Volume 6 Issue 3 October 2023

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3

Xalynn Malden

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3

In the spirit of respect and truth, we acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations).

The city of Calgary is also home to Metis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

A MUST WATCH PODCAST BETWEEN TWO ROCKSTARS! WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

The Story of CN!

Copyright 2023 ZX Media Corporation, Calgary Alberta Canada Community Now! Magazine.

Volume 6 Issue 3 – October 2023. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher, writer, artist, or photographer.

We did it! We hosted Calgary's first 100% alcohol and drug free music festival that saw over 300 people in attendance and raised over $30,000 for individuals in need of counselling and addiction recovery services - all while showcasing independent artists and speakers, themes of mental health, community healing, the benefits of sobriety and having “sober-fun."

This year our goal is to raise over $100,000.

By partnering with us, you directly contribute to breaking down barriers and providing much-needed support for those seeking help. Jayme is deeply committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in their journey towards recovery, and your sponsorship helps him turn this vision into a reality.

Your generosity enables us to expand our reach, increase awareness, and offer essential resources to those who may otherwise struggle to access the necessary support.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! OktSOBERfest

Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals battling mental health and addiction challenges. TO SPONSOR of GET INVOLVED EMAIL: jayme@maxgreen.ca

ACCESSIBILITY “Accessibility can be viewed as the “ability to access” and “benefit” from systems and/or entities.”

The word Accessibility should be a word everyone understands…

Accessibility is about making sure everyone has access to education, health care, funding, resources, housing which goes back to “services and entities.” BUT Accessibility is WAY more than just that and as a community we should ensure everyone has equal opportunity… which is accessibility.

Every day, I wake up, make my bed, get my coffee, take my kids to school, work….

- One thing I learned is getting out of bed, getting dressed on my own, driving…. All a gift. Could you imagine this part of your day not being something you can access as an individual on your own?

We take SO MUCH for granted!

Every day, I know my kids are getting an education! Is it the best education they could have? OR is it the best I could offer them?

- We love to pretend education is accessible to everyone on an equal level. Let’s stop! It’s not!

Every day, I have access to health care.

- Imagine for second…worrying about getting treated for cancer or paying your mortgage or rent?

Every day, I am lucky enough to have benefits to cover my therapists, dentist, & prescriptions - A visit to a therapist cost $210 a session, do you choose food, heat, water, internet, childcare, food, or a therapist visit.

ACCESSIBILITY: a few things we don’t always think about Accessibility is about being able to access what you need, not choosing 1 of 5 things that you need. Accessibility is about equal opportunity. Having Access!

EDUCATION Money Matters!

Resources Matter!

Support for our Schools Matter!

Teachers are lacking the resources and support to give students everything they need!

They are asking for help and yet we keep cutting the budget!

Let’s be honest here! Students spend more time in school then they do with parents!

Let’s START helping teachers! Let’s start asking what teachers need. Let’s stop cutting the education budget! Let’s make sure every school has the same access to resources & support so that ALL students have an equal opportunity to learn!

Equal Opportunity! Schools should be a place where ALL students have equal opportunity!

HEALTH CARE Everyone has access to a family doctor. Right?

Aside from just finding a family doctor, medical expenses can and are put aside. Prescriptions, dentist visits, eye doctors, glasses, physiotherapy, all have costs. Not everyone can ask for help or knows where to look to get help. Health Care should be easily accessible!

MENTAL HEALTH Therapy: $210 a session Wait Time: 2 weeks Where to find a therapist: ?

Stigma behind therapy: fear, shame…

Other Mental Health Resources: Hard to find.

When someone needs to talk or needs help… they need it NOW! And yet, we have wait times, a cost, stigma, fear…. And a long process!

Mental Health should be treated as health… and be part of our universal health care!

Mental Health treatment should be ACCESSIBLE to EVERYONE! NOW!

KNOWLEDGE! The greatest gift, the hardest thing to access!

Yes ok, we have the wonderful online world filled with knowledge. BUT How many people understand legal documents?

How many people understand academic documents about medical or science?

When you need help how many people know where to look or go?

Knowledge should be accessible, which also means it needs to be understood.

BUILDINGS! It is 2023! And still not every building is accessible to everyone! Now what does this mean? That we need to do an evaluation of old and new buildings to make sure everyone can access them easily.

Here is just a list of things buildings could add to be accessible to everyone: -

Add smooth handrails to accessible stairways.

Provide an accessible elevator.

Build a bathroom with accessible features.

Ensure a safe floor surface.

Install grab bars.

Upgrade door hardware.

Provide assistive technology.

Add ramps to entrances and exits.

Make doorways accessible.

Provide clear and well-lit paths of travel.

Create accessible parking.

Install Braille signage in restrooms and for other signs.

Make sure your website works for everyone.

Overhead signage for people who are hard of hearing.

Provide alternative formats for your information to make your information accessible, and understandable.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/deam-idea-conference-tickets-692136949247?aff=oddtdtcreator

LEGAL! (let’s work on making the legal system accessible to everyone) Money Matters!

Resources Matter!

Knowledge Matters!

The legal system needs a full redo! (Let’s use family law for the example today!)

Lawyers fee: $345-$575+ an hour Self-Representing fees: Filing costs, Time (lots of time), Mental Wellness Imagine: - You have two kids full time, you work full time, now you are in court and or dealing with court matters part time.

- You can’t afford a lawyer but can’t afford not to have a lawyer.

- You lose full days at work.

- Lose time with your kids.

And court is NOT a one-time thing. Once you enter the game, you must play and or try to play every level. Until an agreement is made, either by both parties and or by the Justice system for you. No one wins.

A Look into the Process: Step one: File paperwork, serve the other party or you get served.

Step two: Attend what is called Docket Court.

This is court to determine what court you should proceed to next.

- This can last from an hour to the full morning depending on where your case is in the line up.

- Lawyer attends and prepares everything.

Step Six: Attend or proceed with the next steps decided by (with) the DRO. In this example let’s use a Parenting Coordinator!

- Parenting Coordinator fee $490/hour - Two-hour sessions

Step Seven: After months of working with a BLAISE HUNTER

Step three: Prepare for the court session determined through docket court.

- This will include writing an affidavit, preparing evidence, filing the affidavit, and sometimes writing a response affidavit, and filing that too.

Step Four: Attending court.

- This is usually morning chambers.

- You will be there all morning.

- You get maybe 20 minutes of the Justices time.

Step Five: Prepare for the next step.

- More affidavits, - More meetings this time with a Dispute Resolution Office (DRO). Who makes suggestions, and your legal counsel will advise which direction they think you should go in.

parenting coordinator, with no resolution, solution, or outcome. Both parties agree to go back to court. BACK TO STEP ONE: file paperwork.

Then on to STEP TWO: DOCKET COURT! Step Eight: Trial or a Binding JDR

Price and Time Check In (prior to trial) Time with Parenting Coordinator with no lawyer: 8 hours ($3,920) Time with Parenting Coordinator with Lawyers: 8 hours ($6,920) Time Preparing with lawyer: 4 hours ($1.500) Time lost at work: 20 hours.

NEW TOTAL: $28,090 After months, sometimes years of going through the various legal proceedings, you end up back in docket court, to decide if you go to trial or into a binding JDR. You have spent $30,000 and trial will be at least $50,000. You can’t afford a lawyer.

Sure, there is Legal Aid, but you MUST qualify.

Price and Time Check In: Time in court: 10-12 hours ($4,500) Time preparing with the lawyer: 5 hours ($1,875) Time preparing without the lawyer: 20 hours.

Time the lawyer spends preparing: 25 hours ($9,375) (writing, reading, filing, meeting with the other lawyer) Time lost at work, with kids: 35 hours.

Total Amount $15,750.00 (with a JR lawyer

The legal system and the knowledge within the legal system should be accessible/understandable to everyone and should not be determined around how much money you make.

Welcome to Alberta’s first workplace resource centre for workplace Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)!

Workplaces across Canada are facing major workforce demographic changes with a projected loss of 25% of their current workforce over the next 10-13 years…is your workplace ready?

At the GEDI (Gateway to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Hub, we help Alberta workplaces build capacity, confidence, and community to attract and engage diverse talent while developing their EDI capacity and sustainable workforce strategies.

The GEDI-Hub is a Gateway Association Initiative, fully funded by the Government of Canada, and is offered at no cost to workplaces.

Let’s Collaborate GEDI-Hub - Gateway to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Hub (gatewaytodiversity.ca)

“It TAKES a COMMUNITY to INNOVATE and CREATE SOLUTIONS for a Stronger More Diverse, Inclusive & Accessible Ecosystem...” that is why we ALL need Community NOW!

THE SUPERPOWER PROJECT Blaise Hunter | Communications Expert

Out Of Reach: The Barriers in Our Business “Accessibility allows us to tap into everyone’s potential.” ― Debra Ruh

When you think of 'accessibility,' what springs to mind? For me, it's about gender equity, diversity, inclusion, user-friendly technology, a fair and level playing field, wheelchair access, eliminating ableism, and, at its core, being a part of the conversation.

Accessibility means something different to everyone. We all have unique experiences, challenges, abilities, and ideals regarding the world of inclusion, whether at home or in the workplace. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t hear the term ‘accessible.’ This is what frustrates me. We live in a world filled with privileged access and yet there are more obstacles than ever before. Why have we just bought into the word but not the execution of it?

The Superpower Project is about highlighting various challenges or “kryptonites” facing people and helping us neutralize their effect on us. A deadly kyrptonite facing us these days is access for women has become an oxymoron.

The significance of accessibility for women in the workplace cannot be overstated. The path to gender equity and inclusion is paved with the principles of accessibility, touching on various aspects, from wages and diversity to celebrating women and supporting women, as well as promoting gender-diverse initiatives. It's time to recognize that accessibility directly contributes to creating an environment where our voices are heard and valued. Until this happens true accessibility will remain just out of reach.

Here are some major barriers we must break through today:

1. Wages & Equal Pay One of the most pressing issues for women in the workplace is the gender pay gap. On average, women continue to earn less than men for performing the same job. Accessibility, in this context, involves establishing pay transparency and ensuring that women have access to the same opportunities, promotions, and bonuses as their male counterparts. When women are paid fairly, they have the financial freedom to thrive and invest in their personal and professional growth. This also includes encouraging negotiating, teaching strategic and savvy communication skills, and championing emotional intelligence which equip women to harness their full potential and, in the end, be valued for it.

2. Diversity & Inclusivity Accessibility means removing the barriers that prevent women from entering the workforce or advancing within it. A diverse workforce, including women from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities, brings fresh perspectives, enriches decision-making processes, and fosters creativity.

3. Gender Equity Accessibility is intertwined with the concept of gender equity. When women have equal opportunities for leadership roles and are not hindered by traditional gender roles or stereotypes, they can excel in their careers.

Gender equity entails not just fair treatment but recognizing the potential of women to lead and innovate in their respective fields. Addressing parenting responsibilities and advocating for family-friendly working environments/schedules help bridge the gap with gender bias.

4. Celebrating Women Accessibility also extends to how we celebrate women in the workplace. Recognition, acknowledgment, and appreciation for women's contributions are essential. Employers can organize events or awards dedicated to women's achievements, highlighting their role in shaping the organization's success.

Celebrating women instills a sense of pride and motivates them to continue making a difference. This builds a sustainable framework of community culture.

5. Supporting Women-Led Initiatives Women-led initiatives and businesses are an essential part of the economic landscape.

Accessibility in the workplace means creating an environment where women feel empowered to take on leadership roles, launch their initiatives, and thrive as entrepreneurs. This support not only fosters gender equity but also drives economic growth and innovation.

6. Amplifying Women's Voices Accessibility doesn't end with hiring and wage parity; it encompasses allowing women's voices to be heard. It's vital to create platforms and spaces where women can speak up, share their ideas, and contribute to important discussions.

When women's perspectives are integrated, organizations can make more informed decisions and foster an ethos of respect and understanding.

Accessibility for women in the workplace is a fundamental component of a fair and just society. Ending gender-based violence and sexualized violence, addressing systemic barriers, incorporating gender-based analysis (GBA+) into decision-making, and supporting community action are also central components of creating realistic opportunities for women.

The call for accessibility is not just a moral imperative; it's a strategic one. It's time to recognize that empowering women in the workplace benefits us all. Learning about intersectionality and how it affects all of us, both in our work and personal lives, allows us to respectfully communicate with peers, and deepens our understanding of the ways in which diversity, equity, and inclusion are key for us to thrive. Addressing the importance of accessibility in the workplace is even more critical for gender-diverse and underrepresented groups because it's a matter of rectifying historical imbalances and ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Gender-diverse, and previously unheard groups have faced unique challenges in accessing opportunities, and by prioritizing accessibility, we can:

Remove barriers: Workplaces become more inclusive, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This diversity brings fresh perspectives, nurtures innovation, and makes organizations better equipped to address a wide range of challenges.

Empower Untapped Talent: Many talented individuals within gender-diverse and underrepresented groups remain underutilized due to systemic barriers.

Enhancing accessibility allows organizations to tap into this untapped talent, unlocking their potential and benefiting from their contributions.

Promote Inclusivity: Prioritizing accessibility creates an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported. This inclusivity not only improves job satisfaction but also leads to better team dynamics and collaboration.

Reduce Discrimination: Accessibility measures actively combat discrimination, ensuring that no one is held back due to their gender, race, impairments, or other factors. This reduction in discrimination provokes a more inclusive and harmonious work environment.

Building a barrier-free workplace and world starts with demonstrating heart-led leadership and walking with the vulnerable. What good is access if our culture doesn’t help with the hurdle? I don’t just want the opportunity after the fact or even the praise; I want humanity to assist in breaking down the barriers with me.

Not by building more, criticizing the way in which I choose to conquer it, minimizing the size of the obstacle, or even denying its very existence.

What good are all these grants and opportunities to help with one hurdle if they create five more in the process? Access is a mirage, and we must start calling it out. It's vital to ensure that initiatives designed to support individuals don't inadvertently burden us with additional challenges. Effective solutions should be holistic, considering the full spectrum of needs and potential consequences.

Let’s aim to build a culture that comprehends the significance of accessibility and place it at the forefront of our everyday intentions and operations. This is not only to connect with the real world but also to elevate humanity as a whole. This is how we bring accessibility within our reach and ready for the taking.

To learn more visit www.blaisehunter.com.

TELLING IT LIKE IT IS

This issue of Telling It Like It Is features Amit Ramlall Co-Founder of the Chintan Project Q: Amit’s story is inspirational. Please share how it inspired the Chintan Project.

A: As a young child, I somehow knew that if I was here, it was because there was a reason, a purpose for me to be here. I calculated that if this kid with Autism had a purpose, then so too does every other person. Chintan Project was founded on that premise – to help each individual find and leverage that unique purpose so that they may lead the world. Through my journey, I became increasingly certain that our challenges are purposed too – purposed that we might maximally learn and grow to ‘graduate’ to our next greater challenge.

Q: How has autism made you a better person?

A: I am not sure about ‘better’ person because each of us is perfect in our own, unique way. We don’t need to be somehow fixed – though we each strive to learn and grow as individuals. To navigate the maze that was Autism, I invested thousands of hours thinking and studying anything that would help me understand human awareness and achievement – how we humans tick and how we relate.

Those learnings guide my own life, how I interact with others, and how too I conduct my business affairs.

Q: What is the Chintan Project?

A: Chintan Project is a Human Behavior Advisory company. We help owners and leadership teams solve their soft problems, their people problems, using the hard science of human behavior. We are specialists in the people problems that arise above HR.

Q: What is next for Chintan Project?

A: Chintan continues to expand it’s consulting and advisory services through its work with clients. Just as humans graduate to their next level challenges, so too do companies. And we are grateful to have been trusted by our clients around the world to be their ‘Seal Team Six’ and trusted to help them solve ever greater problems.

We are now working to grow our company through acquisitions and partnerships with others in the Executive Coaching and Consulting space.

There are definite synergies to be leveraged here and we are bringing our human behavior expertise to bear here too.

Q: If you had one piece of advice for a startup or entrepreneur, what would that be A: It is natural to stand on the shoulders of giants.

That is the natural process that occurs in evolution of life, in the growth of civilizations, and in the growth of people too. While we entrepreneurs might have fantasies of being super-human, we entrepreneurs are people too.

Learn from others – use mentors and advisors.

I’ve learnt that it is natural, perfectly natural to stand on the shoulders of giants – stand on their shoulders, not in their shadows!

www.PeerGuidance.ca Telling It Like It Is YouTube: Peer Guidance / Telling It like It Is - YouTube

“ASKING FOR HELP IS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS” – Jade Alberts

“Inclusion and Diversity: The Art of Hiring for Potential & Embracing Perspectives.”

Sharyl Madigan

In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, the conversation surrounding Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) has taken center stage. It is no longer a mere checkbox to be ticked, but a fundamental shift in perspective that is reshaping how businesses operate. The essence of true I&D lies not in hiring individuals based on their race, color, gender, or beliefs to mirror an organizational image, but in recognizing the immense value that diverse backgrounds bring to the table. This paradigm shift places Hiring for Fit at the forefront, ensuring the right person for the job is selected, while acknowledging and celebrating the unique perspectives they offer. This approach can and will spark a new exchange of ideas, fosters creativity within teams and leadership, and ultimately propels organizations from a stance of “this is how we’ve always done it” to a proactive exploration of “how can we do this differently and better?” Let’s delve into the transformative power of Inclusion and Diversity in today’s corporate world.

In our hyper-connected global marketplace, the significance of Inclusion and Diversity cannot be overstated. Beyond a mere checkbox on a corporate agenda, it has emerged as a driving force behind organizational success. A diverse workforce not only reflects the rich tapestry of our community but also brings a myriad of perspectives, experiences, and approaches to the table.

This diversity is a wellspring of innovation, fueling creativity and problem-solving. Studies consistently show that companies with diverse teams outperform their homogeneous counterparts, and for good reason.

When a team comprises individuals with varied backgrounds, they bring a collective wisdom that surpasses the sum of its parts.

This fosters a culture of adaptability and resilience, enabling businesses to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

The Foundation of an Inclusive and Diverse Workforce Hiring For Fit forms the cornerstone of building a truly diverse and inclusive workforce.

It entails evaluating candidates based not only on their skills, competencies, and potential to contribute to the organization’s goals but in particular how they fit the organizational culture. This approach ensures that every individual, regardless of their background, is assessed on a level playing field. By focusing on values, qualifications and achievements, organizations tap into a talent pool that transcends community boundaries.

Moreover, it sends a powerful message that matching the candidates’ values and excellence is the standard, irrespective of one’s race, gender, or creed.

When culture reigns, employees are motivated to continually enhance their skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and self-awareness.

Diverse perspectives are akin to a kaleidoscope of ideas that breathe life into an organization. Individuals from different backgrounds approach challenges with unique lenses, offering fresh insights and innovative solutions. For example, a marketing campaign viewed through the lens of a multicultural team is bound to resonate with a broader audience.

This diversity in thought not only enriches decision-making but also resonate with an increasingly diverse customer base.

Companies that embrace and leverage these varied viewpoints are better equipped to adapt to changing market dynamics and seize emerging opportunities.

Creating an inclusive work environment is not a passive endeavor; it requires intentional effort and a commitment to open communication. Organizations must actively cultivate a culture where every voice is not only heard but valued.

Mentorship programs, diversity training, and inclusive leadership practices play pivotal roles in this process.

When employees feel seen and appreciated for their unique contributions, they become more engaged and invested in the success of the organization.

This sense of belonging empowers individuals to bring their authentic selves to work, resulting in a more vibrant and dynamic workplace.

Despite the undeniable benefits of Inclusion and Diversity, organizations often face challenges in their pursuit of creating truly inclusive environments.

Common barriers include unconscious bias in hiring practices, lack of representation in leadership positions, and resistance to change from the established norms. Overcoming these hurdles require a multifaceted approach.

This might involve implementing hiring for fit practices combined with inclusive hiring practices, providing ongoing diversity training, and establishing clear pathways for advancement within the organization. Additionally, fostering a culture of open dialogue and feedback can help identify and address any lingering barriers to inclusion.

Several forward-thinking companies have set the standard for excellence in Inclusion and Diversity. One standout example is Accenture which has made strides in creating an inclusive workplace culture. By implementing robust diversity training programs and establishing mentorship initiatives, they have not only diversified their workforce but also witnessed a marked increase in creativity and productivity.

Another noteworthy case is CISCO which has prioritized representation at all levels of their organization. This commitment to inclusivity has not only resulted in a more engaged workforce but has also translated into enhanced brand reputation and customer loyalty.

The Future of Inclusion and Diversity As we look ahead, the trajectory of Inclusion and Diversity is poised for even greater significance. Embracing diversity will not only be a moral imperative but a strategic advantage.

Organizations that proactively cultivate diverse and inclusive environments will be better positioned to navigate an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.

This means not only valuing diverse perspectives but also actively seeking them out.

It means dismantling systemic barriers and fostering a sense of belonging for all employees.

The future of Inclusion and Diversity is bright, and it is incumbent upon organizations to be at the forefront of this transformative movement.

Inclusion and Diversity are not merely buzzwords; they are the key to unlocking the full potential of the organization. By championing Hiring for Fit practices, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering a culture of inclusion, businesses can position themselves for sustained success in an ever-evolving world.

As we move forward, let us remember that true progress lies in celebrating the unique contributions of every individual, irrespective of their background. By doing so, we not only enrich our workplaces but also contribute to a more vibrant, innovative, and prosperous future growing stronger communities.

BECAUSE YOUR VOICE & YOUR BUSINESS MATTER

“IF YOU CAN IMAGINE IT, YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT. IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN BECOME IT.” -

: Sharyl Madigan The Voice of Business Voiceofbusiness.ca

William Arthur Ward

The Startup Canada Tour is a five stop national opportunity to connect with the Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Stopping in Whitehorse, Halifax, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ontario, we’ll be bringing together early-stage entrepreneurs to build out their networks, learn from industry experts, and drive their businesses forward.

“Attending Startup Canada’s Tour in Calgary, was a great way to learn about what is being created by entrepreneurs in various ecosystems, connect with industry leaders and learn about how we can collaborate, and support the startup ecosystem.” – Krista Malden

Startup Canada is a remarkable organization bringing entrepreneurs together from coast to coast! And they offer support for early-stage startups to network, get the support they need, and drive business forward to create a stronger ecosystem. Check out everything offer here: Home Page - Startup Canada

“I had the privilege to attend this year's Startup Canada Tour in Calgary. To begin with, I had the honour of meeting their CEO, Kayla Isabelle, who is passionate about helping entrepreneurs around Canada. The day was incredible and filled with amazing speakers and remarkable panellists covering various topics. There was also a large and diverse group of exhibitors who were happy to talk to me about their businesses and to learn about mine. So many wonderful connections were made, and I look forward to more events and information from Startup Canada.” Samantha Moore

#DesigntheShift COMING SOON…

6th Annual Mental Health Summit TAKE THE DAY TO PLAY!

Join us on December 13, 2023, and TAKE THE DAY TO PLAY, while connecting with the community, learning about mental wellness, and filling your BUCKET with mental health resources!

Start the day with coffee and networking, followed by an opening keynote and facilitated exercises. Spend some time drumming, creating, and participating in activities. There will be a panel discussion around mental health, business and accessibility.

THIS IS A MUST ATTEND EVENT! Get your Tickets HERE What the day looks like!

KEYNOTE: Sumana Jeddy Join Sumana for an interactive workplace wellness and mental health related workshop & keynote speech.

Sumana Jeddy is a renowned workplace wellness trailblazer, founder, and CEO of Jeddy Wellness and The Workplace Wellness Collective. With a master’s in public health and a Bachelor's in Microbiology from the University of British Columbia, she combines scientific expertise and a unique perspective from her years as a Surveillance Scientist and Manager of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology.

Founder & Drummer: Krista Malden Join Krista, in a live session of drumming.

Krista is a mom of two, the founder of Community Now! Magazine a multifaceted individual with a passion for storytelling, connecting people, industry, and generations through building communities.

KEYNOTE: Ryan Perez

HOST: Jayme Minor

FIRE SIDE CHAT: IMPOSTER SYNDROME Mental Health and Business with: Tyler Chisolm

Faisal Karmali

Facilitators, Speakers, Sponsors

Deloris Walker

DELORIS WALKER

Addressing Food Scarcity for Pets Parachutes for Pets is a non-profit organization committed to providing support and assistance to animals in need. With a focus on creating a more compassionate society, Parachutes for Pets aims to protect the bond between humans and their beloved pets, especially during times of vulnerability. Through various initiatives, the organization strives to ensure the well-being of both individuals and their furry companions. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.parachutesforpets.com/ A Milestone Achievement: The World's First Pet Advocacy Center On September 16th, Parachutes for Pets marked a significant milestone by opening the world's first Pet Advocacy Center in Calgary. This innovative center prioritizes the human-animal bond, providing support to our vulnerable population. The center features a pet food bank, a pet-only thrift store, social workers, and basic pet care and education resources.

"Your story is a work of art. When

you focus on the strengths within your story you are empowered to move forward and flourish. Let me help you discover the possibilities.”

CREATING SPACE ONE BRICK AT A TIME! Stonewall Recovery Centre exists to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals impacted by addiction through specialized, innovative treatment programs and enhanced community partnerships on a local and national level.

Stonewall Recovery

How do we get there?

Book a FREE 30-minute coaching session: https://calendly.com/christinapeersp ectiveconsulting/free-coachingsession I AM HERE TO SUPPORT YOU peerspectiveconsulting@gmail.com.

You are not alone.

Peerspective Consulting

Great question... WE NEED YOU! Stonewall Recovery is a charity, which means we rely on donations and sponsorships to fund our development and run our program. Please visit our donation page, GoFundMe OR email info@stonewallrecovery.ca to learn about our other donation options. Taxable donation receipts will be provided by Simon House Recovery Centre.

Your contribution could have the power to save a life.

Welcome to HOPES; Corner October 2023

By Kimberly Dawn & friends

Diana's HOPE; Story

Honour: We ask all Canadians to honour the Indigenous children who were taken to residential school and the Sixties Scoop and recognizing that their trauma was passed on to their children.

We need everyone to help us heal and make change for the children of tomorrow.

Openness: We ask that you open your heart to learning about Indigenous ways, dispelling stereotypes and to starting relationships with indigenous people to heal the divide and restore trust.

Perseverance: We entreat you to join us at our events, our workshops, our circles, our walks to ask for awareness and change such as the Pokaiks Commemorative walk.

I am organizing on Sept 30th at city hall 11am.

We are all related, we all have much to gain by becoming allies.

Engagement: We need your help, so we ask you to consider taking action to help us make change.

Follow us on social media or sign up to our newsletter: colouringitforward.com to receive suggestions of how you can make a difference in truth and reconciliation.

Chi Meegwetch Chi Meegwetch means "thank you very much" in Algonquin

Life was never meant to be journeyed alone. We need others to come along side of us through the ups and downs of life. We are here to support you through your journey.

Our Mission at Calgary Institute of Counselling is to provide a safe place, free of judgement, for clients to find healing.

Book your FREE 20-minute consultation today!

Calgary Institute of Counselling | Emotion Focused | Calgary, AB, Canada (counsellinginstitute.ca) 103 - 11500 29 St. SE Calgary, AB T2Z 3W9 5873508843 intake@counsellinginstitute.ca

Committed to saving and transforming the lives of men who are battling addiction, Simon House provides a unique and innovative approach to addiction recovery.

Rooted in the 12 Steps, Simon House incorporates various multidisciplinary techniques and therapies to empower change and support long-term arecovery.

We are launching 4-month Utilizing a continuous daily intake Capital Campaign to replace all process, 67 beds in our facilities to ensure every person gets the best care possible.

DONATE HERE

CN! Presents Q & A Corner This issue of Q & A Corner features Dan Olesen, Lead of Bow Valley Colleges Apprenticeship Style Programs Q & A Corner features a sneak peak into the knowledge of thought leaders from various industries.

Q: Why is it important for education institutes and businesses to work together?

A: You know, it's super important for schools and businesses to team up because there's this big gap between what you learn in school and what you need in the real world. You're talking about both the technical stuff and those people skills.

When they work together, they can keep up with the latest job market trends and changing societal needs. They're like two buddies helping each other to grow and adapt quickly.

Q: What can students gain from working with employers throughout their education journey?

A: Students aren't just hunting for jobs; they're on a quest for wisdom. They want to make a real impact once they step out of school. But sometimes, it's easy to lose sight of what you've learned. That's where industry mentors come in. They've been there, done that, and they're like Yoda, guiding you and helping you focus on your dreams. They'll show you how to make wise choices, think about the bigger picture, while helping you bring value to the business as you can and are ready for.

Q: What advice can you give to business leaders who want to bring on intern students?

A: Business leaders, here's the deal – treat bringing in interns as a mission. Look for interns who share your company's values rather than just their skills. It's not about quick results; it's about being part of something bigger. Make it a culture where interns can ask for help when they need it. After all, the same advice we give to interns applies to you too.

Q: What advice can you give to students to help them succeed in their internship and education journey?

A: Here's a fun way to look at it: Imagine you're the hero in a video game. Each task is a chance to level up and get better. Your values are like your superpower. Use them to tackle challenges you didn't even know existed. Be open to new experiences and stay true to your values and long-term goals. It's like an epic adventure, and you're the star!

Grateful - Ciara Brady Today I am grateful for every hug I have with my son. We have been on a long and painful journey of trying to find the ‘right fit’ for treatment as his family and I saw mental health and addiction take over. This journey is crushing for teens and terrifying as a parent. It is a lonely place to find yourself stuck in a web of mental health supports but having no next step. Being sicker than the system can handle is difficult place.

However, today we have hope like we never imagined was possible. My son is stronger physically and mentally. He has powerful tools to deal with life’s challenges and an incredible support network that makes a difference for him and for our family every day. Having a new way forward is a luxury given where we came from.

In May 2021, our family found AARC (Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre). Our son was admitted following two almost fatal overdoses within two weeks after many years of hospital stays and subsequent mental health programs.

He was lost, I was lost, our family was lost. As AARC is a family treatment centre, all 6 of our family members participated in the program receiving invaluable support from others who had walked in our shoes.

AARC’s unique peer counselling is highly effective, and their Recovery Homes provide many therapeutic benefits for all family members. Our family learned a new way to be more compassionate around addiction and it has changed so much.

Prior to entering AARC, it was long and lonely journey spanning over years. Our son’s struggles became evident when school attendance rapidly declined, and his drinking and drug use started in Grade 8. It became evident as time went on that it was not just a phase, things were progressing before our eyes. Life became really scary, unpredictable and impossible to handle. Our concerns grew daily as he made increasingly unhealthy and risky decisions. As a parent, every decision matters at a time like that. After finding what we all needed at AARC, we are now hopeful for the future. We are all taking ‘One Day at a Time’ and it is so refreshing. We are grateful for so much and that feels awesome.

If you know a family that are struggling with teenage drug use, encourage them to call AARC (Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre 403-2535250) where you will be met with kindness, compassion, and an unimaginable community of support. You are not alone.

RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY Mental Health Resources

Workplace Wellness Resources

Business Services & Resources

RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY Business Services & Resources

In the Community

Art provided by Zanika Malden Zanika M (@zanikam.art) • Instagram photos and videos