2021 Employee Spotlights

Alain Joseph joined the City during the pandemic in March 2021 as a Policy Analyst with the Indigenous Relations office. He describes his role as one of a specialized translator who reviews complex documents and amends them into easily understandable policies and proposals.

“Starting a new job in the midst of a pandemic has its challenges because I haven’t spent any time physically at City Hall where our office is based, and I have only met a few colleagues in person,” says Alain. “I try to focus on the positive, however, like how I can sing out loud to my favourite songs, which might not fly in the office.”

Alain works closely with nearly every department in the City, which is a unique aspect to the job that he enjoys. He cites work he’s done with Parks, Planning, various advisory committees and Events Planning, to name a few. And while much of what he does involves desk work, he often has opportunities to get out in the public. Most recently, he spent considerable time organizing a ceremonial tree planting for Truth and Reconciliation Day, along with sourcing cedar seedlings to give to residents to show their support for those impacted by residential schools.

Despite much of Alain’s work being virtual, he still manages to interact with many colleagues and feels accepted as part of the team. He appreciates the leadership across the board that help to support the plans and strategic vision of Indigenous Relations and the City overall.

“I enjoy working in an environment that has set goals and a clear vision on how to move the City forward,” says Alain. “And I like being a civil servant; it’s important to me to do meaningful work for my neighbours, friends and fellow citizens, especially in these difficult times.”  

Vicki Kuz is one of three Human Resources Assistants in the Human Resources and Corporate Safety Division. She started working for the City in 1994 and after six years of working in

various unionized positions, accepted a position with the Recruitment & Support Services section in Human Resources and has remained there for the past twenty-one years.

Vicki’s main responsibilities are the recruitment tasks for Infrastructure & Operations, Community Services, the City Manager’s Office, and Thunder Bay Fire Rescue. She prepares job postings and closings, extends unionized job offers and ensures conditions of employment are met. She then closes off files and verifies staff notification change forms for Payroll to process. When not working on recruitment, Vicki schedules meetings and prepares clearances, keeps databases up to date, answers day-to-day questions from supervisors and employees and helps with any administrative tasks that need to be completed. 

The Human Resources Assistant position works in a fast-paced environment with constantly changing priorities and is very deadline-driven. Luckily for Vicki, she enjoys being very detail-orientated and organized. She is known for her in-depth knowledge of the various collective agreements that exist within the Corporation and is always willing to share that knowledge.

In 2021 alone, the HR Assistants have created approximately 345 job postings and Vicki has extended approximately 285 job offers. Getting to call candidates and offer them a job is the highlight of Vicki’s day. Hearing the excitement in someone’s voice and knowing she has made their day is always rewarding.  

Vicki has been working from home since March 2020 and has experienced challenges along the way. When in the office, the HR Assistants use a paper filing system and conditions are met by having candidates bring their paperwork into the HR office. With COVID, they have had to change their system to electronic forms and filing and have been accepting documentation through email. Working through a global pandemic has required the team to adapt to rapid changes.  There have been a few vacancies on her team and Vicki has had to adjust to the use of technology (MS Teams) and embrace training new employees virtually. Working from home has also been a challenge for Vicki because she misses the daily interaction with co-workers. If you know Vicki, you know that she is a ‘people person’, so she’s looking forward to returning to the office and feeling that energy again.

Vicki would like to thank all of the employees who stepped up and were redeployed to areas that needed help during the pandemic. She also acknowledges that all employees have had to deal with different struggles and challenges throughout the pandemic, and she is proud of the way that everyone has worked together to keep the city running. It has been very inspiring to her. 

With 30 years in the field, Advanced Care Paramedic Kevin Paradis serves as one of the longest standing paramedics in Thunder Bay. In his role with Superior 
North EMS (SNEMS), he provides what’s known in the field as pre-hospital care where patients are treated at home wherever possible. 

“Generally the work of paramedics continues to evolve to encompass preventative care services above and beyond responding to emergency calls,” says Kevin. “The pandemic highlighted the need to protect our healthcare system from becoming overrun, so it made sense for paramedics, who are equipped with life-saving devices and trained to treat injuries and ailments, to become the buffer between patients and hospital.”

As a result of the pandemic, Kevin was seconded to the COVID-19 Task Force to help with testing and vaccinations once they became available. Kevin and his colleagues provided frontline support with swabbing and getting tests to the lab quickly. No easy feat given SNEMS is one of the busiest ambulance services by call volume in Ontario.

Kevin attributes the resiliency of frontline workers and those behind the scenes as part of what motivated him to keep going.

“Hats off to my colleagues and all frontline workers including those staff who dealt with an outbreak in a local long-term care home. They inspired me to postpone my vacation to stay and help on the frontlines,” says Kevin. “I also want to recognize one of the unsung heroes of the pandemic—those processing Covid tests at the Public Health Ontario lab. They worked extremely long hours under high pressure to get results as quickly as possible. They played an integral role in seeing our community through this.”

When Lee Mesic set out to work as a Registered Nurse, she never imagined she would end up working in the long-term care sector. Yet once there, she knew it was for her. 

“As a nurse starting out in acute care, moving to long-term care was a major career change that turned out to be the right decision. It did not take long before I grew a love and passion for the work and especially for the people we serve,” says Lee. “It involves a whole new level of care and intimacy that makes for strong connections with residents, staff and families alike.”

Today, as the Administrator of Pioneer Ridge under Corporate Services and Long Term Care, Lee Mesic oversees and directs 24-hour care and services provided in Pioneer Ridge, as well as supporting the auxiliary services managed by Jasper Place; Meals on Wheels, a Supportive Housing program, and a small city Homemaking program.

It’s a high-intensity role, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, long-term care homes became the epicentre of the virus. The threat and immense fear of an outbreak created many challenges that tested the endurance of all staff.

“The pandemic meant employees had to adapt to constant change and stringent safety measures, while maintaining the compassionate, quality care we are known for,” says Lee. “Our Residents, staff and families' social and emotional well-being has been greatly impacted by this virus.

"Like they have in all challenging situations, our staff have stepped up to the plate, and that’s what has sustained us through to this stage. Every day, as I observe the commitment and care provided by staff doing their part, I am inspired, and this in turn has been my fuel to keep going.”

New infection control requirements were implemented throughout all operations, and employees found many innovative solutions to meet resident needs and connect families with loved ones when they couldn’t be together in person. Depending on the level of emergency the pandemic took, virtual, window and outdoor visits were utilized, as well as a mail campaign to send cards to residents. Also, lights were strewn on the grounds to brighten spirits over the holidays.

“It has been challenging, particularly trying to remain communicative with multiple stakeholders in an ever-changing environment,” says Lee. “In spite of that, our team shone and always prioritized safety for the residents and each other. I’m proud of them and know their efforts served as a catalyst to the transformational change that will impact our entire sector for years to come.”

Lee believes that a silver lining to the pandemic involves the greater focus and attention it has brought to the long-term care sector. It also highly demonstrated the success and achievements of municipally run Senior Services. “We learn from challenges, and in this case, it became clear the need to establish a new path forward that emphasizes the importance of seniors having the opportunity to age with dignity and respect.” 

For almost 29 years, Elaine Vidas has shaped children’s lives as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), and Assistant Supervisor at the City. As an RECE and certified member of the  Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario, she provides a nurturing environment that supports children’s overall well-being, while also ensuring policies and procedures are followed. 

Elaine spent 19 years at Ogden Child Care Centre before moving to Grace Remus where she currently works. But she wouldn’t call it work, because everyday she gets to be around the cutest kids who smile and laugh so readily.

“I truly love my job and am inspired each day by these young individuals who are curious about the world around them,” says Elaine. “It’s very rewarding watching them grow and knowing I’m supporting their development and life skills along the way.”

Something unique about her job is the connection Grace Remus shares with Pioneer Ridge Long Term Care Facility. Pre-Covid, the children would visit with the seniors twice each week. The residents would treat the children like celebrities, and it was a special bond they all miss. Still, staff try to keep the visits up through a connecting window where the children run up and greet residents.

“I believe we are the only childcare facility in Thunder Bay that is housed in a long term care home, providing programming that links seniors and little ones, and it has been a great success,” says Elaine. “We just have to stay safe, and we will come out stronger once we get through this.”

The pandemic also impacts the connections of Early Childhood Educators and parents. It’s not easy to engage with parents virtually when many of whom visited before Covid-19.

“It’s been a learning curve for everybody to find ways to stay connected, but we are finding our way through this,” says Elaine.

As Head Lifeguard at the Canada Games Complex, Talia knows a thing or two about saving lives. So when COVID-19 struck and pools had to close, it made sense for her to move into another role, joining the ranks of Pandemic Support Workers. Having lent a hand to Pioneer Ridge in 2020, Talia was recently redeployed again to the vaccine clinic at the Coliseum under a secondment agreement with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.

“The fact that I am working for the City but for another organization feels a little like a cooperative placement for school,” Talia explains. “It’s refreshing to gain valuable work experience while meeting new people and running into old friends in the process.”

Pandemic Support Workers based at the Coliseum are helping citizens throughout the vaccination process. There are workers handling the initial screening questions while confirming appointments, and others directing patrons down the lines where they complete consent forms before heading to one of the 15 nurses’ stations. Once vaccinated, there’s a short waiting period to ensure people are feeling well enough to proceed to the checkout counter to obtain proof of vaccination and to book a second appointment, if needed.

Currently the clinic serves about 700 people a day, and many of those people are sharing their appreciation for the seamless process through letters to the editor and thank-you cards.

“It’s inspiring to see renewed hope in people as they get vaccinated. With each person we serve, we are that much closer to getting through this together,” says Talia.

The clinic runs from Monday to Friday with appointments between 9 am and 4:30 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For those with different schedules, the clinic is open later from 11:30 am to 7 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To book an appointment or get on a waiting list, visit is covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or call 1-833-943-3900.

With 32 years on the job, Todd Little, Specialized Transit Operator at LIFT+, has come to expect certain questions about what he does and how LIFT+ works in the community.

“People tend to not know about us, until they need us, and then we’re there,” he explains. “It’s understandable because life happens. It could be someone who broke their leg and suddenly needs a lift to physiotherapy, and that’s where we come in—we get them where they need to go.”  

People with disabilities utilize the door-to-door service to attend appointments or run errands. Service is by appointment and runs Monday-Saturday from 6 am – 12 am and Sundays from 8 am to 11 pm.

Todd says that his passengers are the main reason he likes his job so much.

“You get to know most of your riders, and it’s so much fun to connect with them on a regular basis and see how they’re doing,” he says. “We have good relationships, and share a lot of laughs, which is very rewarding.”

But like most workplaces, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many changes. Todd misses those faces he sees a lot less of now that there’s a lockdown. And he’s had to adapt to new safety measures that make for less riders per trip, along with barriers resulting from physical distancing, mask-wearing and Plexiglas.

Still, he’s glad there are such stringent requirements to keep drivers and riders safe. And despite the recent challenges, the service remains flexible insomuch as it can accommodate a cancelled appointment, for example, and return the rider without having to wait for a new bus.  

 “I love what I do and feel lucky to be able to do it for so long. The quality of life I have here is so much better than I had in previous jobs. I look back and think if someone would’ve told me in high school that I would have a job I love, I wouldn’t have believed it.”

Team Shout-Out

“I can’t say enough about my supervisor Pascal Gauvreau and his efforts to support our team who are a great group of people to work with. And I’d like to especially thank our co-worker, Tricia Quinton, who went above and beyond when she made masks for us before PPE was mandatory.”

Jamie Fulkerson has been with the City’s Corporate Safety Division for ten years. She is one of two Corporate Safety Specialists, and works with City departments as a resource for all things safety. This includes assisting departments, supervisors, and Joint Health and Safety Committees with their required safety training, investigation of critical and major incidents, ensuring compliance with safety legislation and the City’s Safety Management System, and developing corporate safety procedures and safety talks.

One thing Jamie likes most about her job is the dynamic and constantly changing environment that she responds to. Corporate Safety Specialists at the City never know what their days are going to be like, and even before the onset of COVID-19, there is never a boring day! While others in this profession often only have to focus on one type of business, Jamie is a resource for a diverse group of operations. She needs to know the legislation and safety processes, and have an understanding of the operations in Long Term Care, Recreation, Transit, Fleet, building maintenance, and administrative areas.

Since the pandemic set in, Jamie and the team at Corporate Safety have additional focus on educating themselves with information from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Ontario Public Health, Health Canada, etc. to create a long list of COVID Temporary Procedures, Safety Talks, and other COVID related documents. They have been assisting the departments, both those that have continued to be operational during the pandemic, and those that have had to create reopening plans. After being closed for a period of time, city facilities and departments must have new COVID precautions to implement; plans required for physical distancing when possible; masking, proper hand hygiene, and active screening processes; updated COVID specific signage, etc. Plus, the regular day to day events in the workplace still happen and need their attention.

Jamie has been fortunate to see a silver lining emerge, during this difficult time in her career, seeing City staff working together in ways they may not have to under normal circumstances. As she assists Pioneer Ridge and Jasper Place, the continued dedication of staff to the residents and tenants has been amazing to see. Both from those staff who are permanently employed in these areas, to the stories heard from staff who have been redeployed during the pandemic, Jamie believes that they definitely embody Thunder Bay’s giant heart.

In closing, Jamie expresses her appreciation for the rest of the Safety team, including all of Human Resources and Corporate Safety for helping to support the work that the Safety Specialists do, and for assisting in answering the many COVID related questions that have come up in the past 11 months. In addition, she would like to thank all the City management and staff for their ongoing ability to adapt to the crisis and for continuing to doing their part so that we can go back to doing more normal things sooner rather than later.

In this position, there is an array of things that need Alexa’s attention daily, and her area of responsibility is comprehensive, requiring her to constantly adapt and deal with a wide range of people and personalities. She moves from supervision of the childcare room at the Complex (which provides care for children aged four months and up); to children’s programs in the Academy neighbourhood, bringing kids to the facility for swimming; to setting up the Complex’s squash program. Her job has her interacting with patrons of the Canada Games Complex, and neighbourhood families as well as all the staff who develop and deliver these programs.

One of the best things about Alexa’s job would be the people. She sees her team as fantastic people who are fun, and love their jobs. She is proud of them as go-getters and enjoys seeing them grow through the programming they deliver. From a public perspective, she loves the people she serves, especially the faces that have been there forever.

Alexa's job has changed tremendously due to the pandemic. In the beginning, as most could agree, there was a lot of uncertainty. Her team developed a variety of virtual programming to stay connected with kids, and spent a lot of time trying to figure out camps and programs for summer, and define what they would look like. At times their offerings and services would need to change, based on updated health directives. As they worked through how to re-invent summer programming, efforts shifted to reopening of the Canada Games Complex, and adapting their staffing and services appropriately, on top of trying to interpret and apply new provincial announcements. Alexa sees this as a very interesting period in her career as everyone worked through figuring out what was best for their members and their staff, what would work and what wouldn't, as the Thunder Bay District moved through the provincial colour-coded system. In a facility like the Complex, when it was restricted to 50 people in attendance, there was a lot of trust in staff as the guidelines were especially strict with recreation facilities. Alexa and her team worked through their new duties and training all the while managing what was best for their members.

Alexa sees adaptability as the silver lining to the pandemic. It has taught her to be proactive and creative, and think ahead a lot more, to anticipate scenarios in order to apply changes to upcoming events.

Overall, Alexa is proud of how everyone has stepped up and found ways to “make it work”. All of their programming is different now, and staff has adapted. Families and kids have been so appreciative of having some type of programming, and patrons have been so excited to return to the Canada Games Complex while adjusting to things like instructors behind glass, and the drastic change in the manner that swimming lessons are delivered. When they were reopening in the fall and the doors of the Complex opened, it was clear to Alexa how much people depend on these programs for their wellness.