In March 2021, they managed to open their own gym — KO Club Kickboxing and Martial Arts Fitness in Aurora.

Talent & Careers
Newmarket among 10 new Investing in Women’s Futures program locations
The Investing in Women’s Futures program provides a range of services and employment supports to help women overcome barriers, increase well-being, build skills and gain employment.
Mena Massoud: from Aladdin’s magic to championing diversity
At the age of three, Massoud and his family embarked on a life-changing journey to Canada, settling in Markham, Ont. This migration was a pivotal moment that would shape Massoud’s path in life.
Summer Company program ‘set new benchmark’ for entrepreneurship
“This year, our program has set a new benchmark for youth entrepreneurship in York Region,” says YSBEC Small Business Consultant Ammar Rizvi. “The dedication, creativity and passion of our 2023 participants has exceeded our expectations.”
New hotel in Newmarket ramping up for hiring blitz
The hotel is opening up in phases, with the first phase including around 20 to 30 rooms and comprising the renovated parts of the original building. Additions like the rooftop restaurant and event space will open later on.
Canada launches Open Work Permit stream for U.S. H-1B visa holders
Those who are approved will receive an open work permit valid for up to three years. An open work permit means that they can work for almost any employer in Canada. This also applies to their spouses and dependents who can apply for work or study permits as needed.
Ontario launches free job training for newcomers
The program will prepare jobseekers for well-paying careers in manufacturing, finance, administration, communications, hospitality and the arts. Participants will have the chance to explore a range of employment and training options through paid internships, job placements, language training and digital literacy courses.
Canada announces first-ever express entry invitations for skilled newcomers with STEM experience
This announcement signals a momentous milestone in Canada’s commitment to attracting top global talent and solidifying its position as a leader in research, development, and innovation.
York U’s Markham Campus helps students hone skills in the real world
“The campus will offer students the competitive advantage of an experiential education designed to produce job-ready candidates,” says Gordon Binsted, deputy provost of Markham Campus.
Retail, manufacturing and warehouse roles among jobs in demand in Aurora
“There are a lot of new retail developments that are coming to Aurora to keep up with the increasing population and to support the people who are living and working there.”
Canada’s Wonderland to hire 4,000 associates for 2023 season
“Our seasonal associates play an important role in our mission of delivering amazing experiences to all of our guests,” said Norm Pirtovshek, general manager at Canada’s Wonderland. “We’re proud to offer highly competitive wages, amazing perks, and an opportunity to make lifelong friends and develop essential leadership skills to help build future careers.”
Construct, a social enterprise by Blue Door, welcomes first cohort at new training centre in Aurora
“There are a lot of employment programs out there, but many are streamlining people into precarious work or employment that pays a minimum wage, but not necessarily a living wage,” explained Emily Rowe, Construct’s senior manager, social enterprise.
Markham Headquartered Kyndryl Canada and Dyslexia Canada Partner to Focus on Equitable Access to Education for Students
Kyndryl is committed to supporting social and environmental initiatives where they can leverage their people and technology to make the greatest impact.
Syntronic Continues Growth in Greater Toronto Area
Syntronic expects continued growth in the Greater Toronto Area with a goal to have a team of more than 100 employees locally within the next two to three years complementing the existing broader Syntronic Canada team of more than 500 employees.
Innovative post-secondary solutions will help solve Canada’s tech-sector skills shortage
Canada is facing a digital skills shortage that, if left unaddressed, will present a major barrier to business growth across all sectors and industries. As corporate leaders continue facing difficulties recruiting and retaining tech talent, universities in Canada can play a vital role in leading the development and implementation of innovative post-secondary solutions that address existing human resources gaps.
York Region Economic Development Team Spotlight Series: Jonathan Wheatle
In this edition of our team spotlight series, we connect with Jonathan Wheatle. As Director, he oversees the Economic Development portfolio and teams here at the Region.
York Region Economic Development Team Spotlight Series: Nathan Allen
In this edition of our team spotlight series, we connect with Nathan Allen, Web & Social Media Communications Specialist on the Investment & Marketing team. You might recognize him from some of our videos, but dive into this latest blog to learn more!
2021 Year In Review // York Region Economic Development
On behalf of York Region Economic Strategy, I am pleased to present the 2021 Economic
Development Year in Review. This is an overview of economic development activities undertaken this past year, highlights of business news from across the Region, and important economic indicators showing the strength and resilience of our business community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Development Year in Review. This is an overview of economic development activities undertaken this past year, highlights of business news from across the Region, and important economic indicators showing the strength and resilience of our business community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scottie Barnes Teams with Skilled Trades College of Canada in Vaughan to Provide Scholarships for Black and Indigenous Students
STC and Barnes have plans to award four scholarships annually over the next three years. Students awarded scholarships will be eligible to become an apprentice in their trade of choice and their scholarship will cover not only their full tuition, but all learning materials including tools and textbooks.
18 York Region-Based Companies Make the 2022 GTA’s Top 100 Employers List
This year marks the 16th annual edition for our Greater Toronto’s Top Employers competition, which has become the benchmark in the Greater Toronto Area for workplace best-practices.
York Region Local Directors’ Movies Screening at Reel Asian International Film Festival
This year’s festival lineup consists of 81 films from all over the world. Newmarket-raised director Albert Shin and Markham-raised Ganesh Thave’s have been invited to the festival.
York Link Wins 2021 MarCom Gold Award for #ReadyWhenYR Campaign
We’re honoured to receive a digital marketing award for our work in supporting business recovery with the #ReadyWhenYR campaign. This campaign was a collaboration with @ExperienceYR and helped drive new interest in local #YorkRegion tourism. Learn more about the awards:…
York University Student, From Richmond Hill, Wins Bronze Medal at IFIA Best Invention Awards 2021
York University student Erfan Nouraee has won a bronze medal at one of the most coveted international invention and innovation awards. “At its most basic level, innovation is about change,” said Nouraee, who lived and studied in Richmond Hill for years.
Aurora’s Alistair Johnston has Canada’s Back on FIFA World Cup Qualifying Trail
Two wins and four draws from six matches as the final qualifying round nears the midway point has Canada poised to achieve a World Cup berth for the first time since 1986.
Life Sciences Company LGC Relocating to Vaughan From Toronto, Bringing 400 ‘Highly-Skilled’ Jobs
LGC is an international life sciences measurement and tools company headquartered in the United Kingdom. LGC is expected to open its 200,000-sq.-ft. facility in 2024.
My YR – Marc Saltzman
Why did you make YR home? My wife grew up in the Region, so she was familiar with all it had to offer, plus many of our friends were there, and were attracted to safe and spacious suburbs to grow our family.
From York Region to Silicon Valley // Innovation Spotlight: Lyn Chen
No stranger to the robust startup ecosystem in York Region, her first company, Candy Cutlery, started at Y2 Entrepreneurship Labs. It was then incubated for six months at York University’s Markham innovation hub, YSpace. Chen also spent part of a year employed by technology hub ventureLAB in Markham, working with startups.