study at our college.”

In the new residence, students will have access to a common kitchen with cooking equipment, including a dishwashing area and a common dining space on the main floor. A self-serve micro market will also be available. Students will be able to socialize in three dedicated lounge areas, located on three different floors. Other amenities include onsite laundry, mail service and Wi-Fi throughout the residence. The location is also close to inter-city and HSR transit lines.

Registration for the Mohawk College Linden Hall residence opened this week and will be available for students to move in on May 1, ahead of the summer semester start date.

Mohawk College currently has one residence building located on the Fennell campus. The Residence offers 340 beds in two-bedroom suite-style units.  In response to the ongoing housing crisis in Hamilton and in a number of cities across Canada, the college has been establishing additional housing options for students. Additionally, in February, the college announced a partnership with SpacesShared, an innovative online home sharing platform, in an effort to provide students with a hosted accommodation living arrangement.

With the generous support of the Canerector Foundation, Mohawk College is establishing a new scholarship program for students in skilled trades programs and is creating a new program focused on introducing more women to opportunities in skilled trades careers.  

Beginning in Fall 2024, 32 students who are enrolled in one- and two-year skilled trades programs will have the opportunity to become Canerector Scholars, receiving $2,000 per year in support of their training, with an additional $1,000 upon graduation. The Canerector Scholarship program will run for at least five years, with the potential to support as many as 160 new skilled trades students.

In addition, the Canerector Foundation funding will support a new eight-week Women in Skilled Trades program at the Mohawk College Stoney Creek Campus for Skilled Trades that will allow women to explore different trades and develop confidence in those disciplines.

“The Canerector Foundation’s tremendous investment in scholarships and women-centred training will help Mohawk College attract top students to skilled trades education,” said Ron J. McKerlie, President and CEO at Mohawk College and President of Mohawk College Foundation. “It is admirable that Canerector Foundation is championing skilled trades in Canada and we are grateful they have recognized the important role that Mohawk College skilled trades programs offer in addressing the workforce needs of our community and our industry partners.”

In addition to financial support, Canerector Scholars will receive educational support and unique opportunities to network, mentor and be mentored as they pursue their education and prepare to enter the workforce.

“Trades are the backbone of our economy and a major contributor to our nation’s success. We are thrilled to support students in their pursuit of these rewarding career paths,” said Amanda Hawkins, Executive Chairman of Canerector.

About the Canerector Foundation

The Canerector Foundation is a registered, non-profit Canadian charitable organization founded by the Hawkins family, owners of Canerector Inc. — a group of over 50 companies that design and manufacture industrial products across a wide range of industries. Since its formal establishment in October 2019, the Canerector Foundation has donated over $10 million to Canadian-based charities that support communities across the country and around the world. To date, the foundation has focused on supporting skilled trades education, healthcare (particularly Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes), housing, and at-risk youth. 

The following announcement was issued by The Canada Green Building Council, recognizing Mohawk College's Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation as one of the first buildings in the country to receive ZCB status for five years.

Two Canadian buildings are celebrating a significant milestone after achieving zero-carbon operations five years in a row. Their achievement is marked by certification under the Canada Green Building Council®’s (CAGBC) Zero Carbon Building – Performance Standard™ (ZCB-Performance), which verifies zero-carbon operations over a 12-month period.

The five-year milestone was accomplished by architectural, planning and design firm Lemay’s Le Phenix Montréal headquarters, and Mohawk College’s The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation.

“Achieving five straight years of verified zero-carbon performance puts these two projects in rarified air,” said Thomas Mueller, CAGBC’s President and CEO. “Lemay and Mohawk College showed tremendous vision in embracing our Zero Carbon Building standards early on, but five consecutive years of ZCB-Performance certifications demonstrates their unwavering commitment to eliminating carbon emissions and helping advance green building in Canada.”

The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation, Hamilton

Located at Mohawk College’s Fennell Campus, The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation stands out for its large solar PV canopy and for being the first institutional building to achieve Zero Carbon Building – Design certification, in 2017.

"While The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation has significantly reduced Mohawk College's carbon footprint with five years of net-zero performance, it has also been transforming thousands of students into climate champions,” said Ron J. McKerlie, President and CEO of Mohawk College. “As a living laboratory, it is nurturing a new generation of workers equipped to lead Canada to a more sustainable future. We are proud of this milestone and our college’s leadership in net-zero development in Canada and we encourage others to join us in this critical cause."

Le Phenix, Montréal

Located in the heart of Montréal’s Sud-Ouest borough, le Phenix is a 1950s warehouse that was abandoned before being transformed into an experimental lab for testing Lemay’s new sustainability concepts and approaches. In addition to five consecutive years of certification under ZCB-Performance, the office space is also pursuing LEED certification.

“The retrofit of the structure, as its moniker suggests, represents its rebirth: as a health-promoting, energy-efficient and innovative project to inspire best practices in sustainable development,” said Hugo Lafrance, Director of Sustainability at Lemay.  “The project has now achieved five straight Zero Carbon Building – Performance certifications making it a true success story about what we collectively need to do, and renovating existing real estate as a priority to transition to net-zero.”

CAGBC’s Zero Carbon Building™ (ZCB) standards are a made-in-Canada framework that make carbon the new measure of building innovation. The ZCB standards offer a proven platform for building and retrofit projects to pursue, achieve and verify zero carbon operations.

As reporting emissions and exposure to climate risk becomes more common and, increasingly, regulated, pursuing zero-carbon performance is becoming a business necessity. Addressing carbon emissions now will appeal to tenants today and protect a building’s future value. With ZCB-Performance certification, building owners take responsibility for all carbon emissions associated with energy use, refrigerant leaks and any new structural and envelope materials. The Standard recognizes the value of renewable energy and high-quality carbon offsets for any remaining emissions while encouraging energy efficiency strategies to reduce demand on electrical grids.

CAGBC’s ZCB-Performance Standard can be used by any existing building with 12 months of operational data. Projects with combustion equipment must create a fully costed zero-carbon transition plan to show how equipment will be adapted over time to achieve decarbonization, typically through upgrades that are timed to leverage normal equipment replacement cycles.

Learn more about the Zero Carbon Standards 

About CAGBC

The Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) supports and champions Canada’s green building sector. CAGBC training, services and products such as LEED and the Zero Carbon Building standards help the building sector design, construct and operate buildings that eliminate environmental impacts, increase asset value and improve human health. By working collaboratively with our members, industry, and government stakeholders, we are building our way forward to a sustainable and low-carbon future. Learn more at cagbc.org.

Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) announced today the launch of a new initiative, in collaboration with Wawanesa Insurance, to support young leaders who want to address climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grant aims to encourage youth, aged 18-30, to take a lead role in creating or advancing climate change solutions within Canada.

The Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grant offers young innovators a unique opportunity to work with C2R2 partner institutions to develop, deploy, and advance their project ideas. Youth currently enrolled in or have recently graduated from a C2R2 partner institution have the opportunity to present their climate-focused ideas and complete an application in partnership with a C2R2 partner institution. The deadline for applications is Mar. 16, 2024.

Five projects will be selected to be awarded $30,000 each. The selected projects will be announced on Apr. 22, 2024 – Earth Day.

The initiative is designed to inspire and support the next generation of leaders in climate change and climate mitigation efforts with the assistance of applied research professionals at accredited Canadian colleges.

“The Wawanesa Climate Champions: Youth Innovation Grant will showcase the innovative talent of young people across Canada who are part of our Canadian college communities,” says Paul Armstrong, chief operating officer, Mohawk College and C2R2 chair. “We applaud Wawanesa’s commitment to Canadian youth and climate action and we are excited to see the ideas brought forward in this new initiative for C2R2.”

“Canadian Colleges for Resilient Recovery does such important work across our country, inspiring young people to respond to the greatest challenges of our time,” said Jackie De Pape Hornick, Wawanesa’s Director, Corporate Communications and Community Impact. “That’s why Wawanesa is proud to invest in the next generation of leaders taking action to help our communities become more climate resilient. Our $150,000 support is part of our broader Wawanesa Climate Champions program, which provides $2 million annually to organizations supporting people on the front lines of climate change.”

C2R2 is proud to partner with Wawanesa Insurance. This partnership underscores the shared dedication to fostering positive change and resilience in the face of climate-related challenges, and C2R2’s overarching goal of supporting Canadians coast to coast to coast in the transition to a green economy.