Circuit Rider Training Program

1. Circuit Rider Training Program March 10, 2010 Hilton Hotel & Suites, Niagara Falls, Ontario Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation Mathew Hoppe, Technical Manager

2. History • Initiated in Saskatchewan with pilot program at Assembly of First Nations • Mandate to deliver CRTP in 1996 • Ontario mandate taken over from AFN with funding support from internal resources and INAC • Typical use of 4 trainers delivering to 8+ First Nations • Lack of coverage • Overworked trainers • Some use of contracted consultants • Training manuals developed and used by the trainers using 12 modules • No cost service to all First Nations in Ontario • A new and enhanced delivery was needed

3. The Circuit Rider Training Program is: • Is a training program that supports the operator skill and confidence development by bringing the qualified Water Operator Trainers to the First Nation Water and Wastewater treatment facilities; • Supports First Nations plant operators expand their expertise to operate and maintain their water and wastewater plants in accordance with acceptable performance standards and related protocols; • Fulfills the requirements of mandatory training for all water treatment plant operators through Continuing Education Unit (CEU) approved training modules by OWWCO (Provincial Operator Certification Authority); • Promotes and facilitates the correction of health and safety deficiencies in First Nation water and wastewater facilities; • Extend the life cycle of the First Nation water and wastewater facilities by developing the First Nation awareness and importance of maintaining their assets and initiating cost effective practices and procedures.

4. Funding • The 2009/10 CRTP Proposal delivered services to 88 First Nations for approx $1.2 million • The 2010/11 CRTP Proposal is proposing to expand the training services to 108 First Nations for approx $2.4 million

5. CRTP Coverage

6. CRTP Trainer Info • OFNTSC currently has 14 full time and 2 part time trainers under contract who currently deliver CRTP services to approximately eighty-eight (88) First Nations. • These trainers all have a minimum of a class two license as a drinking water operator and have extensive training experience and a firm background in facility operations.

7. Trainer Schedule • Over the length of a fiscal year, CRTP trainers will typically visit a First Nation once every two months and continue this cycle, for a total of five times throughout the year. • All trainers prepare a two month schedule of proposed visits and submit them to our program coordinator for upload onto the online CRTP trainer calendar.

8. Feedback & Communication The CRTP has utilized the following communication tools that helps us keep our First Nations informed. • Online Calendar (Trainer schedule) • Operator Questionnaire (First Nation operator evaluation) • Weekly CRTPReports and Database

9. CRTP Successes • First Nation interests in the program is expanding • First Nation operators are responding to the developing of their skills, certification and knowledge base. • OFNTSC will be extending the use of all its 25 modules (21 CRTP modules and 5 certification preparation modules) with all First Nations across Canada through Circuit Riders Professional Association of Canada.

10. CRTP Successes • Increase in the number of plant operators with licenses at the level of the plant they are operating. • A presentation on CRTP achievement in Ontario was made at the American Water Works Association National Conference held in San Diego, California in June 2009.

11. THANK YOU Contacts: Mathew Hoppe, Technical Manger Mohammed Karim, CRTP Coordinator Jason Henry, Senior CRTP Trainer