Representing Canadian Workers: IBEW Member Francis Vaillancourt

 Francis Vaillancourt works as a project manager in procurement for the Department of National Defence. He joined the government in 2006, and enjoys every minute. “I love my job. It’s the best one I’ve had in my life,” Vaillancourt says. He was hired as a specialist for missiles and naval

Fatigue on the Job is a Killer

 It has been known for decades, probably centuries, that working while tired can impair productivity, and that working in dangerous occupations like driving, loading or handling heavy equipment should not be done while tired. So why do railway companies seem determined to risk so many of their assets by asking

New Hospital Funding Model is a Leap of Faith

 Activity-based funding may discharge patients from hospital ‘quicker but sicker’ Most Canadians probably don’t realize that health care in Canada is quietly undergoing a major transformation in funding that could significantly impact patients.  Three provinces—Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia—are implementing a new funding model for hospitals and other provinces are

Aboriginal Initiatives at Nipissing University

 The Aboriginal Initiatives Program at Nipissing University provides an opportunity for Aboriginal students to receive post-secondary education and stay in touch with their own culture and heritage. The goal is to help these students gain success then bring that success to other students in similar situations. Bryan Bellefeuille was always

Who are the Métis?

 For generations, the Métis Nation has struggled for recognition and justice in the Canadian federation. In 1982, the existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights of the Aboriginal peoples in Canada were recognized and affirmed in s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. This was a watershed for the Métis Nation, with

When it Comes to Pipeline Safety, Collaboration Matters

 When it comes to protecting the environment, people and communities, pipeline companies are choosing to work together. The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) established the Integrity First® program. Members actively work together to not only define and implement best practices, but to also challenge each other to improve overall operations.

Orange Art Gallery: Pushing boundaries in the capital community

 Following a trip to NYC with husband and co-owner Matthew Jeffrey four years ago, Ingrid Hollander felt that Ottawa needed a contemporary gallery willing to take big risks. “We found that galleries here had a much more retail-oriented, commercial focus. We wanted to provide a cool space that could showcase

Nipissing University Provides Quality Education to First Nations Communities

 It is frequently forgotten access to learning and high-quality teaching is not available for everyone in Canada. The education provided for Aboriginal children is just one example of a group with limited access. Their level of education is well below that of other Canadian children. The high school graduation rate

Support the Community and Score Some Steals at Salvation Army

 Over 100 years ago, General William Booth recognized a dire need for affordable goods, particularly geared towards the disadvantaged and excluded groups in the community. As a response, he created the Household Salvage Brigade, a group responsible for the collection of used household and everyday items. Today, we see Booth’s

Claudia Salguero–100 per cent Artist in Everything she Does

 Claudia Salguero is a photographer and graphic designer. She also paints, sculpts, creates digital images and sings Latin jazz professionally. Salguero moved to Ottawa from Bogotá, Colombia, in 2001. She found opportunity in Ottawa so she never left. “I’ve been able to make my way because I do many things. I

How U.S. Midterm Elections might affect Online Gambling Regulations in the U.S.A.

 Last week the U.S.A. saw the holding of midterm elections for represented positions in the United States Senate. The Republican Party had a considerable win and was able to pick up many seats in these elections, and in turn ensured they now command the majority of the voting power in

European Union Film Festival: One Mile Away

 The European Union Film Festival will snitch the dirty, yet exhilarating details behind the often concealed truths of gang wars with the film ‘One Mile Away.’ Unveiling social progress is possible when two rival groups adjoin with a purpose. Street gangs generally operate on the pretense of restricted solidarity, power claims, disturbance

Living Your Potential at EPIC Fitness

 For Stephanie Karlovits, owner of Ottawa’s EPIC Fitness, working out isn’t only about getting stronger or losing weight. She has a philosophy that takes into account what an individual needs not only in the gym, but in order to become better in all aspects of their life. EPIC’s objective is

Timeraiser: A Win-Win-Win Situation

 Going once, twice and sold, for volunteer work! Timeraiser is far from the standard silent auction: It matches people with volunteer organizations, finds non-profits eager help and supports visual artists. Coming to the Canadian Museum of History on November 8, attendees will pledge volunteer hours instead of money for artwork. “This

The city’s kindest chauffeurs

 Photos courtesy of Wheels for the Wise If you or a loved one struggle with mobility issues, take a word from the wise and contact Ottawa’s driver-companion service. Launched in 2011 by 27-year-old entrepreneur Jana Mitchell, Wheels for the Wise Inc. is a form of safe transportation for senior citizens

Eat, Drink and Be Sustainable

 Ecology Ottawa has done it again. For the eighth consecutive year, the local environmental organization completely sold out the annual Eco Gala on Oct. 9. Just over 565 attendees gathered at the St. Elias Banquet Centre to celebrate the bountiful autumn harvest and the city’s active environmental community. It featured

The Art of Russell Noganosh

 “Finding himself through art and using it to heal” Russell Noganosh set off for Plains Indian Cultural Survival School in his early twenties—but the skills he learned didn’t come from his studies. Noganosh’s life lessons came from friendship and art. Noganosh enrolled in school after fleeing from a foster home

Seniors are not the Wealthy Generation Despite Recent Media Hype

 Why we need to invest in affordable housing, homecare and long-term care for seniors Working as an advocate for seniors’ issues can feel like pushing water uphill. Yet, after a challenging few years which has seen headlines of flood and fire, bad food, bed sores and a chronic shortage of

Fall Reading List

 It is hard to beat a cool fall afternoon spent cozying up on the couch with a hot tea and a must-read. That is why OLM is bringing you its fall reading list. Choose from a variety of sci-fi to romance, or challenge yourself to read them all (more time

Aboriginal Initiatives at Nipissing University

 The Aboriginal Initiatives Program at Nipissing University offers students a unique opportunity to remain connected with their heritage while receiving their education. Throughout the school year, as well as in the summer, the Aboriginal Initiatives Office is busy helping students engage in their studies and in their community in order

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Profile: Sarah Burke

 In honour of the upcoming Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame 2014 Induction Celebrations presented by Canadian Tire on October 22, OLM will be featuring inductees—recent and historic—in a weekly Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Profile piece. Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame aims to share the stories and achievements of Honoured

Making Memories Last: The Memory Clinic of Outaouais

 The Memory Clinic of Outaouais, in Gatineau, Quebec, is open and ready to help the community. Specializing in research on neurological disorders, the Memory Clinic strives to ensure its patients receive the best possible care. Dr. Richard Bergeron (M.D., Ph.D., FRCPC) is the owner and principal investigator. He assists patients

Back to School in Style

 Vintage Wings of Canada is a public charitable organization committed to inspiring young Canadians to become outstanding citizens and leaders in their communities. It operates year round from its newly completed state-of- the-art hangar and maintenance facility at the Ottawa/Gatineau Airport (CYND) just 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa. Designed in

Must Visit: West End Well

 What do you get when you combine a co-operatively run grocery, café, meeting space and some of the friendliest personalities in Ottawa? The answer is West End Well Co-op in Hintonburg. The Well is a centre for the community to come together and share food and drink, connect with the

How Communities can Work Together to Prevent Suicide

 The death of comedian Robin Williams last month sparked a worldwide discussion about suicide, its underlying causes and how it might be prevented. With World Suicide Prevention Day taking place September 10, the subject is certain to generate more debate as people seek to understand this important health issue. Having