Latest news with #JillDunlop
CTV News
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Province invests $500K to support local skills training in automotive industry
Jill Dunlop, Simcoe North MPP, announced a substantial investment on Thursday to train locals who are interested in working in the automotive industry. In a news release, Dunlop confirmed that the province is investing nearly $500,000 to help Simcoe North residents get the skills they need to land 'good-paying, in-demand' jobs in the industry. The funding is sourced from the province's Skills Development Fund (SDF). 'As MPP for Simcoe North, I'm proud to support the Ontario government's investment through Round 5 of the Skills Development Fund,' said Dunlop in the news release. 'This substantial funding will empower Masterful Tec in Midland to expand their registered apprenticeship program, giving more people the opportunity to gain in-demand skills and build rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Investments like this are crucial for growing our local workforce, supporting businesses, and strengthening our economy for the future.' The province says its SDF training stream is available for applicants that include employers, industry associations, labour unions, hospitals, and others. ZF, a tech company that supplies systems for passenger and commercial vehicles, has a branch in Midland and helped develop the Masterful Tec program. 'The Masterful Tec registered apprentice program has been developed by ZF Lifetec in Midland to meet current and future labour market challenges and introduces a hybrid program that integrates traditional time-based and technology on the job learning and competency-based education, which allows workers to progress at their own pace', said Gail Gillian from ZF Lifetec in Midland. 'The long-term impact and effectiveness of this program will not only equip apprentices with essential skills for their current roles but also foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability for the future.' The province adds that its SDF has helped connect more than 500,000 jobseekers find good-paying and fulfilling careers close to home.
Hamilton Spectator
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
What does no politics in the classroom mean? Ford government's directive has created fear and confusion, say parents and teachers
A temporary ban on students sharing their family's culture in class. A parent-organized Pride event moved outside school hours. Teachers afraid to answer students' questions around the Israel-Hamas war . Over the past academic year, Toronto parents and teachers say activities and discussions that would typically be normal to have in the classroom have suddenly become a source of fear and confusion — and they pin the blame on an edict dropped by the Ontario government last September. Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks, then-education minister Jill Dunlop issued a memo to Ontario school boards to keep 'political biases' out of the classroom to ensure these spaces remain 'safe, inclusive and welcoming for all students and staff.' It came as the Toronto District School Board and other boards asked for guidance on addressing hate and geopolitical tensions in schools amid a rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian discrimination since October 2023. But the ministry's memo doesn't define what it considers 'political biases' — nor would the ministry provide a definition when asked directly by the Star — and many worry the lack of specificity will affect how Toronto's public schools handle certain topics, as administrators and educators try to figure out what is and isn't allowed. Can civic lessons on who is prime minister continue as normal? What about sex-ed lessons on different genders and sexualities? Class discussions around race? 'Nothing is neutral,' said Carl James, a professor and the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora at York University. 'The curriculum cannot be seen as outside of providing and producing a way of seeing things.' The Star has previously reported on incidents when the TDSB has used the ministry's directive to block certain field trips and movie screenings , and censor parts of high school yearbooks . These cases involved matters related to Palestine — along with activities and discussions around Israel and Tibet — reflecting broader concerns the province's directive has largely been used to shut down conversations on the topic. For its part, the TDSB said in an emailed statement to the Star that 'The Ministry directive applies broadly to any school or classroom activity, outside the established curriculum.' But, the board said it does not have a 'specific definition' for what constitutes a political bias. The Star spoke with several TDSB parents and teachers, many of whom did not want their names published due to fears of reprisal from the board and other parents. They recounted stories over the past year of their children feeling afraid or being reprimanded for bringing up certain topics, and educators feeling unable to fully support their students in the classroom. Not everyone is opposed to the directive, however, with some saying the classroom is not a place for discussions around international politics, with one parent in support of the edict adding that educators could still teach students about civics, queer issues and Indigenous history without bringing up politics. When a public speaking competition was coming up at the elementary school of Zoë Wool's child this past year, the west-end parent said students were invited to write a short speech on an important issue. But when Wool's child wanted to talk about Palestine, she said they were told it was 'not a good idea.' Wool said the incident came around the same time the school's principal allegedly put a blanket ban on students sharing their culture in class — but that the ban was later lifted after the principal met with parents. Neither Wool nor her child is Palestinian (they are Jewish), but she worries about the impact the ministry's memo will have on those who are. 'Palestinian families are being given the message by the Ministry of Education that there is something wrong or dangerous or problematic about their very identity and history and that acknowledging their existence puts other kids at risk,' Wool said. If students don't feel safe in the classroom, they become disengaged and less interested in learning, according to Todd Cunningham, a psychology professor at the U of T's Ontario Institute for Studies of Education. This is particularly true if a student feels their identity is being ignored or brushed aside. 'If you are fearful that what you talk about or if you bring up your lived experience in class is going to evoke a negative reaction, then you go quiet or you go defensive,' he said, adding students might experience more anxiety in these situations. Palestinian teachers who spoke to the Star said they, too, felt constrained by the province's edict, even when students ask them questions about their heritage. The watermelon and Palestinian flag pins on the Palestinian teacher's fanny pack. The elementary school educator said she's afraid to answer student questions around the pins. 'I'm too scared,' said a Palestinian TDSB elementary teacher, who explained how she doesn't answer her young students' questions on what the Palestinian flag and watermelon pins attached to her fanny pack represent. The Star agreed to not name the teacher due to her fears of being reprimanded by the TDSB. 'It's truly awful that in a learning environment, I can't freely talk about a country,' she continued. In its emailed statement to the Star, the TDSB said it respects the identities of all its students and staff, and also adheres to the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 'Creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students of all identities continues to be our priority,' the board wrote, adding that any concerned parents or caregivers should contact their school's principal. The Ministry of Education did not answer a list of specific questions sent by the Star, instead sending a previous statement defending its edict. 'Schools should be focused on educating students and helping them graduate with strong reading, writing and math skills that lead to good-paying jobs,' Emma Testani, press secretary for Education Minister Paul Calandra, wrote in the emailed statement. Meanwhile Josh Landau, Ontario's director for government relations at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, voiced support for the directive, pointing to a recent report from the federal government on growing concerns of antisemitism in Ontario's K-12 schools. 'When bias goes unchecked, it directly impacts the safety and security of all students,' Landau wrote in an emailed statement. However, those critical of the directive believe the vague language around what constitutes a bias could end up harming students, particularly those from marginalized communities. One such critic, elementary school parent Alice Romo, pointed to the fact that a parent-organized Pride event at her child's school last month felt derailed by the ministry's directive. The event, held every June, typically involves parents bringing in chalk for students to draw art and write LGBTQ-friendly messages on the pavement during class. Rainbow freezie pops are also involved — a treat that the kids always look forward to and that add to the end-of-year excitement, according to Romo. But this year the event was held outside of school hours. 'It did feel like we had to strategically manoeuvre around policies,' Romo said. (She noted that the school's principal said the day after the event that the chalk art could stay, even though it was unclear to her if the event violated the directive at all.) Although students are off on summer break, Romo still worries the ministry's directive will continue to affect her child's learning, pointing to lessons around Canada's colonial history for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in September. 'Are we going to have to be watering things down and maybe not talk about things as explicitly as we would previously?' she said. 'It feels like we're taking a step backwards.' 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 .
CTV News
26-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Labatt donates 40K water cans to Ont. wildfire relief efforts
Labatt donates 40,000 emergency water cans to wildfire-hit northern Ontario communities. Minister Jill Dunlop accepted the shipment in Toronto before it heads north. The cans are part of Labatt's relief program with Team Rubicon, the water will aid Indigenous groups in northwestern Ontario. Since the program began Labatt has donated 1.1 million cans nationwide.
CBC
21-07-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Ontario announces $10M in funds to improve emergency response
Ontario announced $10 million in funds to improve its emergency response capabilities, just months after the province was hit with a major ice storm and wildfires. The money will ensure communities are better prepared to respond to local emergencies and have resources, such as debris removal tools, machinery, flood barriers, food services, and drones, that can be deployed at a moment's notice, said the province's minister of emergency preparedness and response. "The government is protecting Ontario from all threats, from wildland fires to flooding, ice storms or whatever else may come our way," said Jill Dunlop at a news conference Monday. The announcement comes after hundreds of thousands of Ontarians were left without power after a powerful ice storm swept across the province in late March. Emergency crews worked for over a week removing downed trees and debris and restoring power in the area. Hydro One said at the time that the storm was the most severe weather event the utility had faced since the ice storm of 1998. Environment Canada warned last year that Canadians should be prepared for more extreme weather events triggered by human-caused climate change. Thousands of Ontarians still without power after ice storm 4 months ago Hundreds of thousands of Ontarians are still without power after an ice storm swept across the province over the weekend. CBC's Clara Pasieka speaks to residents in Peterborough, Ont., about how they are coping. Last week, Toronto was ranked among the worst in the world for air quality due to smoke from forest fires over northern Ontario and the Prairies. The area burned by wildfires so far this season is the second-largest on record in Canada, government data shows. Wildfires have consumed 3.7 million hectares this year, which is six times the area of Prince Edward Island. Ontario organizations providing support Dunlop also announced Monday that the province is working with 13 Ontario partners to support local emergency responses. These include First Nations partners and non-governmental organizations, like Feed Ontario, GlobalMedic, Habitat for Humanity, and Salvation Army. The 13 partners will join the Ontario Corps, a province-wide group of skilled professionals and trained volunteers that the province can deploy to help communities respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. The province said that Ontario Corps was deployed during the ice storm, providing tree-clearing services, meals and food hampers, supporting evacuation reception centres, and conducting wellness checks. "Without the help of our Ontario Corps partners, the restoration efforts from the ice storm would have been far less effective," said Dunlop. Ontario Corps has also been providing support to the communities affected by the wildfires this year, she said. One of the organizations joining the Ontario Corps is Team Rubicon Canada, a humanitarian organization that assists communities before, during, and after disasters and crises. The organization's chief operating officer said he's happy to join the initiative and to work to build a more "prepared, practiced, and resilient" Ontario.
CTV News
15-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Plans roll forward to get Northlander passenger train back on the tracks
Ontario Progressive Conservatives are pledging to improve road and rail transportation in northern Ontario, including investing $75 million to restore the Northlander passenger rail service between Toronto and Timmins, Ont. (File) Plans are moving forward to get the Northlander passenger train back on the tracks. On Friday, the Ontario government revealed it had awarded three contracts to design and manufacture nine station shelters, rail safety and warning system upgrades. 'The return of the Northlander will ensure access to essential services like health care and education while supporting economic prosperity and tourism across the region,' stated Jill Dunlop, Simcoe North MPP. Enseicom Inc. will design and manufacture the station shelters in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Temagami, South River, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Washago over the next two years. Each shelter will be equipped with seating, lighting, and heating. 'The shelters will be safe, comfortable and accessible, providing a consistent, modern passenger experience for customers boarding and exiting the train all along the route,' noted Chad Evans, Ontario Northland's chief executive officer. Remcan Ltd. will be responsible for track upgrades that go beyond improving rail safety. The province says these upgrades will also reduce maintenance needs and decrease the risk of derailments. Warning system upgrades along the Northlander corridor will be completed by X-Rail. 'These upgraded amenities will contribute to providing safe, accessible transportation options to residents and visitors while helping support the growth and development of our local economy through improved access to tourism and job opportunities,' said Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney. Construction is slated to start this summer on platforms, parking areas, pathways, and track improvements. Once the Northlander passenger rail service is revived, it will operate four to seven days a week, depending on travel demands.
