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Saturday, April 27, 2013

Federal Legislative Watch April 26

Federal Legislative Watch
April 26
Statutes of Canada

Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, ch. C-46, amended.
Canada Labour Code, R.S.C. 1985, ch. L-2, amended.
Income Tax Act, R.S.C. 1985 (5th Supp.), ch. 1, amended.
Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention Act, S.C. 2012, ch. 30, new.

Regulations of Canada

Income Tax Regulations, C.R.C., ch. 945, amended.
Employment Insurance Act, S.C. 1996, ch. 23, amended.
Canada Revenue Agency Act, S.C. 1999, ch. 17, amended.
Federal Law--Civil Law Harmonization Act, No. 1, S.C. 2001, ch. 4, amended.

Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, S.C. 2001, ch. 27, amended.
Federal Law-Civil Law Harmonization Act, No. 2, S.C. 2004, ch. 25, amended.
International Interests in Mobile Equipment (aircraft equipment) Act, S.C. 2005, ch. 3, amended.
Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Act, S.C. 2005, ch. 34, amended.
Canada National Parks Act, S.C. 2000, ch. 32, amended.
First Nations Goods and Services Tax Act, S.C. 2003, ch. 15, art. 67, amended.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Saskatchewan Community Literacy Fund (SCLF) provides up to $50,000 in one-time project funding

Saskatchewan Community Literacy Fund (SCLF)

The Saskatchewan Community Literacy Fund provides up to $50,000 in one-time project funding to organizations that provide support to families (through family literacy programs) and/or adults (through basic and/or workplace literacy programs).

All SCLF projects will:

  • Address identified community literacy needs;
  • Have short term results that provide longer term benefits;
  • Be three months to one year in length, with a definite beginning and end date;
  • Receive funding from the SCLF once; and
  • Not duplicate existing programs or services.

Projects that provide outcomes related to the following communities will receive priority for funding:

  • First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities;
  • Immigrants;
  • People with disabilities;
  • Working youth;
  • Young parents; and/or
  • Lone parents.

Family literacy projects will address the early years, from birth to entering the formal school system and will allow for the transfer of language and cultural knowledge.

Adult literacy projects will focus on basic literacy, employability skills and/or workplace literacy. The Circle of Learning (Saskatchewan Adult Literacy Benchmarks Levels 1 and 2) is the foundational document for all adult programming.

Complete information about the Saskatchewan Community Literacy Fund can be found in the 2013 SCLF Guidelines for applicants. Please note that applicants are required to submit a logic model that outlines the inputs, outputs and outcomes of the project.

A workshop for potential applicants to the Saskatchewan Community Literacy Fund will be held in Saskatoon on May 22, 2013. The workshop will provide information about the fund as well as support for outcomes-based planning and evaluation. Further information will be posted as it becomes available. Contact the Literacy Office by May 16, 2013 to pre-register.

For further information about the SCLF contact:

The Saskatchewan Literacy Network
saskliteracy@sk.literacy.ca
(306) 651-7288

The Literacy Office
saskliteracy@gov.sk.ca
(306) 787-2514

Application deadline is June 15, 2013
Send all applications electronically to the Saskatchewan Literacy Network
saskliteracy@sk.literacy.ca

 

http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/literacy/sclf

 

 

 

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Burt Award deadline is May 1

Burt Award deadline is May 1

The Burt Award for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Literature is given annually to three English-language literary works for young adults (aged 12 through 18) by First Nations, Métis or Inuit authors. Winning publishers will participate in a guaranteed book purchase and distribution program. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2013.

Canada Post Grants deadline May 12, 2013

Through various programs, Canada Post employees and retirees have devoted countless hours to initiatives that improve the lives of children. By raising both awareness and funds, Canada Post will support the volunteers, and local and national non-profit groups that work every day to deliver a brighter future for Canadian children.
 
 

Northern Farm Training Institute

Northern Farm Training Institute

The Northern Farm Training Institute is a new experiential school based in Hay River.

NFTI provides an opportunity for aspiring and active gardeners from across the NWT to travel to Hay River and participate in a series of training opportunities on established agricultural farms and community-based sites.

SMART: Workshops will be led by northern instructors and will include work experience on existing farms. Workshops are aligned with the stages of the growing cycle. Students learn, and then apply their skills according to seasonal progression.

INCLUSIVE: Students from isolated communities have equal opportunity to attend. Financial support is available for travel, accommodations and food expenses while on course.

FLEXIBLE: Workshops take place on weekends and students may apply for one or more workshop. After the completion of all seven workshops, students will receive a NFTI Certificate.

http://www.farmnwt.com/content/northern-farm-training-institute

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Status of Women Canada is launching a Call for Proposals for projects that will both increase economic security

What?

Status of Women Canada is launching a Call for Proposals for projects that will both increase economic security and promote prosperity for women in communities across Canada. All projects will include a number of predetermined elements, which organizations must address in their proposals.

Projects under this Call for Proposals fall into three thematic areas:

When?

The deadline for applications under this Call for Proposals is 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, May 31, 2013. All required documents must be provided at the time of submission. Please note that incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

How?

To get started, read:

 
 

HR Circle Check self-assessment tool launch

HR Circle Check self-assessment tool launch

OTTAWA, ON (April 22, 2013) - Trucking HR Canada has unveiled a free online tool that will help fleet managers analyze and improve human resources practices.

 

The HR Circle Check, now available at www.truckingHR.com, asks key questions about existing business strategies, and recommends specific tools to address related challenges.

 

"Every fleet will be familiar with the important role of circle checks in monitoring a truck's mechanical condition," said Tamara Miller, Trucking HR Canada's director - programs and services. "Our new HR Circle Check self-assessment tool offers a similar step-by-step process for analyzing the policies and procedures used to attract, train and retain the people who work with the trucks."

 

These business practices can have a significant financial impact. "It costs between $6,000 and $10,000 to recruit and train a new truck driver - and this is in addition to the business opportunities that are lost when qualified people cannot be found," Miller said as an example.

 

In just 15 minutes, managers using the HR Circle Check can create a high-level overview of business practices including:

  • Managing the business concerns related to human resources
  • Attracting qualified candidates
  • Managing the application process
  • Screening and assessing candidates
  • Hiring and orientation
  • Understanding retention and turnover
  • Mentoring new employees
  • Creating a high-performance workplace

Detailed HR Diagnostics explore the individual topics in further detail.

 

Many available solutions come in the form of templates for HR-related documents, training manuals or other support. Fleets can also use the results of the overviews to focus business planning efforts.

 

Improved human resources practices will become more important as the shortage of qualified drivers continues to grow, Miller added. A recent report published by the Conference Board of Canada, Understanding the Truck Driver Supply and Demand Gap and Its Implications for the Canadian Economy, highlights a projected shortage of between 25,000 and 33,000 drivers by 2020.

-30-

 

Trucking HR Canada is a national partnership-based organization that is dedicated to developing, sharing and promoting the trucking industry's best practices in human resources and training.

 

For further information, contact: 

Angela Splinter 

Chief Executive Officer 

info@truckingHR.com
613-244-4800 x 304

https://www.truckinghr.com/en/content/hr-circle-check-self-assessment-tool-launch

Friday, April 19, 2013

HR toolkit and welcoming workplaces

Need help with taxes

Community Volunteer Income Tax Program: Across Canada during each tax season, this CRA program offers free tax filing services for people with low incomes in collaboration with community centres and libraries.

Get Your Piece of The Money Pie: Launched by the Government of New Brunswick, this initiative aims to improve residents' awareness of the benefits and credits they may be missing out on; encourage residents to file their taxes; and increase the number of Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinics in the province. The Department of Social Development, The Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation, Canada Revenue Agency, New Brunswick Public Library System and Community Inclusion Networks are all working together to cross promote the benefits of filing taxes. As a result of this partnership, the number of Community Volunteer Income Tax clinics offered this year has increased by 80%.

The Benefits Navigator is an easy-to-use, online tool created by United Way of Calgary. It helps people identify municipal, provincial, and federal benefits and tax credits that they may be eligible for. It links users to information about each benefit, including eligibility criteria and application forms. This simple starting point could have a lot of value for both individuals and service providers.

Make Tax Time Pay in Edmonton and the Financial Advocacy Problem Solving program at St. Christopher House in Toronto are innovative and comprehensive services that are making a real difference in the lives of people living on low-incomes. These programs recognize that financial decisions – like whether or not to file an income tax return – are influenced by people's financial literacy, as well as other psychological, social, and institutional factors. Learn more on our latest CCFL blog.

http://www.theccfl.ca/CMSModules/Newsletters/CMSPages/GetNewsletterIssue.aspx?issueId=81#Theme



Call for proposals: Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women for advancing women in non-traditional occupations

Harper Government launches call for proposals to increase opportunities for women in non-traditional roles

EDMONTON, AB, April 19, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today called for projects that will increase opportunities for women in non-traditional roles, as part of a call for proposals to increase economic opportunities for women in Canada.
"Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Harper Government is committed to creating a strong economy for all Canadians, and women are key to Canada's economic success," said Minister Ambrose. "Through this call for proposals, we will empower more women to succeed and prosper in non-traditional jobs."
Call for proposals: Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women
The new call for proposals launched today by the Minister is entitled Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women. It will provide funding for innovative projects that support economic opportunities for Canadian women, including promising practices to increase the participation of women in non-traditional occupations.
Applications under this Call for Proposals for advancing women in non-traditional occupations will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on May 31, 2013. Eligible organizations must address a number of predetermined criteria in their responses. More information about this Call for Proposals is available at women.gc.ca.
This Call for Proposals Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women, will help communities create new economic opportunities for women in three thematic areas:
  1. Advancing Women in Non-Traditional Occupations: Projects will engage key stakeholders - institutions, employers, sector and professional organizations and communities, etc. - in sector-specific efforts to advance women in non-traditional occupations.
  2. Increasing Economic Options for Women: Projects will address institutional barriers and other factors that limit local efforts to advance the economic security and prosperity of women in communities across Canada.
  3. Improving Prosperity for Immigrant Women: Projects will address institutional barriers and other factors that limit the capacity of community organizations to respond to immigrant women's economic needs.
SOURCE: Status of Women Canada
http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1149405/harper-government-launches-call-for-proposals-to-increase-opportunities-for-women-in-non-traditional-roles

 http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/fun-fin/cfp-adp/2013-1/index-eng.html

List of Priority Occupations and Organizations Designated to Conduct Educational Credential Assessments for Federal Skilled Worker Program Released

While Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will not be accepting applications for the 24 eligible occupations until May 4, 2013, there are some new requirements that applicants can start preparing for, such as language tests and foreign educational credential assessments. The complete application process, featuring the new selection criteria, will be available on CIC's website by May 4, 2013.

All individuals who are considering applying on or after May 4 should be aware that if their application does not meet the new criteria, it will not be processed. A prospective applicant should ensure they meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • They have at least one year of continuous work experience in one of the 24 eligible occupations;
  • They have a qualifying offer of arranged employment (*note changes to the arranged employment process were previously published in this web notice); or
  • They are eligible to apply through the PhD stream.

If prospective applicants are confident that they meet at least one of the above requirements, they must also meet the minimum language threshold and obtain an educational credential assessment (if submitting a foreign educational credential).

Eligible occupations (with their corresponding 2011 National Occupation Classification code):

  • 0211 Engineering managers
  • 1112 Financial and investment analysts
  • 2113 Geoscientists and oceanographers
  • 2131 Civil engineers
  • 2132 Mechanical engineers
  • 2134 Chemical engineers
  • 2143 Mining engineers
  • 2144 Geological engineers
  • 2145 Petroleum engineers
  • 2146 Aerospace engineers
  • 2147 Computer engineers (except software engineers/designers)
  • 2154 Land surveyors
  • 2174 Computer programmers and interactive media developers
  • 2243 Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
  • 2263 Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety
  • 3141 Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
  • 3142 Physiotherapists
  • 3143 Occupational Therapists
  • 3211 Medical laboratory technologists
  • 3212 Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants
  • 3214 Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
  • 3215 Medical radiation technologists
  • 3216 Medical sonographers
  • 3217 Cardiology technicians and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified)

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/backgrounders/2013/2013-04-18.asp#list


Thursday, April 18, 2013

Raise a Reader grant call for proposals by Literacy Partners of Manitoba



Literacy Partners of Manitoba leads the way in increasing peoples’ awareness of the importance of literacy and essential skills in Manitoba: We work with communities to develop knowledge and expertise; showcase the best projects and people who help us in working with literacy; and build networks and form partnerships with stakeholders and individuals who are a part of the cause.

The Raise-a-Reader Fund
is an extension of Literacy Partners of Manitoba, which has been secured and supported by PostMedia and the Winnipeg Free Press. The Raise-a-Reader Fund goes towards organizations that are promoting, introducing and working with families in the area of literacy. This may include working in partnership with other organizations that work with families: parents and young children and multi-generational component is allowed. Literacy Partners of Manitoba is pleased to offer up to $3,000.00 per Family Literacy Program in the LPM year – July 1/2013 to June 30/2014.

Funds can be used for
:

• Facilitation costs (i.e. honorarium for family literacy program facilitator);

• Fees/costs for family literacy training;

• Resources for programming (i.e. books, crafts, material supplies);

• Support services (snacks-must be healthy snacks which would meet the Canada Food Guidelines,

• Transportation for participants, child care) and;

• Honoraria or salary for administrative support (not to exceed one/half of the total grant request of $3,000).

Book Clubs Can Inspire a Love of Reading

Book Clubs Can Inspire a Love of Reading

Reading for pleasure is a pastime enjoyed by many; however, adults with lower levels of literacy often only have books written for younger readers to choose from.

A wonderful example of how the pleasures of reading can include adult learners is the book club started by two volunteers at RECLAIM Literacy Council. Mystery enthusiasts Janet Willard and Grace Saabas both enjoyed talking about the books they read in book clubs. They decided to give RECLAIM learners an opportunity to relax with a book and read for pleasure outside the lesson format by starting a new book club. As fans of Louise Penny’s full-length novels, Willard and Saabas chose Penny’s The Hangman from the Good Reads selection for their inaugural book club title.
One RECLAIM learner who initially claimed he didn’t read fiction became interested in joining the club once he discovered that the book was a mystery. The characters and clues in the story caught the attention of the club participants right away, and kept them motivated to read to the end. Says Willard, “Grace and I both enjoyed seeing them come back each time and be so keen to guess what was going to happen next… the book club was a fun way to get more people reading.”
Although the participants ranged in ability level, it wasn’t a problem for the club. The most advanced reader who finished the book quickly and re-read it twice respected the club pace of three chapters every two weeks, and didn’t spoil any future events in the story for other members. The member with the most reading difficulties got help at home to keep up with the group, and enjoyed being able to discuss the latest developments and clues with the other club members at each meeting.
For other literacy providers interested in forming a book club for adult learners, Willard recommends carefully choosing a book with clear language that’s appropriate for all levels. The Good Reads books are accompanied by reading guides, which proved to be an invaluable tool for the book club organizers. Says Willard: “It got us talking about character, setting and plot and kept us focused so we didn’t go too far off tangent.”

http://newliteracies.ca/book-clubs-can-inspire-a-love-of-reading/

Just-in-Time Essential Skills Training Gives Students What They Need When They Need It

 

The Sabtuan Regional Vocational Training Centre (SRVTC ), Cree School Board is on a native reserve with 1400 inhabitants, and serves nine different communities. When Michael Lewis, Director of the SRVTC discovered that in a group of sixteen students starting a program, they were lucky to end with six to eight, he knew that applying the techniques he already knew would not result in the change he was looking for.
It became obvious that some students needed help “when they needed it.” If they didn’t get it they’d skip class or quit. By adopting a durable coaching model that involved asking powerful questions and listening to discover what was important to each student, Lewis got the students to speak about their long-term and personal goals, even identifying and dealing with emotionally overwhelming issues. In one case a young man said that because his dad let him down, he couldn’t finish school. Lewis encouraged him to deal with that issue. That student came as a dropout and left as a graduate.
The SRVTC uses TOWES to establish skills gaps, and then brings in an Essential Skills resource teacher after pre-testing. Lewis realized that using hockey terminology would resonate more with students, so he calls resource teachers “coaches” and tutoring sessions “clinics,” and refers to extra help as “skills enhancement.” Lewis saw the need to build in flexibility that allows a student to be taken out of class just in time to address an issue before the student develops problems. The coach provides encouragement and support, and builds independence for selfregulation.

http://newliteracies.ca/just-in-time-essential-skills-training-gives-students-what-they-need-when-they-need-it/

TD Financial Literacy Grant Fund

About the Fund
 
The TD Financial Literacy Grant Fund (the ‘Fund’), managed by Social and Enterprise Development Innovations (SEDI), is the first of its kind in Canada. The Fund provides grants to charitable or other non-profit organizations that serve low income and otherwise economically disadvantaged persons and groups in Canada to support and promote financial literacy.
The recent economic crisis has highlighted the need for people to be financially literate. Financial literacy programs provide money management tools and information on how and where to receive assistance as well as instill confidence in peoples’ ability to manage their finances.
 
Fund Objective
The TD Financial Literacy Grant Fund aims to increase accessibility to financial literacy education for people living in Canada who may normally be excluded from mainstream financial organizations, enabling them to develop skills, knowledge and confidence in financial issues.
The Fund will gather and disseminate the learnings that emerge from the best practices of projects supported through the Fund and will evaluate and communicate the impact of funded projects.
 

Financial Literacy Leader Act

Ottawa, March 27, 2013
2013-046

Harper Government Welcomes Royal Assent of the Financial Literacy Leader Act

Related Document:

The Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance), today welcomed the Royal Assent of Bill C-28, the Financial Literacy Leader Act. The Act provides for the appointment of a Financial Literacy Leader within the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) to strengthen the financial literacy of Canadians.
“Now that this important legislation has been passed, our Government will proceed with the selection and appointment of a Financial Literacy Leader who will exercise national leadership to strengthen the financial literacy of all Canadians,” said Minister Menzies.
The appointment of a Financial Literacy Leader delivers on a Budget 2011 commitment, and responds to the top recommendation of the Task Force on Financial Literacy, which published its final report in February 2011.
The Financial Literacy Leader’s mandate will be to collaborate and coordinate activities with stakeholders to contribute to and support initiatives that strengthen the financial literacy of Canadians. The Financial Literacy Leader Act sets out the duties, powers and functions of the Financial Literacy Leader to enable him or her to carry out these activities, and builds on the Harper Government’s ongoing initiatives to protect consumers.
“FCAC looks forward to welcoming a new leader, whose talents and energies will enhance and raise awareness of the many financial literacy initiatives at the national level,” said Ursula Menke, FCAC Commissioner. “This leadership, along with the additional resources allocated to support this work, will mean a better coordination of effort from all partners in the public, private and non-government sectors who are working to help Canadians increase their financial decision-making ability. It will allow the Government to broaden its efforts and help Canadians make informed choices for themselves and their families.”
“Financial decision-making is made even more complex by the variety of financial services and tools currently available to Canadian families. Our Government is committed to ensuring that Canadians across the country have access to clear and transparent information to make informed financial decisions,” said Minister Menzies.
The Government will begin the task of recruiting the Financial Literacy Leader in the coming weeks.

http://www.fin.gc.ca/n13/13-046-eng.asp

Monday, April 15, 2013

Call for Proposals: Literacy and Essential Skills deadline May 24, 2013

Call for Proposals: Literacy and Essential Skills

The Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES) invites eligible organizations to submit proposals to indicate their interest in being part of a pan-Canadian network (PCN) focused on improving the labour market outcomes of Canadians through strengthened literacy and essential skills (LES).

Apply Now: Deadline:
May 24, 2013 at 11:59 PM EST

The Government of Canada is currently accepting proposals from organizations interested in receiving financial assistance from OLES.

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/les/concepts/index.shtml

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Medical Association launches online health literacy course

Medical Association launches online health literacy course
 
Research in the past decade shows between 60% and 88% of Canadians have some difficulty understanding health information as they currently receive it. A new two-hour online course for Canadian Medical Association members introduces the concept of health literacy. It also helps them identify and address health literacy needs of patients and the barriers to patient understanding.
 
 

The TD Michaëlle Jean Bursaries funding for training and access to mentorship for young people aged 18-30, from underserved communities


The TD Michaëlle Jean Bursaries

The TD Michaëlle Jean Bursaries were created, through a joint initiative between TD Bank Group and the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, to provide funding for training and access to mentorship for young people aged 18-30, from underserved communities, who are using the arts as a tool to improve the quality of life in their communities.  Priority will be given to those who have specific action plans to share their learning and experience with others.

A maximum of 3 bursaries, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 will be awarded each year.

In order to be eligible you must:

  • Be between 18 and 30 years of age
  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Demonstrate experience of the impact of the arts in your underserved community/neighbourhood ("arts" are broadly defined to include all forms of creative expression)
  • Propose a new project or extension of an existing project that demonstrates using the arts as tools of social change in your underserved community
  • Have your project recommended by, and preferably supported by, a community association

How to apply:

Download the application form here and fully complete all sections of the application.
 

Friday, April 5, 2013

Mastercard Foundation

Our Vision

Opportunity for all to learn and prosper.

Our Mission

The MasterCard Foundation advances microfinance and youth learning to promote financial inclusion and prosperity in developing countries.

Our Values

Collaborate: We listen and respect diversity in people and ideas. We act ethically.
Innovate: We constantly challenge ourselves and others to be bold – to explore, test and create scalable solutions to poverty.
Achieve: We seek results and long-term impact. We set clear objectives, track performance and share learnings.

http://www.mastercardfdn.org/about-us/projects-at-a-glance

Albertasource.ca and the Heritage Community Foundation

Gifting of the Alberta Online Encyclopedia – Albertasource.ca – to the University of Alberta

 The Trustees and staff of the Heritage Community Foundation are delighted to announce that, effective June 1st, 2009,  the Foundation has gifted the Alberta Online Encyclopedia – Albertasource.ca – to the University of Alberta. This ensures that the Encyclopedia is maintained in perpetuity in service to Albertans, Canadians and all users of the World Wide Web. We are delighted that University Learning Services will make this amazing resource, which in 2008 received about 4 million site visits, available as part of their extensive print and digital library holdings. 

http://wayback.archive-it.org/2217/20101208160402/http://www.heritagecommunityfdn.org/training/edukits.html

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Vantage Point

Vantage Point offers leading-edge learning opportunities for not-for-profit executives and boards of directors throughout North America.

We focus on people first. Always. Because people, more than money, are the key to creating positive change in our communities.

We work with not-for-profit leaders to build strong organizations with excellent governance, leadership, planning and people practices. Our transformational model of people engagement allows organizations to attract, meaningfully engage and integrate the abundance of talent available in the community.

By mindfully engaging passionate citizens, we can stretch budgets and human resources much further; and ultimately create abundant not-for-profits.

http://www.thevantagepoint.ca/content/programs-and-events



Annie E. Casey Foundation

The Annie E. Casey Foundation is a private charitable organization, dedicated to helping build better futures for disadvantaged children in the United States. It was established in 1948 by Jim Casey, one of the founders of UPS, and his siblings, who named the Foundation in honor of their mother.

The primary mission of the Foundation is to foster public policies, human-service reforms, and community supports that more effectively meet the needs of today's vulnerable children and families. In pursuit of this goal, the Foundation makes grants that help states, cities and neighborhoods fashion more innovative, cost-effective responses to these needs. For a brief overview of our work, we offer a 2-page fact sheet.

Mission and History
Learn more about Annie E. Casey; our founder, Jim Casey; our ties to UPS; how the Foundation was created; and our goals.View our interactive timeline!

Grant Information
In general, the grant making of the Annie E. Casey Foundation is limited to initiatives in the United States that have significant potential to demonstrate innovative policy, service delivery, and community supports for disadvantaged children and families. Most grantees have been invited by the Foundation to participate in these projects.


http://www.aecf.org/AboutUs.aspx

National Volunteer Week (NVW) takes place April 21 to 27, 2013.

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible efforts of our volunteers. It takes place April 21 to 27, 2013.

We want to support organizations in their celebrations. NVW is fast approaching—let us give you a hand. Please visit the Campaign Kit section now to get all the tools you need to plan your local NVW campaign.

This year marks the 10th year we've delivered the NVW campaign in partnership with Investors Group, a longstanding supporter of NVW and Canada's corporate leader in volunteer recognition.

Volunteering is a part of who we are as Canadians. The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, calls Canada "a smart and caring nation." It's our dedication to community involvement that has given us that reputation at home and around the globe.

Volunteers strengthen our communities and make our country vibrant. Today, volunteers are involved in more ways than ever before. They complete tasks from smartphones while waiting at the bus stop. They sign and share petitions. They govern organizations as board members. They lead rescue efforts when disasters strike. Every day, Canadians lend a hand to their neighbours and friends. And many of them don't realize that in doing so they're volunteering.

National Volunteer Week is a chance to thank volunteers for all they do for us at home and around the world. NVW is all about taking time to recognize the tremendous impact of our incredible volunteers. Come on, Canada! Let's show them how much we appreciate their efforts.

http://volunteer.ca/content/national-volunteer-week


Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Each April 2, Autism Speaks celebrates Light It Up Blue


       Each April 2, Autism Speaks celebrates Light It Up Blue along with the international autism community, in commemoration of the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day. Light It Up Blue is a unique global initiative that kicks-off Autism Awareness Month and helps raise awareness about autism. In honor of this historic day, many iconic landmarks, hotels, sporting venues, concert halls, museums, bridges and retail stores are among the hundreds of thousands of homes and communities that take part to Light It Up Blue.

It's easy and fun to Light It Up Blue! Register your Light It Up Blue events today. Whether you're joining as an individual, or the manager of a building, store, school, cultural institution, restaurant, or media entity, you can pledge to Light It Up Blue and share your events.

 
 
Surrey Place Centre provides specialized clinical services that are responsive to individual need and promote health and well-being in the Toronto region. In addition to our direct service role, we facilitate system-wide access to information and supports. Our leadership in research, evaluation and education is directed toward advancing knowledge and practice in the field and building the capacity of service systems. As an organization we are committed to supporting the social inclusion of people with developmental disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorders.

Since 1966, we have expanded from a modest outpatient clinic to a modern, state-of-the-art facility, employing hundreds of highly skilled staff. Specialists from various disciplines work together to develop and carry out a customized service plan for clients, in order to meet the unique needs of each and every client.

We help children and adults living with developmental disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder reach their full potential. We offer a variety of groups and workshops for clients, families and caregivers, as well as extensive education and consultation services to community agencies. Our comprehensive programs and services range from assessment, diagnosis, and one-on-one treatment, to family counselling and group support, and it is all provided by a broad network of clinicians and professionals.

Clients may receive any combination of the following core services:

  • Applied Behaviour Analysis
  • Audiology
  • Behaviour Therapy
  • Counselling
  • Developmental Therapy
  • Intensive Behavioural Intervention
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Parent Training
  • Psychology
  • Service Coordination
  • Speech Language Pathology
 

Family Literacy Resources for New Parents by Natrel Baboo Agropur Coop

Family Literacy Resources for New Parents

Presented by:

*® Agropur coop

Literacy = Lifelong Learning

In our changing and dynamic world, strong literacy skills are essential.

Natrel Baboo and ABC Life Literacy Canada are committed to helping parents help their children reach their full potential. We have collaborated to create Family Literacy Resources for New Parents - fun activities to help families start their learning journeys. Together, we believe that better literacy leads to greater confidence - and that is good for us all.

Try these engaging activities with your children to help the entire family learn and grow together!

Downloadable family resources:

Online exclusive family resources:

Take it further:

10,000 copies of the Family Literacy Resources for New Parents will be distributed to learning and early literacy centres throughout Ontario. Following the Ontario pilot program, Family Literacy Resources for New Parents will be made available to families and learning centres in British Columbia and Quebec. More info.

http://abclifeliteracy.ca/family-literacy-resources-new-parents



Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Scholarships for aboriginal students


http://www.ammsa.com/content/alberta-scholarships

Apprenticeship Completion Grant by Service Canada

Apprenticeship Completion Grant

The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a taxable cash grant of $2,000 maximum available to registered apprentices who have successfully completed their apprenticeship training and obtained their journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade on or after January 1, 2009.

Eligibility information

The ACG is available to registered apprentices who meet the eligibility criteria.

Application information

All of the information and forms you need to apply are available at no charge on this Web site. Visit this page for information on how to apply.

Supporting document information

To complete your ACG application, you are required to submit supporting documents.

Dates and deadlines

Service Canada must receive your application including required supporting documents no later than June 30 of the calendar year following the date you completed your apprenticeship program and became certified in your trade. View the application deadline calendar.

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/apprenticeship/completiongrant/program.shtml



Book Giveaways: Gathering books from many sources

Book Giveaways

Gathering books from many sources

  • We have a partnership with the Saskatoon Public Library and they have donated children's books to us. The University of Saskatchewan has donated second hand books for our student parents. We give books as gifts for the children each Christmas. We have had a large number of second hand children's books donated to the program. We have been doing this for nine and a half years and now know which books are most popular (Lynn Cornish-Braun, Saskatoon Friends of Students and Kids)
  • Purchase them from fundraising, budgeted monies, First Nations support. (Irene Szabla, Child Development Centre)
  • Donated from Early Years Literacy and the Women's University Foundation (Cheryl Booth, Port Cares: CAPC Niagara Brighter Futures)
  • The Ontario Federation of Elementary School Teachers made a large donation. (Jan Inguanez, Gesundheit Fur Kinder)
  • We receive donated books from the RCMP's 'Adopt a Library' program. (Michelle Ward, Kids First Association)
  • Donations from organizations and churches. (Michelle Ward, Kids First Association)
  • Purchase from the dollar store (Jennifer Sells, Bruce and Grey Brighter Futures)
  • Donated by a teachers' group (Jennifer Sells, Bruce and Grey Brighter Futures)

Sometimes families living on low incomes are reluctant to borrow books for fear of them getting lost or torn. Recognizing this, and acknowledging the pure pleasure of having one's own books to revisit over and over again, book giveaways feature prominently in CAPC and CPNP projects. To get books into the hands of recipients, projects are, as usual, resourceful.

 

 

CAPC/CPNP project initiatives

Giving books to many families

  • Books are given to the students as gifts on parenting, relationships, self-esteem, lifeskills, cooking, recipes (Lynne Cornish-Braun, Saskatoon Friends of Students and Kids)
  • We use some of the books as prizes and an incentive to visit the centre (Cheryl Booth, Port Cares: CAPC Niagara Brighter Futures)
  • All participants receive books (Robin Hicken, Gesundheit Fur Kinder)
  • We let participants choose (Barb Desjardins, In A Good Way)
  • All participants receive books. The four and five year olds get different books than the two and three year olds, who get different books than the newborns (Cathy Leclaire, Kids Corp Family Resource Program)
  • Based on child development, a speech pathologist is used to determine the level of development of the child, and then the appropriate book to give them. (Irene Szabla, Child DevelopmentCentre)
  • We provide each child attending the program with a Literacy Backpack at the end of the schoolyear: this is filled with books, a stuffed animal reading buddy, information on how to access thelibrary, information on how to encourage literacy, crayons, pencils, etc. (Michelle Craig,Expanding Head Start in Edmonton)
  • We solicit donations of children's books which we ensure get into homes of families who could otherwise not afford them. (Robin Hicken, Gesundheit Fur Kinder)
  • Parents receive books when they attend daycare/preschool meetings (M. Matheson-Munro, Gameti Early Intervention)
  • We hold a "Books for Babies" group weekly that promotes reading with infants. Parents receive a free book each week for their child and a teddy bear and book bag at the end of the session. We also have an informal book exchange of books for adults and children that is available in the common area of our program. (Marg Mitchell, Otenwa Iyniuk/Ben Calf Robe Society)

Source: Language, Literacy and Healthy Development: The Work of CAPC and CPNP Projects, Pamela Nuttall Nason Pamela Ainsley Whitty, A Health Canada National Projects Fund Project Published by The University of New Brunswick, Great ideas for making health information accessible

http://www.nald.ca/library/learning/language/cover.htm