Business Manager, Supervisors and Business Reps visit jobsites across Ontario

Written by Local 793 Staff

Business Manager Mike Gallagher and Toronto Area Supervisor Dave Turple paid a visit to working Local 793 members on Monday as part of a province-wide effort by all Area Supervisors and Business Representatives to service jobsites, speak to members and see how they are doing. “If members are working, I want our reps out there making sure you’re okay,” Gallagher told a group of Local 793 members working at a GFL site at Weston Road and Finch Avenue in Toronto. “And that includes me,” he added. “I can’t be Business […]

Business Manager Mike Gallagher and Toronto Area Supervisor Dave Turple paid a visit to working Local 793 members on Monday as part of a province-wide effort by all Area Supervisors and Business Representatives to service jobsites, speak to members and see how they are doing.

“If members are working, I want our reps out there making sure you’re okay,” Gallagher told a group of Local 793 members working at a GFL site at Weston Road and Finch Avenue in Toronto.

“And that includes me,” he added. “I can’t be Business Manager of this organization by hiding in my house. I want to get out and see our guys and make sure they are safe. We know how difficult these circumstances are for you and your families.”

Watch a video of the jobsite visit HERE.

Monday’s jobsite visits across the province happened just hours before Ontario Premier Doug Ford ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses in the province to help deal with the spread of COVID-19.

The order comes into effective Tuesday, March 24 at 11:59 p.m. and will be in place for at least 14 days.

The government released the list of businesses it considers essential, including construction projects. Various project types will be able to continue to operate as essential services, including:

  • Construction projects and services associated with the healthcare sector, including new facilities, expansions, renovations and conversion of spaces that could be repurposed for health care space.
  • Construction projects and services required to ensure safe and reliable operations of critical provincial infrastructure, including transit, transportation, energy and justice sectors beyond the day-to-day maintenance.
  • Construction work and services, including demolition services, in the industrial, commercial, institutional and residential sectors.
  • Construction work and services that supports health and safety environmental rehabilitation projects.

Various forms of mining were also deemed as essential services, including:

  • Mining operations, production and processing.
  • Mineral exploration and development.
  • Mining Supply and Services that support supply chains in the mining industry including maintenance of operations, health and safety.
  • Businesses that provide chemicals and gases to support the natural resource sector analytical labs and drinking water and wastewater sectors and other essential businesses.
  • Businesses that ensure global continuity of supply of forestry products (e.g. lumber, pulp, paper, wood fuel, etc.).
  • Businesses that ensure global continuity of supply of aggregates to support critical infrastructure repairs and emergency response requirements (e.g. sandbags, armour stone barriers, etc.).
  • Businesses that ensure global continuity of supply of petroleum and petroleum by-products.

For complete list of Ontario’s essential services, click here.

Amid reports of unsanitary, crowded conditions at some construction sites, Business Manager Gallagher had advice for members concerned about their safety.

“I will never stand in front of you and say I want you to go to work if it’s not safe to work. Not a chance. I will never jeopardize our members health and safety.

“If you don’t feel safe, don’t work.”

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talking 3 guys Mike and Dave from GLF in trailer IMG_5153 IMG_5149 IMG_5143 IMG_5139 IMG_5137 IMG_1601 IMG_1603 IMG_1599 IMG_1600 IMG_1598 IMG_1597 IMG_1595 IMG_1587 IMG_1586 IMG_1585 IMG_4351 IMG_4344 IMG_4346 IMG_1024 IMG_1023 IMG_1021 IMG_1864 IMG_0774

Letter from Business Manager Mike Gallagher to Toronto Mayor Tory

Written by Local 793 Staff

Office of the Mayor City Hall, 2nd Floor 100 Queen St., W. Toronto, ON M5H 2N2 Dear Mayor Tory, I am the Business Manager of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, and I am writing to you to express my profound disappointment with the City of Toronto’s Chief Engineer Michael D’ Andrea’s letter to General Contractors, which has been forwarded to my attention. In his letter, Mr. D’Andrea advises that contractors emphasize on deadlines and suggested that contractors breach collective agreement obligations in order to adhere to […]

Office of the Mayor
City Hall, 2nd Floor
100 Queen St., W.
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

Dear Mayor Tory,

I am the Business Manager of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, and I am writing to you to express my profound disappointment with the City of Toronto’s Chief Engineer Michael D’ Andrea’s letter to General Contractors, which has been forwarded to my attention.

In his letter, Mr. D’Andrea advises that contractors emphasize on deadlines and suggested that contractors breach collective agreement obligations in order to adhere to contract schedules.

Dated March 20, 2020, Mr. D’Andrea wrote:

“The City considers the management of existing contracts a priority …. It is the expectation of the City that contractors abide by the terms and conditions of the contract, which includes adherence to contract schedules … We expect general contractors to make best efforts to mitigate any delays and losses as these issues arise by seeking alternative sources of labour … “

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is completely unacceptable. It is an insult that Mr. D’Andrea would take such a cavalier attitude of disrespect to our hard-working members during this public health crisis.

While many people are working from home, as directed by the federal government, members of IUOE Local 793 and LiUNA are working hard on construction jobsites under difficult circumstance. They should not be made to fear that they will lose their job to non-union individuals; individuals who would be forced to work in unsafe conditions without the proper training or personal protective equipment that our signatory contractors and unions provide.

We object to the complete disregard of workers’ health and safety and the disrespect to the members of LIUNA and IUOE Local 793 that was exhibited in Mr. D’Andrea’s callous and arrogant letter. We demand it be retracted and made clear that workers’ health and safety will be the city’s number one priority.

In these unprecedented circumstances, our membership and our contractors deserve praise on behalf of the City for their efforts and for risking their health in a pandemic. As Mayor, I hope you are able to rise to the occasion and acknowledge our memberships’ dedication.

Yours truly,
Mike Gallagher, Local 793 Business Manager
IUOE International Vice-President

CC:
Mr. Patrick Dillon, Business Manager – Provincial Building Trades Council of Ontario
Mr. James St. John, Business Manager – Central Ontario Building Trades
Mr. Jack Oliveira, Business Manager – LiUNA Local 183 & LiUNA OPDC
Mr. Carmen Principato, Business Manager – LiUNA Local 506
Mr. Joseph Mancinelli, Labourers International Vice President
Mr. Michael D’Andrea, Chief Engineer – City of Toronto

A Message from General President James T. Callahan: We Remain Open for Business

Written by Local 793 Staff

We sincerely hope you and your families are staying safe during this unprecedented time. On behalf of the General Executive Board, please know our thoughts are with you and your loved ones, and with all who have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Rest assured, the officers and staff of the International Union and our various pension and health and welfare funds continue to work on behalf of all IUOE members. We have successfully transitioned our departments and benefit funds to work remotely and will maintain continuity of service […]

We sincerely hope you and your families are staying safe during this unprecedented time. On behalf of the General Executive Board, please know our thoughts are with you and your loved ones, and with all who have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Rest assured, the officers and staff of the International Union and our various pension and health and welfare funds continue to work on behalf of all IUOE members. We have successfully transitioned our departments and benefit funds to work remotely and will maintain continuity of service throughout this crisis.

We know it is a stressful and uncertain time. We know that our two nations will be forever changed in the coming weeks and months. Nevertheless, we also believe strongly that our union will continue to thrive and serve all of our active and retired members for generations to come.

We will continue to update this website with information important to IUOE members and their families.

In Solidarity,
James T. Callahan
General President

Brian E. Hickey
General Secretary Treasurer

Local 793 supports Building Trades on Advisor for Construction Workplaces in Ontario

Written by Local 793 Staff

Message from Mike Gallagher, Business Manager of IUOE Local 793 IUOE Local 793 supports the Building Trades on their Advisory for Construction Workplaces in Ontario letter (see letter below). A prolonged shutdown would have a negative impact on members’ benefits, pension and training funds, as they rely on contributions to be able to administer and provide the level of benefits we currently enjoy. While a short ‘pause’ could be managed, any shutdown of our industry without corresponding government support of pension, benefits and training funds would inevitably lead to reduced […]

Message from Mike Gallagher, Business Manager of IUOE Local 793

IUOE Local 793 supports the Building Trades on their Advisory for Construction Workplaces in Ontario letter (see letter below). A prolonged shutdown would have a negative impact on members’ benefits, pension and training funds, as they rely on contributions to be able to administer and provide the level of benefits we currently enjoy.

While a short ‘pause’ could be managed, any shutdown of our industry without corresponding government support of pension, benefits and training funds would inevitably lead to reduced benefits and training delivery.

Our members’ health and safety are our first priority, and employers and the Ministry of Labour need to step up and enforce safe workplaces and best practices.

Also, no member should be disciplined or prevented to being recalled due to the COVID-19 virus or the disruption by school and daycare closures or sick family members. Our members want to work and are known for their exceptional attendance record in normal circumstances. So long as contractors are respectful of the health of our membership and take reasonable measures such as social distancing and good hygiene, then members are prepared to go to work.

On the same token, members should not be disciplined if they have an ill family member, if they themselves are ill, or they are in quarantine or self-isolating on the recommendation of their family physician.

Fraternally Yours,
Mike Gallagher
Business Manager, IUOE Local 793

COVID-19 ADVISORY FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKPLACES IN ONTARIO
March 20, 2020

With the ever-evolving situation concerning the Coronavirus also known as COVID-19, we are advising that construction worksites in the province of Ontario remain open and that the appropriate preventative measures be implemented and enforced on every construction worksite in the province. Accordingly, the Construction Employers Coordinating Council of Ontario (CECCO), the Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA), the Construction and Design Alliance of Ontario (CDAO), and the Provincial Building & Construction Trades Council of Ontario (PBCTCO) call on the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to enhance its Enforcement activities to ensure compliance with the requirements outlined below. To date, COVID-19 has been characterized as a pandemic worldwide. Below is a list of symptoms that may appear:

· fever
· cough / sore throat
· difficulty breathing / fatigue
· muscle aches / headaches
· runny nose
· diarrhea

In response to the construction industry’s questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, the following are preventative steps everyone should be taking now:

· If you are feeling sick, do not go to work or if you’re at work and feel sick, go home
· Don’t shake hands when greeting others.
· Try to stay three to six feet away from others in gatherings, meetings, and training sessions.
· Avoid contact with sick people.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
· Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol.
· It is especially important to wash hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Construction industry employers should also:

· Stagger work breaks (including lunch) to ensure social distancing in the workplace.
· Provide access to soap and running water on all jobsites for frequent handwashing.
· Provide the appropriate hand sanitizer when soap and running water are impossible.
· Plan for office staff to have the ability to work from home.

This contagion is understandably consuming Ontarians’ attention and we are trying to monitor the situation as closely as we can. In the interest of the well-being of the construction workforce and the Ontario population in general, the decision to shut down (or not to shut down) the construction industry will be guided by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health in consultation with the appropriate government authorities, construction employers, and the Building Trades Council.

Notice to Members and Students from OETIO

Written by Local 793 Staff

All Members & Students, Please be advised that, effective immediately, the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) will be closed until further notice, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, to date, no OETIO staff have tested positive for the virus. However, as always, the health and welfare of all staff, students and members will continue to be our top priority as the situation continues to evolve. To this end, OETIO is taking every possible precaution to prevent future infection and spread occurring. Thus, after careful consideration of the […]

All Members & Students,

Please be advised that, effective immediately, the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) will be closed until further notice, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fortunately, to date, no OETIO staff have tested positive for the virus. However, as always, the health and welfare of all staff, students and members will continue to be our top priority as the situation continues to evolve. To this end, OETIO is taking every possible precaution to prevent future infection and spread occurring.

Thus, after careful consideration of the recommendations received from public health officials, all OETIO training has been halted until such time as it is deemed safe to resume normal operations in accordance with governmental mandates and public health directives.

The current COVID-19 pandemic remains fluid, as do the recommendations from public health officials, which are updated frequently as available information surrounding the virus evolves.

As such, OETIO shall diligently monitor the situation and provide frequent operational updates as information changes. A formal announcement shall be released in the event OETIO reopens and resumes normal training programs, however until such announcement is released, OETIO shall remain closed for the protection of staff, students and members alike.

Thank you for your understanding regarding these ongoing closures.

On behalf of OETIO, we wish you and your family continued health.

Sincerely,
Joe Dowdall
Executive Director
Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO)

Message on behalf of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario

Written by Local 793 Staff

Initial Guidance on COVID-19 To date, COVID-19 has been characterized as a pandemic worldwide. In response to the construction industry’s questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, the following are steps everyone should be taking now: If you are feeling sick, do not go to work. Don’t shake hands when greeting others. Try to stay three to six feet away from others in gatherings, meetings, and training sessions. Avoid contact with sick people. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Clean your hands often by washing them with soap […]

Initial Guidance on COVID-19

To date, COVID-19 has been characterized as a pandemic worldwide. In response to the construction industry’s questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, the following are steps everyone should be taking now:

  • If you are feeling sick, do not go to work.
  • Don’t shake hands when greeting others.
  • Try to stay three to six feet away from others in gatherings, meetings, and training sessions.
  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
  • It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Construction industry employers should also:

  • Stagger work breaks (including lunch) to ensure social distancing in the workplace.
  • Provide soap and running water on all jobsites for frequent handwashing.
  • Provide hand sanitizer when soap and running water are impossible.
  • Plan for office staff to have the ability to work from home.

The Federal Government has made the following changes to the employment insurance program, waiving the mandatory one-week waiting period, making it easier for workers who self-isolate or quarantine, to apply for support immediately.

“Provide support to workers in quarantine or who have been directed to self-isolate who will claim Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits by waiving the mandatory one-week waiting period so they can be paid for the first week of their claim. We are exploring additional measures to support other affected Canadians, including income support for those who are not eligible for EI sickness benefits.”

Special guidance for travel:

Individuals at high risk for complications from COVID-19 should follow the current CDC’s guidance:

  • Currently, older adults and persons with underlying health conditions are considered to be at increased risk for severe illness and complications from COVID-19. Learn more here.
  • There are several active travel health notices for COVID-19, to see these and learn more about travel during this time, click here.

We will continue to monitor this situation and do our best to keep you up to date.

Stay up to date by following Health Canada here:

Health Canada COVID-19 Updates

Local 793 Offices Closed Until Further Notice

Written by Local 793 Staff

Please be advised that IUOE Local 793 offices will be closed until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, IUOE Local 793 is taking every precaution to protect the health and welfare of its membership and staff. To this end, essential services such as Dispatch, Remittances, and Pension and Benefits will continue to operate in an effort to provide continued service to the membership. Dispatch can be reached vis-à-vis your respective area representatives and clearance cards can be accessed online through […]

Please be advised that IUOE Local 793 offices will be closed until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, IUOE Local 793 is taking every precaution to protect the health and welfare of its membership and staff. To this end, essential services such as Dispatch, Remittances, and Pension and Benefits will continue to operate in an effort to provide continued service to the membership. Dispatch can be reached vis-à-vis your respective area representatives and clearance cards can be accessed online through the IUOE Local 793 member portal.

For health and safety reasons, and in accordance with social distancing recommendations during the outbreak, we ask that you do not visit any office locations until notified otherwise.

Should you require immediate assistance in the interim, please feel free to contact your local district office per the contact list below. If your call is not answered immediately, please leave a message with your name, phone number, and a brief summary of what you need help with. A Local 793 representative will call you back as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
Mike Gallagher
Business Manager

IUOE Local 793 District Office Contacts

Oakville (Head Office)
Phone: 905-469-9299
Toll Free: 1-877-793-4863
Barrie
Phone: 705-734-2494
Belleville
Phone: 613-968-3363
Cambridge
Phone: 519-621-6344
Hamilton
Phone: 905-544-1851
London
Phone: 519-652-2740
Nunavut
Phone: 905-469-9299
Toll Free: 1-877-793-4863
Oshawa
Phone: 905-720-0480
Ottawa
Phone: 613-228-1759
Sarnia
Phone: 519-337-2053
Sault Ste. Marie
Phone: 705-949-6860
St. Catharines
Phone: 905-227-8211
Sudbury
Phone: 705-675-8643
Thunder Bay
Phone: 807-344-7612
Timmins
Phone: 705-531-3119
Windsor
Phone: 519-250-8877

Ontario Enhanced Measures for COVID-19

Written by Local 793 Staff

Province Implementing Enhanced Measures to Protect Ontarians from COVID-1 Being prepared Although China remains the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak, more countries are reporting cases. Some countries may not have the capacity to detect or contain the disease. This means global efforts to stop the spread of the disease may not be enough to prevent a pandemic (global outbreak). At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada but this could change rapidly. There […]

Province Implementing Enhanced Measures to Protect Ontarians from COVID-1

Being prepared

Although China remains the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak, more countries are reporting cases. Some countries may not have the capacity to detect or contain the disease. This means global efforts to stop the spread of the disease may not be enough to prevent a pandemic (global outbreak).

At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada but this could change rapidly. There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians:

  • aged 65 and over
  • with compromised immune systems
  • with underlying medical conditions

While a COVID-19 outbreak is not unexpected in Canada, our public health system is prepared to respond. PHAC, along with provincial, territorial and community partners, continues to reassess the public health risk, based on the best available evidence as the situation evolves.

In order to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, everyone has a role to play. It takes more than governments and action from the health sector to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Each of us can help our country be prepared in the event of an emergency by understanding how coronavirus spreads and how to prevent illness.

For individuals

Canadians should continue to think ahead about the actions that they can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of any illness, especially respiratory infections.

Now and always during cold and flu season, stay home if you are sick. Encourage those you know are sick to stay home until they no longer have symptoms.

Since respiratory viruses, such as the one that causes COVID-19, are spread through contact, change how you greet one another. Instead of a handshake, a kiss or a hug, a friendly wave or elbow bump is less likely to expose you to respiratory viruses.

Practise frequent hand hygiene and coughing and sneezing etiquette. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as toys and door handles.

These are the most important ways that you can protect yourself and your family from respiratory illness, including COVID-19.

Make a plan
Fill your prescriptions
Stock up on essentials but avoid panic buying
How to care for those who are ill
Get reliable information
Communicate with family, friends and neighbours

For communities

Social distancing measures are a way to minimize COVID-19 transmission in the community. This means minimizing close contact with others during the peak of an outbreak. In addition to staying home when ill, we should plan for actions we can take if we need to reduce the spread of infection in places where we gather.

Some of the social distancing measures need extensive preparation, especially where large crowds are concerned. Community planners should prepare for:

  • interruptions in social supports
  • reduction in public services like transit and access to community centres
  • financial consequences from the reduction of services or cancelled events

Planners, administrators and employers must work together to put into effect community-based measures that will protect:

  • groups
  • employees
  • the general population
Avoiding crowds
Mass gatherings
Remote and isolated communities
For Indigenous communities

For schools and daycares

School and daycare measures can range from simple (like increasing distancing between desks) to more extensive (like closures).

Widespread school closures as a control measure tend to have a high economic and social cost. This is because school closures impact the many families that have one or both parents working outside of the home.

Public health measures for schools and daycare are intended to provide a safer school environment by encouraging:

  • personal protective measures
  • communication to teachers and parents
  • regularly cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects like door handles, toilets and toys

The following measures are alternatives to school or day care closures.

  • Restrict access to common areas.
  • Divide classes into smaller groups.
  • Cancel or postpone after-school events.
  • Increase desk distance between students.
  • Be flexible with attendance policies for students and staff.
  • Separate children on school busses by 2 metres where possible.
  • Cancel classes that bring students together from multiple classrooms.
  • Stagger the school schedule (lunch breaks and recess) to limit the number of students and children in attendance at one time.

For more information on guidance for schools and day cares, refer to Public Health Guidance for Schools (K-12) and Childcare Programs (COVID-19).

Visit this LINK to find out more.

Also, you can visit the News & Events Menu Tab above and select COVID-19 UPDATES for ongoing information.

For the safety of our members, Local 793 will not participate in the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Written by Local 793 Staff

Please be advised that I have made the difficult decision that Local 793 will not be participating in the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada, but this could change rapidly. All information coming from the experts indicates that this virus should be taken seriously, and we cannot take the risk of potentially exposing ourselves to this virus. While this decision is […]

Please be advised that I have made the difficult decision that Local 793 will not be participating in the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population in Canada, but this could change rapidly. All information coming from the experts indicates that this virus should be taken seriously, and we cannot take the risk of potentially exposing ourselves to this virus.

While this decision is disappointing, I am confident that it is the right one.

With kindest regards,
Mike Gallagher

Local 793 meets with the QIA (Qikiqtani Inuit Association)

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 met with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) at the OETIO Morrisburg campus on Monday, February 10th, 2020.   Business manager Mike Gallagher sat down with PJ Akeeagok, the president of the QIA, to speak on shared interests, and establish an amicable relationship going forward.   The meeting, organized by Carla St. Louis the Director of Marketing and Indigenous Affairs, had been long in coming. Prior to his visit, president Akeeagok was attending the Northern Lights Conference in Ottawa and recognized a good opportunity to tack on a site […]

Local 793 met with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) at the OETIO Morrisburg campus on Monday, February 10th, 2020.

 

Business manager Mike Gallagher sat down with PJ Akeeagok, the president of the QIA, to speak on shared interests, and establish an amicable relationship going forward.

 

The meeting, organized by Carla St. Louis the Director of Marketing and Indigenous Affairs, had been long in coming. Prior to his visit, president Akeeagok was attending the Northern Lights Conference in Ottawa and recognized a good opportunity to tack on a site visit to Morrisburg while eleven QIA students were there.

 

The Morrisburg campus is currently hosting and training these students in the 6-week Q-STEP heavy equipment program which consists of loader, haul truck and skid steer.

 

Also in attendance from the QIA was Q-Step Program Manager Romeyn Stevenson, and Director of Communication Sima Sahar Zerehi.

 

Additional members of Local 793 present at the meeting included Executive Director of OETIO and Vice President of IUOE Local 793 – Joe Dowdall, and Assistant Executive Director of OETIO and Area Supervisor of IUOE Local 793 Eastern Ontario – Rick Kerr.

 

Seen here from L to R wearing new OETIO hats is Romeyn Stevenson, PJ Akeeagok, Mike Gallagher, Joe Dowdall, and Rick Kerr.

 

 

The QIA is the Regional Inuit Association for the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut and represents 51 percent of Inuit living in the territory located in the Canadian Arctic. They are committed to advancing the rights and benefits of Qikiqtani Inuit through protecting and promoting their social, political, economic and cultural interests.

 

“It’s our job to take the holistic approach” said president Akeeagok. “We need to balance our economic goals with our environmental ones”.

 

Proper environmental assessments prior to any proposed projects are an important measure to ensure environmental sustainability. The QIA is committed to ensuring no commitments or decisions are made regarding the Qikiqtani region without conducting studies to evaluate the environmental impact and mitigate negative effects of potential projects.

 

Gallagher could empathize with the environmental concerns of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

 

“I’m not going to lie to you, we always like to see work go forward because it benefits our members.” He confessed. “But not without taking proper measures to preserve the natural environment. Sustainability holds importance to each of us”.

 

The QIA recently received $20 million in program funding from the federal government in atonement for systematic efforts to colonize Inuit of the Qikiqtaaluk region.

 

Akeeagok was eager to see the training facility in person as it serves an example of what can be accomplished with the appropriate allocation of government funding.

 

“We are really impressed with the facility and continue to receive great feedback from our youth about their time here” said Akeeagok.

 

Since the QIA youth joined the OETIO, ‘country food’ – a term for Inuktitut cultural meals – began being shipped to the facility on a regular basis, given that it is an important part of their diet.

 

“It is the little things you do for our youth that make all the difference in their time here” complimented Akeeagok.

 

Here’s a view of the snow covered training yard from the facility’s dining hall.

 

 

After a site tour led by Director of Marketing and Indigenous Affairs Carla St. Louis, Local 793 and the QIA had an opportunity to sit down with the eleven students as they shared about the communities they were from and their positive experience at OETIO.

 

“These are the times of my life that are the most memorable” remarked Patrick, one of the students, before looking over his shoulder at his fellow trainees.

 

Before leaving he scrawled the word ‘Tapiriit’ in pen on a napkin for Gallagher, which expresses the concept of ‘united’ in Inuktitut.

 

 

Local 793 was happy for this opportunity to connect with the QIA and learn a bit about their culture.

 

“I think it’s important we maintain communication like we are doing here today” said Gallagher.

 

In 2014, Local 793’s charter was expanded to include the entire Territory of Nunavut, as well as Baffin Island in Northern Canada. Local 793 and the OETIO have been training Inuit people from the Territory for several years now.

 

Pictured below is the eleven QIA students currently training in the Q-STEP heavy equipment program.