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ISSUE 2 | 2021
ON NEWS
YOUR ONTARIO NORTHLAND EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER
Michael Rennie,
Manager of Signals
and Communications
Working Together for Safer Crossings and Savings
A few members of Ontario Northland’s Rail Michael Rennie guided the City of Temiskaming
Infrastructure department met with the City of Shores to Transport Canada’s Rail Safety
Temiskaming Shores to discuss concerns with the Improvement Program as a possible source of
safety of some of the rail crossings within the City. funding, and the group committed to staying in
touch and collaborating to see what progress
As with many municipalities, the City’s road they could make.
improvement budget was tight and making changes
would be a challenge. While everyone agreed that Little did they know at the time, they had arranged
the areas identified needed work, the City could not the perfect partnership.
make the necessary improvements without
significant capital.
-2-
Working Together for Safer Crossings and Savings
Michael’s department is responsible for the safety and road and crossing surface and little cash available to the
integrity of 72 active warning systems, 22 wayside Municipality, Michael had an idea—he suggested that they
inspection systems, and 15 train radio installations submit a joint application for funding to Canada’s Rail
along Ontario Northland’s 700 miles of track. In recent Safety Improvement Program. The application included
years, Ontario Northland has received capital funding upgrades to the road surface, drainage, crossing surface,
for some much needed updates to the rail infrastructure. warning system and advance lights. Because of his
Since there hadn’t been upgrades to crossings in many previous experience with the program, the City happily
years due to lack of funding, Michael set an ambitious agreed to Michael’s offer of applying for the funding on
goal to completely replace five Grade Crossing Warning behalf of Temiskaming Shores.
Systems a year, which includes updates to meet the latest
standards. “It was an aggressive goal, but we have the It wasn’t long before Michael once again lived up to
right processes and people in place at Ontario Northland. Ontario Northland’s reputation as a solid partner, as
We are fortunate to be able to put together a plan and the City received confirmation this April on the funding
have the resources available to get the job done while needed for the upgrades from Transport Canada’s Rail
producing significant savings for each crossing upgrade,” Safety Improvement Program.
Michael explains.
We are pleased to inform you that the Grade Crossing
How much savings? “By working with the Procurement Improvement Project by the City of Temiskaming Shores
team, we identified which materials and equipment has received approval for funding under the Rail Safety
Ontario Northland could order ahead or in bulk, Improvement Program (RSIP). Federal funding of the
significantly reducing the markup paid out as compared Project from the RSIP will be up to a maximum of 80% of
to contracting out the entire replacement of the grade total eligible project costs.
crossing warning systems. We then selected installation
contractors through a competitive bidding process for Having to pay only 20% of the crossing upgrade costs
additional savings,” Michael says. “This added up to was a huge win for the City, and for Ontario Northland,
savings of $50,000 to $60,000 per crossing.” In addition and meant the improvements could move ahead and the
to the savings this approach provided, Michael also began residents of Temiskaming Shores would have the safer
submitting numerous applications to the Rail Safety crossing they needed.
Improvement Program for every upgrade he was planning,
in the hopes they might be approved and allow for more Ontario Northland depends on a productive and strong
infrastructure upgrades. relationship with communities. And here, once again,
is the proof that these relationships can be incredibly
With the dilemma of massive structural improvements successful—when the goal is true collaboration.
required from advance warning lights and upgrades to
Best Wishes in Your Retirement
Pensioner Last Position Location
Jeff Sayer Trainman North Bay
Chris James Pipefitter-Electrical Ramore
Ann Savage Program Manager, Transformation North Bay
Pierre Touzin Track Technician Temagami
Arnold Bailey Trainman Englehart
Steven Acourt Electrician North Bay
Jerry Miller Jr. Trainman Englehart
Wade Nelson Track Technician Island Falls
Bill Pennell Track Technician North Bay
Robert Collette Track Inspect Island Falls
-3-
From left to right: Brian Malherbe, Marc Ruel, Craig
Crawford, Leith Beadman-Farquhar, and Scott Murphy
Cochrane Hoesch Crew Ready to Roll
Lonnie Little, Director of Rail Mechanical, snapped this This particular truck was purchased as a regular
picture as our Cochrane Rail Maintenance team was Freightliner four-door truck and was equipped with
heading out to respond to an incident. The Hoesch truck specialized equipment by a company who specializes
is a vital vehicle that is used when rail cars or locomotives in this type of outfitting.
need onsite maintenance or repair. Hoesch is a German
company that makes these specialized transportation It is frequently used for wheel changes, re-railing
vehicles, hydraulic re-railing equipment that can lift heavy locomotives and so much more - the Hoesch Crew
equipment, between 400,000 – 500,000 lbs. does it all.
CEO Delivers Diversity
and Inclusivity Training to
Military Audience
Our CEO and President, Corina Moore, also serves
as the Honorary Colonel of 21 Aerospace and Control
Squadron. In May, she delivered “Choose to Change”
a presentation about the benefits of embracing
diversity and attracting women to non-traditional
roles like the skilled trades.
“We have made great progress at Ontario Northland
in the area of diversity, and we still have a lot of work
to do.
By sharing what we have learned we can help others
see the values in diversity and inclusion.”
-4-
Shawn Stevenson Brandon Norwick
Pipefitter Apprentice Painter Apprentice
Apprenticeship Programs Provide
Opportunities for Growth
Apprenticeships might sound like they “Similar to apprenticeship programs
are for those who come straight from for electricians and pipefitters, the
high-school or college. Painter Apprentice can work alongside
experienced painters to get hands-on
At Ontario Northland apprenticeships and Ontario Northland customized
provide opportunities for growth and training while getting paid.”
diversification of skills. “We rely on
our apprenticeship programs as a tool This initiative benefits employees who
to develop highly-skilled employees,” are interested in learning a trade while
says Mark Roelcke, Director of strengthening Ontario Northland’s skill
Remanufacturing and Repair. set and helping to meet the demand
for skilled painters.
An apprenticeship is a job where
employees are paid to learn a new set “We’re positive that creating
of skills through on-the-job training. opportunities to gain a new skill within
While the bulk of apprenticeships at our workforce will reduce employee
Ontario Northland are for Railway Car turnover and improve productivity,”
Technicians, there have also been continues Roelcke.
opportunities for electricians and
pipe fitters. “The apprenticeships help us address
critical and expected shortages of
When the recruitment of experienced skilled labour at a time when it’s
and skilled Painters became a difficult to find skilled workers to
challenge, Mark and Stan Lonsdale fill jobs.”
decided to think outside of the box
and for the first time ever, create an Ontario Northland’s two newest
apprenticeship program for a Painter. apprenticeships are Brandon Norwick
(Painter Apprentice) and Shawn
“We decided to apply the concept Stevenson (Pipefitter Apprentice).
of a formal paid training program
for a Painter,” says Stan, Supervisor In the last 6 years, 43 Ontario
of Remanufacturing and Repair at Northland employees have completed
Ontario Northland. an apprenticeship and there are
currently 13 enrolled.
-5-
Bill Groves,
Operations Supervisor
Thunder Bay Bus Depot Ready to Welcome Passengers
The new Thunder Bay Bus Depot is ready to welcome “We were able to quickly and smoothly get the Thunder
passengers with an inviting space. The Thunder Bay Bay Bus Depot renovated with minimal inconvenience
Bus Depot will be a transportation hub for northwestern to passengers,” says Bill Groves, Operations Supervisor,
Ontario passengers. Providing much needed bus parcel Northwest Region. “As the Province starts to
express services and connections to passengers in the re-open, we’re ready to serve bus passengers and parcel
northwest. customers. Ontario Northland is new to the Northwest,
and this Bus Depot will be sure to have a positive
The renovation took place over the past year. The impression on passengers and parcel customers. The
thoughtful design includes a waiting space, public Northwest is now ready to grow our business.”
washroom, storage for parcels and ticket counter. A bus
service facility is also located at a separate location just a
short drive away.
Bus Driver Offers ASL
to Passenger
Motor Coach Operator in Thunder Bay, Sammy Mukungu
has a hidden talent that he used to communicate with
a hearing impaired passenger during a trip between
Marathon and Thunder Bay.
Sammy Mukungu noticed the passenger had a hearing
impairment when initially communicating with him. Without
skipping a beat, Sammy switched to sign language and a
passenger snapped a photo of him doing so.
Sammy took it a step further and reached out to the
Passenger Operations management team to provide
a suggestion on how to improve the experience for
passengers with hearing impairments, his suggestions of
having a laminated sheet with announcements and safety
information will be implemented.
Thank you Sammy for your suggestion, abilities and
willingness to provide this next level service to passengers.
-6-
Creating a Respectful Workplace is Everyone’s Job
As much as starting a new job can it was to not only make sure that and programs. Sure, everyone
be exciting, it can also be stressful. Blair felt welcome, but to take steps knows what it means to respect
We’ve all experienced that nervous to create as positive and respectful our coworkers, but we don’t always
feeling when we think about getting a workplace as possible for all know exactly how to make sure that
used to new responsibilities, meeting employees. “You have to start from our words and actions help everyone
new people, and fitting into a new where you are and take action,” feel comfortable, included, and
corporate culture. For someone she says. So Danielle took the supported. It helps to know what
in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, opportunity to get the wheels turning tools are available—because the
these feelings can be intense, on a more proactive approach to fact is, it’s not always intuitive, even
overwhelming, and even debilitating. equity, diversity, and inclusion at when we have the best of intentions.
Ontario Northland. So she reached outside of Ontario
“You don’t know what you’re getting Northland for help.
into, even when you get hired,” says A few of the initiatives put into
Ontario Northland employee, Blair place—some of which you may
Carmichael. Blair identifies as non- recognize—include updating the
binary, and uses pronouns “they/ workplace harassment and violence
them”. Blair was happy to return policy, changing social media
to work after a short-leave, but profiles to a Pride theme for the
says it was “nerve-wracking” to not month of June; raising a Pride flag at
know if they’d feel welcome and be locations with flagpoles throughout
respected. Blair says that the idea of organization; an 2SLGBTQ+ article
sharing that they were transgender in ON News; and appointing an HR
was “a major fear”. Champion to highlight a variety of
Pride topics.
Danielle Baker, Chief Human
Resources Officer at Ontario But Danielle also knew that this
Northland, realized how important issue was bigger than internal policy
-7-
With Blair’s blessing, Danielle
contacted the Ontario Public Service
Pride Network for help and training.
The OPS offers a training program
aimed at creating Positive Space
Champions within the workplace.
A Positive Space Champion is
someone who creates a 2SLGBTQ+
welcoming place within the
workplace; is open to questions
related to 2SLGBTQ+ from work
colleagues; can provide referrals to
additional resources; and posts a
sign to indicate that their workstation
is a Positive Space for people in the
2SLGBTQ+ community.
In other words, they’re caring people
who value diversity, and are trained this for some time,” Danielle says, “Everyone at Ontario Northland has
to support a positive and inclusive and she’s proud that the training is been great, and I’ve had no bad
workplace for 2SLGBTQ+ staff. now available. To be a part of this experience here,” Blair says. “To me
Your guide to CAA Rewardsinclusive program, and help ensure it’s about my freedom to be who
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savings and discounts. a 2SLGBTQ+-friendly workplace, I am and to do what I want to do.
speak to your supervisor or contact a It’s an incredible feeling to see the
Then become a Positive Space member of the Human Positive Space stickers and Pride
Champion yourself! Ontario Resources team. Flag at Ontario Northland.” Ontario
Northland will partner with the OPS Northland has a reputation for being
Pride Network to hold further training As far as Blair is concerned, these a wonderful place to work. We can all
sessions and include any employee proactive programs and policies have help make sure that continues to be
who’s committed to helping provide made all the difference, and they’re the case—for everyone.
a safe and welcoming workplace. feeling welcome and respected at
“I know employees have wanted work as they hoped to be.
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-8-
Another Step Forward for the
Return of Northern Passenger Rail
Over our 120-year history, Ontario Northland has had a Minister Mulroney highlighted how this step dovetails with
long, proud record of connecting Northerners to the places the government’s priorities for the North and responds to
they need to reach. We’ve helped people keep in close the needs of the community.
touch with loved ones, get to classrooms and workplaces
and access specialized medical care in larger cities. “People, businesses and Indigenous communities in
And while signature features like the Northlander may now northern Ontario rely on a safe, convenient transportation
be a part of our past, our team is constantly looking to the network to keep goods moving and to get people where
future — working to enhance and improve our service to they need to go,” said Minister Mulroney.
meet the evolving needs of our region.
“That’s why as part of our government’s 2021 Budget, we
In mid-May, we took an important step towards building committed $5 million to move forward with planning and
on that track record even further. design work for passenger rail in the North.”
Ontario Northland President and CEO Corina Moore The announcement comes at an important time: with
joined the Honourable Caroline Mulroney, the Government COVID-19 vaccination rates climbing and reopening plans
of Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, to announce the getting underway, more and more Canadians are once
completion of the Initial Business Case (IBC) for the return again starting to think about how they travel. According to
of a modern and sustainable passenger rail service. Corina, better access to transportation will be vital for the
long-term future prosperity of the North.
At the virtual announcement, Corina underlined the
historical significance of the day’s news. “We understand “A connected northern Ontario means more opportunities
the unique transportation needs of Northerners, and we’ll for businesses, more students choosing rural Colleges and
ensure our revitalized service is designed to meet both the Universities, more people accessing medical appointments
personal and business needs of our passengers.” in comfort, and more tourists visiting northern Ontario.
The future is bright for northern Ontario with the return of a
The business case is the latest milestone in Ontario passenger rail service, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be
Northland’s ongoing work with Metrolinx and the Ministry a part of it.”
of Transportation on the planning of the proposed 13-stop
route, which would connect the North to Toronto. The target completion date for the next stage of planning
and design work is 2022, with a possible in-service date in
the mid 2020s.
-9-
Welcome New Employees
Since March 2021, 41 employees have joined us.
Be sure to introduce yourself and personally welcome them to Ontario Northland!
Melissa Butler Josef Viscek Christopher Dalcourt Melanie Brown
Cleaner Environmental Specialist Machinist Ramp Project Manager
North Bay Enlgehart North Bay North Bay
Darlene Orton Tyson Gardner Glen McAnaul Jayden Lonsdale
Access & Diversity Cleaner Machinist Ramp Production Worker
Specialist Cochrane North Bay North Bay
North Bay
Donna Groves Jeremy Poeta Dyann Jackson
Michael Hayes BPX & Agency Rep Machinist Ramp Bus Operator
Manager Train Service Thunder Bay North Bay North Bay
Cochrane
Jayson Demeester Jayde Wolfe Victoria Hutchinson
Matthew Boisvenue RRC Electrical Production Worker Housekeeper/Front Desk
Transporation Manager North Bay North Bay Cochrane
Englehart
Aaron Kennedy Ethan Huff Taylor Nakogee-Naveau
Gregory Malicki Production Worker Track Labourer Spare Warehouseman
Manager Enterprise Asset North Bay Englehart Moosonee
Management
North Bay Hunter Birtch Jake Ritchie Jeffrey Paquette
Production Worker Track Labourer Track Labourer
Comfort Olabisi North Bay Englehart Englehart
Financial Accountant
North Bay Ryan Dubeault Bailey Mousseau Cortland Saunders
Cleaner Track Labourer Track Labourer
Christopher Cavezza Cochrane Englehart Englehart
Bus Operator
Thunder Bay David R Landry Mathieu Ouellette Noble Stow-Gore
RRC Electrical Track Labourer Track Labourer
Patrick Dow North Bay Englehart Englehart
Leadhand Mechanic
Thunder Bay Micheal C Boissonneault Emmett Anderson Paul Fleury
Painter Track Labourer Painter
Ashley Commanda North Bay Englehart North Bay
Legal Assistant
North Bay Tanner Lafrance Curtis Robillard
Structures Supervisor Track Labourer
Daniel Rogerson Englehart Englehart
Electrician
North Bay Ryan Liard Harry Dillaway
Spare CSSA Track Labourer
North Bay Englehart
- 10 -
The Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Program is ON!
What comes to mind when you think of an asset? include the processes and technology we use to support
For many, we think of physical, fixed, and “big” things like asset decision making.
our trains, buses and real-estate. Some may also think
of more day-to-day items like our office furniture, tools, Since our announcement in ON News in December, we
or technology. You might even think of assets as our have progressed the EAM journey significantly. Greg
experience and reputation – and that’s certainly true as Malicki, Manager of Enterprise Asset Management, has
these are among the most important and powerful been hired and a third-party company has been selected
assets of all. and together they have begun the planning process.
The Institute of Asset Management, a global leader in Project Sponsor and VP of Corporate Services, Chad
defining standards for the discipline of enterprise asset Evans is excited about the “real time, dynamic and
management, defines an asset as “anything that has accurate inventory and stores information that will allow
actual or potential value to an organization”. When you on-time provision of the inventory to maintenance and
hear it put that way, assets take on a much larger and project teams” as well as empowered decision-making
strategic scope. through “dashboard views of current asset status for
supervisors and managers” and a “single-source of truth
Assets are at the heart of the services we deliver to our for the organization’s assets”. Chad is also keen to launch
customers. Each time a customer interacts with Ontario “new, modern technology that is user and mobile-device
Northland, they trust and depend on your knowledge and friendly.”
experience to make their journey reliable and safe.
In a high-functioning asset management organization, Drew Duquette, Project Sponsor and VP of Transportation,
everyone contributes. Whether you plan, design, procure, also sees critical wins because “asset management
operate, maintain, report on, or refurbish an asset we all is integral in creating a realistic, achievable process
have an important part to play. and schedule to meet your customer commitments.
Upgrading our technology allows accurate measuring of
The EAM program scope includes all people, processes, Key Performance Indicators to identify and constantly
technology, and information that supports how we improve…employees, the company, and customers
manage assets every day. Beginning first with our asset all benefit from safety, cost control, efficiencies in the
management policies, plans, and data standards, the process, employee morale and growth potential.”
program will evolve over a multi-year journey to also- 11 -
Father and Son Duo
Get Their Diplomas
In a 2016 study which used data from the Labour Force
Survey, the Canadian Income Survey and the Canadian
Survey on Disability about 340,000 young Canadians
(between ages of 25-34) had less than a high school
diploma. (*source statcan)
Jim (James Sr.) dropped out of high school at 16 years
old in 1986. He’d always wanted to go back and finish
it, but when his wife completed her Grade 12 along with
“Our team produces at a high level of quality, but we additional courses in Administration and Social Work,
all know there are inefficiencies in the system that can he was inspired to get back to it. He was off on leave
prevent on time delivery. Upgrading our systems will and decided to try to use some of that time to further his
allow us to identify and correct the issues that prevent education and successfully completed his Grade 12.
us from achieving what we are capable of,” Drew
commented recently when each were asked about His son James had dropped out of high school at 19
why EAM is so critical to Ontario Northland. Chad also years old and started working with Ontario Northland and
cites the competitive need to shift our thinking: “to had always wanted to finish up his last few courses. He
keep passengers, communities, and employees safe watched his parents, brothers and sisters completing their
we must conduct, maintain, and follow a preventative educations and they put the pressure on him to get his
maintenance routine for all assets. We will all benefit done as well. Jim has worked at Ontario Northland for 24
from a transition from a reactive mindset to a proactive years as of this month, and James for ten.
Program Management mindset.”
“You’re never too old to go for it.” says Jim. He hopes
to inspire others who believe their age is an obstacle to
“Watch for further communications as the pursuing their dreams.
program ramps up. Your leadership team, and also
EAMprogram@ontarionorthland.ca, is available to Congratulations Iserhoffs!
address any questions or feedback.”- 12 -
Two New Stops in
Toronto Making
Connections Easier Employee Profile:
Darlene Orton, Accessibility and
Starting on July 4th, 2021 passengers will be able Diversity Specialist
to stop at Union Station Bus Terminal and King City
Go Station. As the Province continues to re-open, Darlene Orton joined the Passenger Services team in March
Ontario Northland is resuming all regular scheduled 2021, in the newly created role of Accessibility and Diversity
motor coach routes in addition to adding two new Specialist.
stops.
A Registered Social Worker, with a Master of Social Work
These new stops will provide easy connections to from the University of Waterloo, she has experience in leading
rail, subway and regional transit. and developing programs and policies specific to Indigenous
health having worked with Mushkegowuk Health Council,
“We’re always looking for ways to enhance the Northeast LHIN, School Boards, the Ministry of Children and
customer experience for our passengers,” says Youth Services, and the North Bay Regional Health Centre.
Tracy MacPhee, Senior Director of Passenger
Services at Ontario Northland. “A King City GO “I’m proud of the meaningful relationships and partnerships
Station stop and a Union Station Bus Terminal stop I’ve developed with with rural Indigenous and First Nations
compliments the existing stops we have in Toronto, communities,” says Darlene. “I’m most looking forward to
which include direct stops at many of the major providing culturally safe and appropriate education and
downtown hospitals.” Ontario Northland will no training for employees who work with Indigenous populations.”
longer be stopping at the Toronto Coach Terminal As part of her role, she’ll be ensuring accessibility policies and
on Bay Street, as it is closing on July 7. processes are appropriate and adhere to federal and provincial
legislation, and lead a new Accessibility Committee at Ontario
“The new stop at Union Station Bus Terminal will Northland.
be especially welcome by passengers travelling
with accessibility needs,” continues MacPhee. “The Darlene is a proud Anishinaabe Kwe and member of Dokis
terminal provides direct access to easy connections First Nation. She received her first eagle feather in 2018 in
with Go Trains, the TTC, VIA Rail and UP Express recognition and honor of her work within the community. She
located at Union Station.” is a mother of three and together with her husband, they will
celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary in September. During
Ontario Northland motor coaches have a total of her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, fishing and spending
14 daily trips between North Bay and Toronto and quality time with her family.
Sudbury and Toronto. Stops include Highway 407
Terminal (Vaughan), Yorkdale, four major hospitals You can reach Darlene at extension 399 or by email at darlene.
in downtown Toronto and now King City GO Station orton@ontarionorthland.ca. Her office location is at the North
and Union Station Bus Terminal Bay Bus Garage.- 13 - In Memoriam We would like to extend our condolences to the families and friends of our pensioners who have passed away. Employee Last Position Held Department Years Worked Raymond St. Martin Engineering Clerk Engineering 1954-1990 Julius Holtz Bench Carpenter B&B 1971-1990 James Simpson Sectionman Infrastructure 1944-1970 William Vaillancourt General Clerk Transportation 1951-1986 Frederick Gowan Marketing Supervisor Local Telephone Svc Telecommunications 1962-1996 William Workman Transmission Engineer Telecommunications 1956-1988 Harold Croft Coach Cleaner Mechanical 1956-1989 Marcel Lizotte Storekeeper Administration 1966-1997 Our condolences and sincere sympathies go out to the family and friends of our colleague Aaron Montminy who passed away Friday, May 14th. Aaron has worked as a Rail Traffic Controller and later as Relieving Manager in Englehart. He was a kind, community-minded, and proud family man. Aaron was a dedicated railroader with a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and attention to detail second to none. Our sincere condolences are extended to Aaron’s wife, children and family. Aaron will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
- 14 -
New Swag
Available in the
Promo Store
There are lots of new and exciting
items that have been added to
our line of Ontario Northland
merchandise including cardigans,
new hats, vests, a long-sleeve
t-shirt featuring our vintage
Temiskaming & Northern Ontario
Railway logo and even some light
Under Armour® long-sleeves.
Rail Safety Message Proudly Displayed
on Infrastructure Vehicles
It’s not uncommon to travel throughout northern Ontario and see an
Ontario Northland work truck. Whether it be a Maintenance of Way, Work
Equipment or Signals vehicle, there are over 80 track vehicles travelling the
system on any given day.
“Our vehicles are a blank canvas for safety messages,” explains Shawn
Harman, Signals Maintainer and employee of 34 years. “Safety is so
important to me, I want to make sure that my colleagues get home safe
every day and that the communities that we live and work in are safe too.”
Shawn shared his idea of a safety message displayed on the back of the
signals truck with Cindy Bradley, Manager, Standards Compliance and
Training and also a Rail Safety Ambassador for Operation Lifesaver, who
got in touch with Operation Lifesaver and the Marketing team to see how
we could implement the idea.
As an Ambassador with Operation Lifesaver, Cindy contacted Operation
Lifesaver who provided the Look.Listen.Live. designs and shared the idea
with their network and included the idea in their annual report.
These decals were then printed and are being placed on all Rail
Infrastructure Department vehicles as they’re cycled through for
inspections and maintenance.
Another Rail Safety Program involves encouraging municipalities to partner Check out our promo store at:
with Ontario Northland and Operation Lifesaver by placing decals at https://merch.ontarionorthland.ca/
crossing roadways / pathways in “hotspots” within their communities while to pick up your Ontario Northland
sharing the cost of decals and installation. swag today!
Rail safety is everyone’s business but according to Harman, he feels an Don’t forget to use your employee
even greater sense of responsibility to share rail safety messaging as he promo code: EMPDISCOUNT25
and other railroaders are often at crossings and have a golden opportunity
to share the importance of staying away from tracks, looking and listening
and never being complacent.
Thank you Shawn and Cindy for making safety your top priority!- 15 -
What in the World is FOI?
The term Freedom of Information (FOI) refers to public So what does all of this mean to ONTC employees?
access to general records relating to the activities of
government and access to records of your own personal The following best practices will help you, as an ONTC
information that government institutions may hold. employee, create records that limit the efforts involved to
Everyone has a right to request access to records held by process and respond to access requests:
Ontario’s public institutions including those records that
contain personal and confidential information. • Remember that any record that you create is subject
to an access request. A record is information in any
In Ontario, Freedom of Information laws apply to all form including a letter, report, voicemail, videotape,
provincial ministries and most provincial agencies, boards sound recording, electronic document, social media
and commissions, municipalities, as well as to universities message or email.
and colleges. Ontario Northland is no exception. • Refrain from adding personal details to business-
related records (i.e. if you receive an email from a
Ontario Northland is governed by the Ontario Freedom colleague about an overdue report, don’t include your
of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). plans for the weekend in your reply. Instead, send a
Complying with FIPPA means striking a balance between separate email)
the public’s right to access information held by Ontario • Rather than using someone’s name, consider using
Northland while protecting personal information and their initials or alternative identifiers such as “the
certain confidential information. person we spoke about today”
• Mark items as confidential
It is important for you to know that communications • Include a “Cc” to Ontario Northland’s Legal counsel
relating to Ontario Northland’s business that are sent on any potential litigation or claims matters
or received through personal accounts or on personal • Securely destroy records according to Ontario
devices are also subject to access requests, including: Northland’s retention schedule.
• texting using a personal phone
(i.e. a non-ONTC provided phone) Questions?
• messaging using a personal social media account Please reach out to Carrie Girard, Manager of Governance
(i.e. FaceBook, Instagram) and Privacy at Carrie.Girard@ontarionorthland.ca or
• sending an email using a personal email account 705.472.4500, ext. 244.
(i.e. Gmail, Outlook)Stock Starting to Fill Up New Road Stores Warehouse
The McIntyre Street Road Stores warehouse in North Stores employees worked hard to move the inventory
Bay demolition that began last fall has progressed from the McIntyre Warehouse to the Gormanville
quickly. Employees have now begun to take the stock Warehouse, all while carrying out their day-to-day
from the Gormanville warehouse back into the new duties. “It was a true team effort, everyone pitched
McIntyre Street warehouse. in to help to ensure we could continue to serve our
customers with minimal impact,” says Baker.
“It was essential to provide a safe working
environment for employees,” says Jason Baker, Racking has been installed in the new warehouse,
Manager of Strategic Procurement. “The new and is filling up quickly with inventory. “Not having to
energy efficient building will provide a modern lease a space for our inventory will provide additional
work space that will serve our organization for many savings to the organization,” continues Baker.
years to come.”
The project is set to be complete by the Fall of 2021.You can also read
