Anishinabek News

Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Temporary/Seasonal Recruitment

Published

3 weeks ago

November 6, 2023

Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Temporary/Seasonal Recruitment

Interested individuals are invited to learn more about the positions and the competition process by participating in an optional virtual open house. Click the following link on November 15th at 7:00 pm (EST) to join, using Microsoft Teams.

*Click here to join the meeting*

**This session is optional and will not influence the screening and selection process**

Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding career opportunity that allows you to make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to the safety of the public? Are you interested in working with an energetic and fun team that supports the delivery of wildland fire management across Ontario? If so, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Branch offers a variety of seasonal or temporary job opportunities that could be the right fit for you.

If you are interested and meet the eligibility requirements outlined below, CLICK HERE to submit an application.

This job posting represents multiple positions at various locations across Ontario. Many of these locations are in remote areas of Ontario and may not be accessible by public transit. Carefully review locations through Google Maps and select ONLY those locations that you are able to travel to and work in. You must be able to physically report to the identified work location as alternate/remote work is not an option for these positions.

Notes:
• Relocation expenses and/or accommodations are not covered.
• Please use your legal name when applying to the job ad.

Opportunities may become available in the following communities throughout Ontario:

North East Region Locations
190 Cherry Street, Chapleau
2 Third Avenue, Cochrane
1204 Stanhope Airport Road, Haliburton
613 Front Street, Hearst
40 Voodoo Crescent, North Bay
6150 Skyline Drive, Sudbury
5520 Highway 101 East, Timmins
48 Mission Road, Wawa

North West Region Locations
1 King Street, Armstrong Station
95 Ghost Lake Road, Dryden
922 Scott Street, Fort Frances
101 MacOdrum Drive, Geraldton
1789 Airport Road, Kenora
3 Airport Road, Pickle Lake
139 Forestry Road, Red Lake
237 Hwy 72, Sioux Lookout
1580 Arthur Street West, Thunder Bay

Please indicate in your application the location(s) you are interested in.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Refer to the “How to apply” section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

The Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) Branch’s main role is to prevent, mitigate, detect and respond to wildland fires, to protect the public and our natural resources. This important objective could not be fulfilled without a large cast of support positions to make it possible. For more information on these individual roles, please read below and consider applying today.

How do I qualify?

Who is Eligible?

For all positions, you are eligible if you:

are 18 years of age or older
speak English
are legally entitled to work in Canada and are also required to have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Relevant Skills:

You have leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal.
You display professional, respectful and inclusive behaviour.
You have listening skills and close attention to detail.
You have organizational and prioritization skills.
You have problem-solving and judgement skills.
You have administrative and clerical skills to complete forms, manage files and process transactions.
You can understand and follow organizational policies and protocols.

Data Entry/Clerical ($23.15/hr – $26.83/hr)

Hiring as needed by the department, but generally May through to August.
The Data Entry/Clerical position is a support role in administration.
The primary function of this position is the timely & accurate entry of data into various wildfire computer systems.
Highly organized individual with excellent keyboard, computer and communication skills.
Experience in Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Outlook and Excel.
Answering incoming telephone calls in a timely and professional manner.
Availability to work on weekend and statutory holidays, where required.

Radio Operator ($23.76/hr – $27.44/hr)

Hiring as needed by the department, but generally May through August.
Radio Operators manage multiple tasks effectively, ensuring accurate and timely data entry into multiple wildfire-specific programs, prioritizing radio calls and verbal communication skills.
Wildfire Radio Operators will see changes in pace throughout the day, and at times the job will involve multiple demands, interruptions, and time-specific requests. Attention to detail is paramount, as is professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
You possess or have the ability to obtain a restricted radio-telephone operator’s certificate.
Experience in Microsoft Office, specifically: Word, Outlook and Excel.
Highly organized individual with excellent keyboard, computer and communication skills.
Ability to travel and work for extended periods, including weekends based on operational requirements.

Hose Plant Labourer ($21.45/hr – $23.14/hr)

Hiring will take place on an as-needed basis, as per operational demands.
Physically fit. Tasks include lifting up to 65 lbs, working on your feet for extended periods, and repetitive movement.
Ability to operate simple machinery.
Work safely and cohesively as part of a team to meet daily production targets.
Be able to work in indoor and outdoor operations in various weather conditions and extended work hours when needed.
Availability to work on weekend and statutory holidays, where required.
This position is only available at the Thunder Baywork location.

Warehouse Labourer ($22.18/hr – $24.35/hr)

Hiring will take place on an as-needed basis, as per operational demands.
Responsible for receiving, storing, and issuing of materials and supplies.
Physically fit. Tasks include lifting up to 65 lbs, working on your feet for extended periods, and repetitive movement.
Ability to learn to drive forklift if required.
Work in a team environment and ability to follow directions, able to work independently as required.
Be able to work in indoor and outdoor operations in various weather conditions and extended work hours when needed.
Be responsible for accurate inventory counts, ability to complete shipping and receiving documentation.
Availability to work on weekend and statutory holidays, where required.

General Labourer ($21.45/hr – $23.14/hr)

Hiring will take place on an as-needed basis, as per operational demands.
Physically fit. Tasks include lifting up to 65 lbs, working on your feet for extended periods, and repetitive movement.
Work in a team environment and ability to follow directions, able to work independently as required.
Be able to work in indoor and outdoor operations in various weather conditions and extended work hours when needed.
Availability to work on weekend and statutory holidays, where required.

Driver ($16.40/hr – $25.19/hr)

Hiring will take place on an as-needed basis, as per operational demands.
Safely transport cargo and/or passengers from one location to another.
The successful candidate will require a valid G licence or equivalent. The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful candidate providing proof that they have a valid driver’s licence upon being hired.
Able to work both independently and in a team environment while following directions as required.
Knowledge and experience of safe driving techniques while traveling on gravel and forest industry roads an asset.
Availability to work on weekend and statutory holidays, where required.

Maintenance Mechanic 1-3 ($27.64 – $29.99)

Hiring will take place on an as-needed basis, as per operational demands.
Responsible for the refurbishment of equipment used for wildfire suppression (e.g. Chainsaws, portable water pumps).
Inspect, repair, test, clean and sort fire-line tools and equipment.
Physically fit. Tasks include lifting up to 65 lbs, working on your feet for extended periods, and repetitive movement.
Able to assist experienced mechanical staff when conducting repairs.
Keep equipment, tools and shop area clean daily.
Work safely independently and in a team environment.
Be able to work in indoor and outdoor operations in various weather conditions and extended work hours when needed.
Be responsible for accurate inventory counts, ability to complete shipping and receiving documentation.
Availability to work on weekend and statutory holidays, where required.
This position is only available at the Thunder Bayand Sudburywork locations.

TO APPLY:

If you are interested and meet the eligibility requirements outlined above, CLICK HERE to submit an application.

NOTE: The deadline to apply has now been extended to April, 15th, 2024.

Address:

1 English Temporary – Seasonal, duration up to 5.5 months, Any City, Anywhere in Ontario

Compensation Group:

Ontario Public Service Employees Union

Understanding the job ad – definitions

Schedule:

4.7

Category:

Lands and Resources

Posted on:

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Note:

This is not a competition under Article 6 of the OPSEU collective agreement and will only be used to fill short-term vacancies of less than 6 months in duration.
The number of positions to be filled has not been identified at this time. This posting will be used to create a list of qualified candidates to fill upcoming short-term contract opportunities.

How to apply:

You must submit your application using only one of the methods identified below.
Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
Be sure to quote the Job ID number for this position.
OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.

Send application to:
Some of the instructions above may not apply to this posting, please submit your application
through the link provided:
https://forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca/en/dataset/018-0457

Collection of Information

Your personal information is being collected and will be used to determine your qualifications for employment with the Ontario Public Service, and for recruitment modernization initiatives. OPS Careers is an authorized common service in accordance with s. 6 of the Ministry of Government Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.25 and this collection of personal information is necessary to the proper administration of OPS Careers.

Please do not provide more personal information than what is asked of you. For example, do not include your social insurance number, photograph, or banking information, etc. with your application. We strongly encourage you not to provide us with information beyond that which is requested in the job posting.

If you have any questions about the collection, use, disclosure, or retention of your personal information, please contact us.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee’s exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Monday, April 15, 2024 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.

The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer.

Accommodation is available under the Ontario’s Human Rights Code .

Anishinabek News

Dokis member offers thoughts of economic reconciliation at Toronto conference

Published

5 hours ago

November 30, 2023

Dokis First Nation member Karen Restoule was one of the presenters at the Indigenomics Bay Street conference held in Toronto.

By Sam Laskaris

TORONTO – Karen Restoule believes it is time for change.

Restoule, a member of Dokis First Nation in Northern Ontario, shared her thoughts of what that change could look like at the Indigenomics Bay Street conference, which concluded on Nov. 23 in Toronto.

Restoule, a strategist and communications specialist who is a vice-president with Toronto’s Crestview Strategy, was one of the presenters at the conference held at the Westin Harbour Castle.

Her presentation was titled ‘The intersection between policy and Indigenous business’.

“Indigenous Nations are ready to drive off the Indian Act superhighway,” Restoule said during her presentation.

Restoule said policy alternatives have been developed in recent years and First Nations are able to opt into these laws, making the Indian Act no longer relevant.

These policies include the First Nations Land Management Act, the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act, and the First Nations Good and Services Tax Act.

Restoule, however, believes it would be better to modernize all treaties, including ones that are considered “historic.”

“Currently in Canada, there are 25 modern self-governments or modern treaty agreements that include some 40 or so First Nations,” Restoule said. “And they are largely located in British Columbia, across the territories, and into northern part of Quebec. There are more than 630 First Nations across the country. That means that approximately 590 Nations remain under the Indian Act.”

Restoule believes it is time to consider renegotiating “historic treaties” like the other ones that have been modernized.

“Not only does this lead to equitable federal transfers, it gives way to agency and the right of ownership of land,” she said. “And most of all, it gives way to equitable opportunity.”

Restoule thinks the current system is broken, but she also believes what an improved system would look like needs to be sorted out before changes are made.

“In a society where so many are tearing down, we ought to consider what we can do, as citizens of this country, to build that off-ramp (on the Indian Act superhighway),” she said. “And while yes, the Indian Act does in fact need to go, it cannot be abolished in the absence of another solution.”

In large part because of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Restoule said members of the Canadian public are familiar with some aspects of the Indian Act, established in 1876.

Restoule believes Canadians are better informed now on topics including the history of Indian Residential Schools and the Sixties Scoop.

“But there are many points about the Indian Act that Canadians are less familiar with,” she said.

For example, she mentioned movement restriction, where First Nations people were not allowed to leave the boundaries of their reserve without the permission of an Indian agent stationed there. Business and trade restrictions were also implemented whereby both internal and external business dealings required approval from the Indian agent.

“There is a commonly held stereotype that Indigenous peoples have always lived in small secluded communities, never leaving their patch of land for anything,” Restoule said. “This couldn’t be further from fact. Prior to Indigenous-European contact, Indigenous peoples throughout these lands had expansive and established trade networks that gave way to the movement of goods and the people who moved them.”

Restoule concluded her presentation by issuing a challenge to attendees.

“What are each of you prepared to do to build that off-ramp towards a better Canada for everyone?”

Anishinabek News

Noojmawing Sookatagaing Ontario Health Team a voice for citizens

Published

1 day ago

November 29, 2023

Rocky Bay Child and Family Services staff Amanda Esquega and Tricia Mishquart shared information about their organization during the Noojmawing Sookatagaing (Healing Working Together) Ontario Health Team’s Indigenous Service Providers Showcase and Leadership Session on Nov. 21 at the Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay.

By Rick Garrick

THUNDER BAY — An Indigenous Service Providers Showcase and Leadership Session was hosted by the Noojmawing Sookatagaing (Healing Working Together) Ontario Health Team (OHT) on Nov. 21 at the Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay. Noojmawing Sookatagaing OHT, which supports a continuum of care with providers in the City and District of Thunder Bay, was officially launched in October 2022 as part of the fourth cohort of Ontario Health Teams.

“The Leadership [Session] was to bring service providers within the health and social services systems together to network and collaborate and to build trusting relationships and partnerships,” says Natalie Paavola, co-chair at Noojmawing Sookatagaing OHT, director of health and wellness at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and Namaygoosisagagun citizen. “The reaction, I’m happy to say, has been quite positive. Everybody has been just pleased with the turnout and pleased with the feedback that we’ve been given and also sharing that they are quite happy and satisfied with the opportunity to network and collaborate with each other.”

Sandi Boucher, an Indigenous keynote speaker, author of Honorary Indian and other books and Seine River citizen, delivered a presentation on I Have a Dream during the Leadership Session.

“I’m a 10-year domestic abuse survivor — there’s a time I couldn’t have sat at a table and have a conversation with one of you, and look at what I do now,” Boucher says. “I am living proof our past does not have to be our present or our future, and it has nothing to do with how someone else looks at us, it’s how we look at us, that’s what we’re focusing on today.”

Boucher says her mother used to demonstrate to her and her brother how no individual can see the whole picture by having them look around the living room while standing back-to-back.

“She pointed out to us that there was so much of the room that we could see but there was one part we were totally blind to, my brother couldn’t see the part that was directly in front of me, I couldn’t see the part that was directly in front of him,” Boucher says. “This is why we need Indigenous voices on the OHT, because only if we come together and share what we see and actually believe each other can we start to see more of the room. And you’ve heard this in meetings, someone will say, ‘It doesn’t look like that to me.’ That’s not a challenge, that’s an opportunity to see something that’s in your blind spot.”

Paavola says the Showcase was an opportunity for Indigenous service providers and Indigenous-led services within the City and District of Thunder Bay to showcase their services.

“We know that removing barriers through awareness works,” Paavola says. “When you are aware of the services that are available, you are better able to help and support community.”

Amanda Esquega, traditional care manager at Rocky Bay Child and Family Services, says the Showcase was “really informative.”

“We did a lot of networking with other [Indigenous] agencies to kind of see what is out there for our families,” Esquega says, noting that they provide an array of prevention programs. “We’ve been here (in Thunder Bay) since 2019, our satellite office is here and our main office is in Rocky Bay. We always mirror our programming, our services there and here, whatever we do.”

Tricia Mishquart, child and family services manager at Rocky Bay Child and Family Services, says they are also a voice for their citizens in both the community and Thunder Bay.

“We all know as Indigenous peoples how hard it is to reach out for additional services and supports,” Mishquart says. “That is why we are very unique in what we do for our [citizens].”

Anishinabek News

ABPA responds to the Liberal Government’s Announcement of a National Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program

Published

2 days ago

November 28, 2023

ROBINSON-SUPERIOR TREATY AND FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION TERRITORY, THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO (November 22, 2023) – This week, the Liberal government announced the next steps for a long-awaited National Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program in the next year’s federal budget. However, Indigenous leaders are still waiting for details on how the program will work and whether the program would help communities invest in the natural resource sector and facilitate equity ownership in energy, mining, forestry, and other infrastructure projects.

Following is a statement from Jason Rasevych, President of the Anishnawbe Business Professionals Association, regarding the Government of Canada’s Economic Statement and commitment to National Loan Guarantee Program for Indigenous peoples:

“Indigenous leaders have been calling on this type of program for decades. We have seen some examples in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, but there are some limitations on what type of project can be supported including the amount and timeline. The lessons learned from the successes and challenges of the current state and forecasting the market demand should be part the new program design and seek compliance with Indigenous-led values and the principles of Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. The announcement of a national Indigenous loan guarantee is a positive commitment that protects lenders from potential defaults and derisks the weighted average cost of capital; however, much more needs to be considered on how it prioritizes applications by geography, industry, and deals with jurisdictional dissonance across the provinces permitting regimes. We need to make sure that the human rights risks inflated by financial programs that create a larger gap between the classes of have and have not Nations are minimized and not motivated by a government – political agendas. We need the loan guarantee program to enhance and support Indigenous communities looking to participate in various sectors at different financial thresholds of resource development and ownership of enabling infrastructure like corridors and facility ownership. These projects should be assessed to consider respect for the rights-holders throughout the financing and project lifecycle, and that the proponent has achieved the free, prior, informed consent of Indigenous peoples impacted as a condition for approval. If the mandate and decision to provide the loan guarantees is supporting government or partisan plans it will create more friction for Crown-Indigenous relations, especially on how those loan guarantee decisions are being made. Indigenous communities will also need grant funding to develop the business case and economic model for the loan guarantee applications and there should be a mechanism to consider backing Indigenous-owned or operated lenders and financial institutions for a multiplier effect.”

In the past, there has been budget allocations to realize Canada’s role as a key global supplier of critical minerals for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and other low-carbon technologies, which suggests dependence on intensive mineral extraction. Given Northern Ontario’s forest and mineral abundance, the region has an integral role to play in achieving these aspirations. Resource developers and governments will need to demonstrate understanding of the necessary and pivotal role that First Nations play within this paradigm given their unique rights and land title.

While the announcement could be promising as a path to reconciliation and economic growth through its support of developing strong partnerships with First Nations, success will only be realized through effective roll out and accountability. The federal government will need to demonstrate a well-executed and collaborative approach with First Nations. ABPA stands ready as an advocate for the First Nations business community and will be watching and eager to play a role in ensuring the above outlined programs meet the demands of the North.

The current ABPA Board of Directors include:
• Jason Rasevych, President, Ginoogaming First Nation
• Rachael Paquette, Vice-President, Mishkeegogamang First Nation
• Ron Marano, Vice-President, North Caribou Lake First Nation
• Jason Thompson, Secretary/Treasurer, Red Rock Indian Band
• Brian Davey, Director, Moose Cree First Nation
• Steven McCoy, Director, Garden River First Nation
• Tony Marinaro, Director, Naicatchewenin First Nation

About the ABPA:
The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (www.anishnawbebusiness.com) is a nonprofit, member-based organization based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. ABPA serves the First Nation business community within the Treaty #3, Treaty#5, Treaty #9 and Robinson Huron and Superior Treaty Areas. The ABPA develops and expresses positions on business issues and other public issues relevant to First Nation business, on behalf of its members. They provide a forum for the First Nation business community to develop policies and programming which contribute to the socio-economic well-being and quality of life of First Nations peoples in Northern Ontario. They also serve non-First Nation businesses by providing information, guidance, and access to a wide-ranging network through events and sponsorship.

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Media contact:

Jason Rasevych
President
Anishnawbe Business Professional Association
E-mail: jrasevych@gmail.com
Telephone: 807-357-5320