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J2DW Receives Government Grant for First Employees

J2DW Receives Government Grant for First Employees

Diversity Non-profit to Begin Content and Fundraising Strategy

For Immediate Release

Barrie, Ontario, 22nd June 2021 — Journey to Diversity Workplaces is excited to announce the hiring of its first three employees under funding by a grant from the government of Canada.

J2DW has secured a grant from the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada for three student co-op positions to begin work on Monday, 14th June 2021 and scheduled to continue their work through the end of July. Two students will take on the roles of Blogger/Copywriter and one will work as Fundraiser Organizer.

Member of Parliament Doug Shipley commented “It’s nice to be able to support local businesses with summer grants, and J2DW will be able to put that (money) to good use”.

The newly hired Blogger/Copywriters will be developing online content articles and essays to enhance the J2DW portfolio and to bring awareness to the importance of diversity and accommodation in the workplace. J2DW is also aiming to execute three fundraising events over the next two months to support organizational growth and community engagement. The planning and execution will be spearheaded by the new Fundraising organizer, with the assistance of outstanding members of J2DW.

Peter V. Tretter, President & CEO of J2DW is excited to employ local students in the community and “put them to work gaining experience for their future careers!”.

Journey to Diversity Workplaces is a non-profit organization built on improving the business and social environment by championing diversity and the workers within those workplaces. J2DW was formed in 2013 by Founder and CEO Peter V. Tretter with the goal of introducing and maintaining progressive workplace policies. Ideas like higher wages and a four-day workweek are key strategic pillars for J2DW to improve the quality of life and social footprint that businesses have on their employees and communities.

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Contact:

Peter V. Tretter
705-481-1674 
Email us!

Loneliness during the Holidays

Working from home brings its own challenges for those who live by themselves, but add in the holidays, and a few other things can also set in: Boredom, Loneliness, and Depression.

I have found myself watching a bit more TV that usual and turning to other sources of entertainment while I try to stay home and stay safe.

  1. Trickster
    This series on CBC Gem is simply amazing and I’m so happy friends recommended it. You can also read the book that the show is based on – Son of a Trickster.
  2. The Crown
    This Netflix series is… AMAZING.
  3. The Weakest Link
    The return of this show to CTV has me watching every week.
  4. All Rise
    Another CTV series, it is in its second season; All Rise features a state judge who is a person of colour.
  5. Transplant
    Yet another CTV series, this show is set in Toronto and is about a refugee doctor and the staff at his fictional hospital.
  6. Cityline
    There are so many cool hints & tips that there should be enough fun things to try during the holidays.
  7. Family Feud Canada
    Another show from CBC Gem, Canadian contestants take on the surveys and what they say!
  8. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
    This retro series from Amazon’s Prime Video is a must watch! If you already have Amazon’s Prime benefits such as free shipping, you can watch this at no additional cost!
  9. Schitts Creek
    This CBC series has won so many awards I’ve lost track of them all.
  10. The Politician & Vikings
    The Politician is a Netflix series featuring the main character at different points in their political career. Vikings comes from Canada’s History channel and I could not stop watching it!
    Honourable motion: Nailed It!
    If you like baking shows, this isn’t for you. This is for those who have tried stuff and failed. It’s glorious!

Of course there is always a good book or two to be tried out.

  1. Peace Talks
    This book by author Jim Butcher in The Dresden Files series was released this past summer.
  2. Midnight Sun
    The latest book from Twilight author Stephanie Meyer. It reverses the gender of our protagonists from the first Twilight novel.
  3. Furies of Calderon
    Another book from author Jim Butcher, it’s the first book in the Codex Alera series.
  4. Son of a Trickster
    This book by Canadian Indigenous author Eden Robinson is the basis for the CBC series, Trickster.
  5. The Handmaid’s Tale
    This classic book by Canadian author Margaret Atwood puts a spin on a far-right North American country.

Of course not every issue is solved with a diversion of entertainment. If you are having a mental health crisis, I urge you to reach out to ConnexOntario & Telehealth Ontario.

This article was written by J2DW CEO Peter V. Tretter.

Don’t Leave Home!

“If you’re cold I’ll keep you warm
If you’re low just hold on
‘Cause I will be your safety
Oh don’t leave home”
~ Don’t Leave Home, Dido

During this time of a global pandemic with COVID-19, I encourage and implore you to… PLEASE STAY HOME.

Just today I was reading about a backyard party in Brampton with 20 people and no physical distancing. There is no better way to distance physically than to STAY AT HOME!

To the 75% of Canadians who are not self-isolating for 14 days after returning from vacation abroad I say: ARE YOU DUMBER THAN A FIFTH GRADER? (“75% of returning travellers bypassing mandatory quarantine: Study,” 2020) You are putting your friends, family, and community at risk by not doing the one thing we’re all asking you to do. STAY HOME.

In Brampton, the fine for not physical distancing is between $20K – $100K. In Ontario the OPP advise people could face a fine of $750 for not following public health orders. (“Coronavirus: Provinces say fines, arrests face people who don’t distance, self-isolate,” 2020) Nationally, the penalty is up to a $750,000 and six months in jail.

So let’s be respectful of our neighbours, especially those with compromised immune systems, and stay home when we absolutely do not have to go out, and further, self-isolate if we’ve just returned from a trip outside of Canada. And while you’re staying at home, be sure to support our local merchants! Especially for those that are paying for their employees to stay home should they need to self-isolate.

References

Yuen, J (2020, March 30) 75% of returning travellers bypassing mandatory quarantine: Study, Toronto Sun Retrieved from https://torontosun.com/news/national/75-of-travellers-returing-to-canada-have-visited-a-grocery-story-bypassing-mandatory-quarantine

Valiante, G (2020, March 21) Coronavirus: Provinces say fines, arrests face people who don’t distance, self-isolate, Global News Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/6713438/canada-coronavirus-self-isolation-fines-arrests

This article was written by J2DW CEO Peter V. Tretter and edited by volunteer editor Brandon Amyot.

2020 Search for Speakers

In May Journey to Diversity Workplaces will be holding our virtual Annual General Meeting on Google Meet!

We’re looking for one, maybe two people to deliver a 20 – 40 minute speech around workplace safety and/or workplace diversity.

This gig pays nothing but we’re happy to promote you in our materials both promoting the meeting and separately.

If you’re interested, apply below!

National Do Not Call List (Canada)

To limit the number of telemarketing calls you receive, you (or a person you authorize to act on your behalf) can register your phone, mobile and fax numbers on the National Do Not Call List.

Ways to register:

    Online at www.LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca
    By phone at 1 866 580- DNCL (3625)
    Via TTY device at 1 888 362-5889
    By faxing your fax number to 1 888 362-5329
    There is no charge to register your number(s) on the National Do Not Call List.

Your number(s) will remain on the National Do Not Call List indefinitely.

Letter to the President & CEO of Walmart Canada

12 June 2019

Lee Tappenden, President & CEO

Wal-Mart Canada Corp.

1940 Argentia Road

Mississauga, ON L5N 1P9

Dear Mr. Tappenden,

Recently, it came to our attention Walmart Canada made policy changes greatly affecting your employees, disabled customers, and First Nations customers.

I was visiting your South Barrie store the other day when I discovered it no longer had express checkouts. Instead, I had the option to use the job-stealing self-checkouts or wait in line at one of the beer-toting checkouts. Either had me behind other customers with carts full of stuff vs my three items I was purchasing.

The problem, Mr. Tappenden, is that I have a hidden disability. Waiting in line can actually be unsafe for me, especially as of late due to tiring quickly, there is no where I can wait while the three to ten people in front of me take more than ten minutes each to pay for their purchases.

I further worry for your First Nations and People of Colour customers who may not feel safe in your stores. Who may only come in for two or three things and then quickly leave, now, your new policy forces them to stay longer with no visible security present. Your staff is inadequately trained for this. A First Nations youth shoved into the shelf of an over-crowded aisle might be seen as an “accident” instead of the assault that was intended by the perpetrator.

Your South Barrie store was difficult to navigate as your normally wide primary aisles were crowded in the middle with stock or other items making it difficult to get around.

As a result of this situation, we would like:

  1. The restoration of (at a minimum 3) express checkouts at all Walmart stores in Canada.
  2. Your aisles clear so as to minimize safety issues for your customers.
  3. All staff trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED.
  4. All Walmart stores in Canada equipped with an AED.
    1. All staff informed of its location.
  5. Assistance for customers with disabilities, visible or hidden.

Regards,

 

Peter V. Tretter

President & CEO

Journey to Diversity Workplaces

A Canadian federal employee’s guide to PIPEDA

A Canadian federal employee’s guide to PIPEDA

First, let’s quickly overview PIPEA: What is it?

The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, also known as PIPEDA, is a law passed by the Parliament of Canada respecting privacy for the private sector and applies to personal information collected during the course of commercial activities. (Wikipedia contributors, 2018)

What employers have to work within PIPEDA??

Any employer who falls under federal jurisdiction in the Constitution of Canada.

Those areas being:

  • banks (but not provincial credit unions).
  • marine shipping, ferry and port services.
  • air transportation, including airports, aerodromes and airlines.
  • railway and road transportation that involves crossing provincial or international borders.
  • canals, pipelines, tunnels and bridges (crossing provincial borders).
  • telephone, telegraph, and cable systems.
  • radio and television broadcasting.
  • grain elevators, feed and seed mills.
  • uranium mining and processing.
  • businesses dealing with the protection of fisheries as a natural resource.
  • many First Nation activities.
  • most federal Crown corporations.
  • private businesses necessary to the operation of a federal act. (Government of Canada, 2018)

Specific employers include but are not limited to:

Government of Canada and most federal Crown corporations such as Canada Post, Banks (Bank of Montreal, RBC, Scotiabank, Tangerine), Airlines (Air Canada, Porter, Westjet), and Phone and cable companies (Bell Canada, Rogers, Telus), for examples.

What are federal employers’ obligations under PIPEDA?

  • obtain consent when they collect, use, or disclose their personal information;
  • supply an individual with a product or a service even if they refuse consent for the collection, use or disclosure of your personal information unless that information is essential to the transaction;
  • collect information by fair and lawful means; and
  • have personal information policies that are clear, understandable and readily available. (Wikipedia contributors, 2018)

What are federal employees’ rights under PIPEDA?

PIPEDA gives employees the right to:

  • know why an organization collects, uses or discloses their personal information;
  • expect an organization to collect, use or disclose their personal information reasonably and appropriately, and not use the information for any purpose other than that to which they have consented;
  • know who in the organization is responsible for protecting their personal information;
  • expect an organization to protect their personal information by taking appropriate security measures;
  • expect the personal information an organization holds about them to be accurate, complete and up-to-date;
  • obtain access to their personal information and ask for corrections if necessary; and
  • complain about how an organization handles their personal information if they feel their privacy rights have not been respected. (Wikipedia contributors, 2018)

As a federal employee, how can I access my private human resources file?

Ask! Or send a written letter to your organization’s Chief Privacy Officer or whichever officer is in charge of the company’s privacy policy. Details on who that person is will be available from your employer.

“Ordinarily, it should cost you little or nothing to gain access to your personal information. The law requires an organization to respond to your request at minimal or no cost to you.” (Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, 2016)

References

Government of Canada. (2018, November 9). Federally Regulated Businesses and Industries. Retrieved 29 March 2019, from https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/employment-equity/regulated-industries.html.

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. (2016, September 12). Accessing your personal information. Retrieved 29 March 2019, from https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/privacy-topics/access-to-personal-information/accessing-your-personal-information/.

Wikipedia contributors. (2018, November 13). Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 29 March 2019, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Personal_Information_Protection_and_Electronic_Documents_Act&oldid=868668286.

This article was written by J2DW CEO Peter V. Tretter

Letter to the Mayor of the City of Barrie

Backgrounder information

Councillors vote to reprimand Keenan Aylwin, following Integrity Commissioner report
Aylwin faces reprimand for breaching Barrie council’s code of conduct

Letter to the Mayor of the City of Barrie

1 June 2019

Jeff Lehman, Mayor
City of Barrie
70 Collier St. P.O. Box 400
Barrie, ON L4M 4T5

Your Worship,

We are writing to you today concerning Suzanne Craig, the City of Barrie’s “Integrity Commissioner” and her report to City Council regarding Councillor Keenan Aylwin.

We are greatly concerned that the report could potentially be influenced by her own biases and this could potentially be in violation of the Ontario Human Rights Act.

We come to this conclusion as she seems to ignore the fact that the complainant is an elected Member of Parliament for the Conservative Party of Canada. A party that has publicly supported positions in violation of the Ontario Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms of which the City of Barrie and its elected Council are required by law to uphold. This is a biased individual whom should be treated with “kid gloves” and any complaint treated as suspect. Mr. Brassard is taking the most extreme and unreasonable interpretation of Mr. Aylwin’s post.

As a result we request that Ms. Craig be placed on unpaid administrative leave while her intentions and biases are investigated by her immediate superior.

Sincerely yours,

Peter V. Tretter
President & CEO
Journey to Diversity Workplaces