The 29th annual edition of our signature event will take place on Tuesday, February 9!

The post 2027 Pancake Lunch ✨🥞 first appeared on Child Witness Centre.

When I first started working more deeply with Microsoft Purview, I don’t think I realised quite how much it would shape the way I think about AI. I spend a lot of my working life thinking about data and asking questions that, on the surface, seem pretty simple.

Where does it live?
Who has access to it?
Is it sensitive?
Should it be shared?

What happens if someone tries to take it somewhere it shouldn’t go?

There’s understandably a huge amount of excitement around Microsoft 365 Copilot. We can ask questions about our work, summarise information, create content and interact with information in ways that would have felt very different only a few years ago. But my security and Purview brain tends to look at it from another angle.

What is happening to the data it interacts with?

Copilot is operating within a much larger Microsoft 365 environment with SharePoint sites, Groups, Teams, email and files containing sensitive information. And suddenly the boring question of “Who actually has access to this?” becomes a lot more relevant.

Imagine a SharePoint site that was created five years ago. People have joined and left the organisation. Projects have changed. Teams have moved around. Documents have accumulated and permissions haven’t necessarily received the same attention. Maybe someone still has access to information they no longer need. Perhaps a sensitive document was shared more widely with “Everyone in the organisation” permissions. Maybe nobody is quite sure who owns an old site anymore.

Those problems existed before Copilot. What has changed is how easily we can interact with enormous amounts of information, and that means getting the foundation right matters.

There are several tools in Purview that can help monitor Copilot activity and protect the information it interacts with. However, I am going to focus on some of the core Purview capabilities that many organisations already use.

Sensitivity labels help classify information using categories such as Public → Internal → Confidential → Highly Confidential. But a useful labelling strategy needs more than a sensible naming scheme: people need to understand which label to choose and why.

That’s what interests me: making protection consistent without making everyday work confusing. Understanding why we design a control matters as much as knowing how to configure it. Copilot also respects sensitivity labels and their associated protections. In supported scenarios, content created from labelled source material can inherit that label. For example, if someone generates a new document based on something Highly Confidential the new document also inherits this label.

Data Loss Prevention moves the conversation from identifying sensitive information to deciding what should happen when someone uses it. Working with payment card data may be legitimate; sending it to a personal email address changes the context.

Should a policy block the action, warn the user, allow an override or generate an alert? The answer isn’t always “block everything”. It’s about matching the control to the risk and the organisation’s needs. With Copilot in mind, let’s go back to the Highly Confidential example. Do we really want Copilot processing that content? With DLP, we can prevent it from doing so.

Not every data problem is about stopping information from leaving. Sometimes it’s asking why we’re keeping it. Keeping everything forever isn’t a strategy, but neither is deleting information without understanding legal, regulatory and business requirements. AI readiness makes those lifecycle questions harder to ignore. We should also be thinking about how long we retain our Copilot prompts and outputs. The easiest way I explain it to customers is to think about Copilot in the same way as Teams chats: what are we retaining, and for how long?

People still need to do their jobs. If a control is so restrictive that everyone tries to work around it, have we really solved the problem?

For me, good governance means protecting sensitive information while allowing collaboration. Sometimes that means blocking an action; sometimes a warning or timely guidance is more appropriate. Security needs to enable people as well as protect information.

Studying AB-900 (Microsoft's new fundamental AI exam) reinforced something I’d already started to see through working with Purview and Copilot: you can’t separate Copilot governance from Microsoft 365 governance.

Purview is part of that picture, but so are Entra ID, SharePoint permissions, authentication, Conditional Access and the way access to information is managed across Microsoft 365. The more I work with these technologies, the less I see them as separate products. They are connected layers of identity, access, permissions, classification, protection, DLP, retention and monitoring.

That’s why conversations about AI readiness also need to be conversations about data readiness.

I wish I’d understood earlier that being technical doesn’t have to mean being a developer. I don’t build applications or work as an AI engineer. My niche sits between security, compliance, Microsoft 365, data and, increasingly, AI. I didn’t plan to specialise in Purview. I followed the things I found interesting, starting with SharePoint. That curiosity led me to data protection and governance, and ultimately to an area of technology where I feel I’ve found my place.

If you’re starting out, learn the fundamentals, but get hands-on too. Create a sensitivity label, build a DLP policy, explore Entra or dig into SharePoint permissions. When something doesn’t work, find out why. And share what you’re learning before you feel like an expert. I’m still learning, and I hope I never stop. Sometimes your niche is hiding in the things you never expected to find interesting.

I share much of what I’m learning over on LinkedIn, along with resources and breakdowns for a range of Microsoft security exams.

Jodie de Almeida Lawrance | LinkedIn

The More I Learn About AI, the More I Care About the Data It Interacts With was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Arnoux, M., Cochand, F., Brunner, P., Schaefli, B., Winstral, A., & Hunkeler, D. (2026). Groundwater storage in Quaternary deposits and bedrock buffers the discharge response of a small alpine catchment to climate change. Hydrogeology Journal. doi.org/10.1007/s10040-026-03157-5

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.

“The model was trained to predict monthly groundwater discharge (GWD) and radionuclide transport (RNT), and its performance was evaluated against the results from HGS, which serves as a physically rigorous reference model.”

“Because real-world data for the hypothetical ADioS watershed were unavailable, the HGS model, which is a fully distributed, physically based, integrated surface–subsurface hydrological model, was used to simulate groundwater flow and radionuclide transport for target feature extraction.”

Fig 2. Illustration of the HGS model and geology

We’re pleased to highlight this publication by Marie Arnoux, Fabien Cochand, Philip Brunner, Bettina Schaefli, Adam Winstral, and Daniel Hunkeler, which uses HydroGeoSphere (HGS) to investigate how groundwater storage can buffer the effects of climate change on streamflow in snow-dominated alpine catchments. In particular, the study examines how groundwater stored within different geological formations influences future summer low flows as snow accumulation and melt patterns change.

Alpine regions play an important role in supplying water to downstream valleys, particularly by releasing stored water during warm and dry periods. However, groundwater and the influence of geology are often underrepresented in studies of future alpine water resources. The researchers sought to address this by quantifying groundwater storage dynamics and examining how individual geological units contribute to low-flow generation under current and future climate conditions.

Fig 3. Simulated daily discharge compared to the measured daily streamflow for the period 21.10.2014—01.04.2016

The modelling framework was based on conditions typical of the Vallon de Réchy, an approximately 11 km², non-glacierized alpine catchment in the Swiss Alps. The catchment ranges from 2,150 to 3,148 m above sea level and contains a mixture of bedrock, evaporites, and unconsolidated Quaternary deposits, including alluvium, talus, and moraines. These different geological formations provided the researchers with a basis for investigating where groundwater is stored and how that storage contributes to streamflow.

Using HydroGeoSphere, the researchers developed an integrated surface–subsurface model that simultaneously represents three-dimensional variably saturated subsurface flow, two-dimensional surface flow, infiltration and exfiltration, evapotranspiration, snow accumulation and snowmelt, and catchment discharge. This integrated representation was particularly important because groundwater recharge and exchanges between streams and aquifers are central to understanding how alpine water resources may respond to a changing climate.

The model was evaluated against observed streamflow and groundwater levels, with particular attention paid to reproducing low-flow conditions. For an independent validation period, simulated discharge achieved a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.73, while the study notes that low flows were well reproduced. The researchers then drove the model using two RCP8.5 climate projections from 1981 to 2099, selected to investigate relatively strong warming and changes in snowmelt and groundwater recharge. The authors emphasize that these scenarios represent upper-bound climate impacts rather than moderate future conditions.

The simulations showed substantial changes in the catchment's snow regime by the end of the century. Mean snow water equivalent decreased by approximately 100 mm under one climate scenario and 120 mm under the other, while annual snowmelt declined by approximately 150 and 245 mm/year, respectively. At the same time, mean annual evapotranspiration increased by around 45 mm, and mean annual groundwater storage across the catchment decreased by approximately 110–130 mm.

Importantly, the response differed considerably between geological formations. Most of the decline in mean annual groundwater storage occurred within the low-permeability bedrock, where storage decreased by approximately 125 mm by the 2085 period. In contrast, mean annual groundwater storage within the Quaternary deposits remained relatively stable. These deposits, concentrated largely within the valley bottom, can receive recharge from precipitation and snowmelt as well as groundwater from the surrounding bedrock and, depending on the season, from streams.

The seasonal results reveal an important groundwater buffering effect. By 2085, simulated summer discharge declined substantially: August discharge decreased by approximately 38–45%, while September discharge declined by approximately 45–55%, depending on the climate scenario. Yet groundwater storage in the Quaternary deposits declined by only about 10–14% during these months. The researchers found that streams and Quaternary aquifers are closely connected: streams recharge these aquifers during spring, while groundwater stored within them contributes back to streamflow during low-flow periods.

The timing of low flows also changed. Under the simulations, the annual low-flow period gradually shifted from winter toward late summer, ultimately shifting to summer after 2092 in the scenario examined in detail. Future summer low flows generally remained higher than present-day winter low flows, but after exceptionally dry summers they approached similar levels. This suggests that groundwater can help buffer changes in streamflow, although its ability to do so may become limited during prolonged periods of low precipitation.

A sensitivity analysis further demonstrated that the geological composition of the catchment plays an important role in determining this buffering capacity. Moraine and talus deposits primarily regulate groundwater storage and buffering: lower hydraulic conductivity within these units increases storage and supports higher low flows. Bedrock plays a complementary role, with higher bedrock hydraulic conductivity allowing more stored groundwater to be released to streams during dry periods. Overall, the researchers found that both Quaternary deposits and bedrock are important for maintaining discharge during low-flow conditions.

This research demonstrates how HydroGeoSphere can be used to explicitly connect geology, groundwater storage, surface water and climate change within an integrated modelling framework. Rather than considering changes in snowmelt or streamflow alone, the study shows that understanding where groundwater is stored— and how different geological units release that water— is critical for evaluating future water availability in alpine environments. The findings highlight groundwater as an important buffer against declining summer flows, while also demonstrating that this buffering capacity is finite and strongly dependent on the hydrogeological characteristics of the catchment.

Abstract:

Alpine areas play a major role in the water supply of downstream valleys by releasing water during dry periods. Groundwater storage could significantly influence how changing climatic conditions affect the discharge regime. However, these processes are still not well understood in alpine areas. Studies on how climate change impacts water resources in alpine areas rarely consider the influence of geology explicitly. An integrated surface–subsurface hydrologic model (HydroGeoSphere) was used to highlight the effect of groundwater in buffering future summer low flows and to give new insights into the role of geology in controlling discharge. The spatially explicit model allows the quantification of groundwater storage and its variation in different geological formations of an alpine catchment, under current and future conditions. The results suggest that, under future extreme climate change conditions, the average catchment groundwater storage in Quaternary deposits increases in winter and decreases in summer; the annual mean groundwater storage for the entire catchment decreases due to the decrease in mean annual groundwater recharge; and the total catchment discharge decreases and low-flow period shifts from winter to late summer by the end of this century. Future summer low flows will remain higher than the current winter low flows but will approach them closely after very dry summers. Proportionally, the decrease in groundwater storage will be less severe than the decrease in discharge. Finally, a sensitivity analysis illustrates that both Quaternary deposits (especially moraine and talus units) and bedrock play an important role in supporting discharge during low-flow periods.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE.

Other questions include which aquifer did they travel along the bottom of on their way off-site (westwards) whether to Nutrite/Yara or past Varnicolor to beside the Howard St. Water Tower. Certainly DNAPLS have travelled off-site in both the Municipal Upper (MU) and the Municipal Lower (ML) Aquifer. Another question is whether the ML DNAPL got there via the "window" at OW-58 along Uniroyal Chemical's western property line, which pierces the Municipal Aquitard (MAT), or whether it came all the way from the Stroh property. Either way it had to have come via gravity flow from above. A third possibility is that high concentrations of chlorobenzene at ML pumping wells such as W8 could have come from DNAPL at OW57-32R near the water tower partially gravity flowing even deeper than 32 metres down into the nearby unconfined ML. While possible I think the other two are more likely.

Of course Lanxess and GHD know the answers and are not sharing. Keeping the public in the dark is absolutely mandatory for the coverup to succeed and this includes promoting co-optee citizens and dumping and defaming citizens who will not be co-opted and bent. You can figure out who is who despite the old joke that you need a roster to know who is playing on which team. 

Again there is still the possibility that the chlorobenzene DNAPL at OW57-32 (Howard St. Water Tower) came from a closer source such as either the former Borg Textiles (Howard Ave.) or from Varnicolor Chemical (Union St.). Again I am sure that Lanxess, GHD and probably the Ontario MECP know the truth but why share it if it will only denigrate the MECP's credibility and professionalism in missing yet another Elmira dirty polluter. It would also bring discredit upon the sweetheart deal of November 1991 between Uniroyal and the Ontario M.O.E. of the time.

Frank Rovers of Conestoga Rovers & Assoc., according to Susan Bryant, told the Uniroyal Public Advisory Committee (UPAC)  that the Uniroyal site was filled with sub-surface DNAPLS whether free phase or residual. Now it is possible that Susan slipped up and made an honest mistake when she told me that and in fact Frank Rovers had told her that privately. Who knows for sure although either way it certainly is interesting and damning .

KWSQA is offering this KWality Talk as in-person only, details under Location below!

Register: Online at our KWality Talk Page.

Speaker: Kayla Gillman

Topic: Across the globe, organizations are rapidly investing in AI to improve quality, speed delivery, and reduce cost – yet many are encountering a familiar problem: high expectations, slow progress, and limited business value. A decade ago, QA leaders faced this same challenge during the rise of test automation. In this session, Kayla Gillman, Global Head of Pre-Sales at TTC Global, draws on her experience leading enterprise automation and quality engineering initiatives across multiple regions to explore what AI adoption can learn from automation’s first decade.

Using real-world examples and industry research, Kayla examines why both automation and AI initiatives stall – not because of tooling, but due to gaps in readiness, governance, skills, and alignment with business goals. Delegates will gain a practical framework for assessing maturity and learn how to embed AI responsibly into modern quality practices without sacrificing trust or human judgment. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable guidance for scaling automation and AI sustainably across complex, global delivery environments.

Meet our Speaker: 

Kayla Gillman is Global Head of Pre-Sales and Senior Manager, Canada at TTC Global, where she leads enterprise quality engineering strategy across international transformation programs. Based in Canada and working closely with clients across Europe and North America, Kayla specializes in test automation, AI-assisted testing, and large-scale delivery enablement. She brings close to two decades of experience helping organizations evolve from manual testing foundations to continuous and intelligent automation at scale. Known for her pragmatic leadership style, Kayla focuses on aligning people, process, and technology to deliver measurable business value. She is a frequent speaker on automation maturity, AI readiness, and the evolving role of quality engineering in global digital transformation.

Doors will open at 11:45 pm. Announcements and discussion start at 12:00 pm. Meeting ends at approximately 1:00 pm.

As with all in-person KWality Talks lunch will be provided. Please ensure you note any dietary restrictions in the ticket registration process. 

Please follow the instructions on the KWality Talk Page to register for this event.

This months in-person event will be held at the Waterloo Accelerator Centre at 295 Hagey Boulevard, Waterloo, ON, N2L 6R5.

People attending our meetings are expected to adhere to the KWSQA code of conduct.

For 37 years we the public have been blatantly lied to by municipal, regional and provincial politicians on any and all matters pertaining to the 1989 Elmira Water Crisis that could impact negatively either reputations or pocket books of the above four groups. Lanxess Canada of course includes Uniroyal, Crompton and Chemtura. The depth, breadth and scope of these lies are extraordinary and breathtaking. From hydrogeological nonsense and lies to even which companies contributed to the disaster; truth has been intentionally crushed since 1989. 

On one hand we could grudgingly look at some of the revelations of the last few years and suggest that maybe, maybe Lanxess are less comfortable with dishonesty than their predecessors. The pictorial Conceptual Site Model (CSM) dated January 2024 has been expanded eastwards to include at least part of the Stroh property in the handouts from last September 17 th TRAC meeting. There are a number of changes from past CSMs including the Feb.15, 2019 one and all it's predecessors that suggest a stunning misdirection and deception since the start of the crisis in November 1989. 

Put simply and in a nutshell what the latest pictorial CSM suggests is the PROBABILITY that three deeper aquifers have windows or fractures connecting each other. This means that as all three aquifers Municipal Upper, Municipal Lower and Bedrock (MU, ML & BR)  flow in a generally south-west direction they are carrying contamination originating from Uniroyal Chemical both back to Uniroyal's already grossly contaminated site as well as likely south of it into the town of Elmira bypassing pumping wells allegedly protecting Elmira's Aquifers. If you think any of this new to the public information is positive regarding eventual cleanup of the Elmira Aquifers, you are mistaken. What it does is clarify all the signals that we will never be safely drinking water from those aquifers again.  

Artificial Intelligence or AI (Google for example) can sometimes be tapped for clarification although it's sources and references if followed up are not always what they initially appear. On the other hand I have seen  AI make statements and claims that they quite readily will correct if given additional data to work with. A friend and colleague sent me an AI generated version of it's hydrogeological interpretation of the multiple aquifers beneath the Stroh property (immediately east of Uniroyal/Lanxess property) . Despite a couple of errors it really was quite enlightening and helpful. 

I would encourage Lanxess to begin telling the truth more often because the day of reckoning is coming  and you really do not want to be found as guilty as your predecessors.   

While building the CI workflow for my application, I got tired of pushing every small workflow change to GitHub just to see whether it worked. Make a change, commit, push, wait, and sometimes repeat.

I started looking for a way to run the workflow locally. That’s when I came across act.

It’s an open-source tool that lets you run GitHub Actions workflows locally using Docker.

It reads workflow files from .github/workflows, interprets the jobs and steps, and executes them inside Docker containers that simulate GitHub Actions runner environments.

This means you can test workflow changes locally, inspect failures in your terminal, and iterate without pushing every change to GitHub. Here’s its GitHub repository, if you want to know more.

The project provides installation options for different operating systems. You can use the installation steps from its documentation.

Once installed, I verified it:

act --version

With Docker running, I was ready to try it.

Before running a workflow, it’s worth knowing that act offers different runner image sizes: micro, medium, and large.

The main difference is how much software comes preinstalled in each image.

• Micro: A minimal image with very few preinstalled tools. Smaller and faster to download, but you may need to install dependencies yourself.
• Medium: Includes a broader set of commonly used tools. A reasonable balance between image size and convenience.
• Large: Includes a much wider range of preinstalled software, making it closer to a typical GitHub-hosted runner environment. However, it’s significantly larger.

You can choose an image depending on what your workflow needs.
Now, to run the default workflow event, you can use the command:

act

But I wanted to test the pull request workflow specifically:

act pull_request

Docker pulled the required runner image, and the workflow started executing in my terminal.

The workflow actually ran through several steps without any issues, including building the Docker image. Things looked good until it reached the Trivy scanning step.

That’s where it failed with this error:

::error::Input required and not supplied: token

I initially wondered why a vulnerability scanner needed a GitHub token. After looking into how the Trivy action works internally, I found what was causing the issue.

The Trivy action uses another action called setup-trivy to install the Trivy binary. In my case, the cache lookup had failed, so it proceeded with a fresh installation. As part of that process, setup-trivy invoked actions/checkout to fetch the Trivy repository's installation script. That checkout required a GitHub token, but act hadn't provided one.

When a workflow runs on GitHub, GitHub Actions provides a token automatically. But when running locally with act, I needed to supply that token myself.

Fortunately, I already had GitHub CLI installed and authenticated. So I could retrieve my token with:

gh auth token

Then I passed it to act as a secret:

act pull_request -s GITHUB_TOKEN="$(gh auth token)"

The -s flag allows you to pass secrets to a locally executed workflow. I ran the workflow again, and this time it completed successfully!

I used my authenticated GitHub CLI token to get the workflow running. However, for regular local testing, it’s better to use a dedicated fine-grained personal access token with only the permissions required by your workflow.

Not exactly.

act uses Docker containers to simulate GitHub-hosted runners. While this gets you pretty close, the local environment isn’t identical to GitHub’s actual runner environment. For example:

• Some actions depend on GitHub-specific APIs, credentials, or services.
• The Docker images used by act may not have the same preinstalled software as GitHub-hosted runners.
• Not all GitHub Actions features are supported locally.

So, a successful local run doesn’t guarantee that the workflow will succeed on GitHub. An actual GitHub Actions run is still necessary for final verification.

act isn't the only way to work with GitHub Actions workflows.

• Rehearse is an alternative that aims to execute GitHub Actions workflow files locally without relying on Docker.
• GitHub-hosted runners are always an option. You can push your changes to GitHub and let the workflow run in its actual environment. Of course, that brings us back to the reason I started looking for act in the first place, having to push every small change.

I wouldn’t say act replaces GitHub Actions or that every developer needs it.

But if you’re frequently changing workflow files and don’t want to push every small change just to test them, it’s worth knowing about.

For me, it was a useful discovery while building my CI pipeline. I could test changes locally, catch issues earlier, and avoid the repetitive cycle of committing, pushing, and waiting for GitHub Actions to finish.

Running GitHub Actions Locally was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

A proposed zoning change at 400 Millennium Boulevard in Waterloo could bring additional single-detached homes to a planned residential community in the city's northeast end.

Activa Holdings Inc. has submitted a new rezoning application seeking permission to develop detached homes on two blocks previously designated for townhouses.

The property is part of a larger mixed-use development near RIM Park and Country Squire Road that received draft subdivision approval from Waterloo City Council in October 2025.

For homeowners, prospective buyers and anyone following new construction in Waterloo, here's what is planned, what's changing and what happens next.

The development is located in northeast Waterloo, near the established Carriage Crossing neighbourhood and RIM Park.

On October 27, 2025, Waterloo City Council approved the draft plan of subdivision for a mixed-use community at 400 Millennium Boulevard, contemplating up to 634 residential units.

The broader development includes plans for:

• Single-detached and semi-detached homes
• Townhouses
• Apartment and other multi-unit residential buildings
• Commercial space
• A public park
• Stormwater management facilities
• Conservation and open space

The original planning application identified a range of approximately 583–634 residential units.

The City's newer rezoning application identifies a range of 572–623 residential units across the entire property. The final number and configuration of homes may change as the development progresses.

Activa's latest application, Z-26-18, proposes rezoning Blocks 6 and 8 within Draft Plan of Subdivision 30T-23401.

These blocks are currently zoned Residential Seven (R7), which permits townhouses under the applicable site-specific zoning provisions.

The developer is requesting Residential Five (R5) zoning to permit single-detached homes instead.

In practical terms, the proposed amendment would allow detached homes on two portions of the subdivision where townhouses were previously planned.

These proposed changes apply to Blocks 6 and 8. The broader subdivision continues to include a variety of residential housing types, along with commercial and community uses.

The new rezoning application is subject to the City's planning review process.

View the official Blocks 6 and 8 illustration and current application on EngageWR. The applicant-provided illustration may change as the planning process continues.

New residential developments contribute to the evolving housing landscape in Waterloo, particularly in growing areas of the city.

For prospective buyers, the proposed change could introduce additional detached-home options within a future northeast Waterloo community.

For existing homeowners, development activity provides useful context about the types of housing being planned nearby, future neighbourhood growth and potential changes to the surrounding area.

However, a proposed zoning change does not automatically translate into new homes being built or made available for purchase.

Construction timelines, pricing and sales availability have not been confirmed through the municipal planning information reviewed.

New development does not, on its own, determine whether existing home values will increase or decrease. Property values are influenced by numerous factors, including buyer demand, comparable sales, inventory and broader market conditions.

The broader subdivision received draft plan approval from Waterloo City Council on October 27, 2025.

The newer rezoning application affecting Blocks 6 and 8 is a separate proposal that remains subject to the applicable municipal review and approval process.

Draft plan approval is an important planning milestone, but it should not be confused with final subdivision registration or authorization to begin construction.

Additional approvals, servicing requirements and permits may be necessary before building proceeds.

The property is located in northeast Waterloo, near RIM Park and Country Squire Road, in the vicinity of the established Carriage Crossing neighbourhood.

Activa Holdings Inc. is the developer associated with the proposed subdivision and the latest rezoning application.

The original subdivision application contemplated 583–634 residential units, with Waterloo City Council approving a draft plan allowing up to 634 units in October 2025.

The newer rezoning application identifies a range of 572–623 units for the overall property. The ultimate number may change.

Yes. Single-detached homes were already included in the broader subdivision plan. The latest application proposes allowing detached homes on two additional blocks previously zoned for townhouses.

A confirmed construction start date has not been established in the municipal planning information reviewed for this article.

The planning records do not establish a confirmed sales launch, pricing or available inventory. Buyers interested in future new-construction opportunities should monitor announcements from the developer.

It is too early to determine what effect the development may have on surrounding property values. Individual property characteristics, neighbourhood demand, comparable sales and overall market conditions remain important considerations.

Waterloo continues to evolve, with new residential developments, planning applications and neighbourhood growth contributing to the city's long-term housing landscape.

For homeowners and prospective buyers, understanding what is being proposed—and distinguishing it from what has already been approved—can provide valuable context when making real estate decisions.

Drew and I believe that staying informed about local development is an important part of understanding the Waterloo Region real estate market.

Whether you're considering selling your home, purchasing a property or simply curious about how your neighbourhood is evolving, we're always happy to share our perspective on local market conditions and opportunities.

Thinking about buying or selling in Waterloo Region? Connect with The Deutschmann Team for a personalized discussion about your home, your neighbourhood and your real estate goals.

Becky Deutschmann & Drew Dickinson
The Deutschmann Team
RE/MAX Twin City Realty Inc.

1. Current 2026 rezoning application — Z-26-18
2. Original subdivision planning application
3. Waterloo City Council summary — October 27, 2025

Planning information reviewed November 8, 2026, and is subject to change. The Deutschmann Team is not affiliated with Activa Holdings Inc. or the developer’s sales program.

The post 400 Millennium Boulevard Waterloo: Activa Proposes Changes to Planned Residential Development appeared first on Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate Agent - The Deutschmann Team.

A next generation HTTP client for Python. 🦋

Python 1.6k Updated Nov 7

LLM inference in C/C++

C++ 134k 25 issues need help Updated Nov 10

Chrome Extension: Improves YouTube's theatre mode by making use of all of the available height

CSS 14 Updated Mar 15, 2024

 Luisa D'Amato in her Opinion piece in yesterday's K-W Record, titled "A report on Waterloo Region's water crisis will be ready next month  What happens next?", makes it very clear. One, public trust in Regional government has been broken and two, we are not out of the woods yet. Ms. D'Amato states "But we're doomed to return to the moment of crisis, if we forget that we ever had a crisis.".  She suggests that even if we get by the 2026 Region of Waterloo Water Crisis  we have no way of knowing if we have enough water to provide for the growth of the Region to one million people by 2051 as our provincial and federal governments are demanding. 

Myself I see no problem in Waterloo Region attaining a population of that size and a plethora of serious problems if we do. Our city streets and highways are too busy now part of the time. Lets pack in more people, more cars, more buses, more trucks and see how they are then. Our waterways are getting dirtier from agricultural, industrial and human discharges so lets make them worse. Our groundwater based drinking water is badly compromised from both past industrial pollution as well as current road salt levels, nitrate exceedances, glyphosate (Roundup), chlorinated solvents and worse. We can solve that apparently by a multi billion dollar pipeline to the dirtiest of the Great Lakes namely Lake Erie. We deserve that because much of our water pollution ends up in the Grand River which empties into Lake Erie. Our air stinks part of the time although that isn't solely our fault. Farmland and crop production continues to erode as we turn farms into either industrial wastelands, data centres, warehouses or rural subdivisions requiring personal cars for work, shopping and play. Lastly don't we all enjoy sitting for hours in hospital emergency rooms waiting to be seen? Surely larger populations will reduce waiting times won't they?

Meanwhile locally our politicians have been complicit in the destruction of a magnificent aquifer complex that was capable of providing for the needs of Elmira, Woolwich and even south to K-W to assist in their needs. That is done! Now K-W are providing for our water needs but do not fool yourselves. They are providing us with heavily and expensively treated groundwater and river water that some of those same politicians cheerfully allowed to become contaminated without proper remediation at the source in the first place. They would rather all taxpayers pay for disinfection and contaminant removal at regional water treatment sites than their political party and individual donors, who made extra millions by improper waste disposal, pay out of their own pockets. 

Yesterdays Blog posting here indicates how far and wide contamination has spread in Elmira and how it continues to re-contaminate aquifers that are only partially being pumped and treated. It also shows how far the MECP, Lanxess, Woolwich and Regional politicians are willing to go to distort, lie and deceive residents and citizens on these matters. All of their lies and deceptions serve their purposes which are to make money and to accrue power and influence at our expense.         

Board members serve two-year, renewable terms
We need a few exceptional people to join us as we build a more peaceful and compassionate Toronto

Out Of Bounds, a registered charity, is looking for a small number of capable, concerned and committed volunteers to join our Board of Directors.

Our organization was founded in 2006, after Toronto’s infamous “year of the gun.” Since then, we have provided support to those affected by gun violence and pioneered programming and advocacy to address the root causes of such violence.

One of our hallmark programs offers immediate counselling and support to the families of young people who have been killed or wounded as a result of gun violence.

As Toronto witnesses an upsurge in such violence once more, and after several years of operating as a grassroots organization, Out Of Bounds is transitioning to a more formal and professional structure to advance our mission. We are seeking volunteers to join our Board of Directors to help us grow to the next level.

Ideal candidates will have a combination of the following:

• Previous experience serving on a nonprofit board or in a leadership role with a community organization;
• Familiarity with the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of nonprofit governance;
• Personal/professional interest in, or connection to, the issue of reducing gun violence and supporting those affected by it;
• Empathy and dedication to advocating for survivors and families impacted by gun violence;
• The ability to provide both strategic leadership and accountability AND perform the tasks often asked of a working board, including serving on sub-committees and volunteering for specific tasks;
• The ability to call upon personal networks to source information, resources and connections that would advance the mission of the organization;
• The ability to work collaboratively with others on a small board, building consensus and managing conflict constructively; and
• Willingness to serve as an “ambassador” for the organization as it meets with those in the community and connects with other stakeholders.

Professional experience in a number of fields that would contribute to our board skill set is welcomed but not mandatory. These fields would include public policy, social justice and advocacy, media and social media, law enforcement and the justice system, trauma counselling, fundraising, accounting, strategy and community leadership.

Our nine-person Board of Directors is at the centre of our response to the challenges facing Toronto communities. Our small staff, led by our Executive Director, delivers programming in two main areas:

• Supporting those who are grieving from the loss of a loved one to gun violence; and
• Engaging in the community to address the root causes of gun violence.

Our working board has helped us design and deliver programming in each of these areas and meets regularly to oversee the implementation of programming, hold our staff and each other accountable for tasks and timelines, and respond to emerging issues and opportunities in the community.

• Attend board meetings regularly
• Actively participate practically (taking on and accomplishing tasks) and in policy / accountability discussions;
• Commit to at least one, two-year term of board service;
• Join at least one Board subcommittee; and,
• Consider serving as an officer of the organization as your skills and time permit (e.g., Co-chair, Treasurer, and Secretary).

Those interested in this opportunity are welcome to contact the Chair of our Nominations Committee, Garcia Bartley, at garciabartley@hotmail.com

Website: www.outofboundjf.org

The post Out of Bounds appeared first on Capacity Canada.

♦The Central Student Association (CSA) is the undergraduate student association at the University of Guelph. We advocate on behalf of our membership, representing their collective interests on a diverse range of issues such as public transit, housing, student rights and the accessibility of education. In addition, we offer numerous services and programs such as the Bullring, Universal Bus Pass, Health and Dental Plan, Bike Centre, Clubs, Student FoodBank, SafeWalk, Student Help and Advocacy Centre, printing, and promotional services.

The CSA Board of Directors works within the CSA’s welfare, image, and mandate, to defend and protect the rights and interests of students. Directors have a huge influence across campus and beyond, making decisions that affect the quality and type of services, events and campaigns offered by the CSA as a not-for-profit corporation. Between General Membership Meetings, the Board of Directors is the highest decision-making body of the organization. Directors also help to shape and build the student movement within these board meetings. The Board of Directors is made up of a four-person Executive, two at-large members elected per college, and representatives appointed from college governments and campus organizations, totalling to a maximum of 35 individuals. As a result, the Board of Directors meetings include passionate discussions about student issues from members with diverse backgrounds, and it is the role of the Chair to ensure the meetings flow efficiently with decorum.

The Board Chair serves as an external chair, not as a member of the Board of Directors. The primary duty of this position is to uphold the CSA’s Rules of Order and Robert’s Rules of Order in order to allow for democratic decisions to be determined by the Board of Directors. The Board Chair must work in an unbiased manner with utmost neutrality to ensure equity among all Board members in acknowledgment of the mandated diverse demographic of the Board. By extension, the Chair must be mindful in ensuring all Board members are given all available options when they inquire about parliamentary procedure. As a staff member, the Board Chair must uphold and support the CSA’s Mandate and Approach and work towards the overall success of the CSA.

Board Meetings are generally held alternating Wednesday evenings, and are typically 1.5 to 2.5 hours in length, though may extend to 5 hours on rare occasions. In addition to the scheduled Board Meetings, the Board Chair is expected to chair the CSA’s Annual General Meeting, General Members’ Meeting, and Emergency Board Meetings.

Start Date: As Soon As Possible – Total of at least 20 meetings per fiscal year (May 1 to April 30)
Salary: $50.00 per hour, rounded up to the nearest quarter hour – starting from pre-meeting – Minimum three hours paid for all regularly scheduled board meetings and training dates
Vacancy Disclosure: This job posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization
Executive Supervisor: CSA President
Immediate Supervisor: Policy and Transition Coordinator

• Required to complete the following online training modules:
  • Workplace Health & Safety
  • Anti-Oppression
  • AODA Customer Service and Human Rights
  • Sexual and Gender Based Violence Awareness
• Additional training may be required at the request of the President
• Opportunity to shadow up to two Board of Director meetings

• Primary responsibility will be to chair/facilitate Board of Directors meetings, emergency Board meetings, and members meetings using Robert’s Rules of Order and CSA Rules of Order
• Review board packages prior to meetings
• Make all necessary inquiries and complete research to ensure you are prepared as possible for discussion at Board meetings
• Attend meetings on an as needed basis before Board of Directors meetings and members meetings to go over upcoming items with the Policy & Transition Coordinator
• Conducts Board meetings in an efficient, effective, and focused manner and ensure adequate time to consider complex issues
• Establish a safe and inclusive environment that seeks and embraces diverse perspectives, independent thinking, and active participation
• Be mindful of the diverse identities represented on the Board and facilitate discussion in a way that creates space for voices most affected by the issues being considered.
• Formulate rulings of the chair when an issue arises which is not explicitly stated in the CSA bylaws and/or policies, while also adhering to Robert’s Rules of Order
• Demonstrate an understanding of University of Guelph student issues as well as an understanding of the workings of the Central Student Association, including Bylaws and Policies
• Sign minutes of the Board of Directors once they have been approved by the Board
• Lead the training of Board members on CSA Rules of Order and Robert’s Rules each semester
• Ensure the Board is made aware of and upholds CSA bylaws and policies pertinent to meeting discussions in conjunction with the Policy & Transition Coordinator
• Act as a resource for Directors with respect to all questions of process and motion writing
• Receive evaluation from Board members to incorporate feedback into your work annually

• Knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order
• Highly effective communicator and skilled facilitator
• Experience chairing large meetings
• Arbitration, tact, diplomacy, and impartiality
• Reliable and flexible to emergency meetings held on short notice
• Strong understanding of, and commitment to diversity, and inclusion
• General knowledge of student unions
• Experience with student governance, not-for-profit boards, or similar organizational structures is an asset
• Strong knowledge of the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) and relevant case law, particularly as it applies to not-for-profit governance and board procedure

Deadline for applications is November 18, 2026 at 5pm
Resumes and Cover letters should be submitted online through the CSA application process found at www.csaonline.ca/jobs

For a complete copy of the CSA Hiring Policy, visit csaonline.ca/about/bylaws-policies. The CSA hiring policy is found in Appendix C of the Policy Manual, Section 4.0.

The CSA is committed to employment equity and to the creation of a working environment that is welcoming for all applicants. We particularly encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized people, international students, and members of Queer communities.

The Central Student Association welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.

Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To arrange accommodations please contact csaocass@uoguelph.ca

The CSA does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated screening algorithms to evaluate applications for this role. Every resume and submission is reviewed directly by a member of our hiring team.

The post Central Student Association (CSA) appeared first on Capacity Canada.

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Rust 136 Updated Oct 9

A lightweight system monitoring applet for COSMIC desktop displaying CPU, GPU, memory, and network stats in the panel.

Rust 8 Updated Oct 22

The 2026 Federal Budget includes a number of measures aimed at strengthening Canada’s economy, encouraging business investment and improving the country’s long-term competitiveness.

Following its release, both the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce shared their perspectives on what the budget means for businesses, where they see positive progress and where further action is needed.

While both organizations welcome the focus on investment and productivity, they emphasize that successful implementation will be critical to translating government commitments into meaningful results for businesses.

Here is a look at the key takeaways from each Chamber’s response.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC)

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) welcomed the Federal Budget’s focus on unlocking investment, accelerating major projects and strengthening Canada’s economic resilience amid continued global uncertainty.

Some of the key measures welcomed by the Ontario Chamber include:

• Lowering business costs through tax simplification and immediate deductions for eligible investments.
• Supporting business growth and innovation through enhanced commercialization funding, tax incentives and capital gains exemptions.
• Advancing major projects and energy infrastructure through streamlined approvals and national energy strategies.
• Building stronger communities through housing investments and supports to address homelessness.
• Promoting industrial energy efficiency through investments in energy-saving technologies.

These measures reflect key priorities outlined in the OCC’s 2026 federal budget submission, but they identify four key areas that need further action: improving progress and accountability on major projects and internal trade, supporting small business growth through tax and regulatory reforms, developing a skilled workforce that meets employer needs, and helping businesses expand into international markets and diversify their supply chains.

Read the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s full Federal Budget reaction:

Ontario Chamber Welcomes Federal Budget’s Focus on Investment, Says Execution Will Determine the Results

Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC)

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Federal Budget’s focus on encouraging business investment, strengthening productivity and improving Canada’s competitiveness, while emphasizing the importance of creating the conditions for businesses to invest, innovate, grow and compete internationally.

Some of the key measures welcomed by the Canadian Chamber include:

• Encouraging business investment through the Productivity Mega Deduction, which is intended to lower the cost of eligible investments in machinery, equipment, technology and other productivity-enhancing assets.
• Supporting research and innovation through expanded Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentives to help businesses invest in research, development and the commercialization of new technologies.
• Helping businesses scale and grow through measures such as improvements to the small business rollover and the Canada Growth Incentive, aimed at supporting investment and encouraging businesses to retain and reinvest capital in Canada.
• Strengthening Canada’s economic competitiveness by simplifying the tax system and reducing administrative and regulatory burdens, particularly for small businesses.
• Supporting investment and economic growth through initiatives designed to strengthen Canada’s productive capacity and create opportunities for businesses across the country.

However, the Chamber raised concerns about the federal government’s fiscal outlook, highlighting the projected $62.3-billion deficit and rising borrowing costs. It emphasizes that maintaining fiscal discipline and delivering meaningful economic growth will be essential to the budget’s long-term success.

Read the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s full Federal Budget reaction:

Our Reaction to Budget 2026 – Canadian Chamber of Commerce

For a more detailed breakdown of the budget measures, the Canadian Chamber has also prepared a full analysis for its national Chamber network:

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Budget Analysis

Looking Ahead

Both the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce recognize the importance of encouraging business investment, improving productivity and strengthening Canada’s economic competitiveness.

The Federal Budget includes measures that could create opportunities for businesses, particularly in areas such as innovation, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and technology. However, both organizations emphasize that turning these commitments into meaningful results will be critical.

For businesses in Waterloo Region, continued investment in innovation, access to talent and capital, reduced barriers to growth and opportunities to reach new markets will remain important priorities.

The Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce will continue to monitor federal policies and initiatives that affect our local business community and advocate for the conditions businesses need to invest, innovate, compete and grow.

The post 2026 Federal Budget: What Canada’s Business Chambers Are Saying appeared first on Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.

The specific CSM (Conceptual Site Model) handed out by consulting/engineering company Onterris to TRAC (Technical Remediation Advisory Committee) had a 2024 date on it. Assuming (as dangerous as that is) that TRAC had previously received this CSM I am reasonably confident that their failure to loudly and clearly proclaim the major differences to the east was not solely due to corruption or ill intent. Far more likely they simply have no one on that committee with the clearly not requisite combination of hydrogeological knowledge AND unbiased honesty. Certainly Eric Hodgins and Tiffany Svensson have the hydroG knowledge but just as certainly they are committed or bound to the Woolwich Township narrative which is in full alignment with that of Lanxess and the MECP. Susan Bryant, in my opinion, has neither of the requisite combinations.

I have long been aware of the errors and weaknesses in these pictorial CSMs. While generally helpful they are also riddled with errors. This is especially concerning when we look at the 2017 CSM that is part of Dr. Neil Thompson's primarily written CSM. For clarification he had included on page 17 of his written CSM a copy of the June 19, 2017 pictorial CSM which Dr. Dick Jackson had referred to as a "cartoon". Personally while I like them visually I was disapponited that they were not as accurate as they both could have and should have been. One of the obvious problems dealt with the known "window" at OW-58 on Uniroyal's west side property boundary which made a direct hydraulic path between the Municipal Upper and Municipal Lower Aquifers. Nevertheless it has never made it onto the pictorial CSMs over the decades. 

Other issues might include the very belated groundwater flow direction arrows showing Bedrock groundwater being pumped by both W5A and E7/E9. Other problems include the failure to include the eastward groundwater flow component from the Surficial Aquifer (SA) at the north end of the east side of the site until the most recent 2024 CSM. The lack of any Municipal Lower Aquifer (ML) being shown either on or eastwards off the Uniroyal site is a particularly garish failure. The use and abuse of serrated lines allegedly representing unknown areas in the sub-surface is far too self-serving. Drilled wells are the major source of data for where various sub-surface stratigraphic units start and finish yet their use is inconsistent. Another example of inconsistency is the completely horizontal surface of the Bedrock from the south end of Elmira (E7/E9) all the way north to the Uniroyal/Lanxess site where the Bedrock elevation allegedly rises dramatically based upon nothing. Similarly we are to believe that the serrated lines for the Municipal Upper Aquifer (MU) on the extreme east (right) side of all the CSMs indicate that there are no data and hence no observation wells on the east side of the Uniroyal site. That is not true and if it was all the more shame to the company(s) over the decades for intentionally hiding  the extremely relevant stratigraphy from the public. The aborted Upper Aquifer (UA) on the east side of the Creek on all the pictorial CSMs is also misleading considering that there have been shallow wells along Uniroyal's east side property line since at least the 1980s.

The final (2024) pictorial CSM presented by Onterris has three additional problems. Firstly his Insert listing the mass contaminant removal rate (mg./day & g/yr)  for pumping well PW5 (now PW6) is actually covering the location of the Municipal Upper Aquifer (MU) on the east side of the site. Secondly this Figure/map doesn't tell us for which of the two "chosen" contaminant representatives (NDMA or chlorobenzene) the mass contaminant removal rates apply. I would suggest that it is for NDMA based upon the masses involved. Thirdly and perhaps of supreme importance is the possibility (probability?) that the three lowest aquifers on the Stroh property are hydraulically connected namely the MU, the ML and the Bedrock (BR). That Uniroyal/Lanxess have allegedly not got data to clarify this is an abomination and absolutely self-serving keep the public and citizens in the dark and covered in @#%* (i.e. the mushroom treatment).  

As we take in the results of this week’s U.S. midterm elections, I know people are experiencing a range of emotions. Some are feeling hopeful. Others may be feeling concerned or uncertain about what comes next.

Whatever you’re feeling, I believe this is a good time to remember that the everyday choices we make at work matter. How we treat colleagues. Whose contributions we recognize. Who we mentor, sponsor, and advocate for. Whether we speak up when someone is overlooked or excluded.

These actions may seem small, but together they shape workplace cultures where people can do their best work and thrive.

That’s why I write 5 Ally Actions every week. And it’s why I’d love your help getting these ideas in front of more people.

Will you forward this newsletter to a coworker who might find it useful? Or encourage someone to subscribe here. The more of us who put these everyday actions into practice, the better our workplaces can become.

Thank you for being part of this community. Now, let’s dive into this week’s edition.

-Karen

In a viral Threads post, Jacob Newsome, who is Black, shared a recent interaction:

“White person: Wow, you speak so well!
Me: You speak so well too! I’m genuinely shocked!
Them: Why are you shocked?
Me: Well, why were YOU shocked?
Them: Goes completely silent and walks away.
Me: Hello??? Where are you going? 😭”

It’s funny, but it points to something worth noticing. When someone expresses surprise that a Black person is articulate, the compliment can carry an underlying assumption: that they wouldn’t expect a Black person to be well-spoken, educated, or articulate.

That’s a lousy stereotype, and we should challenge it.

If someone tells a Black colleague, “You’re so articulate,” I recommend the seek common ground and educate approach. You might say:

“I used to think calling someone articulate was a compliment, but I have since learned many Black people don’t think so. When said with surprise, it can reinforce a negative stereotype about their communication skills.”

And when you genuinely want to praise someone’s communication skills, be specific. For example:

• “You have a unique ability to simplify complex problems.”
• “I watch a lot of webinars, and you’re one of the best at engaging a remote audience.”

Let’s make sure our compliments recognize someone’s skills without carrying assumptions about who we expect to have them.

Share this action on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Sponsor 5 Ally Actions and put your brand or business in front of 40,000 caring individuals in business, healthcare, education, and non-profits.

Or, say thanks to Karen and buy her a coffee ☕.

I recently asked Sema Burney for an actionable tip from her new book, White Men, I need you! Your no-nonsense guide to allyship in the workplace. Here’s what she shared with me:

“Before sharing an opinion, recognize the lens in which you see the world. For example, I had an amazing work colleague who was a white male in his sixties. He was well ahead of most people when it came to understanding equity. Still, he often referenced his own privilege before sharing an opinion. ‘As a white man, I realize I might have a different perspective…’”

Why did this matter? Burney explained,

“Openly discussing his privilege made me feel safer and much more comfortable about opening up and sharing. This proved to be a positive loop because the more I shared, the more he learned.”

Before weighing in on an issue, let’s all consider how our experiences might shape our perspective and what we might be missing. When appropriate, let’s acknowledge it out loud.

At a recent book launch event for Fair Share, authors David Smith, PhD, and Brad Johnson, PhD, emphasized the importance of creating workplace cultures that encourage men to use caregiving benefits openly.

The goal? Make caregiving a visible part of work life rather than something employees feel they need to manage quietly.

Think about it. When you need to attend children’s school events, stay home to care for a sick family member, or take them to a healthcare appointment, do you try to slink away and hope no one notices? Or do you take the opportunity to “leave loudly” by letting colleagues know why you’re heading out or will be unavailable?

Let’s send a message that prioritizing personal needs and utilizing flexible, family-friendly policies is okay (and frequently required).

We can be transparent about it on our calendar, with a Slack status, or via an automated email response. For example,

• Working remotely to care for a sick child.
• Leaving at 4pm today to coach youth basketball.
• OOO for a doctor’s appointment.
• Unavailable this afternoon for a family commitment.

When people see coworkers making room for caregiving, it becomes easier for others to do the same. So the next time you need to step away, consider leaving loudly.

November is Native American Heritage Month in the U.S. Coincidentally, it’s also when we recognize Native Women’s Equal Pay Day, which falls on November 19th this year.

This symbolic date marks how far a Native American woman must work into the current year to make the same amount that a white, non-Hispanic man earned last year.

Another way to look at it? Imagine finding out you’ve been earning just 58 cents for every dollar paid to a coworker. That’s the current wage gap for Native women working full-time, year-round in the U.S. Source: Equal Pay Today

And there were many other equal pay day milestones throughout the year highlighting wage gaps for moms, Black women, Latinas, disabled women, and others.

I hope organizations regularly review compensation and fix inequities. But that may not be happening. In the Harvard Business Review’s How to Identify — and Fix — Pay Inequality at Your Company, Amii Barnard-Bahn reported that only 22% of 922 of the largest U.S. public companies had reported conducting a salary audit between 2016 and 2020.

So, check on your organization’s plans regarding a pay equity review. Ask about it at an all-staff meeting or send a message to your head of HR to let them know this topic is important to you.

I love this final thought from Barnard-Bahn:

“There is no way to feel more included than to be paid equal to the person sitting next to me.”

This week’s spotlight comes from RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association. The organization recently launched a new Coverage at Work toolkit, which provides employees with the tools and information they need to ask their employer about infertility and family building coverage. Using the toolkit, you can:

• Understand what your plan already covers and where the gaps are.
• Identify the right people to approach and understand how benefits decisions are made.
• Understand best practices for how to make the case for expanded coverage.
• Use talking points and email templates for human resources.

As RESOLVE told me, the number one barrier for people who need fertility treatment is financial, and coverage from insurance makes a massive difference in easing that burden.

Please consider how you can advocate for the fertility treatment and family building benefits you or your coworkers might need.

And if you’ve taken a step towards being a better ally, please reply to this email and tell me about it. Be sure to mention if I can quote you by name or credit you anonymously in an upcoming newsletter.

That’s all for this week. I’m glad you’re on this journey with me,

Karen Catlin (she/her), Author of the Better Allies® book series

100% written by me. I use AI for light editing and for researching a personal archive of my books and past newsletters.

Copyright © 2026 Karen Catlin. All rights reserved.

Together, we can make a difference with the Better Allies® approach.

• Say thanks to Karen and buy her a coffee ☕ (Need a receipt for educational reimbursement? Reply to this email, and we’ll take care of it.)
• Sponsor an edition of this newsletter
• Follow @BetterAllies on Instagram, Medium, or YouTube. Or follow Karen Catlin on LinkedIn
• Read the Better Allies books
• Tell someone about these resources

Look Out For Backhanded Compliments, and Other Actions for Allies was originally published in Code Like A Girl on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Written by: Nasreen, Director of Communications, communications professional, writer, and former journalist dedicated to strengthening communities through storytelling, strategic communications, and a commitment to fostering dialogue, understanding, and positive social change.

Capacity Canada’s Board Governance BootCamp returns November 24–26, 2026, at Bingemans Conference Centre in Kitchener. With the theme “Boldly Hopeful in a World on Fire,” this year’s gathering invites nonprofit leaders, board members and sector professionals to strengthen their governance skills while looking ahead with courage, purpose and hope.

Strong nonprofits need strong boards. Board members bring their time, expertise and passion to their organizations, but effective governance also requires the right knowledge, resources and confidence.

Board Governance BootCamp brings together nonprofit leaders, governance professionals and board members for three days of practical learning, meaningful conversations and valuable connections. Designed for both new and experienced directors, participants can choose sessions that reflect their experience and organizational needs.

Over the years, BootCamp has welcomed CEOs, executive directors, board members and industry leaders to explore strategic planning, risk management, financial oversight, fundraising, technology, collaborative governance and inclusive leadership.

Past keynote speakers have included Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Olympic gold medalist and broadcaster; Steven Woods, partner and CTO of Inovia; and Eldon Sprickerhoff, founder and strategic advisor of eSentire. Their diverse perspectives have encouraged participants to think differently about leadership, governance and the forces shaping their organizations.

BootCamp is about more than presentations. Participants leave with practical ideas, new perspectives and connections they can take back to their organizations.

As Darcy MacCallum, CEO of Social Enterprise for Canada, shared:

“I haven’t stopped telling people about the conference. Truly one of the few times I can say I came home with several very actionable items.”

Whether you are joining a board for the first time or bringing years of governance experience to the table, there is always an opportunity to learn and strengthen your practice.

In a world facing uncertainty and change, strong governance matters. Being boldly hopeful means recognizing the challenges ahead while believing thoughtful leadership and strong organizations can make a difference.

Join us November 24–26, 2026, at Bingemans Conference Centre in Kitchener.

Come ready to learn. Come ready to connect. Leave boldly hopeful about what comes next.

Learn more and join us at Board Governance BootCamp 2026.

Nasreen, Director of Communications, Capacity Canada

email: nasreen@capacitycanada.ca

♦Nasreen has more than six years of experience working as a journalist with media organizations and non-profits in Canada and India. She has worked as a writer, editor, and managed social media accounts for several non-profits in the past.

Nasreen’s work includes writing as a columnist for various newspapers, including The Daily Mail. She has also produced well-researched stories and news packages while working as an editor with national newspapers. A trained mediator, she recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Waterloo. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and a second Master’s degree in Political Science.

The post Boldly Hopeful: Board Governance BootCamp Returns This November appeared first on Capacity Canada.

Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce (GKWCC) President & CEO, Ian McLean, attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM & Convention in Victoria, British Columbia, on October 28-29, 2026, alongside colleagues from the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, including President & CEO Greg Durocher.

The annual event brought together more than 400 delegates representing approximately 117 Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade from across the country to explore the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping Canadian business today.

In addition to advocating for local businesses on a national level, the convention provided valuable opportunities for Chamber leaders to discuss emerging business trends, particularly the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and the opportunities it presents for small and medium-sized businesses.

A key announcement was a new national initiative led by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, supported by more than $2.7 million in funding from Google.org, to help over 10,000 Canadian small and medium-sized businesses build the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to put AI to work. Launching in January 2027, the two-year program will provide accessible AI training, workshops and hands-on support through the Canadian Chamber’s national network of Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade.

This initiative recognizes that while AI offers significant opportunities to improve productivity, streamline operations and support business growth, many smaller businesses need greater access to the training and resources required to adopt the technology effectively and responsibly.

Resolution: Increasing Access to Early Learning & Childcare Programs

The Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber, in partnership with the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, was proud to co-sponsor a national policy resolution focused on increasing access to early learning and childcare programs. Access to affordable, reliable childcare continues to be a significant barrier for individuals looking to return to the workforce, particularly women. Limited availability, affordability challenges and gaps in childcare services can prevent qualified individuals from pursuing employment opportunities, advancing their careers and contributing fully to the economy.

With ongoing workforce challenges across Canada, improving access to childcare is an important part of strengthening labour force participation and supporting employers in attracting and retaining talent.

The resolution calls for greater attention to the accessibility of early learning and childcare programs, recognizing the important role that childcare plays in supporting families, workers and Canada’s broader economic growth.

The resolution received an overwhelming 97% support from delegates at the convention, demonstrating strong national recognition of the importance of this issue.

Supporting Canada’s Broader Business Priorities

In addition to co-sponsoring the childcare resolution, the GKWCC supported several other additional policy resolutions addressing a range of issues impacting Canadian businesses and the national economy.

Resolutions focused on artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace, tax reform, infrastructure, agriculture, and other emerging opportunities and challenges facing Canadian industry.

Participating in these discussions and supporting resolutions from Chambers across the country allows the GKWCC to contribute to a broader national business voice and help advance policy priorities that support economic growth, innovation and competitiveness.

What It Means / What Comes Next?

The Canadian Chamber AGM & Convention provides an important opportunity for Chambers of Commerce to come together, share perspectives and influence the national policy agenda. Through collaboration with the Cambridge Chamber and other Chamber partners across Canada, the GKWCC continues to ensure that the concerns and priorities of local businesses are represented at all levels of government.

From advocating for greater access to childcare and a stronger workforce to exploring opportunities in AI and supporting small business innovation, these conversations help shape the future of Canada’s business environment.

Your Chamber continues to advocate for you and your business, working collaboratively at the local, provincial and national levels to ensure that the voice of our business community is heard.

Here are some highlights from the event:

♦

Candance Laing – President & CEO of Canadian Chamber of Commerce with our President & CEO – Ian McLean.

♦

Our President & CEO – Ian Mclean with Brian Rodnick – Communication Specialist, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Greg Durocher – President & CEO of Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Travis Dyk – Chair of Board of Directors – Cambridge Chamber of Commerce & Greg Dunnett, President & CEO – Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.

♦

Greg Durocher – President & CEO of Cambridge Chamber of Commerce with Brian Rodnick – Communication Specialist, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Travis Dyk – Chair of Board of Directors – Cambridge Chamber of Commerce with our President & CEO – Ian McLean.

♦

Our Chamber & The Canadian Chamber of Commerce are supported by great number of businesses.

The post Greater KW Chamber Advocates for Members at the 2026 Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting appeared first on Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.

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