Latest news with #KateReid
CBC
28-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
N.W.T. minister heading to Ottawa next week to follow up on nominee program changes
A Northwest Territories minister is heading to Ottawa to follow up on the territory's requests for its nominee program. On Tuesday, MLAs asked for more information about redesigning the the nominee program on behalf of people anticipating 2026 applications. Education, Culture and Employment Minister Caitlin Cleveland will travel to Ottawa next week. The Northwest Territories Nominee Program already saw changes earlier this year. Federally imposed cuts meant the number of spots in the program, which are commonly filled by people seeking permanent residency and individuals with expiring work permits, were cut in half. The program attracts foreign nationals looking to immigrate to Canada, those already here with expiring work permits and individuals seeking permanent residency. This year there were 90 spots for new applications and 60 for applications from 2024 —150 spots total compared to what used to be 300 spots. "Restoring the allocation to 300, asking the federal government to engage directly with GNWT and N.W.T. stakeholders, allowing the GNWT to extend work permits for a two year N.W.T. specific timeframe and to enhance support for settlement services. These are all fantastic pieces," said Great Slave MLA Kate Reid. Cleveland discussed she has already expressed the issue to the federal government by letter. Reid added that she has heard concerns about the requests, specifically from program hopefuls worried about being left with little to no option but to extend their work permit, consequently being left out of program applications next year. In response to the federal cuts, the N.W.T. government limited this year's applications for the program to those whose work permits are set to expire in a year or less. Reid said the problem is if someone's work permit is extended two years, then with the current set up, they would be ineligible to apply for the nominee program next year. "It's important for them to get clarity on whether the GNWT will continue to only consider applications of those applicants whose permits are set to expire within a year or less," said Reid, Cleveland said the decision to limit it this year was based on the immediate concerns she received. "One thing that quickly became apparent was that there was concern over people whose work permits would be expiring in January and February of 2026 …There is never an intention to design a program that has a gap," said Cleveland. "Certainly I do know that going into next year that we have more people interested in the program than we currently have spaces for." People on maternity leave are left in limbo, says MLA In advance of Cleveland's trip to Ottawa, MLA for Range Lake, Kieron Testart brought up a separate part of the program he'd like to see addressed. Testart said he's heard from program hopefuls that are expecting children. He said if someone goes on maternity leave it makes them ineligible to apply. "What is the minister doing to ensure that expecting parents aren't excluded from this program? Or is the message that women must delay pregnancy in order to qualify?" Cleveland said she is aware of the leave provision and it is something she is also looking to address.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Polam Hall nets 'School of the Year' award for inspiring love of tennis
A COUNTY Durham school has been honoured for being ace at inspiring pupils to play tennis. Polam Hall School, in Darlington, has been named 'School of the Year' at the Durham and Cleveland Tennis Awards. The award, backed by the Lawn Tennis Association, recognises the school's outstanding commitment and inclusive approach to the sport. Principal Kate Reid said: 'We are thrilled to receive this award. It is testament to the hard work that has gone into building the school's strong reputation for excelling at tennis and a wide range of other sports.' Mrs Reid praised the leadership of the school's Head of Sport and Technology, Craig Wilkinson, and his team in the PE department. 'They have created a real buzz around tennis in the school, enabling pupils who might otherwise have missed out on the sport to give it a go and find they enjoy it.' Mr Wilkinson added: 'Our approach to sport in the school is focused on driving up participation levels and getting as many pupils as possible involved, so we're delighted to be recognised with this prestigious award.' Polam Hall's commitment to tennis traditionally comes to an exciting climax in the last week of the summer term with a 'mini Wimbledon' event featuring tournaments for all year groups and staff, topped off with strawberries and cream being served from the canteen. The school, which is part of the Woodard Academies Trust, has also formed a positive partnership with New Blackwell Lawn Tennis Club, with the Darlington club allowing access to its courts for the school tournaments. One of the school's governors, Kate Heljula, provides additional volunteer coaching support, and games captains, Daciana Ceapa-Ionescu and Arthur Chinchen help with extra-curricular sporting activities. The school has teams from all age groups competing in local leagues and the two girls' teams in the senior school both made it to the Northern Regional Finals. Polam Hall was the only state funded school to reach the finals, competing against the best schools from Scotland, Cumbria and Yorkshire. In addition, an annual trip has been arranged for the past two years to take pupils to the Wimbledon championships, and there is an annual tennis outing to King's Priory School, in Tynemouth, which is also part of the Woodard Academies Trust. A tournament in the morning is followed by an afternoon on the beach. As well as winning the School of the Year title, Polam Hall pupil, Briony Heljula, was also congratulated on winning individual honours at the Durham and Cleveland Tennis Awards ceremony.
