BScene

3rd Annual Hip For Hospice
Story and Photography by: Jason Freeze

The Sanderson Centre was rocking out to the awesome tunes of 50 Mission - A Tragically Hip Tribute on Saturday, May 30th as they held their 3rd annual Hip for Hospice show in support of the Stedman Community Hospice.

The group performed a great set of some of the Tragically Hip's most iconic songs. And guests were delighted to sing along and experience the music.

Congratulations to everyone involved on a fundraising and musical event!

LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION ON THE RISE
Submitted Media Release

The local unemployment rate climbed slightly last month.

According to the latest seasonally adjusted estimates from Statistics Canada, Brantford-Brant’s jobless rate inched up 0.2 points to 5.9% in May due to increased labour force participation. An additional 1,100 individuals began looking for work, with 800 finding employment.

Meanwhile, unemployment dipped both provincially – by 0.5 points to 7%- and nationally – by 0.3 points to 6.6%- amid employment increases.

Several surrounding communities, including Hamilton, St. Catharines-Niagara and Guelph observed similar increases in the local unemployment rate as more people looked for work.

Locally, employment gains were largest in the health care and social assistance sector, followed by accommodation and food services, management, and public administration.

Grand Erie Jobs, the Workforce Planning Board’s job board, recorded 2,150 new job posts in May, up 7% from the month prior. Job demand was highest for retail salespersons, food counter attendants and kitchen helpers, transport truck drivers, material handlers and personal support workers.

The board is currently running a Workforce Survey to capture the perspectives of job seekers and workers. To complete the Workforce survey, please use the following link: https://workforceplanningboard.org/2026WorkforceSurvey

Residents, aged 15+, of Brantford, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit and the Counties of Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk are encouraged to complete the workforce survey. Those who complete they survey will be entered into a draw to win Brantford Red Sox tickets, or 1 of 10 gift cards ($25 value) to local businesses.

The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie is also running the EmployerOne survey, aimed at local employers and HR representatives. To complete the EmployerOne survey, please use the following link: https://workforceplanningboard.org/EmployerOne

Businesses that complete the survey are entered into a draw to win 1 of 3 coffee breaks for the team or 2 tickets to the Growing Your Workforce Conference in October.

Completing the surveys will help inform local workforce development programs, education and training initiatives, and community policies that strengthen the local economy and create better employment opportunities for residents.

Laurier Appoints Tarah Brookfield Dean of Liberal Arts, Human and Social Sciences
Submitted Media Release

Wilfrid Laurier University has appointed Tarah Brookfield dean of the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Liberal Arts for a two-year term beginning July 1.

A faculty member at Laurier’s Brantford campus since 2009 and interim dean of both faculties for the past year, Brookfield has a track record of interdisciplinary teaching, community-engaged research and institutional leadership.

“Dr. Brookfield is a collaborative leader who excels at balancing strategic vision and operational leadership,” said Heidi Northwood, Laurier’s provost and vice-president: academic. “I am thrilled she will continue to work with students, faculty, staff and partners to further the success of these two faculties in Brantford.”

Brookfield earned a PhD in History from York University in 2009 after earning a master’s degree from the University of Waterloo and a bachelor’s degree from McGill University. She joined Laurier in 2009 with cross-appointments in Contemporary Studies, History, and Youth and Children Studies. Her nationally and internationally recognized research, including two books and numerous articles, focuses on women’s feminist and peace activism as well as youth’s lives during times of crisis and war.

“I look forward to working with the students, staff, and faculty in Human and Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, as well as community partners, to foster a culture of innovative learning, equity, and critical thinking,” said Brookfield.

About Laurier’s Faculty of Human and Social Sciences and Faculty of Liberal Arts
Laurier’s Faculty of Human and Social Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate programs across six academic sub-units, where students study complex social issues and build practical experience. Areas of study include Health Studies, Criminology, Policing, Public Safety, Psychology, Game Design and Leadership.

Laurier’s Faculty of Liberal Arts includes traditional arts programs and interdisciplinary fields of study, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in 10 academic sub-units including English, History, Human Rights, Indigenous Studies, Law and Society, Social Justice, User Experience Design, and Youth and Children’s Studies.