May 12, 2022 | International
Small actions can make a big difference. Canadians can help protect plants by:
knowing about and reporting unusual insects, invasive plants or plant diseases to the CFIA through inspection.canada.ca/pests or social media or via apps like iNaturalist and EDDmaps
buying and burning only local or heat-treated firewood to reduce the spread of the emerald ash borer and other pests that hide in firewood
checking trees, campers, equipment and items stored outside to remove insects and egg masses
removing soil from footwear, gear and equipment before packing up so as not to move pests
encouraging kids to be plant health heroes through fun and interactive youth activity booklets
making sure that seeds, plants, plant products (whether decorative or for consumption) or organisms (for example, insects) they bring into Canada or send to other countries meet the import requirements of the destination country—the CFIA can help, check with the CFIA first
getting involved with the #PlantHealth and #PlantHealthDay conversations on social media to raise awareness about plant protection
Some of the CFIA’s pests of concern include the following:
Emerald ash borer has spread to parts of five provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba) and has killed millions of ash trees across North America. If you see it outside of these provinces, report it to your local CFIA office.
Hemlock woolly adelgid is threatening hemlock trees in Nova Scotia and parts of Ontario. Survey activities for this pest are ongoing, and measures are in place to contain it. Report all sightings outside of British Columbia to the CFIA.
Oak wilt is established in the United States and is a risk to oak trees across Canada. Birds, storms or untreated firewood could potentially bring it to Canada. Report all sightings.
Spotted lanternfly is not known to exist in Canada but was added to the regulated pest list in 2018 in an effort to prevent its introduction from infested areas in the United States and elsewhere. Report all sightings.
Japanese beetle is established in most parts of the country where it can survive – but not British Columbia. The CFIA, the Cities of Vancouver and Burnaby and the Province of British Columbia are actively working to eradicate it so it doesn’t become established there. Report suspected sightings in British Columbia to your local CFIA office.
Box tree moth was detected in Toronto in August 2018 by a citizen scientist. The CFIA is working with the Province of Ontario and other organizations to stop its spread. Report all sightings or any feeding damage on boxwood outside of the Greater Toronto Area and Niagara region.
Asian longhorned beetle was eradicated from the cities of Mississauga and Toronto in Ontario after five years of surveys with no detection of this plant pest. National detection surveys are ongoing, so report all sightings to your local CFIA office.
Spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar or LDD moth) is established in many areas east of the Manitoba–Ontario border. If you find it outside the regulated area, including in Newfoundland and Labrador or western Canada, report it to the CFIA.
Japanese stiltgrass grows and spreads quickly because it produces so many seeds. It was first reported in southern Ontario in 2019 and can dominate entire habitats and displace nesting sites for birds and other wildlife. If you spot it, report it to the CFIA.
Kudzu is one of the world’s most invasive plants and was found in southern Ontario in 2009. It takes over quickly, reduces biodiversity and causes significant productivity losses to the forestry industry.
Learn more and get the full details on these invasive insects, plants and other plant pests.
Related product
News release: Canada recognizes and supports the first International Day of Plant Health
Marianne Dandurand
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
marianne.dandurand@agr.gc.ca
343-541-9229
Apr 29, 2022 | International
On April 28, 2022, the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada and Chairperson of the Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) together with the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
On April 28, 2022, the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of Canada and Chairperson of the Canadian Judicial Council (CJC), together with the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). Aimed at reinforcing judicial independence and clarifying roles and responsibilities, the MOUs help provide Canadians with access to an accountable justice system that responds to their needs.
MOU on Judicial Governance
This MOU recognizes that the principle of judicial independence includes the independence of the CJC in fulfilling its mandate to serve the public. It also advances transparency by setting out key provisions relating to funding requests and the essential role of the CJC in the appointment of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs, who is responsible for supporting the CJC’s daily operations.
The MOU ensures the CJC is consulted in the selection of the Commissioner by setting out certain elements that will be carried out before and during the selection process, including:
a selection committee that includes the Chair of the CJC or his or her designate;
selection criteria developed by the committee, respecting the requirements for the position;
use of a notice of opportunity and other selection tools approved by the selection committee;
recommendation of qualified candidates to the Minister by the selection committee; and
a commitment by the Minister not to recommend the appointment of candidates who, in the opinion of the CJC, are unsuitable to the position.
The MOU also ensures the CJC determines its incremental funding needs and works in consultation with the Office of the Commissioner to prepare the necessary submissions and that the Minister accepts to submit these, on behalf of the CJC, to the Minister of Finance, without alteration, for the latter’s consideration and ultimate determination.
It will further ensure the CJC continues to have the best tools to fulfill its mandate of promoting the efficiency, uniformity, and the improvement of judicial service in all superior courts in Canada.
MOU on Judicial Education
This MOU helps clarify roles and responsibilities in ensuring the professional excellence of the judiciary while respecting judicial independence and the separation of powers. It is designed to advance the interests of Canadians by recognizing how the CJC and the federal government should engage with one another on the subject of judicial education.
The MOU also affirms, in keeping with the requirements of judicial independence, that the education that judges receive following their appointment to the bench must be controlled by the judiciary itself, free from outside influence or interference. As such, the MOU recognizes that:
the CJC is the appropriate national institution to determine the content of introductory and ongoing judicial education for superior court judges following their appointment to the bench;
the CJC is the appropriate national institution to administer this judicial education through judge-led agencies and/or other judge-approved organizations;
the CJC is transparent and accountable to Canadians in sharing information about the continuing education received by judges; and
the Minister of Justice will consult proactively with the CJC on any initiatives that impact judicial education.
By ensuring that judges receive important information and training on subjects such as sexual assault law, systemic racism and systemic discrimination, social context and the factors that may affect individuals’ engagement with the justice system, judicial education keeps pace with social needs and preserves public confidence in the administration of justice.
Coming into Force
The MOU on judicial governance and the MOU on judicial education come into effect the date they are signed.
Apr 27, 2022 | International
The Union Training and Innovation Program provides $25M annually to support union-based apprenticeship training, innovation and enhanced partnerships in the Red Seal trades. It has two streams of funding. Stream 1, Investments in Training Equipment, provides unions with up to 50% of the cost of new, up-to-date equipment and materials that meet industry standards or investments in new technology in the Red Seal trades. Stream 2, Innovation in Apprenticeship, provides support for innovative approaches and enhanced partnerships to address long-standing challenges limiting apprenticeship outcomes in Canada.
The Union Training and Innovation Program provides $25M annually to support union-based apprenticeship training, innovation and enhanced partnerships in the Red Seal trades. It has two streams of funding. Stream 1, Investments in Training Equipment, provides unions with up to 50% of the cost of new, up-to-date equipment and materials that meet industry standards or investments in new technology in the Red Seal trades. Stream 2, Innovation in Apprenticeship, provides support for innovative approaches and enhanced partnerships to address long-standing challenges limiting apprenticeship outcomes in Canada.
List of organizations that received funding under the 2021 UTIP Call for Proposals:Organization: The Piping Industry Apprenticeship Board
Title: Inclusion in the trades from upgrading to Red Seal Certification
Description: Project seeks to remove accessibility barriers and promote entry into trades by offering hands on training for those working within the Plumbing and Pipefitting industry.
Region: British Columbia (Delta)
Funding Amount: $265,284
Organization: Electrical Joint Training Committee
Title: Training For Future Green Jobs In The Electrical Sector
Description: Project seeks to train those in the electrical trade industry on wind generating energy technologies.
Region: British Columbia (Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam)
Funding Amount: $49,988
Organization: International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
Title: Boilermaker Telehandler Training Project
Description: Project seeks to improve available training offered for workers within the Boilermaker trade industry.
Region: British Columbia (Langley)
Funding Amount: $122,360
Organization: International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115 Training Association
Title: IUOETA strategy to support Red Seal certification
Description: Project seeks to upgrade training materials/courses offered for Mobile Crane Operators.
Region: British Columbia (Burnaby)
Funding Amount: $996,355
Organization: Operation Engineers Local 955 Training Trust Fund
Title: Investment in Equipment
Description: Project seeks to update training technologies and create a virtual learning environment in the heavy equipment and mobile crane trade industry.
Region: Alberta (Edmonton)
Funding Amount: $454,785
Organization: Insulators Training Trust Fund of Alberta
Title: Insulator’s Training Trust Tools and Materials for Training Center
Description: Project seeks to alleviate costs associated with training for those within the Insulator trade industry.
Region: Alberta (Edmonton)
Funding Amount: $24,391
Organization: Skilled Trades Training Inc.
Title: Calgary Red Seal Tower Crane Education
Description: This project seeks to address labour shortages for Towers Crane Operators.
Region: Alberta (Calgary)
Funding Amount: $828,785
Organization: Alberta Ironworkers Apprenticeship & Training Fund
Title: Ironworker Green Components Analysis
Description: This project seeks to address new industry standards and labour shortages in the Ironworkers trade industry.
Region: Alberta (Edmonton)
Funding Amount: $77,080
Organization: LABOURERS LOCAL 625 TRAINING TRUST
Title: ON TARGET
Description: This project seeks to address new industry standards for GPS Surveying technology in the Labourers trade industry by providing courses.
Region: Ontario (Windsor-Tecumseh)
Funding Amount: $65,548
Organization: United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners
Title: Reaching Remote Communities Program
Description: This project seeks to address labour shortages and increase on-site training opportunities for workers in the carpentry trade industry.
Region: Ontario (Nickel Belt)
Funding Amount: $25,913
Organization: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers L.U.115
Title: IBEW LU115 Training Modules and Tools
Description: This project seeks to update training materials and offer courses for workers within the electrical trade industry.
Region: Ontario (Kingston and the Islands)
Funding Amount: $49,445
Organization: 850676 Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local 47
Title: Safety Training Equipment for SMART Local 47
Description: This project seeks to address safety training on Suspended Work Access Platform Installation and Operation (Swing Stages) for the Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation industries.
Region: Ontario (Ottawa)
Funding Amount: $129,888
Organization: 850676 Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local 47
Title: Equipment for Local 47’s Sheet Metal and Roofing Lab
Description: This project seeks to address labour shortages and meet new COVID-19 protocols within training facilities for the Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation industries located in Ottawa.
Region: Ontario (Ottawa)
Funding Amount: $126,486
Organization: United Association Local 527 Joint Training
Title: UA Local 527 JTC Pipe Fabrication and Technology Upgrade
Description: This project seeks to improve available training offered for workers with upgraded materials within the piping trade industry.
Region: Ontario (Waterloo)
Funding Amount: $64,750
Organization: Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario
Title: Investments in Training Equipment
Description: This project seeks to improve available training offered for workers within the Painters and Allied Trades industry.
Region: Ontario (Ancaster)
Funding Amount: $56,804
Organization: LiUNA Local 183 Training and Rehabilitation Fund
Title: Training Equipment Modernization Project
Description: Project seeks to address labour shortages due to COVID-19 within the labourers’ trade industry.
Region: Ontario (York Centre)
Funding Amount: $227,640
Organization: Labourers Local 1089 (1985) Training and Rehabilitation Trust Fund
Title: Training Equipment for a Greener Future
Description: This project seeks to increase on-site training opportunities with updated equipment for general labourers.
Region: Ontario (Remote locations within First Nations Communicates near Sarnia)
Funding Amount: $140,587
Organization: International Association of Bridge Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers Local #765
Title: Equipment Upgrades and Training Expansion Project
Description: Project seeks to meet new industry standards for Ironworkers.
Region: Ontario (Metcalfe)
Funding Amount: $88,047
Organization: Carpenters and Joiners Local 494
Title: Infectious Control Risk Assessment for Carpenters (I.C.R.A.C)
Description: This project seeks to address new infectious Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) standards for workers in the carpentry trade industry.
Region: Ontario (Southern Ontario)
Funding Amount: $8,726
Organization: Atlantic Canada Regional Council of Carpenters, Millwrights and Allied Workers
Title: ACRC Drywall and Formwork Training Initiative
Description: This project seeks to address the labour shortages within the Carpentry trade from five regions in Atlantic Canada by offering courses in Drywall and Formwork installation.
Region: Atlantic Canada (five regions)
Funding Amount: $992,399
Organization: Skilled Trades Training Inc.
Title: Newfoundland Red Seal Tower Crane Education
Description: This project seeks to address labour shortages for Towers Crane Operators.
Region: Newfoundland (Mount Pearl)
Funding Amount: $1,160,299
Organization: United Association of Journeypersons and Apprentices of Plumbing and Pipefitting
Title: Controlled Bolting, Machining Tools and Related Equipment
Description: This project seeks to address new industry standards for workers in the pipe and welding trade industry.
Region: Newfoundland (Mount Pearl)
Funding Amount: $48,277
Apr 26, 2022 | International
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which is the Government of Canada’s commitment to help young people—particularly those facing barriers to employment—get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to transition successfully into the labour market. CSJ is delivered by Employment and Social Development Canada.
Program overviewCanada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which is the Government of Canada’s commitment to help young people—particularly those facing barriers to employment—get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to transition successfully into the labour market. CSJ is delivered by Employment and Social Development Canada.
The program provides wage subsidies to private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, not-for-profit organizations, and public sector organizations to create quality summer work experiences for young people between the ages of 15 and 30. CSJ provides them with opportunities to develop and improve their skills. It also responds to national and local priorities and improves access to the labour market for youth.
CSJ 2022 youth hiring periodThe hiring period for CSJ 2022 is underway and will run until July 24, 2022. More than 140,000 job placements that matter to young people and to our communities will be posted on the Job Bank website and mobile app, and will be updated on a regular basis. We encourage young people to keep checking for updates on placements available in their communities.
Important remindersThe safety of young people is paramount. To be eligible to receive CSJ funding, employers must be able to provide a job placement in a safe work environment. In the current context of COVID-19, employers are responsible to stay informed about provincial and territorial guidance on essential services and municipal, provincial, territorial and federal public health information.
In addition to guidance published by municipal, provincial and territorial governments, the federal government has published the following resources to support employers and employees:
Managing your business during COVID-19
Reducing COVID-19 risk in community settings: A tool for operators
National priorities for CSJ 2022
To help persons with disabilities obtain employment, and to encourage employers to hire them under this program, employers may be eligible for additional funding to remove barriers in the workplace for young people with disabilities. This additional funding may be used for personal tools and adaptations that the employee requires to accomplish tasks.
The national priorities for this year will support projects that reach young people facing barriers to employment and jobs in small businesses and the not-for-profit sector, specifically:
youth who are early leavers of high school and not in employment, education or training;
Black and other racialized youth;
youth with disabilities;
Indigenous youth; and
small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that self-report as having leadership from groups that are under-represented in the labour market.
Eligibility criteria
Employers:
Eligible Canadian employers are from the not-for-profit, public and private sectors. Private sector employers must have 50 or fewer full-time employees across Canada to be eligible (full-time employees are those working 30 hours or more per week).
***The employer application period is now closed for CSJ 2022. Employers interested in applying for CSJ funding next year are encouraged to open an account on the secure Grants and Contributions Online Services portal.
Ineligible projects and job activitiesIneligible Canadian employers include members of the House of Commons and the Senate, federal government departments and agencies, and provincial departments and agencies.
Otherwise, projects and job activities are ineligible if they:
have activities that take place outside of Canada;
include activities that contribute to the provision of a personal service to the employer;
involve partisan political activities;
involve fundraising activities to cover salary costs for the youth participant;
restrict access to programs, services, or employment, or otherwise discriminate, contrary to applicable laws, on the basis of prohibited grounds, including sex, genetic characteristics, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, colour, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression;
advocate intolerance, discrimination and/or prejudice; or
actively work to undermine or restrict a woman’s access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Feb 26, 2022 | International
Today, Canada launched a matching fund of up to $10 million that will amplify support from Canadians and reinforce the response of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as it addresses the humanitarian needs stemming from the recent escalation of hostilities in Ukraine.
Today, Canada launched a matching fund of up to $10 million that will amplify support from Canadians and reinforce the response of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as it addresses the humanitarian needs stemming from the recent escalation of hostilities in Ukraine.
In addition to this funding, on January 26, 2022, Canada announced that it would provide an additional $15 million in humanitarian funding to Ukraine.
The additional $15 million in humanitarian funding has been allocated to experienced humanitarian partners, including the UN’s Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The funding will support the provision of protection assistance, emergency health services, water, sanitation, shelter and food.
