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Algonquin College launches free training program for women new to Canada

OTTAWA (June 26, 2023) – Algonquin College is announcing a free training program for women newcomers to Canada. The Skills for Success program is open to new Canadians seeking to upgrade their skills for entry level office administration roles. Participants must reside within the National Capital Region, hold a valid SIN and have emigrated to Canada within the last five years.

Supported through funding provided by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the pilot program offers entry dates in Fall 2023 and Winter 2024. Up to 50 students per session will attend 20 hours of training per week for 11 weeks at Algonquin College’s Ottawa Campus, where they will learn skills in communication, math and digital technology. Program graduates will be well prepared for an administrative career in customer service, data-entry, human resources and accounting.

Continue reading Algonquin College launches free training program for women new to Canada


Algonquin College students awarded PCL Constructors DARE6 bursaries

Ten Algonquin College students have been awarded a $2,000 PCL Constructors DARE6 Bursary. PCL’s partnership with Algonquin College benefits the local construction company on many fronts.

Paul Knowles, Vice President and District Manager of PCL Constructors’ Ottawa office, says it means a lot to him to also be able to give back and connect with today’s learners. He points to the growing association with Indigenous learners as just one of those special relationships. Continue reading Algonquin College students awarded PCL Constructors DARE6 bursaries


Special Air Quality Statement 

Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for the regions encompassing Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth with the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) being in the high-risk category due to wildfire smoke. 

You can find the latest Environment Canada statements at the links below:

Ottawa – Ottawa, Ontario – Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) – Environment Canada (weather.gc.ca)

Perth – Alerts for: Smiths Falls – Perth – Eastern Lanark County – Environment Canada (weather.gc.ca)

Pembroke – Alerts for: Petawawa – Pembroke – Cobden – Environment Canada (weather.gc.ca)

Township of Greater Madawaska (west of Ottawa) – Information Release – June 6 – (greatermadawaska.com)

Continue reading Special Air Quality Statement


Wendy Jocko awarded honorary degree from Algonquin College

In the span of a lifetime people wear many hats. In her long, distinguished andheadshot of convocation honoree Wendy Jocko on a dark green background varied career Wendy Jocko has worn a hard hat, a helmet and a headdress. The former chief of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, Jocko, 63 will be donning a ceremonial mortarboard this June when she is awarded an honorary degree from Algonquin College at its 2023 Spring Convocation. Continue reading Wendy Jocko awarded honorary degree from Algonquin College


James Taggart to receive honorary degree from Algonquin College 

James (Jim) Taggart is a builder. In his 81 years, he’s been part of a successfulheadshot of convocation honoree James Taggart on a dark green background business, a large family, and many lasting relationships and connections throughout the Ottawa region. The father of three and grandfather of six is retired but still holds the title of Chairman of the Taggart Group of companies. He also chairs occasional meetings and goes into the office to keep himself appraised of the many endeavors his family, including Taggart Construction Limited, Doran Contractors Limited, Taggart Realty Management, Tartan Homes, Tamarack Homes and the Taggart Parkes Foundation.  Continue reading James Taggart to receive honorary degree from Algonquin College 


Elizabeth Manley to receive honorary degree from Algonquin College

Being a four-time World Cup champion, two-time U.S. Open champion figureheadshot of Elizabeth Manley on a dark green background skater, Manley spent much of her life testing her limits, pushing past her breaking points and navigating the often complicated and challenging world of sport. Today, she uses her experience to compassionately support others in their life’s pursuits. Continue reading Elizabeth Manley to receive honorary degree from Algonquin College


John Stewart on learning from the past to benefit the future

For nearly 40 years, John Stewart has served as a pillar of the Perth community, a close friend of Algonquin College and a widely respected authority on heritage conservation. His commitment to history and the preservation of the past have led to the revitalization of countless historical sites both locally and beyond. Continue reading John Stewart on learning from the past to benefit the future


Deirdre Freiheit to receive honorary degree from Algonquin College

While mom is her favourite role, Deirdre Freiheit leads one of Ottawa’s largestheadshot of convocation honoree Deirdre Freiheit on dark green background with convocation logo organizations for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are precariously housed. As the president and chief executive officer of Shepherds of Good Hope and the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation, Freiheit strives to ensure appropriate services and housing options are available to adults with complex needs who are experiencing homelessness in our community. Continue reading Deirdre Freiheit to receive honorary degree from Algonquin College


Mark Barnes on respect, compassion and the future of healthcare

When it comes to serious issues like mental health and substance abuse, Markheadshot of convocation honoree Mark Barnes on dark green background with convocation logo Barnes believes a little respect can go a long way.

The owner of the Ottawa-based Respect RX pharmacy, Barnes has made a career out of challenging the biases surrounding drug misuse and mental health issues. With compassion, understanding and care, he has spent years working in overdose prevention and harm reduction amid Canada’s ongoing opioid crisis. Continue reading Mark Barnes on respect, compassion and the future of healthcare


Ontario Learn and Stay Grant now open for applications at Algonquin College

OTTAWA (May 16, 2023) – The Ontario government has announced that applications for the new Learn and Stay Grant — a provincial effort to incentivize study in various medical careers — are now open.

Learners who are entering their first year of study in nursing at Algonquin College’s Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth campuses will be eligible for the grant, which will include full funding for tuition, books and other educational costs like school supplies. Upon graduation from their program, learners who received the grant will be required to work in the region of their education for at least six months per year of funded study.

This agreement will serve to strengthen Algonquin College’s contributions to the healthcare system of Eastern Ontario and beyond while also providing a significant financial incentive for learners. The College’s various nursing programs offer exceptional lab facilities and high-quality instructors, which will give future students the skills needed to thrive in the regional healthcare field.

To be eligible for the grant, a student must be an Ontario resident and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person. The grant is currently only available to students who are entering their first year and is open until 60 days before the end of their study period. Students will also be able to apply to the Ontario Student Assistance Program to help pay for additional costs related to their education, such as rent and other living expenses.

“This new Learn and Stay Grant offers a wonderful opportunity for both our learners and the prosperity of Ontario,” said Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé. “This gives us the unique opportunity to help strengthen the province’s healthcare services while also giving us a new tool in our mission to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success.”

Application details and additional information can be found on the Learn and Stay webpage.