Special Guest, MPP, Hon., Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General

Hon. David Piccini, Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, recently visited the Oaks Revitalization Association (ORA), where he passionately discussed Ontario’s transformative public and social initiatives.

Lewis, once caught up in street crime and now having made amends, has taken a bold step forward by joining The Skilled Trades Development Program (STDP). This decision is more than just a new beginning—it's the start of a powerful journey that promises to transform his life.

Did you know? By 2028, the skilled trades are expected to face a shortage with over three million job openings due to retiring baby boomers, the Great Resignation, and COVID-19 impacts. In today's rapidly evolving global economy, the importance of skilled trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, cannot be overstated. These trades are crucial for building and maintaining our infrastructure, from constructing homes and offices to ensuring the functionality of essential utilities.

Amidst escalating expenditures in Canada’s criminal justice system over the past ten years, there has been increasing concern about various programs and services that attempt to combat recidivism. This report delves into a examination of the financial and societal impacts of crime, as well as the costs associated with responses from the criminal justice system. It aims to provide a detailed comparison of these burdens on society.

This is a call to the makers, the doers, the dreamers of today: the skilled trades await. Discover your path, shape the future.

As directors of The Oaks Revitalization Association (ORA), Mark and Joe are making a significant impact in their community through the Skills Trades Development Program (STDP). This program is a cornerstone of ORA, offering in-depth mentoring and hands-on training in various trades. It's not just about skill-building; it's about providing hope and second chances.

When Akwasi first crossed the threshold of our Skills Trade Development Program (STDP) at The Oaks Revitalization Association (ORA), he brought with him a story that was both heartrending and hopeful. Referred to us by the Toronto Police Service, Akwasi's journey had been a tumultuous one, marked by numerous encounters with the law, periods of incarceration, and the constant, watchful presence of a GPS ankle bracelet during his house arrest.

Jess Faigal's rise to the position of Vice President of Finance at Greenwin Corp. is a testament to his hard work. It highlights his exceptional expertise in finance and business, as well as his resilience and adaptability in the face of new challenges. His story is particularly inspiring because it showcases how perseverance and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements, regardless of the starting point or the obstacles encountered along the way. In sharing his story with ORA, Faigal provides a powerful example for others, showing that success is attainable with determination and hard work. His journey is not just a personal triumph but serves as an inspiration to others who might be facing similar challenges, proving that with persistence, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome to achieve exceptional success.

As the year draws to a close, we at the ORA take a moment to reflect on the challenges we’ve faced, the successes we’ve celebrated, and the journey we’ve shared. It’s a time to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and the collective spirit that has driven us forward.