T3 Transit has record-breaking month
Even though the concept of a green economy doesn’t seem to yet be much of a preoccupation on P.E.I., a growing number of employers throughout the province want to become “greener,” either with the help of new employees or by training current staff in the relatively near future.
A survey conducted by Mathieu Arsenault, a consultant from Charlottetown’s Think Forward Solutions, for RDÉE Canada and RDÉE Prince Edward Island, found going greener within the next three years was a top priority for 70 per cent of respondents.
While 50 per cent of respondents were already involved in the “green economy,” only 35 per cent said they had qualified “green” employees.
Eighty-one per cent of the 26 respondents who already had green employees noted they had between one and four.
Twenty-six also said they expected to hire one to three new employees within the next three years.
The main fields for these new employees would be in the areas of management, technical and operations.
“All of this shows that there is a growing demand among employers to integrate extra green practices and jobs within their place of business — particularly in these times when there is so much talk about carbon taxes,” said Stéphane Blanchard, economic development officer with RDÉE P.E.I.
Blanchard said the survey demonstrates that the green economy is evolving in Prince Edward Island.
“A significant number of employers who have answered our survey indicated they wish to receive more information as well as training and skills upgrading for their employees to make their workplace even greener,” he said. Stéphane Blanchard, economic development officer with RDÉE Prince Edward Island, reviews the results of a survey on the green economy with Emmanuelle Billaux from the Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean in Charlottetown.
“The employers who are already involved in the green economy need information on recruiting, training and pay grants, while those who wish to make their products or services greener need information on the best ways to proceed and an overall orientation on the direction they should go to make their activities greener.”
The consultant’s report recommends
that RDÉE P.E.I. work with key partners, such as the Island’s university and colleges, to support businesses and organizations by providing them with training, programs or even specialized green certifications.
It was also suggested that the RDÉE help recruit green employees.
Finally, the consultant suggested the organization of a forum on the green economy.
“We truly appreciate the collaboration of all those who answered our survey since these results will help orient our future actions in this area,” added Blanchard.
“We will obviously do everything we can to pursue the greening of the economy and to support Island employers in the coming years.”
About 200 English and French employers (including private, community and governmental) were approached directly to participate in the survey, but more than half declined to contribute. In the end, 88 employers took part.
The Community Service Bursary has expanded.
The P.E.I. government has announced that Grade 10 students are now eligible for the program, and the maximum bursary available has increased from $500 to $750.
The bursary expansion was a recommendation from the P.E.I. Youth Futures Council, which held an event called YDay last fall.
Youth Futures Council member Nicole Mountain says she’s happy that government is following the council’s advice to provide more post-secondary education funding to high school students who volunteer in their communities.
“The Youth Futures Council is thrilled to see that our recommendations are being heard and valued,” said Mountain, who has been an active community volunteer for more than 10 years.
“This and other youth initiatives, including YDay 2017, provide young Islanders with incredible opportunities to frame their futures and show what we can accomplish by working together.”
One organization that benefits from young volunteers is Camp Triumph, near Darnley. Matt Sheriko is the communications director for the camp, which gives a camping experience to children who have a sibling or parent with a serious chronic illness or disability.
“Youth volunteers are at the core of delivering Camp Triumph’s programs,” he said. “Both Camp Triumph and many Island youth have greatly benefited from volunteer efforts. Our campers have a unique perspective on life, and the incredibly valuable experience they get
T3 Transit saw a 14.3 per cent increase of ridership in June 2017 over 2016 in Charlottetown.
A total of 40,095 passengers used the transit service in Charlottetown in the month of June, compared to 35,075 in 2016, which is an increase of 5,020 passengers last month. With six months of 2017 completed, there is an overall increase in transit use in Charlottetown of 11 per cent over January to June of 2016.
T3 Transit started Sept. 30, 2005, with a four-bus route system.
Currently, there are 11 buses at peak times providing service to the Town of Cornwall, Town of Stratford and City of Charlottetown.
Passenger numbers have been strong all last year with another record broken for annual ridership in 2016.
“The employers who are already involved in the green economy need information on recruiting, training and pay grants, while those who wish to make their products or services greener need information on the best ways to proceed and an overall orientation on the direction they should go to make their activities greener.” Stéphane Blanchard “This and other youth initiatives, including YDay 2017, provide young Islanders with incredible opportunities to frame their futures and show what we can accomplish by working together.” Nicole Mountain
when they attend is further enriched by the youth volunteers.”
YDay 2016 was held in October, bringing together young Islanders with government and community partners to share ideas for the future. The YDay 2016 report is now available online at http://www.ypei.ca and the Youth Futures Council is busy planning for YDay 2017.
“Expanding the Community Service Bursary helps students pay for college or university, and encourages young people to volunteer earlier and more often in their communities, which is good for everyone,” said Workforce and Advanced Learning Minister Sonny Gallant.
“Helping our young Islanders with post-secondary education leads to a more skilled workforce, which helps grow our economy and strengthen our communities.”
Organizations and students interested in taking part in the Community Services Bursary can get details at https://www. princeedwardisland.ca/en/ information/workforce-andadvanced-learning/community-service-bursary
For more information on Camp Triumph, visit www. camptriumph.ca or on Facebook and Instagram.
Recently, additional buses were purchased and refurbished to accommodate transit needs.
Upgrades have included security cameras for improved safety and bike racks for cyclists.
Further upgrades will include free Wi-Fi for passenger use and the launch of ReadyPass for improved usability and trip planning.
The buses are wheelchair accessible and have both kneeling and ramp extension capability to ensure accessibility for all users.
They are also equipped with destination signs, which allow route descriptions to be displayed on exterior screens.
For more information on T3 Transit and to access the transit schedule, visit www.triustransit.ca or call 902-566-9962 and choose Option 1.