Category Archives: News releases

The March 20-26, 2023, edition of Brian Cormier’s Weekly Update is out!

Click here for this week’s newsletter. To subscribe, please fill out the form on my website. In this week’s edition:
• Believe it or not: Vinyl records outsell CDs for first time since 1987
• Canadian Tire launches $89/year Triangle Rewards loyalty program. Will consumers sign up?
• CBC Radio’s Under the Influence: Branding hotel rooms
• By the numbers X 10 + 1
• Can anything be done when you’re locked out of a dead relative’s tech devices due to high security?
• Zellers opening first 12 stores in Canada this month
• Acadistuff: Acadian flag mugs with family names – dozens of options!
• Before you go: 7 things you may have missed this week!
• Easter is Sunday, April 9
• Monday, March 27! Don’t miss the next Greater Moncton Sunrise Rotary Club Trivia Night!
• … and trivia, quotes, community announcements and more!

Elsipogtog First Nation encouraging Indigenous women to enter the construction trades while working to ease housing shortage

Construction apprentices Devonya Levi, Diana Augustine and Olivia Gehue pose in front work equipment at the site of a new family home under construction at Elsipogtog First Nation.
Construction apprentices Devonya Levi, Diana Augustine and Olivia Gehue pose in front work equipment at the site of a new family home under construction at Elsipogtog First Nation.

ELSIPOGTOG FIRST NATION, N.B. – Elsipogtog First Nation has partnered with a local female-owned and managed construction firm to encourage Indigenous women to enter the construction trades.

“Our community has a housing shortage,” says Lynn Francis, Director of Economic Development for Elsipogtog First Nation. “As well, there’s huge demand for construction workers. As we’re always looking for more career opportunities for members of our community, we thought that training women for work in the construction trades would be a perfect fit.”

“The entire construction industry is currently experiencing a significant labour shortage during an exceptionally busy time,” says Donna Ferguson, President of SheBuilds located in Dieppe, whose mostly female team is working with – and providing on-the-job apprenticeships to – three young Indigenous women from Elsipogtog as they work to achieve their Red Seal certifications. “One way this shortage is going to be relieved is for more women to enter it. And Indigenous women should be given every chance to be part of the equation. They just need to have it on their radar, so to speak. Partnering with Elsipogtog is a start!”

“If the construction industry is going to expand its workforce, it must be more welcoming to women,” she says. “There’s a large pool of women who don’t even consider the construction trades. And for Indigenous women, that’s likely amplified. We’re aiming to change that.”

A Red Seal endorsement is a seal on a professional construction worker’s provincial or territorial trade certificate which shows that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to practise their trade across Canada. Students earn Red Seal endorsements by successfully completing a rigorous education process of classroom theory, on-the-job apprenticeships and exams.

“A Red Seal construction worker can have a great career ahead of them and leave a legacy of homes, commercial buildings and other structures that will stand for generations to come,” Ms. Ferguson says. “I’m pleased to work with three talented and determined young women from Elsipogtog – Olivia Gehue, Devonya Levi and Diana Augustine – who’ve proven that they’re dedicated and motivated for careers in construction. We’re proud to provide them with apprenticeship mentoring as they work toward earning their Red Seals through the New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Training and Labour.”

This training opportunity has been made possible through the collaboration of Elsipogtog Economic Development’s partners, including McGraw Housing, Mic Mac Industries, SheBuilds and the Elsipogtog Housing Department. Elsipogtog is the largest First Nations community in the province, with a population of 3,500 – 2,700 of whom live on reserve. The community is growing fast and has a young age demographic.

“The more community members we have who are properly trained and licensed in the construction trades, the more we can involve them in helping their own community,” says Mark Augustine, Elsipogtog’s Senior Employment and Training Officer. “The three young women we’ve sponsored will have secure jobs in the construction trades, whether they work in the community or on projects outside of it. It’s in the best interest of everyone that we do everything we can to help them succeed.”

“Many construction companies want to take advantage of the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation’s Housing Internship for Indigenous Youth (HIIY),” Mr. Augustine says. “This is a great program that provides a wage subsidy to housing organizations and businesses to hire Indigenous youth for internship positions. As the construction workforce crisis grows, we know that companies will be looking for more options. We’re happy to help them – and we’re happy to help our Indigenous youth discover careers that they may have previously thought were not possible. In fact, everything is possible!”

“The construction industry is a male-dominated industry,” says Ms. Ferguson. “As a woman who runs my own construction company, I’ve seen how intimidating the industry can be to women. Everyone says they’re concerned about the labour shortage, but attitudes will need to change because women are an untapped resource. This is as simple as suspending our pre-conceived notions of what tradespeople look like – long enough to give women an opportunity to prove they belong and can thrive.”

Already, SheBuilds has constructed three new homes in Elsipogtog using the three female apprentices. “By ensuring that they are properly trained and mentored, we help them succeed,” Ms. Ferguson says. “This, in turn, makes them ambassadors for the trades among Indigenous People – especially women. That’s how we break down barriers and bring more women and Indigenous People into the construction industry. The demand for workers is significant and traditional roadblocks need to be removed. Elsipogtog should be commended for their forward-thinking determination in this regard.”

“Every generation gets more accepting of new things,” says Ms. Francis, who leads the team seeking to enhance the economic strength of the Elsipogtog First Nation. “We hope that, as society evolves, Elsipogtog will be able to contribute to the goal of expanding the number of women in the construction trades. In turn, they’ll be motivated to help their own community in our own construction projects, as well as elsewhere. It’s a win-win for all.”

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Media contact:

Brian Cormier
506.874.8725
brian@briancormier.com

NEWS RELEASE: RCMP Pipes & Drums, New Brunswick announces a public concert series as tribute to Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – 2022

May 25, 2022
For immediate release

RCMP Pipes & Drums, New Brunswick announces a public concert series as tribute to Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – 2022

MONCTON, N.B. – A series of free public concerts will be performed in several New Brunswick communities in recognition of the Queen’s long and selfless service. The 60-minute free public celebration will highlight pipes and drums music with the addition of our highland dancers.

The end of each concert will feature a unique piece of music that has been specially composed for this historic Jubilee – Diu Regnare (“Long Reign”).

A unique entertaining evening for the whole family.

Concert dates:

• Moncton: Thursday June 2, at 7 p.m. – Downtown Plaza, 150 Canada Street, Moncton
• Shediac: Sunday June 26, at 12 p.m. – Shediac Market, 10 Weldon Steet, Shediac
• Dalhousie: Sunday July 24, at 2 p.m. – Dalhousie Town Hall Stage, 111 Hall Street, Dalhousie
• Quispamsis: Tuesday, July 26, at 7 p.m. – Quispamsis Culture Park, 12 Landing Court, Quispamsis

About the RCMP Pipes & Drums New Brunswick:

The RCMP Pipes & Drums, New Brunswick is composed of retired RCMP members, retired military members and people from all walks of life. We are all volunteers. Band members are from various parts of New Brunswick: Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton regions.

Band members have performed in recent years in:

• The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• The Belfast International Tattoo

The RCMP New Brunswick Highland Dancers who are performing with us during this concert series are from The Dunnett School of Highland Dancing. The school has been active in the Greater Moncton area since 1975.

This dance troupe has many years of experience; successfully performing and competing in events throughout North America, as well as many highland games in Scotland and the International Gathering of Scottish Highland Dance at Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World Florida.

RCMP Pipes & Drums New Brunswick is led by Pipe Major Hugh Goldie.

The music being played during this concert is varied from traditional and more contemporary highland music.

Links:

• Website: www.rcmppipesanddrumsnb.com

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/JDivBand/

• Diu Regnare sheet music: mailchi.mp/battlesover.org/queens-platinum-jubilee

NEWS RELEASE: Campaign launched in Southeast New Brunswick for Ukrainian families fleeing war

Fundraising campaign launch for Ukrainian families relocating to Greater Moncton - April 13, 2022

I am pleased and honoured to be part of the campaign cabinet for the initiative announced yesterday to raise funds for Ukrainian families relocating to the Greater Moncton area after fleeing the Russian invasion of their country. For donation information, please check out the news release below and check out these resources:

Campaign information booklet (PDF)
Pledge form (PDF)

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate Release
April 13, 2022

Campaign launched in Southeast New Brunswick for Ukrainian families fleeing war

Moncton, N.B. — The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton in collaboration with BrainWorks Marketing and United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick officially launched a major community initiative to support Ukrainian families during a press conference at Moncton City Hall this afternoon.

After two years of absence, “Greater Moncton Gives Back” returns under the Greater Moncton and Southeast New Brunswick Give Back banner. The goal of the campaign is to raise a minimum of $1 million in funds to support resettlement of Ukrainian families who will arrive in the next few months in Southeast New Brunswick.

Ukrainians fleeing war will be coming to Canada, mainly women, children and the elderly. Hundreds of them will be coming to Southeast New Brunswick in the coming weeks and months and some have already arrived over the past few weeks. The funds will be used to help newcomers in many ways – housing, food, transportation, clothing, education, medical and other resettlement and living costs

“Heartfelt appreciation to all those supporting Ukrainians with such wonderful HOPE. Canada symbolized freedom and opportunity to our parents and we pray for Ukraine’s right for freedom. Slava Ukraini!” said Danica Lahanky Carroll and Gordon Lahanky, Campaign Honorary Co-Chairs.

The fundraising effort will be led by a Campaign Cabinet co-chaired by Tracy Clinch and Luigi Rocca who have assembled a team of over 30 volunteer cabinet members who will each reach out to their contacts in the community. A broader community focused campaign will be announced in about 10 days time.

One hundred percent of the funds raised will go towards these campaign goals as the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick is waiving any administration fees. – and BrainWorks and CCGM will also waive all fees and production costs associated with their involvement in the campaign. Funds raised will be used by frontline agencies who will be coordinating support to the Ukrainian families such as MAGMA and others.

“The situation in Ukraine has delivered a daily shock to those of us who live safely here in Atlantic Canada. The needs will be great for the hundreds of Ukrainian families fleeing war to find a safe, new life here in southeast New Brunswick,” said John Wishart, CEO of the Chamber. “As a Chamber of Commerce, we feel it is important that our business community steps up to meet those needs and provide a better life for our Ukrainian newcomers.”

“Surely it is our duty, our responsibility and our deep privilege to help others whenever and however we can. This is our individual and collective calling,” said David Hawkins, Founding Partner at BrainWorks.

Myla Muntyan, president of the Ukrainian Club of Moncton, says the campaign will be vital to welcome Ukrainians coming to Southeast New Brunswick.

“4.5 million Ukrainians have already left their homeland in search of safety. Let’s welcome those who choose New Brunswick to be their new home. Let’s help them during the darkest times to get on their feet so they can stay here and become a part of our community.”

The business community and the community at large are encouraged to give generously and to share information about the campaign with their friends and family.

Details on how to donate can be found here: www.ukrainesenb.ca. More information can also be obtained by contacting the Chamber of Commerce office at (506) 857-2883 or via email at info@ccgm.ca

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For more information:

John Wishart
CEO
Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton
(506) 856-4000
jwishart@ccgm.ca

David Hawkins
Founding Partner
BrainWorks Marketing
(506) 850-1651
david@BrainWorksmarketing.ca

Danny Bazin
Brand Expressionist
BrainWorks Marketing
(506) 232-5584
danny@brainworksmarketing.ca

NEWS RELEASE: Encourage campaign sends out 146 greeting cards in first month, exceeding expectations

NEWS RELEASE

Encourage campaign sends out 146 greeting cards in first month, exceeding expectations

April 13, 2022

SCOUDOUC, N.B. – A four-month campaign to send out positive messages to residents has far exceeded expectations in its first 30 days. The Encourage campaign began March 1 and runs until June 30. An initiative of Milco Warehousing and Logistics, Pallet Depot and Modu-Loc Fence Rentals Maritimes – all located in the Scoudouc Industrial Park near Moncton, the campaign hoped to see 100 requests fulfilled in the campaign. In fact, there were 146 cards sent out in March alone.

“We’re thrilled to see so much interest in the Encourage campaign,” says Tyson Milner, owner of the three companies. “The local community has embraced the concept. Cards have been sent across the country. The feedback we’ve received has been extremely positive. We’re heard back from many recipients who were surprised and touched to receive a card. In turn, they’ve sent in requests to return the favour and requested some of their own!”

The cards are intended for anyone who would appreciate a happy message, be they health-care workers, teachers, students, seniors, retail or restaurant workers, delivery drivers or anyone else, including family, friends and neighbours.

The message inside each card reads, “Someone who thinks very highly of you wanted us to send you this ray of sunshine to brighten your day! We hope it brings a smile to your face!” The cover of the card shows a smiling sun graphic accompanied by the words “Hi! Bonjour!” The cards are printed in both official languages.

Each month during the campaign, recipients will be eligible for an extra bonus of a gift card from a local business. For cards sent between March 1-31, the three recipients of $100 gift cards to Dolma Food in Moncton are Tara Stirrat of Moncton, Colette LeBlanc of Dieppe, and Liudmyla Muntyan of Moncton. Recipients of cards sent from April 1-30 will be eligible for gift cards from CoPain Artisan Bread Company in Moncton.

There is no cost to have a card sent. Any names and addresses collected during the campaign will not be used for any purpose other than sending the card and for any related monthly prize draws. No one will be contacted for any other purpose than to receive an Encourage greeting card or to be notified if they win a gift card. Recipients’ data will not be kept after the end of the campaign.

Cards will be forwarded to anywhere in Canada, however only residents of Southeastern New Brunswick are eligible for the gift card draws because these come from local companies.

Requests for cards may be sent via email to encourage@milco.ca. Requests must include the name and full mailing address of the person who will receive the card, including the postal code.

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Media inquiries:

Brian Cormier
506-874-8725
brian@briancormier.com