Proudly serving Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford counties since 1997
Who We Are
The Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board (EMOWPDB) works to provide stakeholders with quality labour market information to make decisions which result in a thriving, viable economy.
Our aim is to help improve the coordination of community responses to labour market issues and needs.
We do this by:
- Developing and executing programs to meet the needs of employers and job seekers.
- Putting forth action plans and data reports that are local and current.
- Teaching our audience how to make the best use of labour market information.
- Working with employers to identify their current and emerging skills needs.
- Sharing information with current job seekers, local employment services, and with future job seekers (students) through formal education systems.
- Connecting with, advising on, and contributing to other organizations initiative committees.
The Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board is one of 26 organizations across the province forming the Workforce Planning Ontario network.
Our Team
Petrusia Hontar, Executive Director
Petrusia Hontar is the newly appointed Executive Director of the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board. She comes from the St. Thomas Elgin Local Immigration Partnership, building community capacity to better support immigrant integration and build awareness of local diversity and its strengths.
Petrusia is currently a Board Member for the Central Community Health Centre, has served on the executive for the Elgin Business Women’s Network, served as a board member for the St. Thomas Environmental Stewardship Committee, the Horton Market Board and established the St. Thomas community garden.
She holds a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering from Western University, and an M.Sc. in Economic History: Demography, and an M.Sc. Society, Science, and Technology from Lund University in Sweden.
Petrusia strives to maintain strong ties to her Ukrainian culture, and is an active member of the Ukrainian Youth Association Mississauga Branch and restarting the London Branch.
Jane Kempe, Office Administrator (part-time)
Jane has worked with the EMOWPDB since 2005. She is a valued member of our team and one of the first faces you’ll see when you visit our office. In her role, Jane adeptly manages diverse administrative and bookkeeping tasks, ensuring the smooth operation of our daily functions. Additionally, Jane serves as the Project Coordinator for the annual Oxford Invitational Youth Robotics Challenge.
During her leisure hours, Jane enjoys spending time with her husband and family, and her cat Purrl, and going for walks, and relaxing by the water in Port Stanley and Grand Bend.
Bashir Adeyemo, Labour Market Research Lead
At the EMOWPDB, Bashir holds the position of our trusted Data Analyst. Over the past few years, he has diligently crafted a solid reputation as a reliable and meticulous expert in LMI (labour market information). Bashir’s innovative thinking sets him apart, as he consistently goes the extra mile to ensure exceptional outcomes. When you seek a positive perspective, Bashir is the person to approach. Apart from his core responsibilities, he actively participates in multiple advisory committees and plays a pivotal role in driving key deliverables, such as the annual EmployerOne survey.
Bashir commits to a positive attitude, no matter what the obstacles or outcomes may be. He is from Nigeria, a loving father and husband, enjoys playing soccer, and is a lifelong learner.
Angelique Guerard, Communications Officer
Angelique Guerard is a dynamic communications professional with a diverse background in journalism, digital media, and project-based work. She oversees all aspects of communications for the EMOWPDB, including strategy, content creation, digital media and CMS management.
Outside of work, she enjoys immersing herself in books, shopping, and exploring new destinations around the world.
Our Board of Directors
Frances Shamley, Chair
“As a community-oriented person, I believe that when we work together and collaborate with one another, amazing things happen.
Projects that may have seemed impossible happen because of our partnerships and community-driven initiatives. This requires us to listen to one another and recognize the skills and energies that each partner brings to the table. When we utilize these strengths in developing our programs in innovative ways, all of our communities benefit.
The Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board works to bring our diverse partners together in as many ways as possible to try to sustain a healthy and active labour force that works to provide employment and employment-related services for our community members.
As a mediator and an educator, I fully support this work. As a Board member, I am proud to be a member of this organization and to work with such talented people.”
Jean-Pierre Cantin, Vice-Chair
Jean-Pierre Cantin retired as the Executive Director of Carrefour Communautaire Francophone de London, a community organization serving the Francophone community in London and the surrounding areas.
Previously, he was the Programs and Services Director for the Central South-West Region for Collège Boréal, in charge of Employment and Immigration Services.
Doug Butler, Secretary
Doug currently volunteers with various community groups in the Elgin-St. Thomas area. He previously worked with the United Way Elgin Middlesex as a Community Impact Coordinator after volunteering on the Board of the United Way Elgin-St. Thomas, including two terms as President.
Doug has worked in the automotive manufacturing sector, for the Southwest Economic Alliance as an Outreach Coordinator, and with the United Way Waterloo Region as a Workplace Development Officer.
As a Hermie Kreuger Memorial Award winner, Doug’s passion for bettering the lives of our communities is recognized. As an honours graduate of the Addictions and Community Services Program at London’s Everest College, Doug is familiar with the needs of various populations. His community commitment was established through two decades of volunteering with a wide range of groups and on various projects that supported community building.
Abdoulaye Sako, Treasurer
Abdoulaye Sako is the Regional Director of Collège Boréal in London, Ontario, where he oversees programs that support adult learning, employment, language training, and immigration services for newcomers to Canada. With a strong commitment to community collaboration and the socio-economic integration of immigrants, Abdoulaye plays a key role in expanding access to quality services that promote integration and professional development for newcomers to Canada.
He holds an MBA and has been with Collège Boréal since 2021. He previously worked for the Government of Nunavut’s utility corporation and in the finance industry.
Kim Whitehead, Director
Kim began her role as Operations Assistant at the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce on April 1, 2024. Before her semi-retirement, she served as General Manager for the Woodstock District Chamber of Commerce for seven years, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to fostering business connections.
As a graduate of Fanshawe College, Kim brings diverse professional experience, having worked in the newspaper, printing, and human resources industries. Her passion lies in connecting businesses with the community and advocating on their behalf.
Sharon Devries, Director
Sharon Devries is a secondary school teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board. She works as the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) recruiter to promote the apprenticeship pathway to students who are interested in the skilled trades.
As an OYAP Learning Coordinator, Sharon works with students, parents, cooperative education teachers, technology teachers, guidance counsellors, employers, trade organizations, community colleges, and employment training consultants from the MLITSD.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and has worked in education for 25+ years. Sharon lives in Elgin County, and prior to her role as the OYAP Recruiter, she worked as a cooperative education teacher at East Elgin Secondary School.
Natalie Surridge, Director
Natalie Surridge is the Program Director of Workforce and Community Development at Community Employment Services, where she has dedicated over 32 years to fostering economic growth and social development in Oxford County. With a deep understanding of local workforce and training issues, Natalie has built strong community partnerships through her leadership in initiatives like the Oxford Workforce Development Partnership (OWDP), a collaboration of key stakeholders from various sectors, including municipal leaders, employers, Employment Ontario providers, and post-secondary institutions.
Her work has earned provincial recognition for its innovative, collaborative approach to addressing the needs of both businesses and job seekers. A passionate advocate for youth employment and community-driven solutions, Natalie leverages her extensive network to create opportunities and develop strategies that support sustainable community development and workforce vitality across the region.
Debra Mountenay, Director
As a former Executive Director with the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board (WPDB), Deb worked with a cross-section of employers, community organizations, educational institutions and levels of government to address workforce issues across the London Economic Region. Over the twenty-three years with the WPDB, there were numerous projects and partners involved in all of the activities of the organization at the local level. Deb was also active at the regional and provincial levels representing the Boards on a number of committees.
Since stepping down from that role in 2022, Deb has been involved in smaller local projects related to workforce development as a private consultant. She now serves as a business representative from Elgin County with a specific interest in work with the private sector to address skilled trades needs.
Joel Van Bynen, Director
Associate Dean, St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus Faculty of Access Language & Regional Campuses – Fanshawe College
Laura Cornish, Municipal Representative
Laura Cornish, as the Manager of Community Partnerships and Employer Engagement with London Regional Employment Services, focuses on building relationships with employers and interest holders across the region of London, Middlesex County, St. Thomas, Elgin County and Oxford County.
Laura believes in the strength and importance of collaboration and understands that data and continuous improvement are key components of building user-focused systems where job seekers and employers can thrive.
Laura holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration and over the past 25+ years has worked in a variety of roles supporting individuals and families affected by poverty, housing instability, homelessness, addiction, mental health and trauma.
Who We Work With
