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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!

“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.

Join PTAG’s Ugo Santone for a Virtual Panel Discussion on Pathways to Employment in Project Management during Centennial College’s virtual conference.

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In a continued effort to leverage our experience in project management to collaborate with our community members, PTAG has stepped up to be a part of Centennial College’s Career Services and Co-operative Education department’s Virtual Panel Discussion on Pathways to Employment in Project Management.

PTAG’s Partner of Professional Services and Talent Management Ugo Santone is pleased to be part of the panel alongside other industry experts and be amongst the aspiring students and recent graduates in the field of Project Management to share his extensive experience that will help young minds to launch their career in this field.

Ugo Santone is a Human Resources and Talent Management Professional with over 20 years of experience in business development, talent management & acquisition, operations, and human resources. He works closely with key stakeholders to lead project team development, establish an organizational structure, project planning, provide consulting on implementing Project Team Organizations, Resourcing Strategies, Resource Management, PMO & Construction Management Team development, and Onboarding & Mobilization for large scale Capital Projects both domestically and globally.

By engaging with the young minds who are interested in the path of Project Management by guiding them towards the appropriate channels and approaches, sharing day-to-day experiences at the job, and required skills in the industry these students can gain knowledge to build a good foundation towards launching a fruitful career.

Join this session on December 1st from 4 – 6 PM to gain knowledge from the experts that will help you launch your career in this field.

Save your spot and see more details of the program on HireCentennial.

Know more about the speaker:

PTAG partners with Ontario Tech University to prepare professionals in the application of Project Management concepts, tools, and processes in their work.

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In coordination with Ontario Tech University, PTAG has developed a new course for master’s students and industry professionals. The course will run online for 6 weeks starting November 2nd.

Through this course, PTAG aims to support youth and those industry professionals seeking knowledge in the career path of Project Management. PTAG’s leaders with years of experience in project management and capital projects will be delivering the course at Ontario Tech University.

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PTAG Team works with Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce’s construction site in the Saugeen First Nation 29.

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Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce is the oldest existing Habitat affiliate in Canada. It was started in 1987 and has been building houses in Grey and Bruce Counties since then. Originally, they built a house every 2 or 3 years but are now building multiple houses every year. In 2021 they are building 4 houses for the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation in Neyaashiinigmiing, just north of Wiarton and 4 houses for the Saugeen First Nation 29 near Southampton. 

Habitat builds houses using as much donated material as possible and many volunteers to build a house. Electrical, Plumbing, Roofing and Drywall are done by professionals while everything else is done by employees and volunteers. Once the house is built the families purchase these affordable homes from Habitat for Humanity with no down-payment and zero interest mortgage which is not more than 25% of the family income to make it easy for the families to homeownership. Homeownership is one of the most important ways for a family or an individual to build a strong and stable future. 

In 2017, Habitat Grey Bruce signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation to build one house. Following the success of that house, Habitat Grey Bruce and the Chippewas of Nawash became the first partners in Canada to build houses using CMHC funding. This pilot project has lead to many houses being built on First Nation land. 

PTAG’s Senior management staff rolled up their sleeves to help with the construction site work with Habitat for Humanity in the Saugeen First Nation 29 near Southampton. PTAG strongly believes in giving back to the community where we live, and work in. We are proud that our team shares the same values and are committed to help the community. For years PTAG is helping business owners, contractors and project teams manage their capital projects successfully. We have a close association with the construction industry; however, this experience was different as our trade skills were put to test. It has been a very fulfilling experience as it was not just about making a house but something bigger i.e., being part of building a house that would provide safety and stable future to the families.  

Our team worked on the houses in Saugeen First Nation 29 near Southampton helping with the final push to finish the siding on two homes.  

PTAG is grateful for the opportunity, and commends Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce for their leadership in the community. We look forward to helping again soon.  

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Know more on PTAG’s Corporate Social Responsibility

PTAG Team partners with 360ºKIDS to help prepare the yards at their two youth shelter homes in Markham, Ontario.

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PTAG values the communities that we live and work in. We are committed to extending our support to social causes and we encourage our employees to be involved in local social responsibility initiatives.

Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to volunteer preparing the yards for the fall season at two youth shelter homes through 360ºKIDS in Markham, Ontario.  360ºKIDS is a community organization assisting homeless youth in York Region for decades.

This volunteering drive was spearheaded by PTAG resident gardeners Michael Dubreuil (Managing Partner) along with Basil Mocherniak (Director of Operations) and Shannon Sahota (CFO) bringing with them their extensive experience and passion for gardening.  Their energy and experience guided the team on various aspects of the job. “It was a great learning and a fulfilling experience.” said one of our young associates.

Putting aside their day jobs the PTAG team spent the entire day bringing back the charm to these homes.   When we arrived we were met with a mini jungle — bit by bit we dug in and started cleaning. The outcome was very fulfilling, and we all felt touched by the feedback received from the caretakers of these homes.

We at PTAG harbour a very open work environment, where people are encouraged to interact and learn from each other keeping aside their professional hierarchy. We believe this helps us nurture talent and prepare leaders for tomorrow. Volunteering days are a fantastic example of this.

See the before and after photos.

To know more about 360ºKIDS visit their website: https://www.360kids.ca/about-us/

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PTAG’s Partner at Bachra Memorial Golf Tournament fundraiser event for Markham Stouffville Hospital ICU Beds.

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On August 20th, 2021, Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation’s Board Chair Bill Bachra and his family held a memorial golf tournament to commemorate his late father who passed away 30 years ago. This event seemed like a perfect way to honor him and to recognize MS Hospital for its service.

With the support from friends and business associates of Bill and his family, $225,000 was raised for the purchase of 4 beds for the Intensive Care Unit of Oak Valley Health’s MS Hospital. This comes at a time when our health infrastructure needs a boost. Such community-driven initiatives are building blocks for the betterment of our community not only in terms of raising money for a cause but also bringing people together.

“Considering the current state of ICU beds, and the strain on our health care system due to the pandemic, the effort and fundraising efforts by the Bachra family was greatly appreciated. It was a pleasure to be part of such a well-run and worthy cause.” Chris Deidun – PTAG’s Partner for Business Development.

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