Latest news with #CAO
CBC
4 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
Halifax mayor accused of spreading misinformation on his role
Earlier this week, Andy Fillmore said he reports to the CAO for Halifax. Multiple councillors and the CAO herself say that's not true. Haley Ryan has the story.
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Bonnechere Valley continues to look at recycling options
Eganville – Bonnechere Valley is continuing to look at recycling options, including purchasing a used 2024 truck for collecting garbage and recyclable materials. 'It was leased for eight months,' Public Works Supervisor Jason Zohr told council last Tuesday afternoon, noting he went to look at it and is continuing discussions. Purchasing this truck, which has 35,000 kilometres on it, is one option council is considering as the municipality transitions the recycling system. 'It smells just like a new truck,' he added. Talks are ongoing about purchasing the truck as one of the options to deal with recycling necessitated by provincial changes coming next year. Mayor Jennifer Murphy questioned why the truck was returned after such a short lease. Mr. Zohr said this is standard practice for the leasing company. Council has been considering various options to deal with recycling changes which will occur in 2026 and no final decision has been made, although the recommendation from staff would be to purchase a new truck for the recycling and garbage in the municipality. A previous report from CAO Annette Gilchrist presented the option of purchasing the used 2024 Freightliner for an upset limit of $258,500. Other options council was presented by the CAO included contracting out the recycling collection to Millers Waste. She noted the most cost-effective option in the long run would be to discontinue operating waste and recycling collection services through the township and contract out the entire service. 'We must transition by January 2026,' the CAO explained. 'Millers Waste is the party contracted by the province for our area. Under the regulations trucks must be less than 12 years of age to collect eligible recycling. Our truck is a 2007.' The township truck has broken down four times this year and has cost $7,000 in repairs to date. Last year it cost $23,000 in repairs. Mrs. Gilchrist also noted staffing is an issue and this also applies to waste employees. However, currently they are making things work in the municipality and could look at some changes in the future by hiring labourer positions to assist in delivering waste collection services. While a rear load truck runs around $335,000 new, a front load is double and the cost is around $650,000. She also noted the waste sites could not accommodate more bins or a change in style right now. 'Overall our sites and collection operate at a loss,' she told council. On Tuesday Mayor Murphy explained no final decision has been made on how the municipality will handle recycling next year, but discussions are ongoing about possibly purchasing the vehicle to handle this in house. 'We are also looking at agreements with Millers,' she said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
BreakingNews.ie
18-07-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Universities make changes to CAO entry to undergraduate medicine programmes in 2027
Irish Universities with Medical Schools are modifying the calculation of points applied for admission through the Central Applications office (CAO) to all Undergraduate Medicine programmes in Ireland. This change will come into effect for students seeking admission to undergraduate medicine degree programmes from August / September 2027. Advertisement Leaving Certificate scores above 550 points will no longer be moderated – full points scored by candidates will be applied in the calculation. Points scored in the HPAT assessment will be weighted to 150 maximum (down from 300 currently). HPAT results from a sitting in the year of admission to a medicine programme will continue to be a requirement. The changes will not be applied until 2027, in order to facilitate secondary school student decision making at the commencement of their senior cycle school programmes in autumn 2025. Further details regarding HPAT and CAO application details will be available in the normal timelines.
Globe and Mail
17-07-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy Calls for Renewed Focus on Principles-Based Osteopathy
Founder Robert Johnston Urges Critical Thinking and Drug-Free Healing Amidst Rising Demand for Integrated Care Following a recent in-depth interview, The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy (CAO) and its founder, Robert Johnston, are raising awareness about the urgent need to return to principles-based osteopathy. As demand grows for natural, drug-free healthcare options, Johnston is calling on the healthcare community—and the public—to embrace osteopathy's original philosophy: helping the body heal itself. 'Osteopathy is not about memorising techniques,' Johnston says. 'It's about understanding how the body works as a whole and learning how to think critically as a practitioner.' The CAO trains more than 500 students annually, many of whom now work in private clinics, sports centres, and multidisciplinary practices across Canada and beyond. Their graduates specialise in Principles-based Osteopathic Manual Practice, focusing on improving the body's ability to self-regulate and self-regulate. Advocating for Better Patient Care Through Critical Thinking In the interview, Johnston warned that modern healthcare often overlooks the power of hands-on, integrated care. 'We are seeing too much focus on fast fixes,' he says. 'But lasting health comes from treating the root causes, not just the symptoms.' Osteopathy is proven to support a wide range of issues—from muscle pain and digestive disorders to mobility problems and stress-related conditions. Studies show that nearly one in five Canadians experience chronic pain, and integrated therapies are gaining attention as effective alternatives to medication. Principles-based osteopathy which is an elite specialty within osteopathy is highly regarded among patients for providing significant and lasting results. 'Patients often tell us they can feel the difference after treatment,' Johnston explains. 'Our method, Collective Mechanics™, gives practitioners a precise way to assess and treat the body, leading to better outcomes.' Championing Community Service and Accessible Care The CAO also runs a charity student clinic in both Hamilton and Calgary, offering free osteopathy treatment to local residents who may not have access to such care elsewhere. Johnston says this community work is essential to both student learning and patient support. 'We're proud to serve our community while preparing students for the real world,' he says. 'It's about giving back and making osteopathy accessible to all.' An Invitation to Think Differently About Health Johnston is encouraging people everywhere to think beyond quick solutions and explore therapies that promote long-term wellness. 'We want people to ask themselves: Am I just treating symptoms, or am I really supporting my body's ability to heal?' he says. The CAO's call to action is simple—but powerful: Learn more about integrated care options. Explore therapies that align with your body's natural processes. And, most importantly, prioritise practitioners who are highly trained and focus on critical thinking and personalised care. To read the full interview, visit the website here. About The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy Founded in 2003 in Hamilton, Ontario, The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy is a leading institution for classical, principles-based osteopathy education. It trains hundreds of students annually and is recognised for its high standards, community-focused approach, and unique Collective Mechanics™ treatment model. Contact: info@ Media Contact Company Name: The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy Email: Send Email Country: Canada Website:
Hamilton Spectator
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Haldimand mayor skips heated meeting over CAO firing
Haldimand County councillors called a special meeting Monday to discuss Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley using strong-mayor powers to fire former chief administrator officer Cathy Case late last month. Residents packed council chambers to give the mayor a piece of their mind. But the mayor didn't show. 'Mayor Bentley had a special holiday booked, and she's away. We were aware of that,' said deputy mayor Rob Shirton. Some councillors suspect Bentley fired Case — a lifelong county employee with more than 30 years in the civil service — on June 27 as retribution for the former CAO launching an investigation into a leak of confidential documents during February's provincial election campaign. Longtime civil servant Cathy Case was ousted as Haldimand County's chief administrative officer on June 27. That investigation traced the leak to the mayor's office, with Bentley found to have ordered the documents printed. It remains unknown how they ended up on a Facebook page in what the investigator determined was an attempt to damage the campaign of a rival of Bentley's political ally, MPP Bobbi Ann Brady. Bentley has denied involvement in the leak and told The Spectator she did not fire Case as payback for starting the investigation, which has since been transferred to Haldimand's integrity commissioner. But resident Lesley Powell called Case's firing 'a blatant misuse of authority that has left the residents across this municipality stunned and outraged.' 'Especially considering the circumstances of the mayor currently being under investigation,' Powell said. 'Public trust has been shaken. Organizational morale has plummeted because of the misuse of these powers. And Haldimand County's reputation, once admired provincewide, is now clouded by a troubling lack of leadership integrity.' Powell noted there is a community petition demanding Bentley's resignation that, as of Thursday afternoon, had close to 400 signatories. Marianne Kidd, president of Dunnville's chamber of commerce, spoke of what she called a 'growing disconnect between how decisions are being made and what residents expect of their local government.' She asked council to pass a resolution requesting the province rescind Haldimand's strong-mayor powers, which Kidd said have caused 'organizational instability.' Such a resolution would have little effect, said lawyer John Mascarin from Aird and Berlis LLP , an expert on strong-mayor powers. Mascarin told councillors how Premier Doug Ford has modelled Ontario's municipalities after American cities, whose mayors have more power than their fellow council members. Mascarin called strong-mayor powers 'atrociously dangerous' and an affront to democracy, but said Haldimand is stuck with them until Ford changes the law or voters elect a different provincial government. 'Unless there's provincial legislation, you won't be able to do anything about these powers,' he said. Bentley had initially signalled she would not appoint an interim replacement for Case, saying in her June 27 'mayoral decision' the CAO position would be filled by various senior staffers on a weekly rotating basis. But the mayor changed tack two weeks later, appointing treasurer Mark Merritt as interim CAO July 10. Haldimand spokesperson Kyra Hayes confirmed to The Spectator that Merritt will be in the role 'indefinitely' as the search continues for Case's successor. Mayors are not legally required to provide a written explanation when using strong-mayor powers to make personnel changes such as firing the CAO, Mascarin explained. Using the powers to veto a bylaw or table legislation to support provincial priorities like housing would have to come with a written rationale. But Mascarin said there is no law compelling the mayor to explain why she ousted Case. Coun. Patrick O'Neill, who requested Monday's special meeting with the support of a majority of councillors, said Bentley could have found a way to attend virtually while on vacation. 'It is a choice to get here,' he said. Coun. Brad Adams pointed out Bentley had suggested two dates to have the meeting after she returned from her vacation later this month, which Hayes confirmed with The Spectator. 'However, a majority of the members of council decided to have the meeting on July 14,' Hayes said. Monday's special meeting about strong-mayor powers was immediately followed by a second meeting about recruiting Haldimand's next CAO. Bentley called that meeting herself despite knowing she would not be there, as she had already met last week with Jon Stungevicius, a senior partner with Waterhouse Executive Search. Stungevicius said a committee consisting of Bentley and two councillors will lead the nine-week search for Haldimand's next CAO, with input from his firm and the county's human resources department. Candidates who make the final round of interviews would appear before all members of council. 'It's the mayor's process, but she does want to engage council and staff,' Stungevicius told councillors. That left O'Neill exasperated. 'I'm about to lose it over here,' he said, noting the mayor called the meeting the day before and then did not appear herself. Noting council 'had no input into what happened' to the last CAO, O'Neill was skeptical of Bentley's promise to get council's input before choosing Case's successor. 'This just feels like a slap in the face,' O'Neill said. Megan Jamieson, Haldimand's head of human resources, told councillors the cost to hire a professional recruiter to fill a senior position is typically 10 to 25 per cent of the new hire's annual salary. In Ontario, chief administrators make roughly $250,000 per year. Add in the severance payment to Case and the result of any lawsuit she may launch, and councillors are worried about the potential cost of Bentley flexing her strong-mayor powers. 'The county's looking at a very big bill,' Coun. Dan Lawrence said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
