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Laurentian students and alumni hold Model Parliament in Canada’s capital

Laurentian students and alumni hold Model Parliament in Canada’s capital

More than 100 alumni and students participated in the parliamentary event, which was first held in 1992

January 29, 2024 - Since 1992, members of the Laurentian University community have been participating in a Model Parliament event held in Canada’s Parliament in the nation’s capital of Ottawa, but this year marks the just the fifth time the event has been organized by alumni of Laurentian University, and the first student/alumni hybrid event. On January 27th, a group of more than one hundred students, alumni, and donors continued the tradition by debating their bills in the Senate Chamber.

The unique opportunity offers a look into the inner workings of the Canadian federal parliament. The event was planned by an organizing committee made up of alumni, students and staff, and offered a packed schedule to attendees which included a tour of the Supreme Court of Canada, a full day in the Senate, and an evening banquet. 

“It’s difficult to imagine Laurentian University without Model Parliament. It is widely regarded as one of Laurentian’s most appealing assets. For almost half of its 63-year history, LU has given its students the opportunity to demonstrate their talents and practice their political acuity in this way. Over all these years, hundreds of students, faculty members, and public servants have devoted much time and talent to making Model Parliament happen. It is wonderful to find ourselves with a triumphal return to Ottawa with this hybrid student-Alumni Model Parliament,” said Dr. Rand Dyck, Chief Advisor and founder of the Model Parliament.

Addressing the Laurentian group at the banquet dinner that followed the parliamentary visit, Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University said, “there have been many model parliamentarians who have gone on to run for office, filled key roles within political campaigns, and worked in multiple levels of government. Through this experience over the years, students have learned about far more than parliamentary procedure–they have learned about themselves and have been genuinely inspired and transformed by this event.”

Model Parliament has seen participation from sitting politicians from Sudbury and many other ridings, cabinet ministers, former Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien, and Laurentian chancellors Madame Aline Chrétien and Steve Paikin. 

Dr. Embleton also thanked the organizing committee and remarked on the impressive impact that Model Parliament has had on students and faculty over the years. 

Model Parliament attendees pose for a group photo in the Senate Chamber

Student Spotlight: Anthony Zanetti

Student Spotlight: Anthony Zanetti

Laurentian student uses video games to study concentration and performance

(January 26, 2024) - Technological advancements are rapidly changing the way we interact with the world around us. Can we use advancements in wearable technology to improve performance in high-concentration activities? Anthony Zanetti, second year Masters of Psychology student at Laurentian University, is working to answer just that. 

Anthony didn’t always know he had a strong passion for studying the human brain. Born in Sudbury, Ontario, Anthony grew up in Copper Cliff and attended St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School. Right after high school, Anthony began a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Biology at Laurentian.

A couple years into the program, Anthony realized he did not want to go on to attend medical school, even though many of his classmates were planning to take that route. It was a psychology elective in third year that inspired Anthony to start thinking about different career options. After completing his undergrad, he enrolled in Laurentian’s Bachelor of Psychology program to pursue his second degree.

Now a graduate student, Anthony is enjoying his experience at Laurentian. “In my Masters, I noticed it isn’t just about lectures. We have actual conversations because it is a smaller group that allows for that dynamic,” Anthony says, reflecting on the evolution of his education journey. “There is continuous support from my professors. My supervisor, Dr. Blake Dotta, has been the most amazing support throughout the entire process in terms of motivating me and allowing for creative ideas and space. He has a wealth of knowledge in neuroscience and I received ample support from him along the way.”

Anthony explains his thesis involves a unique activity – video game play. “Through my research, I am looking to see if electromagnetic fields can be used to have neurological effects like improved focus, concentration, and attention for people,” Anthony explains. “The idea is that if performance is improving in these areas during video game play, the same might apply to studying, composing music, or playing sports, among other activities.” 

To conduct this research, Anthony had participants, who were mostly undergraduate Laurentian students, play the high concentration video game, Snake, with and without an electromagnetic field present. “An electromagnetic field is created when you run an electric charge through something conductive. For my study, Laurentian provided a device with two boxes, each containing a copper coil, that created an electromagnetic field as an electric charge moved through it,” explained Anthony. While participants played the video game, Anthony measured their performance and brain activity in areas responsible for concentration and focus. “When we looked at the results, we saw changes in regions of the brain that are associated with sustained attention, concentration, and focus in a way that suggests that the field was having beneficial effects in these areas.”

Now in the process of publishing his findings, Anthony is excited to be able to contribute to this area of research. He is hoping his results will help future innovators create wearable electromagnetic headpiece devices to boost concentration.

With his graduation fast approaching in summer 2024, Anthony is hoping to stay in Sudbury and practice as a Psychological Associate at Health Sciences North or a private practice. No matter what Anthony goes on to accomplish, his research has already made an impact and he will surely make a great practitioner. 
 

Laurentian University seeing consistent growth in domestic student applications

Laurentian University seeing consistent growth in domestic student applications

1st Choice Applications from Ontario High School students up by 16%

January 22, 2024 - Laurentian University is once again seeing an increase (+5.9%) in the number of applications from Ontario High School students. The Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) released their January report of application data for Ontario Universities and Laurentian University’s applications have increased in number and at a rate higher than the sector average (+5.0%).

“We are pleased that more students want to study at Laurentian and are selecting our university as their first choice,” said Dr. Brenda Brouwer, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic. “The investments we’ve made in faculty and staff renewal and introducing resources to enhance the student experience, is having an impact on positioning Laurentian as a destination of choice.”  

In addition to the increase in 1st Choice Applications, there are increases in all choices including a 12% increase in second choice. These increases in applications are in both on campus (+7%) and online degree (+23%) programs.

Importantly, Laurentian is seeing an increase in applications from all regions of the Province, with the most significant growth taking place in Northeastern Ontario +13%, Eastern Ontario +11%, Greater Toronto Area +10% and Central Ontario +7%. 

“We have focused recruitment efforts in the region and the province which has included many Ontario high school visits - we’re thrilled to see that the effort is paying off,” added Dr. Brouwer. “We’re confident that application trends will translate to increased enrolment. We're already seeing an increase in the number of domestic students who have confirmed their offers (+68%) relative to this time last year.” 

The University continues to accept applications for fall 2024 and interested students are encouraged to learn more about the 100+ programs available, including 34 offered in French. 
 

Five year funding agreement reached between Vale Base Metals and Laurentian University

Five year funding agreement reached between Vale Base Metals and Laurentian University

New agreement to support ongoing research at Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit

(Sudbury, Ontario) January 22, 2024 - Vale Base Metals has committed to a 5-year funding agreement with the Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit (CFEU) at the Vale Living with Lakes Centre, Laurentian University, in support of their long-term monitoring of Sudbury area ecosystems. The agreement includes a total contribution of $960,000 over 5 years.  


The Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit, housed within the Vale Living with Lakes Centre, is a unique partnership between Laurentian University, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). Since 1997, the scientists and students at the CFEU have been working with local mining companies (Vale, SINO Glencore) and government partners to assess the effectiveness of atmospheric emission reduction programs in recovering Sudbury area aquatic ecosystems and watersheds. 


“We’re very grateful to receive this funding from our long-term partners at Vale,” says Dr. Jackie Litzgus, Director of CFEU at the Vale Living with Lakes Centre. “This support will go a long way to foster research at Laurentian and to leverage additional support many times over.”


The work of the CFEU assists industry and government partners in measuring the success of their remedial and conservation actions, helping them set realistic targets for restoration. Vale has been a long-time staunch supporter of the CFEU, a team internationally recognized for its research in freshwater restoration. 


“Research of this caliber is critical to allow industry to make informed decisions on sustainability initiatives. Vale is proud to continue supporting this important partnership and is in keeping with our commitment to be a sustainable operator.” said Glen Watson, Senior Specialist in Sustainability at Vale. 

Creativity and Community Core Components of Architecture Career

Creativity and Community Core Components of Architecture Career

Two Northern Ontario Master of Architecture Alumni say the career is better than they could have imagined.

January 15, 2024 - When Laurentian University welcomed the inaugural class to the McEwen School of Architecture in 2013, Taylor Kreps was part of that cohort. Today she is a Project Architect at an architectural firm based in Sudbury. Alain Roy works at the same Northern Ontario firm as an Intern Architect. The road to becoming an architect is long but according to these two Laurentian alumni, it’s also full of rewarding experiences. 

To become a licensed architect, a person has to complete their undergraduate degree in Architectural Studies, their graduate degree in Architecture, and then complete a certain number of hours as an intern at an architecture firm. Throughout the entire process, the learning is hands-on. Students start working with materials in the shop in their first year of study. 

Taylor says that from the beginning, her values as an architect were being formed by her experience in the program. “Part of being a good architect is listening. Almost everything we did in the program at Laurentian was in groups or teams, always involving the community,” says Taylor. “It built my understanding of how to be an architect but also built my love of working with communities.” 

Alain Roy, just beginning his career having graduated from the Master of Architecture program in 2022, recently supported a project that involved designing an addition to the Louis-Riel Centre at College Boreal. “It’s a place where Indigenous students and community members can gather,” Alain explained. “The project has been a learning experience for me. It is currently being constructed and I have really enjoyed being a part of the design team from the start.”

Both Taylor and Alain are from Ontario and knew they wanted to be licensed here but more than that, they wanted their education to happen in the North because they love what the area has to offer. “Sudbury offers so much for architects. There are large scale commercial projects and intimate community-based projects all within this huge Northern Ontario geographical area,” says Taylor. “Having grown up in the north and in a small community, learning in this setting was a big factor in shaping my student experience.” The setting was a determining factor for Alain as well, “I wanted to stay in the North but most of all, I wanted to be able to study and practice in French. Now in my work, many of my colleagues are bilingual and I often work on projects that require bilingualism. It’s a core value for me.” 

Taylor, on the other hand, is four-years-in to her career and is starting to visualize what the future looks like for her. She loves the firm where she works and is hoping to take on leadership roles on projects. “I like design and I like exploring how to effectively serve the community with well-designed spaces. For example, I like working on healthcare projects because the final product really supports the needs of the community.” Taylor worked with a team on the emergency department addition at the Manitoulin Health Centre and cites that project as being a most fulfilling and favoured project for her. 

For future students considering the program, both Taylor and Alain agree that creativity, community, and hands-on learning are key to a well-rounded education. “We are taught to be crafts people. We understand detailing and we understand design. The education we received offered enough of a spectrum that students are prepared for any aspect of the field and can pick what they want the focus of their work to be,” said Taylor. Alain agrees, advising future students to “make the most of it and enjoy the creative freedom in school”. Both are as enthusiastic about their love of their career as they are for their love of their community. “This career is better than I ever expected. I love it.” 

School of Indigenous Relations Tenure Track Faculty Look Forward to Future at Laurentian

School of Indigenous Relations Tenure Track Faculty Look Forward to Future at Laurentian

Community, creativity, and kinship priorities for newly appointed tenure track profs

January 11, 2024 - Becoming a faculty member at Laurentian University is a dream realized for Adria Kurchina-Tyson, Nicole Wemigwans, and Sharlene Webkamigad. As their academic journeys evolve, so too do their dreams. With PhDs nearing completion, the professors are looking ahead at the ways they intend to make an impression on the Laurentian Community as newly appointed tenure-track faculty. 

Professor Adria Kurchina-Tyson grew up in Sudbury with roots in Shebahonaning and knew they always wanted to study in the community where they grew up. So when they decided to stay in academia as a researcher and professor, they knew it would be at Laurentian. Now they most look forward to working increasingly with masters students. “I have been consistently blown away by the masters students I work with at Laurentian. The students are brilliant and I’m so excited for the expansion and regrowth of Indigenous Relations in new courses.”  

Professor Nicole Wemigwans is from Serpent River First Nation and Wiikwemikoong Unceded Territory. She has worked extensively in community-based programs over the past decade, and is inspired by that work, her prized roles of mom and auntie, and her love of her community. Wemigwans looks forward to engaging with students and empowering them with culturally appropriate skills and knowledge that will help them be effective practitioners in their field. “I enjoy having discussions with future social workers to understand the work that they do within Indigenous communities. Through this discourse, I believe we can increase safety for our kin in Indigenous communities.” 

Professor Sharlene Webkamigad, originally from Wiikwemikoong Unceded Territory, has a passion for research that started back in 2004 when she began her undergrad. As a tenure-track professor, Webkamigad is eager to continue this important research and work collaboratively with students and colleagues. “Creative and alternative ways of learning were an integral part of my experience as a graduate student here at Laurentian. As a professor, I look forward to exploring the same methods in the courses I teach,” she says, “I’m excited to put proposals together on a national level and to collaborate on research that finds solutions to some of the structural barriers Indigenous peoples face when accessing culturally safe and holistic health care.”

The professors’ areas of academic focus vary, from gender and sexuality, to kinship and nation building, to nursing and healthcare but they are united in their passion for their communities and their drive to contribute to the future of Laurentian. “I want to be a part of and help contribute to the growth of Indigenous Studies and Indigenous faculty at Laurentian”, says Kurchina-Tyson. The professors have a shared belief that the continued inclusion of Indigenous and First Nations perspectives across programs is essential to the University’s identity and is inherently valuable to prospective faculty and students all over the world. 

What does it mean for these Indigenous and First Nations academics to teach at a school that prioritizes a tricultural mandate? “For me, it is everything. Being surrounded by a team of Indigenous staff and faculty is a strength,” says Webkamigad. She says that applying culturally safe principles to break down structural barriers in the healthcare field is an endeavor that can make a positive impact in communities everywhere. Kurchina-Tyson is enthusiastic about the invaluable integration of Indigeneity in academia at Laurentian saying, “Decolonization efforts are on the increase as a whole. There are Indigenous peoples all over the world and anti-colonial movements all over the world which makes the Indigenization at Laurentian alluring to folks all over the world. Laurentian has the unique opportunity to be a leader in decolonial scholarship.” 

Dr. Taima Moeke-Pickering, Interim Director, School of Indigenous Relations, says the professors’ passion for teaching, research, and culture fit right in at the school. “Professor Kurchina-Tyson, Dr. Wemigwans, and Professor Webkamigad bring an incredible wealth of experience with them to their roles. The addition of intelligent and dynamic Anishnaabe kweok and two-spirit folks as tenure-track faculty at Laurentian enriches the experiences of students, the quality of research, and the Laurentian community as a whole." 

Laurentian University Appoints Roxanne Bouchard to Board of Governors; Jean-Pierre (Jay) Barbeau Elected Vice-Chair

Laurentian University Appoints Roxanne Bouchard to Board of Governors; Jean-Pierre (Jay) Barbeau Elected Vice-Chair

New member brings experience in financial sector

(Sudbury, ON, January 9th, 2024) - Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Roxanne Bouchard CIM, CFP, CPA, to its Board of Governors and the election of Jean-Pierre (Jay) Barbeau as Vice-Chair. These decisions were unanimously approved by the Board, and both Bouchard and Barbeau will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles.

"We are pleased to welcome Roxanne Bouchard to the Board. Her background in the financial sector, multiple designations, francophone roots, and proven leadership makes her an exceptional addition. Jay’s appointment as Vice-Chair will also provide strong leadership to the Board as we move forward,” said ​​Vern Cameron, Chair of the Laurentian University Board of Governors.

"I am honored to join the Board of Governors at Laurentian University. As a proud graduate of the Faculty of Management, I look forward to contributing to the University’s governance as a way to give back to the community that was so influential to my development,” said Roxanne Bouchard. 

About Roxanne Bouchard
A highly accomplished bilingual leader with a focus on change management and executing business development strategies for aggressive asset growth and revenue. Currently serving as Vice President and Market Leader at BMO Private Wealth, Bouchard has demonstrated success in leading integrated teams of advisors, bankers, investment counselors, and trust officers. She has a proven track record of achieving financial objectives, fostering collaboration, and adapting to regulatory changes in the industry.

A graduate of Laurentian University's Faculty of Management, Bouchard's extensive experience includes leadership roles at BMO and Scotiabank, where she consistently drove results, implemented change management strategies, and recruited top-performing teams. Bouchard's commitment to community involvement is evident through her roles as Treasurer for the Ottawa Gatineau Youth Foundation and Board Chair for Seasons Centre for Grieving Children. 
 

Inaugural Leo Gerard Legacy Fund Lecture Series to begin in 2024

Inaugural Leo Gerard Legacy Fund Lecture Series to begin in 2024

Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) Proudly Hosting Series.

(January 5, 2024) - The Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) at Laurentian University proudly announces the first lecture to kick off the bi-annual Leo Gerard Legacy Fund Lecture Series. Dr. Katie Goggins (PhD, CCPE) will present the inaugural Lecture during CROSHCon2024: Occupational Illness Awareness, on January 19, 2024, as the keynote speaker of the conference. Additionally, the conference features nine student and researcher presentations raising awareness about occupational illness, with topics ranging from vibration and musculoskeletal disorders to heat illness and infectious disease at work. CROSHCon is presented online and is free for all to attend. 

Mr. Leo Gerard is well known internationally with accomplishments including the Companion of the Order of Canada, the United Steelworkers International President Emeritus, and helping to establish the BlueGreen Alliance coalition in the USA and Canada. Locally, his impact on the lives of people in his community is also indisputable. At Laurentian University and CROSH, Mr. Gerard has been a champion in building occupational health and safety training and research. He has Chaired the Advisory Board for CROSH since its inception in 2008, as well as co-chaired the Mirarco Advisory Board. He has raised thousands of dollars in research support funding and scholarships for students, and he has championed workplace health and safety, gender equality, decent pay, pensions, global labour rights and solidarity, and trade and social justice issues. As such, in partnership with USW Canada, the University created the Leo Gerard Legacy Fund to continue Mr. Gerard's impactful legacy by supporting lectures that align with his work on labour advocacy and occupational health and safety, as well as provide additional scholarship funding to support student training in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and labour studies. CROSH is honoured to organize and manage what will be a bi-annual lecture series in his name.

Nick Larochelle, President of the local USW 6500, explains, “The Leo Gerard Legacy Fund was established by the United Steelworkers of Canada to commemorate Leo Gerard’s lifelong commitment to fighting for working families and labour rights worldwide. The USW is committed to developing the next generation of labour leaders and providing the tools, training and opportunity they will need to succeed; the investment provided for this fund aims to support these aspirations.”

Dr. Katie Goggins was selected as the inaugural speaker for this series because she represents many of the ideals Mr. Gerard has advocated for. Dr. Goggins is a leader in occupational vibration exposure research globally. She conducts research projects working directly with industries and workers, helping them solve their workplace problems. She was born and trained in Sudbury, and as such, exemplifies the talent that is developed at Laurentian, which benefits industries and workers in Northern Ontario. Her keynote will address Occupational Vibration-Induced Injury and Disease.

"It is an honour to present the inaugural Leo Gerard Legacy Fund Keynote Lecture. By sharing the impact of occupational vibrations on worker health and well-being, reviewing control strategies for whole-body and hand-transmitted vibration, and providing an update on leading-edge research on foot-transmitted vibration, I hope to improve the understanding of these critical factors affecting workers in Northern Ontario and around the world. My aim is to not only shed light on potential health risks but also to explore innovative solutions that can enhance workplace safety and contribute to the ongoing legacy of Leo Gerard," said Dr. Goggins. 

Dr. Sandra Dorman, Director and researcher at CROSH, has worked alongside Mr. Gerard for years to improve the health and safety of northern Ontario workers. Dr. Dorman says, "CROSH and Laurentian owe a lot to Leo; he strongly believed that an OHS research centre was needed in Northern Ontario, and through his support, we were able to make CROSH a reality, with an annual investment from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. We are honoured to start this tradition in his name and, through the associated scholarship funding, train many more OHS professionals in the north."

CROSHCon 2024: Occupational Illness Awareness will run from 8:30 am to 3:15 pm Eastern Time on January 19, 2024. All are welcome to attend. Registration is offered free of charge at crosh.ca/croshcon2024.

 

About Dr. Katie Goggins:
Dr. Goggins is the Senior Scientist for CROSH, and her research interests focus on the role of biomechanics, human factors, and ergonomics in industrial health and safety and occupational disease. More specifically, she researches the influence of standing foot-transmitted vibration exposure on workers. She has 12 years of experience in the field of whole-body, hand-transmitted, and foot-transmitted vibration measurements. Dr. Goggins represents the Standards Council of Canada as an expert for the international technical committee on the “Evaluation of human exposure to whole-body vibration” (ISO / TC 108 / SC 4). She is an Adjunct Professor at the Bharti School of Engineering and Computation Science and the School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at Laurentian University and a Part-Time Professor in Safety and Environmental Studies at Cambrian College. She is also a Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist (CCPE). 

About CROSH:
Founded in 2008, CROSH is a research centre at Laurentian University. CROSH envisions a Northern Ontario where workplaces partner to ensure every worker gets home safe and healthy every day. CROSH's mission is to be an agent for innovation and discovery to solve relevant and critical problems facing northern industries so they can eliminate occupational injury and disease from their workplaces. CROSHCon is CROSH's annual health and safety conference.

Student Spotlight: Olaoluwa Julianah Abejide

Student Spotlight: Olaoluwa Julianah Abejide

Tenacious mother of two realizes her educational dreams.

(December 20, 2023) – As a mother of two, a new immigrant, and a professional photographer, graduate student Olaoluwa Julianah Abejide has a lot on the go. Nevertheless, Julianah (as she is known to her friends) recently defended her thesis and will graduate from Laurentian’s Master in Computational Sciences program in spring 2024.

Her academic journey began in Nigeria where Julianah completed an undergraduate degree in Computer Science in 2010. Julianah moved to Sudbury in 2018 and enrolled at Laurentian to further her studies. “Juggling a Master’s program with young children is not a walk in the park,” said Julianah, “I thought my story could inspire someone who has given up on their educational goals to go for what they want.”

Julianah developed a passion for STEM at an early age, and it continues to propel her in her pursuit of higher education. Although Julianah knew she would have to make sacrifices for her family while working on her Master’s, she also understood the future benefits of this decision. “When I look back at all the sacrifices I made so far, it is painful. I know there is a bigger gain to be had. Family is priceless. A career in computer science and Information Technology will give me the opportunity to spend more time with my family and get involved with my community in the future,” said Julianah.

In addition to her demanding roles as mother and graduate studies student, Julianah prioritizes community engagement. She took on a Graduate Teaching Assistant position early on in her Master's program as well as a Website Assistant position on LU's Digital Strategy team. “When we help people and contribute to our community we feel satisfied and it has a direct way of making us feel fulfilled,” said Julianah. Her many contributions to the Laurentian community are a testament to her devotion towards helping her others. 

It is important for Julianah to use her time and talent to make positive impacts in her community. One way she achieves this goal is through her photography business, Julianah Photography. Julianah’s love for photography stemmed from her father’s devotion towards capturing the moment at family gatherings. “I have been able to use photography to bring smiles to people’s faces. It is beyond snapping pictures. Photography is about capturing the moments and creating the memories,” said Julianah. 

Julianah has felt supported by the Laurentian community in all aspects of her educational journey: “I am lucky to have good people around me. My program coordinator and thesis supervisor, Dr. Kalpdrum Passi, is very knowledgeable and helpful. It is good that I am surrounded by accommodating people.”

Throughout the ups and downs Julianah remained consistent and kept her end goal in mind. Obtaining her Master’s was no small feat but with tenacity and the help of the Laurentian community she was able to achieve her academic goals. Moving forward, Julianah is hoping to use her degree to become a subject matter expert in IT. There is no doubt that she will continue to succeed, spread positivity, and overcome any obstacles in her path.

Timmins students take part in MineOpportunity Challenge

Timmins students take part in MineOpportunity Challenge

Over 140 students participated in a unique challenge that saw them explore careers in the Mining and Automotive industries in fun and exciting ways.

Timmins, ON, December 18, 2023 – Over 140 students from English and French High Schools across Northern Ontario participated in a unique challenge that saw them explore careers in the Mining and Automotive industries in fun and exciting ways. The December 7, 2023 challenge, called MineOpportunity was hosted at Northern College in Timmins. The game, which has been played in Sudbury by local students for over 15 years, is being organized by Laurentian University’s Goodman School of Mines (GSM) and has been brought on the road with the help of MineConnect, Ontario’s Mining Service and Supply Association.

“Teams of students worked together to make “money” by building mines, finding answers to industry-related questions, and completing hands-on activities to become the “wealthiest” team. First, Second, and Third place prizes were awarded to Junior category teams (grades 9-10) and Senior category teams (grades 11-12)” said Nicole Tardif, Program Coordinator at the Goodman School of Mines. 

Students interact with Mining sector professionals at MineOpportunity in Timmins.

The Challenge included participation from local groups and companies including IAMGOLD Côté Gold (Sponsor), NORCAT, Canada Nickel Co, Lake Shore Gold Corps, Dumas Mining, Timmins Mechanical Solutions and the Porcupine Prospectors Association. Representatives from the Ministry of Mines, including the Hon. Minister George Pirie spoke and interacted with students to provide answers and lead activities relevant to their operations.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Goodman School of Mines along with Timmins area businesses and organizations to help showcase the multitude of career opportunities that exist within the mining sector.  This is a fun and unique way for our members to get involved in shifting misperceptions about the industry while engaging with local youth”, said MineConnect Executive Director Marla Tremblay.  

“Thank you to Northern College, Laurentian University’s Goodman School of Mines and MineConnect for bringing the MineOpportunity Challenge and local students from across northeastern Ontario to the beautiful riding of Timmins,” said George Pirie, Minister of Mines and the MPP for Timmins. “These students are the future of the mining sector, they are the innovators and business leaders of tomorrow, this is a great opportunity to learn and talk to current industry professionals. I am proud that the Ministry of Mines is participating in this amazing event and that we are encouraging the next generation to join the best industry in the world.”

The event is part of Laurentian University’s project called “Electrifying the Future - from the Earth to the Automobile”, which was awarded funding as part of the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) Program, a province-wide initiative funded by the Ontario Government’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). The goal of the program is to bridge the gap between students and Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector.

"As our province continues to build up our end-to-end auto and EV supply chain, this will include the critical minerals necessary for EV battery production found in Ontario’s North” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “With support from the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) Program, the MineOpportunity Challenge provides an exciting opportunity for students to engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration between government, industry and academia, while gaining the skills to find rewarding careers in Ontario’s mining and automotive sectors. To the over 140 students who engaged with the challenge this year, congratulations on a job well done!"

“Events like MineOpportunity are essential in bridging the gap between education and industry, building a critical connection to prepare students for the exciting challenges in the automotive and mining sectors.” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “This event is another example of how our government is helping prepare the next generation for the good-paying jobs of tomorrow.”

“With demand for electric vehicles being so high, the timing was perfect,” said Tardif. “We partnered with OVIN to create awareness about careers in both the automotive and mobility industry as well as the mining industry.”

"The 'Electrifying the Future' project, funded by the Regional Future Workforce program through OVIN, underscores the Ontario government’s dedication to shaping a skilled workforce for Ontario's automotive and mobility sector,” said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN. “MineOpportunity serves as a gateway for students to explore careers in critical industries and build a foundation for innovation and technological advancement."George Pirie, Minister of Mines and the MPP for Timmins joins students as they check out a rock and mineral display.

 

Glenn Laba, Manager Applied Research Entrepreneurship Innovation at Northern College was thrilled to feature their state-of-the-art innovation center. “We were pleased to host students from local high schools to enhance their awareness of the mining sector, the relevance of critical minerals to the electric vehicle industry and career opportunities that embrace innovation and emerging technologies. Not only has this event provided mining companies an update to our academic programs and new research capabilities at Northern College, but it has also give us greater insight to Laurentian University’s Goodman School of Mines, which may lead to future collaboration that benefits all stakeholders in mining.”

To learn more about Electrifying the Future and the MineOpportunity challenge, visit www.electrifyingthefuture.ca

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