News

Announcement caps donor recognition event celebrating a ‘million-dollar day’

December 7, 2022 (OTTAWA) – Algonquin College is pleased to announce that RBC Foundation has pledged $500,000 through its RBC Future Launch program to support College skilled trades initiatives over the next five years. RBC’s investment will help tackle a critical and worsening nationwide shortage of skilled trades workers and prepare students for inclusive and sustainable jobs of the future.

“We are very pleased that RBC chose to partner with Algonquin College on its initiatives to close the skills gap and train workers for the current and emerging disciplines that will be critical to a sustainable future,” said Claude Brulé, Algonquin College President and Chief Executive Officer.

“This multi-year investment will pay dividends for years to come. Our graduates will bring new skills into the workplace and become leaders who approach their work with a sustainability mindset.”

Powered by RBC Future Launch, this collaboration builds on RBC’s 10-year, $500 million commitment to help Canadian youth prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

RBC’s donation will help Algonquin College increase enrolment in skilled trades programs, including in short-term “upskilling” programs for certified workers; boost work-integrated learning opportunities, such as coops and field placements; provide industry networking and event opportunities that focus on topics of interest to industry, including the development of a diverse talent pool; and support projects and applied research partnerships that prioritize sustainability.

“There’s a huge shortage of people in skilled trades. With retirements coming up, it’s only going to get worse. We need to act now. This is why RBC is joining forces with Algonquin College to help attract more people to the trades,” says Marjolaine Hudon, Regional President at RBC. “Creating on-the-job learning and showcasing career opportunities will help attract more students — women, men, people of diverse backgrounds — to the trades. This will prepare them for critical jobs required to deliver key infrastructure and construction projects in the future.” Continue reading →

(OTTAWA — Nov. 30, 2022) – Algonquin College is pleased to announce that TD Bank Group (TD) has become its newest DARE6 partner, opening the door to a wide range of opportunities to engage, share unique experiences and build stronger relationships with like-minded, prominent community builders.

The DARE6 concept is based on a governance model for Indigenous Peoples derived from the Iroquois — or Haudenosaunee — Confederacy dating back a thousand years. The Confederacy, sometimes described as one of the world’s oldest participatory democracies, included the Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, Mohawk and Tuscarora. Occupying what is now upper New York state and southeastern Quebec and Ontario, these six tribes united under the Great Law of Peace. Continue reading →

Last fall ceremony held in October 2019

Algonquin College is making final preparations for its Ottawa 2022 Fall Convocation ceremonies, which will include an in-person component for the first time in two years.

Over 1,100 graduates have registered for the ceremonies in Ottawa.

“We are pleased to be able to celebrate the accomplishments of our learners with the return of our Fall Convocation,” said Claude Brulé, President and CEO of Algonquin College. “Graduation is a significant moment and we look forward to a memorable event for our learners and their families as we recognize their efforts and accomplishments, and wish them well as they continue onto their next chapters.”

Photos, videos and special moments will be shared on the college’s social media feeds using the #Algonquin2022 convocation hashtag.

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College holding day-long series of events for students and employees

Each year, Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Recognition of the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

As part of a full day of activities, Algonquin College is holding a Recognition Ceremony and Commemorative Sculpture Unveiling on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The unvelling will take place in Ishkodewan at the Ottawa campus on Friday, September, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

President and CEO Claude Brulé will be joined by Indigenous story-telling with community Knowledge Keeper and Indigenous Rights Advisor, Michael Desautels. Algonquin College will then unveil a monument created by local artist, Barry Ranger, to commemorate the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools across the country.

Activities will also be held throughout the day at Algonquin College’s Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth campuses in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Campuses will have a Legacy Of Hope Foundation exhibit on display. Escaping at Ottawa; Generations Lost at Pembroke; and Bi-Giwen at Perth. Each campus will also fly the Every Child Matters flag.

The Mamidosewin Centre (Ottawa campus) will be open for students dropping in to host supportive discussions. The Centre intends to provide a place students can go to feel supported, to make sense of what reconciliation means to them, and have a meal as well as supportive dialog.  

• 9:30 a.m.: Morning smudge and welcome breakfast
• 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Chili and bannock lunch
• 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Speakers Series: The History of Colonization from Pre-Contact to Truth and Reconciliation led by Eric Johnston and Jackie Tenute
  

Film Screening, Nawapon (Ottawa campus), 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Join to watch the multiple-award-winning film Beans and hear a special talk by Director, Tracey Deer. Afterwards, there will be space for reflection and discussion outside by the fire, which will be moderated by the Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival. 
This event is a collaborative effort by Learning and Teaching Services, Film and Media Production, the Truth and Reconciliation Initiative, as well as the Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival.

Pembroke Campus

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony, 9:40am
  Please join a Special Truth and Reconciliation ceremony led by Kampus Kokum and Campus Elder in the Commons.
• Kairos Blanket Exercise, 10am-1pm
  Join the Pembroke campus in the gymnasium for an interactive session to experience teaching tool that shares the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

The College community is mourning the sudden passing of first-year Pre-Health Sciences Pathway’s student, Savanna Pikuyak. Savanna, aged 22, was studying at the Ottawa Campus and had come to Algonquin College from Nunavut.

A community gathering to honour Savanna will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. in Ishkodewan (rain location in Nawapon). Community members are invited to mourn, pay respects and come together at this challenging time.

As we grieve this senseless and tragic loss, the College is making resources available, including counselling services, to any employee or learner in need of assistance. Program chairs and faculty are also coordinating any support required for classmates, teachers and friends of Savanna at this difficult time.

For updates and information, check back here before the event.

For those in need of support, please reach out to these resources:
Counselling Services and supports for learners
Counselling Services and supports for employees
Mamidosewin Centre and Indigenous Community Supports

The following email is sent on behalf of Maureen Castella, Senior Manager, Total Compensation, Human Resources

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Note to People Leaders regarding Upcoming Federal Declaration of Statutory Day Off (September 19, 2022)

We have been receiving questions regarding yesterday’s federal announcement that advised that Monday, September 19 will be designated as a federal statutory holiday in recognition of the service for Queen Elizabeth II.

The federal announcement applies to federal employees only. As Algonquin College is a provincial employer, we abide by decisions made by the Premier of Ontario. The Premier’s Office has declared that Monday, September 19 will be a provincial day of mourning in lieu of a provincial holiday. A moment of silence may be observed at 1:00 pm.

The College will be open for regular business on Monday, September 19, 2022.

Algonquin College is pleased to announce a $400,000 gift from the Canerector Foundation that will support as many as 125 first-year students in 13 skilled trades programs over the next four years. This gift will also help promote skilled trades as an excellent career choice.

“We are pleased to announce the Canerector Foundation’s donation to Algonquin College to support skilled trades, which played a pivotal role in Canerector Inc.’s history and development. It is a special honour to support a field that is critical not just at Canerector, but in our overall economy. We hope that these scholarships and the mentorship provided by Algonquin College will attract and encourage students to join these rewarding and in-demand careers across our country.” – Amanda Hawkins, Director, Canerector Foundation.

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Dear Colleagues and Learners,

Please be advised that Rogers internet service has now been restored to Algonquin College campuses and to those using College devices. Information Technology Services has verified that all systems are operating normally. All classes and services will be running on regular schedules at Ottawa, Pembroke, Perth and AC Online campuses as of Monday, July 11. Service has also been restored to 700 Sussex.

Rogers has indicated there are still some customers who may experience a delay in regaining full service. For learners who may still be experiencing connectivity issues on Monday, July 11, please advise your program co-ordinator when possible. For employees who may still be experiencing connectivity issues, please contact your supervisor/manager when possible.

Thank you,

Claude Brulé

President and CEO

(OTTAWA – JUNE 17, 2022) – Algonquin College is now receiving applications for a new intake of its Personal Support Worker Accelerated training program (PSW-A) starting July 11 at its Ottawa campus.

This intake is part of the Ontario government’s plan to train new PSWs and address the high demand for skilled workers in the province’s health and long-term care sectors. This program is part of the province’s Long-Term Care Staffing Plan, one of the largest health-related recruiting drives in Ontario’s history.

“Personal support workers play a vital role in nursing homes and health-care facilities to provide patients with care and comfort,” said Carmen Hust, Chair, Nursing Studies at Algonquin College. “There is a great demand for these services currently, and Algonquin College and our industry partners have the expertise to equip learners with the skills and confidence they need to enter this field and explore the many pathways and opportunities it has to offer.”

As a result of the provincial training initiative, students in the accelerated PSW program can expect no tuition fee, books and technology aids. The six-month accelerated program features 12 weeks of college courses and eight weeks of paid placement, which can include on-site work in long-term care homes or community care environments.

These features make the accelerated program an attractive option for anyone considering a new career in a high-demand field. To register for the College’ accelerated PSW program, please click on this link: Ontario College Application Service.

Additional Resources:

• Apply to an Ontario College
• Learn more about Ontario Colleges
• For public inquiries call Service Ontario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only)
• Learn more about Algonquin College’s PSW programs here.

For more information on applying:

Peristera Tzakis
PSW-Accelerated Program Coordinator (Acting)
tzakisp@algonquincollege.com

For media inquiries:

Bruce Hickey
Communications Manager
Algonquin College
Hickeyb@algonquincollege.com

About Algonquin College:

The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. Algonquin College, an Ontario public sector community college, does this by offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in more than 185 programs. Based in the Ottawa Valley, Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario.