Today and every day, Every Child Matters.

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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for all Canadians to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system.

On September 30th, Canadians observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important day was established to recognize and commemorate the legacy of the residential school system and its impact on Indigenous communities across the country. It is a day of reflection, learning, and commitment to reconciliation.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a significant step forward in acknowledging the painful history of Canada’s residential schools and their ongoing impact on Indigenous communities. It is a day to remember, learn, and commit to the process of reconciliation. By embracing this day with an open heart and a willingness to understand, we can contribute to healing the wounds of the past and building a more inclusive and just future for all Canadians. Let us use this day as an opportunity to honor the truth, foster understanding, and work together toward a better tomorrow.

Wear Orange on September 30

The orange shirt is a symbol of the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children across generations, and Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots Remembrance Day designed to promote the concept that “Every Child Matters.”

To honor the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remember those who did not, many Canadians across the country wear an orange shirt.

The PTAG team stands in solidarity with the victims, survivors, their families, and the indigenous communities. We honor and respect this national day for Truth and Reconciliation and every day throughout the year. PTAG is a committed member of the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program of the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business (CCAB). We understand our role in the society and as a business, we feel it’s our responsibility to help bring resources and educate the members of our indigenous community for them to prosper.

Reconciliation Starts with Education

Indigenous history: The history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, reconciliation and more.

Reconciliation: Learn how the Government of Canada is working to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.

Watch the videos as survivors share their experiences and the importance of Truth and Reconciliation Day:

Pride Month 2024: Together let’s celebrate the month of love, acceptance, and freedom.

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Pride month is celebrated throughout the month of June to celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ culture, and to support 2SLGBTQ+ rights. This month and throughout the year PTAG celebrate and stands in solidarity with our 2SLGBTQ+ community.

At PTAG, we believe equality is a fundamental right, and that distinct backgrounds bring with it unique and different perspectives that help in better business outcomes.

Read more

National Day of Mourning: Remember and Renew Commitment to Worker Safety

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Marked annually in Canada on April 28, the National Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy.

The National Day of Mourning originated in Canada in the 1980s as a way to commemorate workers who were killed, injured, or suffered illness due to workplace hazards. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals and their families in the pursuit of earning a living. Throughout history, there have been numerous incidents and tragedies that have highlighted the need for improved safety measures in the workplace. These events have shaped our understanding of the risks involved and underscored the importance of proactive safety practices.

At PTAG, this day holds profound significance as we reflect on the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees. It’s a time for solemn remembrance and a renewal of our commitment to prioritize worker safety above all else.

At PTAG, the safety and well-being of our employees are paramount. We have implemented comprehensive safety policies and initiatives aimed at creating a culture of safety throughout our organization. From regular safety training sessions to the implementation of cutting-edge safety technologies, we are dedicated to providing a safe work environment for everyone. Our employees are encouraged to speak up about safety concerns and actively participate in identifying and mitigating potential hazards, and we are working in the reporting culture to prevent those preventive safety events.

On this National Day of Mourning, we renew our commitment to worker safety. We acknowledge that safety is not just a priority but a fundamental value that guides everything we do. We pledge to continue investing in safety measures, providing ongoing training and support, and fostering a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can work towards the goal of zero incidents and ensure that every worker returns home safely to their loved ones.

“Behind every workplace death and injury are family members, friends, co-workers and loved ones whose lives are deeply impacted and changed forever.”

Anne Tennier, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)

Watch Now!

Commemorate Day of Mourning by watching and sharing this video.

Video produced by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

Pause. Reflect. Remember. Renew.

Please join us in observing a minute of silence.

On April 28th, at 11 am, we will honour workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job, and will renew our commitment to health and safety in the workplace. We grieve with those whose lives were forever changed by a workplace tragedy.

International Women’s Day 2024 

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This International Women’s Day, the United Nations has declared the theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”. 

Today, on International Women’s Day (8th March 2024), it is important to acknowledge the contributions, achievements, and resilience of women all around the world. This day serves as a reminder of how much progress we have made thanks to the efforts of women around us. 

All around the globe, women have played a pivotal role in driving innovation and contributing to the world’s economy. This is a reminder that equality is a crucial step in building a prosperous, healthier, and inclusive community. To achieve this, all of us must come together to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential. 

PTAG is doing its part by fostering a workplace where women contribute, feel appreciated and respected and are resourceful. PTAG is proud to have women from all walks of life working from entry level roles all the way to top executive leadership positions, leading us on the path of a progressive future.  These women are not selected based on gender; they are selected because they have what it takes to help PTAG continue to grow and serve its clients and partners. 

Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s continue to invest in women and pave the way for a progressive world as there is so much more work to be done to achieve equality for the generations after us. 

We are proud to have women in leadership roles across our organization, who inspire and guide our teams to achieve success.

Learn more!

Be sure to attend the event Inspiring Stories of Women in the Canadian Nuclear Industry and organized by Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries. 

Explore the Women in Canadian History: A Timeline showcasing the achievements of Canadian women in various fields such as politics, sciences, and the arts.

Watch now: USA Today’s Women of the Year explain why triumph over diversity is among the keys to their success.

PTAG’s Commitment to Community: A Day of Giving Back with 360ºKIDS

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At PTAG, we believe in the power of community and the impact that collective efforts can make in shaping a brighter future. As part of our ongoing commitment to support the communities in which we live and work, PTAG continues it’s partnership with 360ºKIDS, an organization dedicated to supporting homeless youth in York region, Ontario. In a hands-on initiative, members of our Markham team joined together for a fall clean-up at two 360 Kids housing properties.

With sleeves rolled up and a shared sense of purpose, PTAG volunteers enthusiastically embarked on a day of service.

Our mission: fall clean up the yards of two 360ºKIDS shelter house in Markham. The tasks at hand included raking, edging, trimming bushes, cutting the grass, and bagging over 50 bags of leaves and grass clippings.

PTAG volunteers came together to make this initiative a resounding success. Through shared effort and collaboration, the team not only tackled the practical aspects of the clean-up but also fostered a sense of camaraderie that made the entire experience both enjoyable and rewarding. Beyond the physical cleanup, our collective efforts contribute to providing a safe and welcoming environment for young individuals who are navigating challenging circumstances. It’s a tangible way for PTAG to demonstrate our commitment to social responsibility and community well-being.

While the day was filled with hard work, there were special moments that stood out. The laughter shared, the satisfaction of seeing a once-overgrown area restored to its beauty, and the realization that our actions directly benefit those in need—these are the moments that make initiatives like these truly meaningful.

To know more about 360ºKIDS visit their website: About Us – 360°kids (360kids.ca)

PTAG and 360°kids Partnership – Prevent and End Youth Homelessness

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Support PTAG in Raising $200,000 for the 360°kids Newmarket Youth Hub!

Donate Now!

Witnessing the harsh reality of youth homelessness and the troubling link to unemployment is disheartening. Too many young individuals are forced to confront this heartbreaking situation, often through circumstances beyond their control.

360°kids is a local registered charity dedicated to empowering vulnerable and homeless youth in York Region by providing housing, employment, education, and well-being supports. With similar core values to those at PTAG, we are providing our services, pro bono, to help 360°kids build an employment training facility in Newmarket.

One of the most successful programs at 360°kids is, the Every Bite Matters (EBM) program. A 14-week paid employment program for youth who face barriers to employment and have an interest in culinary skill development. A key component of the Every Bite Matters (EBM) program is having access to a commercial kitchen facility. The costs associated with building this functional teaching kitchen are substantial.

This is where your help comes in. We want you to join us in our efforts of raising $200,000 to fund this vital initiative to build this facility for the Every Bite Matters (EBM) program to help and empower young people.

Please take a moment to watch this video, and here from Josh.

‘The program offers paid training and a priceless opportunity to learn from experienced chefs (program staff). I appreciate the patience of the employment counselors. My favorite part of the program was delivering food to seniors and building relationships with them. Additionally, I gained valuable kitchen hygiene, knife skills, and multitasking abilities.’

Andrea, a youth who completed the pre-employment and culinary training 

Join us today by making a donation and helping us reach our goal of $200,000 for 360°kids! 

Donate Now!

International Women’s Day 2023

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Today, on International Women’s Day (March 8), we celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of women all around the world. It is a global day celebrating the historical, cultural, and political achievements of women.

The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023 is Every Woman Counts.

It’s a reminder that all women, from all ages and walks of life, have a place in every aspect of Canadian society, including in the economic, social and democratic spheres.

PTAG is committed to creating workplace cultures where women’s careers thrive and their achievements are celebrated. It is an honor for us to celebrate the contribution of women to our company and to the world at large. Our appreciation goes out to their resourcefulness, resilience, and ingenuity.

We are proud to have women in leadership roles across our organization, who inspire and guide our teams to achieve success.

We also want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. We will continue to work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace, where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

Together, we can create a world where women can thrive, achieve their full potential, and contribute to a better future for all.

Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to drive gender parity.

Learn more!

Explore the Women of Impact in Canada gallery and the Women in Canadian History: A Timeline showcasing the achievements of Canadian women in various fields such as politics, sciences, and the arts.

“Energy Project Management Fundamentals” Course

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In conjunction with Ontario Tech University’s TALENT, PTAG is pleased to deliver another edition of the “Energy Project Management Fundamentals” course.

The energy sector is rapidly evolving, and project delivery and efficient operations are vital to the future of energy development.

The course will run online for 6 weeks, led by PTAG’s Subject Matter Experts.

OVERVIEW

This course is designed to provide a learning pathway for those seeking project manager roles in the Energy sector. An Energy Project Manager is there to set up strategies and goals for the projects that matter most to the operations of an energy producer or stakeholder. They strive to create the timeline for the work as part of large refurbishment or maintenance projects, make sure the projects are carried out within the allocated budget, and oversee the work of the members of the project team. Working in this position, it will be your responsibility to supervise the work of contractors, suppliers, and others important to your organization and Project Management Offices.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this 6-week course, you will address 12 distinct module (topic) areas, each delivered through a combination of online synchronous sessions, readings, and activities.

Module topics include:

  • Common Energy PM processes
  • Related Project tools for industry
  • Project integration and scope definition
  • Costing and Time estimation strategies
  • Quality and Human Resource management
  • Communication and Risk Management
  • Procurement and delivery methodologies

Throughout this 6-week course, your work will culminate with the development of an energy project plan and schedule which will be assessed by an expert Project Manager towards skills verification.

Upon successful completion of this micro credential, you will be awarded TALENT’s Digital Badge to enable you to effectively articulate this skill to employers.

For more information and to Register visit: Energy Project Management Fundamentals – Ontario Tech Talent

Some of our Subject Matter Experts delivering this course:

Michael Dubreuil
Managing Partner, PTAG Inc.
Bruce Burwell
Partner, Capital Projects, PTAG Inc.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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It’s crucial to understand the importance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and its role in the reconciliation process as September 30, 2022, approaches. The purpose of this day is to provide individuals with an opportunity to acknowledge and remember the terrible legacy of residential schools.

 For Survivors, September is a challenging month of the year. It is a heartbreaking reminder of the time of year when countless Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their homes, sent to residential schools, cut off from their relatives and communities, and stripped of their possessions.

It is vitally essential for all Canadians to learn about the Residential School System from Survivors, their families, communities, and others who have been impacted by it. The system kept children away from their families for long periods and banned them from acknowledging their Indigenous heritage, culture, or native language.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn, reflect and share what they can about the First Nations communities. Listening to and honoring Indigenous voices is fundamental to reconciliation, and that’s what today is all about.

Wear Orange on September 30

The orange shirt is a symbol of the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children across generations, and Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots Remembrance Day designed to promote the concept that “Every Child Matters.”

It’s a time for us all to reflect on Canada’s residential school system’s impact on Indigenous Peoples, the indignity and suffering that Indigenous Peoples experienced in the past, and the resulting concerns they still face today. We’ll keep learning more about the history of Indigenous Peoples and finding out how we can help drive positive change.

The PTAG team stands in solidarity with the victims, survivors, their families, and the indigenous communities. We honor and respect this national day for Truth and Reconciliation and every day throughout the year. PTAG is a committed member of the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program of the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business (CCAB). We understand our role in the society and as a business, we feel it’s our responsibility to help bring resources and educate the members of our indigenous community for them to prosper.

Today and every day, Every Child Matters.

Start your learning journey today!

The establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The creation of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)

Phyllis’ Story (orangeshirtday.org)

Watch Now !

UNO Award-winning artist Elisapie hosts a special that honors the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples affected by the tragedies of the residential school system in Canada, with musical tributes and ceremonies in Indigenous communities across the land.

It’s a Good Day to Be Indigenous, by Amanda Kahgee

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By Amanda Kahgee

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada is a day for many Canadians to learn about the country’s Indigenous Peoples; First Nations, Inuit, and Metis. It is an opportunity to learn about their histories and cultures.  However, for many of Canada’s Indigenous peoples, like myself, it is a reminder of our resilience to overcome the adversities of colonialism, oppression, and assimilation. It is a day for us to reclaim our identities through practicing our culture, ceremonies, experiences, and stories. It represents hope for our people’s future and the healing of our nations, and generations.

Read more