Blog

COVID-19 impact on rural employment in Ontario to November, 2020

Date: December 22, 2020

COVID-19 Impact on Rural Employment: Ontario in the Canadian context up to November, 2020 highlights the impact on rural Ontario with a comparison to the impact on rural employment in other provinces.

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AALP Class 18 Leadership Profile – Maria Ramirez

Date: December 1, 2020

The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program is now running its 18th cohort of people dedicated to an experiential program of leadership development that will provide leadership principles, a template for future growth, and a growing network of engaged leaders in Ontario agriculture. The program is well-known, and well-loved, for the broad array of people it attracts from every corner of agriculture. This year’s class is dealing with a global pandemic and working to continue their journey through unforeseen disruptions and challenges. We spoke to Class 18 participant Maria Ramirez Giraldo about her leadership journey.

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Explore What's Happening at AALP

Date: December 1, 2020

Similar to many of your organizations, businesses and families, AALP Class 18 created a new journey as a result of the pandemic. In July, we took a cautionary approach and decided to extend Class 18 by 6 months, conserve the resources so many supporters have contributed and use those resources when the time is right to deliver the full AALP experience. As we move into 2021 we are excited to announce AALP Class 18 will resume programming virtually in true leadership fashion, embracing the spirit of resilience and innovation! With COVID cases still on the rise in many parts of Ontario and around the world, participants will be challenged to lead through an unprecedented situation. Like the 17 Classes before them, your journey will be unique and one remembered your life long!

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Exploring the Leadership Challenge

Date: December 1, 2020

The theme of our first Class 18 seminar was Leadership: Theory and Application. We explored this topic in many ways. Our journey began with a presentation by Ann L. Gordon, leadership consultant and AALP Class 2 grad, on the global leadership competency framework. Ann has composed this framework as a setting off point on the leadership journey, and indicated many traits needed to effectively lead in today’s global context.

Prior to our first AALP seminar, we were tasked with completing a Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI). Guided by Kelly Ann McKnight and George Pinho of Stoneridge Consulting Inc., each AALP participant answered a series of questions about the frequency of their own common leadership behaviours. Managers, co-workers, friends, and others were also recruited to help provide outside perspective for the LPI. It was certainly eye opening for many.

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Feeding the Hungry by Fighting Food Waste

Date: December 1, 2020

​The entire AALP Class 18 will agree that we were beyond impressed and inspired from our trip to Second Harvest in Toronto. The tour began with presentations by Rose Barcarse, Program Coordinator, and Madison Maguire, Executive Coordinator, followed by a tour of the warehouse facility from Ian Macleod, Fleet and Warehouse Supervisor.  It is evident the pride and satisfaction the team has in the work they are doing.

Filling the gap left by traditional food banks, Second Harvest specializes in perishable foods that are traditionally wasted in our food system. They provide a bridge between wasted food and social agencies. In 2018, Second Harvest programs redirected 12.3 million pounds of food, the equivalent of $32 million, or 34,000 meals/day!

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