Tag Archive for: Corporate Social Responsibility

Reflecting on Orange Shirt Day: Learning, Listening, and Honoring at PM7G and PTAG

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At PM7G and PTAG, we believe that meaningful action begins with understanding. On September 30, our team came together at our Markham office to observe Orange Shirt Day, a day of remembrance and education that honors the experiences of Indigenous children who were taken from their homes and placed in residential schools across Canada.

This national day of reflection is part of the broader journey of Truth and Reconciliation, and PM7G is proud to be part of this important dialogue.

Creating Space for Learning and Connection

Our Orange Shirt Day observance included a dedicated workshop, where team members explored the history and lasting impact of the residential school system. Through guided discussion, educational materials, and shared stories, the session provided an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the day and the ongoing importance of cultural awareness in our communities and workplaces.

In recognition of Indigenous culture and heritage, we were honoured to host a lunch catered by a local Indigenous-owned business, allowing our team to experience traditional cuisine while supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship.

As a symbol of solidarity, our team wore orange shirts to honour the children, families, and communities impacted by the residential school system , a shared commitment to the message that Every Child Matters. Each shirt featured original artwork created by talented youth from Alderville First Nation, whose powerful designs gave visual expression to the themes of remembrance, resilience, and reconciliation.

Our Ongoing Commitment

At PM7G, we acknowledge that reconciliation is not achieved in a single day. It requires intentional, sustained action and a commitment to learning. Through initiatives like Orange Shirt Day, we continue to create spaces where dialogue, respect, and inclusion are part of our everyday culture.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to this meaningful event. Together, we remain committed to honouring Indigenous voices, histories, and futures.

Every Child Matters.

Learn more:

📘 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action

https://nctr.ca/records/reports/
Direct PDF link to the 94 Calls to Action:
https://nctr.ca/assets/reports/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

📚 National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

https://nctr.ca
A central resource for residential school history, survivor stories, and ongoing reconciliation efforts.

🧡 Orange Shirt Day Official Site (Every Child Matters)

https://orangeshirtday.org
Learn more about the origins of Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis Webstad’s story, and how to support the movement.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

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September 15 – October 15 | Theme: “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future”

Hispanic Heritage Month is a dedicated time to recognize the histories, cultures, and invaluable contributions of Hispanic and Latin American communities. This year’s theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” calls on all of us to reflect on how the legacy of the past continues to influence innovation, leadership, and progress today.

At PTAG, we are proud to work alongside individuals whose heritage and vision drive meaningful change and elevate the standards of our industry.

Did You Know?

  • The Hispanic population in the U.S. reached 68 million as of July 1, 2024- accounting for 20% of the total population, making it the largest racial or ethnic minority in the country.
  • 15 U.S. states now have more than one million Hispanic residents, including Arizona, Texas, Florida, California, and New York.
  • The median age of the Hispanic population in 2024 is 31.2, highlighting a young, growing, and dynamic community that is shaping the future of the workforce and economy.
    (Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2024 Population Estimates; National Population by Characteristics, 2020–2024)

At PTAG, we believe that diversity is a strength and that inclusion is a catalyst for innovation. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring the voices, cultures, and contributions that make our teams stronger and our industry more resilient.

Let us continue to learn from the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future—together.

PTAG Supports U14 Aurora FC

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Constructing a Win


This season, U14 Aurora FC laid the groundwork, stayed on schedule, and hit every milestone, capping it off with a major tournament victory. PTAG is proud to be part of this season’s build.


PTAG Hosts Day of Solidarity in Recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day

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Last week, PTAG team members came together for a Day of Solidarity—an opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect—led by our PM7G joint venture partner, Makhos, in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21).


The day began with a Land Acknowledgement and Smudge Ceremony, led by Bob Watts and Emily Shaughnessy of Makhos Inc. Their guidance provided deep insight into the cultural and spiritual significance of these traditions, creating a meaningful space to engage with Indigenous perspectives. 

  
This gathering reflects our ongoing efforts to foster dialogue, understanding, and authentic relationship-building. It also reinforces our commitment to advancing reconciliation through respectful collaboration and sustained, tangible action. 
 
At PTAG, we recognize that reconciliation is not a one-time gesture, but a continuous process—one that requires humility, active listening, and long-term dedication. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk this path in partnership with Indigenous communities and leaders, and we remain committed to learning and growing together. 
 
We encourage others across our industry to take time to reflect on how we can all contribute to reconciliation in meaningful and lasting ways. 

Living Our Values: PTAG Partners with 360°kids to Support Our Community 

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Last week, PTAG team members rolled up their sleeves to assist 360°kids with cleaning up two housing properties in Markham. This effort reflects PTAG’s commitment to our core values of Safety, Collaboration, Leadership, Accountability, Client Satisfaction, and Integrity, which guide everything we do. By partnering with 360°kids, an organization that supports at-risk youth in York Region, we aimed to create safer and more welcoming spaces for the young people who rely on these homes. 

With tools in hand, our team tackled tasks like raking leaves, trimming bushes, edging lawns, and filling bags with yard waste. Each task, no matter how small, helped make the properties more comfortable and inviting for their residents. 

This initiative wasn’t just about cleaning up yards—it was about putting our values into action. We prioritized Safety by ensuring careful and efficient work. Collaboration was key as we worked side by side to complete the tasks, while Leadership was evident in how the team took charge of the effort. Accountability meant ensuring every detail was handled thoroughly, and our dedication to Client Satisfaction drove us to deliver meaningful results. Throughout the day, Integrity kept us focused on open communication and the shared goal of making a positive impact. 

At PTAG, we believe in making a real difference in the communities we serve. Partnering with 360°kids aligns with our mission to contribute to initiatives that support and uplift those in need. We’re proud to work with 360°kids in their mission to provide essential support to at-risk and homeless youth in York Region. 

To learn more about the important work being done by 360°kids and how you can get involved, visit their website: 360°kids. 

Together, we can continue to make meaningful contributions to our community. 

National Day of Mourning: Remember and Renew Commitment to Worker Safety

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Marked annually in Canada on April 28, the National Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy.

The National Day of Mourning originated in Canada in the 1980s as a way to commemorate workers who were killed, injured, or suffered illness due to workplace hazards. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals and their families in the pursuit of earning a living. Throughout history, there have been numerous incidents and tragedies that have highlighted the need for improved safety measures in the workplace. These events have shaped our understanding of the risks involved and underscored the importance of proactive safety practices.

At PTAG, this day holds profound significance as we reflect on the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees. It’s a time for solemn remembrance and a renewal of our commitment to prioritize worker safety above all else.

At PTAG, the safety and well-being of our employees are paramount. We have implemented comprehensive safety policies and initiatives aimed at creating a culture of safety throughout our organization. From regular safety training sessions to the implementation of cutting-edge safety technologies, we are dedicated to providing a safe work environment for everyone. Our employees are encouraged to speak up about safety concerns and actively participate in identifying and mitigating potential hazards, and we are working in the reporting culture to prevent those preventive safety events.

On this National Day of Mourning, we renew our commitment to worker safety. We acknowledge that safety is not just a priority but a fundamental value that guides everything we do. We pledge to continue investing in safety measures, providing ongoing training and support, and fostering a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can work towards the goal of zero incidents and ensure that every worker returns home safely to their loved ones.

“Behind every workplace death and injury are family members, friends, co-workers and loved ones whose lives are deeply impacted and changed forever.”

Anne Tennier, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)

Watch Now!

Commemorate Day of Mourning by watching and sharing this video.

Video produced by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

Pause. Reflect. Remember. Renew.

Please join us in observing a minute of silence.

On April 28th, at 11 am, we will honour workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job, and will renew our commitment to health and safety in the workplace. We grieve with those whose lives were forever changed by a workplace tragedy.

International Women’s Day 2024 

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This International Women’s Day, the United Nations has declared the theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”. 

Today, on International Women’s Day (8th March 2024), it is important to acknowledge the contributions, achievements, and resilience of women all around the world. This day serves as a reminder of how much progress we have made thanks to the efforts of women around us. 

All around the globe, women have played a pivotal role in driving innovation and contributing to the world’s economy. This is a reminder that equality is a crucial step in building a prosperous, healthier, and inclusive community. To achieve this, all of us must come together to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential. 

PTAG is doing its part by fostering a workplace where women contribute, feel appreciated and respected and are resourceful. PTAG is proud to have women from all walks of life working from entry level roles all the way to top executive leadership positions, leading us on the path of a progressive future.  These women are not selected based on gender; they are selected because they have what it takes to help PTAG continue to grow and serve its clients and partners. 

Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s continue to invest in women and pave the way for a progressive world as there is so much more work to be done to achieve equality for the generations after us. 

We are proud to have women in leadership roles across our organization, who inspire and guide our teams to achieve success.

Learn more!

Be sure to attend the event Inspiring Stories of Women in the Canadian Nuclear Industry and organized by Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries. 

Explore the Women in Canadian History: A Timeline showcasing the achievements of Canadian women in various fields such as politics, sciences, and the arts.

Watch now: USA Today’s Women of the Year explain why triumph over diversity is among the keys to their success.

PTAG’s Commitment to Community: A Day of Giving Back with 360ºKIDS

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At PTAG, we believe in the power of community and the impact that collective efforts can make in shaping a brighter future. As part of our ongoing commitment to support the communities in which we live and work, PTAG continues it’s partnership with 360ºKIDS, an organization dedicated to supporting homeless youth in York region, Ontario. In a hands-on initiative, members of our Markham team joined together for a fall clean-up at two 360 Kids housing properties.

With sleeves rolled up and a shared sense of purpose, PTAG volunteers enthusiastically embarked on a day of service.

Our mission: fall clean up the yards of two 360ºKIDS shelter house in Markham. The tasks at hand included raking, edging, trimming bushes, cutting the grass, and bagging over 50 bags of leaves and grass clippings.

PTAG volunteers came together to make this initiative a resounding success. Through shared effort and collaboration, the team not only tackled the practical aspects of the clean-up but also fostered a sense of camaraderie that made the entire experience both enjoyable and rewarding. Beyond the physical cleanup, our collective efforts contribute to providing a safe and welcoming environment for young individuals who are navigating challenging circumstances. It’s a tangible way for PTAG to demonstrate our commitment to social responsibility and community well-being.

While the day was filled with hard work, there were special moments that stood out. The laughter shared, the satisfaction of seeing a once-overgrown area restored to its beauty, and the realization that our actions directly benefit those in need—these are the moments that make initiatives like these truly meaningful.

To know more about 360ºKIDS visit their website: About Us – 360°kids (360kids.ca)

PTAG and 360°kids Partnership – Prevent and End Youth Homelessness

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Support PTAG in Raising $200,000 for the 360°kids Newmarket Youth Hub!

Donate Now!

Witnessing the harsh reality of youth homelessness and the troubling link to unemployment is disheartening. Too many young individuals are forced to confront this heartbreaking situation, often through circumstances beyond their control.

360°kids is a local registered charity dedicated to empowering vulnerable and homeless youth in York Region by providing housing, employment, education, and well-being supports. With similar core values to those at PTAG, we are providing our services, pro bono, to help 360°kids build an employment training facility in Newmarket.

One of the most successful programs at 360°kids is, the Every Bite Matters (EBM) program. A 14-week paid employment program for youth who face barriers to employment and have an interest in culinary skill development. A key component of the Every Bite Matters (EBM) program is having access to a commercial kitchen facility. The costs associated with building this functional teaching kitchen are substantial.

This is where your help comes in. We want you to join us in our efforts of raising $200,000 to fund this vital initiative to build this facility for the Every Bite Matters (EBM) program to help and empower young people.

Please take a moment to watch this video, and here from Josh.

‘The program offers paid training and a priceless opportunity to learn from experienced chefs (program staff). I appreciate the patience of the employment counselors. My favorite part of the program was delivering food to seniors and building relationships with them. Additionally, I gained valuable kitchen hygiene, knife skills, and multitasking abilities.’

Andrea, a youth who completed the pre-employment and culinary training 

Join us today by making a donation and helping us reach our goal of $200,000 for 360°kids! 

Donate Now!

“Energy Project Management Fundamentals” Course

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In conjunction with Ontario Tech University’s TALENT, PTAG is pleased to deliver another edition of the “Energy Project Management Fundamentals” course.

The energy sector is rapidly evolving, and project delivery and efficient operations are vital to the future of energy development.

The course will run online for 6 weeks, led by PTAG’s Subject Matter Experts.

OVERVIEW

This course is designed to provide a learning pathway for those seeking project manager roles in the Energy sector. An Energy Project Manager is there to set up strategies and goals for the projects that matter most to the operations of an energy producer or stakeholder. They strive to create the timeline for the work as part of large refurbishment or maintenance projects, make sure the projects are carried out within the allocated budget, and oversee the work of the members of the project team. Working in this position, it will be your responsibility to supervise the work of contractors, suppliers, and others important to your organization and Project Management Offices.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this 6-week course, you will address 12 distinct module (topic) areas, each delivered through a combination of online synchronous sessions, readings, and activities.

Module topics include:

  • Common Energy PM processes
  • Related Project tools for industry
  • Project integration and scope definition
  • Costing and Time estimation strategies
  • Quality and Human Resource management
  • Communication and Risk Management
  • Procurement and delivery methodologies

Throughout this 6-week course, your work will culminate with the development of an energy project plan and schedule which will be assessed by an expert Project Manager towards skills verification.

Upon successful completion of this micro credential, you will be awarded TALENT’s Digital Badge to enable you to effectively articulate this skill to employers.

For more information and to Register visit: Energy Project Management Fundamentals – Ontario Tech Talent

Some of our Subject Matter Experts delivering this course:

Michael Dubreuil
Managing Partner, PTAG Inc.
Bruce Burwell
Partner, Capital Projects, PTAG Inc.