Life is Still Beautiful (at 107 years of age)

An absolutely amazing and inspirational story you may want to read...

ARTICLE - "Life is Still Beautiful" - Former concert pianist Alice Herz-Sommer is living proof of the power of music. Written by Theunis Bates.

Recruiting With Social Media: Social Media's Impact on Recruitment and HR

Quick link to an exciting new publication on the impact of social media within the recruitment and HR community by Raj Anand, an internationally renowned thought leader on social media, innovation and entrepreneurship: http://amzn.to/aQWpHM

For more information visit: www.facebook.com/pages/Raj-Anand

Professional Development

Professional development is important in all aspects and disciplines within the human resources arena. Those who had the opportunity to attend this year's HRPA Annual Conference in January which was hosted again in Toronto, were offered insight into some of the upcoming predictions and trends yet again this year.

Here is are a few quick link to share:
1. HRPA's website
2. Source for new publications specifically for recruiter books

Would like to hear about your PD experiences and recommendations.

HR Success Story - Hugh Secord

Labour Relations Consultant and accomplished author, Hugh Secord, is a seasoned HRM generalist who has developed a reputation for innovative and forward thinking business solutions.

As an HRM/ER Strategist, Hugh helps organizations by transform their cultures to create business successes, and contributes to business results by focusing the HR practice on providing value-added services.

As a Senior HR practitioner, Hugh has lead several change management initiatives through the application of strong project management skills and a process orientation.

Key Accomplishments
1. Lead over 125 bargaining sessions (CEP, Teamsters, CAW, USWA, RWDSU)
2. Negotiated Canada’s first (and only) “evergreen contracts” that eliminated the union’s right to strike voluntarily.
3. Created a unique Cultural Guideline delivery process that emphasizes JIT frontline training and reinforces corporate values
4. Publish several books on HRM and Labour Relations Best Practices.

Consulting Services Include: Developing Labour Relations Strategies, Contract Negotiations, Appearances at Arbitration and Tribunals, Management and Supervisory Training, Interim Management, Management Coaching

For further information visit http://www.hughsecord.com/

Social Networking for Recruiters

Upcoming Social Networking Webinars by Harpaul Sambhi

Harpaul Sambhi CEO of Careerify Corp., a Canadian owned social network, is an avid learner in all aspects of business with a keen interest in social networking, business development, psychology, and continual growth.

I had the opportunity to participate in Harpaul's last HRPA-sponsored webinar and encourage HR professionals interesting in learning more about social networking as a source for recruitment to consider the next webinar.

On December 10th, 2009, Harpaul's Webinar "Using Social Networks for Recruitment and HR Branding" will cover topics such as ...

1. Recruitment and human resources branding strategies.
2. How to decide which social network(s) to invest in.
3. Learn how to tailor your message effectively to reach a particular audience.
4. Linked In; Facebook; You-Tube; Twitter; Careerify; Blogger; WorldPress; hi5; and myspace.

Link to Webinar

Ontario's Next Minimum Wage increase March 31, 2010

Ontario's Minimum Wage Increases

Amendments to Regulation 285/01 of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 to implement the increases to the general minimum wage that were announced in the 2007 Ontario budget have come into effect. The regulation increases the minimum wage rates for students, liquor servers, homeworkers, and hunting⁄fishing guides by the same percentage as the general rate.

March 31, 2009 General Minimum Wage $9.50/hour
March 31, 2010 General Minimum Wage $10.25/hour

EMPLOYER'S WORKPLACE POLICY: Using Cellphones for Business Purposes in Ontario

Has your company's Use of Electronic Devices workplace policy been updated? Submitted by Roslyn Baichoo, Lawyer/Associate - Lawrences' Litigation Group

Roslyn A. Baichoo kindly reminds Ontario employers and drivers that Bill 118, Countering Distracting Driving & Promoting Green Transportation Act, 2009, will be coming into effect in October 2009. Roslyn practises exclusively in the areas of employment, labour and human rights, acting for both public and private sector employers.

Here is a quick link to updated information regarding the new Cell Phone Ban legislation: http://www.lawrences.com/uploads/publications/CellphoneBan.pdf