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Labour and Employment
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Labour Office

Kevin working the desk at the DI's Labour OfficeThe Labour Office is the longest running program, aside from food and shelter, at the DI. It was established in 1990 and, since its inception, has placed over 160,000 Casual Labour Jobs, and 20,000 Permanent Jobs.

Hours of Operation

  • Monday to Friday (6:30 am – 2:30 pm) Riverfront Avenue, Second Floor

Brian Bellerose - Homeless, not joblessThrough a unique partnership with Marks Work Wearhouse, the Labour Office supplies workers with work boots and gloves, as well as clothing. Since becoming involved in 2000, Marks Work Wearhouse has provided over 1,000 boots and 3,000 pairs of work gloves.

Unlike typical temp agencies, the Labour Office does not charge a referral fee to clients. Wages are paid in full, directly to the employee, by the employer. Potential employers phone in or fax job opportunities and office staff attempt to match employee with employer when specific skills are needed. For general labour positions, jobs are allocated on a lottery basis — clients receive a random number and the lowest number gets the first job.

Clients also receive a bag lunch and bus ticket when sent out on a job.

Types of jobs/sectors available include:

  • Furniture Moving
  • Oil patch work
  • Roofing
  • Inventory Control
  • Home cleaning
  • Snow Removal
  • Construction
  • Restaurant & Hotel
  • Trade Show/Exhibition Set up & Tear Down
  • Demolition
  • Painting/staining
  • Landscaping
  • Warehouse duties
  • Assembly work
  • Special Event i.e. Concert Set up & tear down
  • Operators
  • Janitorial/building maintenance
  • Security

Call the Labour Office at (403) 263-6217 if you are interested in hiring from our employment pool.

CTI – Career Training Initiatives

The Career Training Initiative (CTI) program is a free three-week employment preparation program designed to provide homeless and low-income individuals essential life skills, basic computer skills, and industry certifications.

Our goal is to give people the tools they need to find and keep meaningful long-term employment. The CTI program reduces the barriers to sustained employment, fostering skills and confidence and supporting life-long learning.

The three components of the CTI program include:

Industry certifications

  • Confined Space Pre-Entry
  • Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
  • Flagger Training
  • Forklift Operation & Safety
  • H2S Alive
  • Standard First Aid & CPR Level C
  • Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
  • WHMIS

Computer Training

  • Internet & E-mail
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel

Life skills workshops

  • Anger Management
  • Boundaries & Communication
  • Dealing with Difficult People
  • Employment Strategies
  • Health & Wellness
  • Money Management
  • Personal Vision
  • Self- Esteem
  • Stress & Conflict

Volunteers Needed

We may have volunteering opportunities in the following areas:

  • Resume writing and practice interviews
  • Guest lectures for lifeskills workshops
  • One-on-one tutoring

Employers

Join the work placement program!

  • Access highly motivated, work-ready candidates
  • Post job opportunities at no charge
  • Save money by hiring industry certified individuals

Students

  • Practice job searching, resume writing and interviewing
  • Get assistance finding stable employment
  • Earn valuable industry certifications
  • Obtain computer skills and lifeskills

CTI Newsletter

Application Forms

If you would like to get involved in offering a life skills workshop, please contact the Curriculum Development Coordinator at (403) 699-8282.

Thanks to our sponsors for Giving People the Tools They Need to Help Themselves for the Rest of Their Lives