Category Archives: Staff Updates

Staff Update #20 – Week in Review

Paramedic Services Week 2024

May 19–25 is Paramedic Services Week and this year’s theme is “Help us, Help You”. A time to recognize and celebrate Toronto Paramedic Services’ entire team, including our Paramedics, Emergency Medical Call Takers and Dispatchers, as well as Support and Leadership staff. Check out the Chief’s memo here.

Next week we will be hosting a number activities including a barbecue at headquarters, crest design competition, daily games and giveaways, District Hub celebrations, and a special offer from Toronto Blue Jays! Visit the Staff Blog for details and check TPS’ Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and Threads social media accounts to follow along as the celebrations unfold.

Canadian Paramedic Research Day: May 23, 2024

There’s still time to register for the Third Annual Canadian Paramedicine Research Day on Thursday, May 23^rd, 2024 from 09:30h – 17:30h. This year’s theme is “Research to Practice: Evidence for Innovation in Paramedicine”. More information can be found on the Staff Blog or you can register here before deadline, May 22, 2024.

Toronto Newcomer Day

May 23 is Toronto Newcomer Day. An annual event that welcomes newcomers by featuring activities, including a formal stage program, tours of City Hall, a newcomer marketplace, and an information fair.

Staff from the Community Paramedicine Program will be at Nathan Phillips Square from 10:00h–15:00h to welcome newcomers and share information about the services offered by Toronto Paramedic Services.

Job Opportunity

A job call is currently open for Superintendent Pharmaceuticals. The posting can also be found on the Staff Blog. Posting closes June 12, 2024.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Opportunities

An EOI is now open for Long Term Backfill EOI #1-2024. Submissions will only be accepted through the TPS Bidding Portal. Questions can be directed to PS-SchedulingMgmt@toronto.ca. Submission deadline is 23:59h on June 3, 2024.

The following EOIs remain open

Interested staff may apply via TeleStaff from a City of Toronto workstation or using the Employee Remote Access Self-Service Portal. Applications must be received no later than 23:59h on June 2, 2024.

There is also still time to apply for Payroll Program Assistant 1. Interested candidates should forward a resume and cover letter by email to: PS-PayrollMgmt@toronto.ca. Posting closes at 16:00h on May 24, 2024.

Staff Communications Recap

The following communications were released in the last week:

All Staff

Operations

Communications

Save the Date: First Resonder Pride Event

The sixth annual appreciation event is scheduled for Friday, June 14, from 19:00h -01:00h at The Opera House. Check out the flyer for full details.

Happy Victoria Day: May 20

Whether you are working to keep the city safe this holiday weekend, or spending time with those closest to you, please take care and have a wonderful weekend.

Stay safe and stay positive!

(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett

Staff Update #19 – Week in Review

Mental Health Week Wrap-Up

Thank you to our Psychological Health and Wellness and Peer Resource Team members for taking time to connect with TPS staff across the city this week. As we approach the end of #MentalHealthWeek, we are reminded that compassion isn’t just about being kind to others, it’s about extending that same kindness to ourselves. If you are struggling, you are not alone. Please reach out to any of the Psychological Health and Wellness resources available.

Privacy Awareness Week: May 13-17

May 13-17 is Privacy Awareness Week – an opportunity to refresh your knowledge on what privacy is, why it’s important, and what your responsibilities are when dealing with personal health information (PHI). As a healthcare organization, TPS is required to protect the privacy of patients, along with the confidentiality and security of their personal information. Stay tuned next week for more information!

Remember to always keep your ambulance, station, or office secure; never share PHI on social media; use secure computers and electronic devices at all times; lock or log out of a computer or tablet when not in use; and don’t leave PHI in unsecured areas (SOP 03.01.15).

Signature Events Operations Staffing Expression of Interest (EOI) Opportunities

The following EOIs were released this week for 2024 Signature Events Operations Staffing:

Signature Event (SE) EOI – PRIDE – June 28-30, 2024

Signature Event EOI – INDY 2024 – July 19-21, 2024

Expression of Interest (EOI) Opportunities

An EOI is now open for Payroll Program Assistant 1. Interested candidates should forward a resume and cover letter by email to: PS-PayrollMgmt@toronto.ca. Posting closes at 16:00 on May 24, 2024.

Today is the last day to apply for Full-time to Part-time Paramedic. Applicants must express their interest via email with the subject line, “Part-Time Interest” to Superintendent John Stone. Applications must be received no later than 23:59 on May 10, 2024.

Job Opportunities

There is still time to apply for the following opportunities:

Superintendent Scheduling. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes May 12, 2024.
Deputy Chief. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes May 13, 2024.

Staff Communications Recap

The following communications were released in the last week:

All Staff

Mental Health Week 2024

Operations

Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all who will be celebrating on Sunday, May 12!

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and this year’s theme is “No one left behind: Equality, Freedom, and Justice for all”. Created in 2004, the day is celebrated in more than 130 countries and draws attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people, as well as those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

Jewish Heritage Month: Events update

Please note that the Jewish Heritage Month event to be hosted by the Jewish Staff Network on May 22 is cancelled. New events will be scheduled, communicated, and posted on the Jewish Staff Network intranet pages soon.

Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!

(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett

Staff Update #18 – Week in Review

Toronto Children’s Breakfast Club Smile Cookie Campaign Launch

On Monday, TPS attended the Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie campaign launch in support of the Toronto Children’s Breakfast Club and other charities. It was an exciting morning of friendly competition amongst attendees, who included our allied partners from Toronto Police and Toronto Fire Services. The event kicked off a weeklong campaign to support the Breakfast Club’s goal of feeding 10,000 local children in need. The “icing” on the cake—or cookie as it were—was when Emergency Medical Call Taker Veronica Brown won the top prize for best-decorated cookie! Congratulations to all participants and thank you for contributing your time and tastebuds to this worthy cause!

Mental Health Week 2024: May 6-12

Next week is #MentalHealthWeek and it’s all about how #CompassionConnects. Please take a moment to say hi to our Psychological Health and Wellness staff, including members of our highly trained Peer Resource Team, as they visit TPS stations and buildings throughout the week to speak with staff. Learn more about the weeklong events and activities, including a Wellness Fair supported by our Community Paramedics on May 8 at Metro Hall (55 John Street) from 11:00 to 14:00.

Change to Process – Long-Term Backfill Expression of Interest

Effective May 15, 2024, Scheduling will communicate and accept Long-Term Backfill Expression of Interest (LTB EOI) submissions for temporary placements through the Scheduling Portal. Read the full memo on the Staff Blog.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Opportunities

There is an EOI opportunity for Full-time to Part-time Paramedic. Applicants must indicate their interest via email with the subject line, “Part-Time Interest” to Superintendent John Stone. Applications must be received no later than 23:59 on May 10, 2024.

There is still time to apply for Senior Emergency Medical Dispatcher – Mentor (Pilot Program). Qualified applicants can apply via Check Market survey. Applications must be received no later than 23:55 on May 8, 2024.

Job Opportunities

A job call is open for Deputy Chief. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes May 13, 2024.
A job call remains open for Superintendent Scheduling. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes May 12, 2024.

Staff Communications Recap

The following communications were released this week:

All Staff

Staffing Announcement – Senior HR Consultant, Disability Management

Operations

Red Dress Day: May 5

Sunday is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited peoples (MMIWGT2S+), also known as Red Dress Day. You can learn more by reading the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

This day and this topic can bring up difficult emotions and trauma. Please reach out to any of the Psychological Health and Wellness Information and Resources available, including the EAP, or the national 9-8-8 Crisis Helpline.

Happy Orthodox Easter!

Holy Friday is on May 3 and Orthodox Easter is on Sunday, May 5. Happy Easter to those celebrating!

Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!
Jamie Burnett

Staff Update #17 – Week in Review

First Responders Day

On May 1, we recognize First Responders Day in Ontario; a day to acknowledge and thank all emergency responders who help protect and preserve life in our province and city.

Your outstanding work as Paramedics, Emergency Medical Dispatchers, Call Takers, Support, and Leadership staff has a positive impact on our community every day. Thank you for all you do to keep Torontonians healthy and safe!

Mental Health Week 2024

May 6-12, 2024, is #MentalHealthWeek and it’s all about how #CompassionConnects. Learn more about the weeklong events and activities, including a Wellness Fair supported by our Community Paramedics on May 8 at Metro Hall (55 John Street) from 11:00 to 14:00. Stay tuned for more information.

Anniversary of the Yonge Street Tragedy

This past Wednesday marked the anniversary of the Yonge Street Van Attack. This event affected many of our staff. If you or those close to you need help, please reach out to any of the Psychological Health and Wellness Information and Resources available, including the national 9-8-8 Crisis Helpline.

Reminder: TPS Staff Blog is Back!

A reminder that the Staff Blog is back online! Remember to bookmark this valuable site where staff can access a wide variety of resources, including updated clinical advisories, memorandums, SOPs, and event photos.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Opportunity

An EOI for Senior Emergency Medical Dispatcher – Mentor (Pilot Program) is now open. Qualified applicants can apply via Check Market survey. Applications must be received no later than 23:55 on May 8, 2024.

Job Opportunities

A job call is open for Accounting Assistant 3. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes May 3, 2024.

A job call is also open for Superintendent Scheduling. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes May 12, 2024.

Staff Communications Recap

The following communication was released this week:

Operations

Station BID #4 2024 First Results

National Day of Mourning

April 28 is the National Day of Mourning, to remember workers who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy. The Toronto sign will be dimmed, and flags at City Hall, Metro Hall and civic centres will be flown at half-mast. Please take a moment of silence at 11:00 on Sunday in memory of those who have lost their lives.

TPS reaffirms our commitment to protecting the health and safety of all our staff members through continued education, training, and support.

Canadian Blood Services

Did you know Toronto Paramedic Services’ Partners for Life team members have made 33 blood donations this year? If you have not already, please consider joining our team and donating to help ensure patients receive blood, stem cells, and plasma when they are needed the most. Click here to book your appointment today.

GreenShield Canada Health Services Update

The GreenShield Canada strike has ended and regular operations have resumed, including their contact centre service. As call volumes may be higher at this time, please consider other tools to check your eligibility and coverage, including a 24/7 web and mobile service and a self-service interactive Voice Response phone system (1-844-997-9888).

May Celebrations

Jewish Heritage Month begins on May 1. To celebrate, the Jewish Staff Network is hosting events throughout the month, including a kick-off on May 1 at Metro Hall.

May also marks Armenian, Asian, South Asian, and Polish heritage months, celebrating the contributions and achievements of many diverse cultures in the city of Toronto.

Take care, stay safe, and stay positive!

(Original signed by)
Jamie Burnett

Staff Update #16 – Week in Review

Thank you to our Communications Centre Staff

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week closes out a whirlwind of celebrations tomorrow! This week, Mayor Olivia Chow issued an official proclamation honouring Toronto’s dedicated Telecommunicators. Members of the Senior Team, colleagues, and loved ones attended the Tri-Service Awards at Police Headquarters on Monday, and an ACE Recipient Recognition Ceremony at our HQ on Tuesday. Staff also enjoyed a group yoga session and a host of games, and food throughout the week.

Thank you to our outstanding team of Emergency Medical Call Takers and Dispatchers, Senior Emergency Medical Dispatchers, Communication Training Officers, Support and Leadership staff for their ongoing dedication to our community members.

TPS Staff Blog: Now Online!

We are pleased to report the TPS Staff Blog is back online! As a reminder, staff can access a wide variety of resources, including updated clinical advisories, memorandums, SOPs, and event photos.

Volunteers Wanted for Paramedic Services Week!

All Toronto Paramedic Services employees are invited to participate in a Social Media Campaign Expression of Interest for Paramedic Services Week 2024. Those interested can send an email to Commander Jay Gagne with the subject line “2024 PSW Social Media Campaign EOI”.

The application deadline is April 24, 2024.

Job Opportunities

There is still time to apply for Supervisor Facilities Management. Interested applicants may apply via SuccessFactors. Posting closes April 23, 2024.

Staff Communications Recap

The following communications were released this week:

All Staff

Operations

New Date: Corporate 20-Minute Makeover

Thank you to all who have expressed interest in the Corporate 20-Minute Makeover in support of Earth Day. To align with Toronto Fire Services, we have postponed our clean up efforts at Headquarters until Monday, April 22, 2024, at 11:00.

If you’re interested in pitching in, please meet up with your TPS and TFS colleagues in the HQ Atrium at 10:55 on Monday. Gloves and garbage bags will be provided. If you have any questions, please email Superintendent Dineen Robinson.

Happy Ridván

A 12-day festival and one of the most holy in the Bahá’í faith, Ridván begins this evening and runs until May 1. Happy Ridván to all our staff celebrating!