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 brings a wealth of experience and a passion for community development to her role as the Executive Director of the EMOWPDB. With over 13 years working in the immigrant sector, primarily in Elgin and St. Thomas, Petrusia is well-versed in the needs and dynamics of the local community.
Her career journey includes roles such as Project Manager at the St. Thomas Elgin Local Immigration Partnership, Training Facilitator for the Intercultural Competency Advantage Program, Board Member at the Central Community Health Centre and more. She also supports local food producers in Elgin and St. Thomas through her work with Relish.
Outside of work, Petrusia enjoys traveling and exploring new places, adding to her rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives.
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, going for walks, birdwatching, 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
Regional Manager – Collège Boréal
Kim Whitehead, Director
Operations Manager – Woodstock Chamber of Commerce
Sharon Devries, Director
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program OYAP Coordinator/Recruiter
Thames Valley District School Board
Jack Smit, Municipal Representative
Jack joined the EMOWPDB as an ex officio member representing the City of London Social and Health Development. As the Manager of Employment Strategies, Life Stabilization for the City, Jack’s work focuses on strategic responses, community involvement, partnership development, and attaining employment outcomes. In this role, Jack works with community partners related to employment and supports individuals on their path towards employment.
Prior to joining the City, Jack worked for many years in employment; as a career counsellor at Youth Opportunities Unlimited, a business advisor at the Small Business Centre, as well as a Business Manager at Family Service Thames Valley, promoting positive mental health in the workplace.
Jack received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, and a designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA – CMA).
Who We Work With
