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REnEW graduates ready to take on projects

June 4, 2023 By Communications Leave a Comment

Celebrating CMHA Kelowna’s REnEW program graduates ready to take on energy efficiency projects

June 1, 2023 – The inaugural class of CMHA Kelowna’s Residential Energy Efficiency Works (REnEW) job-skills training program is ready to graduate. Seven students have spent the last four weeks training for a career within the emerging energy-efficient construction industry. They will be celebrated at a graduation ceremony this Friday.

In collaboration with FortisBC Energy Inc. and FortisBC Inc. (collectively FortisBC), CMHA Kelowna offers the REnEW program to people who are experiencing barriers to finding employment by providing them with both in-class and hands on education in basic construction skills, with a specific focus on energy efficiency. Since 2010, approximately 165 participants have received training to prepare them for entry-level employment opportunities in the construction sector.

“The REnEW program has been well-organized and I have loved the learning. I’m looking forward to getting a job where I can put my learning to work,” said a REnEW participant.

Graduates took part in classroom training sessions that covered critical industry-respected safety certificates before completing a hands-on project. The group retrofitted windows and installed energy efficiency measures at Freedom’s Door, a men’s addiction and recovery centre.

CMHA Kelowna offers the training program through Foundry Works, which includes supporting the participants for up to three months after graduation to help them find long-term or permanent work placement.

“We are delighted to see the first class of the REnEW program graduate. This program speaks to the very core of what we aim to achieve at CMHA Kelowna – giving individuals the support, resources, and tools they need to feel good about their life and look forward to the future. We appreciate partnering with FortisBC to be able to offer this program, and to the broader construction industry for seeing this as an opportunity to have an positive impact on people’s lives,” said Mike Gawliuk, CEO at CMHA Kelowna

Employers within the trades sector also benefit by partnering with the program. They gain access to skilled, entry-level workers at a time when the labour force is tight. Employers will also have two weeks of wages covered through the program.

“We’re proud of this graduating class and the people who’ve taken the initiative to apply and participate in the REnEW program. We hope this will help unlock future opportunities for them. The work done at construction sites is where change really happens to make homes and buildings more energy efficient. Having trained professionals in this sector is critical to how we can achieve provincial climate action goals. Working with industry partners like CMHA Kelowna is a great way we can help more people through the REnEW training program.” Said Carol Suhan, manager of community programs at FortisBC

The next round of REnEW program training sessions will be taking place in the coming months. Individuals who are 18 years and older and are experiencing multiple barriers to work can apply. No experience is necessary. Candidates must be physically fit enough, legally entitled to work in BC, and interested in working within the energy retrofitting and construction sector.

Contact CMHA Kelowna’s Tamiko Keating, at [email protected] or 250-801-5654 for more information.

Read More About the REnEW Program

Filed Under: News Tagged With: CMHA Kelowna job program, energy sector job program, FortisBC job program, Kelowna job program, REnEW Program

Study: Most Canadians want universal mental health care

May 1, 2023 By Communications Leave a Comment

New data reveals that 87% of people living in Canada want universal mental health care

Research found that almost all Canadians would like access to free, publicly funded mental health care

Toronto, ON (May 1, 2023) – People living in Canada believe that we are in a mental health crisis and that governments are not doing enough about it. A recent survey conducted for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) found that almost nine-in-ten agree that people living in Canada should have access to universal mental health care.

Universal mental health care means the services needed are available, they are funded through public health insurance plans and free to the individual, and they are the same – no matter where a person lives or who they are. Universal mental health care meets everyone’s needs.

“We hear stories from people across the country every day that services are hard to find and not available to everyone,” says Margaret Eaton, National CEO, CMHA. “Just like physical health, mental health is important to living a fully engaged life. Which is why mental health services should be fully covered.”

The survey found that of the 35% of people who have experienced a mental health concern in the past year, more than one-third did not reach out for help primarily because it is too expensive or because they don’t know where to find it. The research also showed that more than half of people living in Canada (57%) would access mental health care through a community organization with a free program.

“Mental health care doesn’t just happen in a doctor’s office or in a hospital. There are community-based mental health services that work together with the medical system, and they need to be properly funded. They must also be easy-to-find, free and available where people live, work and play,” says Eaton.


A summary of the data by province can be found here.


The release of these findings aligns with CMHA’s 72nd annual Mental Health Week, May 1-7, 2023. This year’s theme is MY STORY and aims to shine a spotlight on community mental health care champions, programs and communities while showcasing the importance of securing universal mental health care.

This Mental Health Week, we can harness the power of storytelling to help build connections and understanding between each other while strengthening our communities. To get involved, you can:

  • Share your story and support for universal mental health care using the hashtags #MyStory and #MentalHealthWeek;
  • Learn about different types of mental health supports and how they can be used to support you or someone in your community;
  • Visit mentalhealthweek.ca for more information and to download resources;
  • Donate to support CMHA mental health programs and services;
  • Connect with CMHA Kelowna if you or someone you love is struggling or visit the Government of Canada’s Wellness Together If you are in crisis, please call 1-833-456-4566 toll free in Canada (1-866-277-3553 in Quebec) or dial 911.

Filed Under: News

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