This year at The Common Table Farm, we are happy to announce our FREE Youth Farmer Program this summer of 2025 for Flemingdon Park and Toronto Youth. Youth between the ages of 15 - 30 are eligible to apply. The program will run one cohort for July and August. Youth Farmers will be at the farm two to three times a week from July 15 until August 19 2025. Our hours of operation is 10 am – 2 pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and a few Thursdays.

Transportation (Presto Cards) and equipment will be provided

Honorarium of $160
Receive your volunteer hours

Location
1 Laurentide Drive, Toronto

Application Deadline is July 7th, 2025

There will be one cohort; from July 15 until August 19, 2025. During the program, you will learn these following topics:

There will be two cohorts; July and August. During the program, you will learn these following topics:

Curriculum Topics Overview

• Importance of farming in a city: food insecurity, food deserts, capitalism, racism, Indigenous Land practices and history, your own cultural farming practices
• Where to farm: community gardens, small land, community farms, balcony, indoor
• Things to know before growing: size, what can you grow in your space, human power (how much time can you dedicate & what are you able to do, will you need help, etc..), pest control, soil health, tools, resources, soil, amendments, patience and understanding (knowing that your plan will change throughout the growing season and its ok!)
• Farm maintenance: weeding, harvesting, planting, produce storage, community distribution of vegetables
• Planning: how to plan your space and where to get your seeds and other resources, what day to start seedlings and transplanting
• Seedlings
• Field Trip
• Farm maintenance: weeding, harvesting, planting, produce storage
• End of Program: certificates and references

*Curriculum subject to change depending on weather and availability*
Thank you to the KPMG and the Anglican Foundation!

About Us
The Common Table began in 2017 in the hopes of helping to alleviate food insecurity in Flemingdon Park and the surrounding neighbourhood. Church of Our Saviour Don Mills generously gifted use of their land to FPM, and a farm was born!

All of the produce we grow is distributed to families and seniors in Flemingdon Park. We are part of a network of agencies and community leaders working to create greater access to healthy, organic food for Flemingdon residents. Together, we are creating alternatives for a more just and equitable food system for all.

We grow over 25 different kinds of culturally diverse crops, including beans, eggplant, okra, bitter melon, tomatoes, cucumber, leafy greens, root vegetables, hot and sweet peppers, herbs, and more! We apply minimal tillage and do not use pesticides in our effort to use organic and regenerative farming practices that support healthy soils.
We also work to increase the biodiversity and resiliency of the land by planting native pollinator plants and shrubs. This provides habitat for birds, bees, insects and other creatures, while also increasing pollination and beauty at our farm!

The farm is a place where we learn together about how the earth sustains us and how community responses can make a difference in the midst of unjust food systems. The farm builds connections with kids and youth, students, neighbours and visitors, bees, and trees!

If you have any questions, please email anelia@flemingdonparkministry.com

Job Type: Internship / Co-op
Contract length: 2 months

Benefits:

• Commuter benefits
• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2025-07-15

Student - Finance & Process Improvement

Location: Hybrid - Toronto (York Mills or University Ave)

Empire life is looking to hire a Student to join our Financial Management team for the fall term from September - December 2025! Why pursue this opportunity* The environment - we understand the importance of work-life balance and strive to provide a supportive work environment that allows our employees to achieve both personal and professional goals.

• Play an integral role - this is an opportunity that allows for you to grow your skills, while directly contributing to the business unit you are a part of.
• The opportunity - collaborate with cross-functional teams and work on a variety of projects that will keep you engaged and continuously learning.
• Have your voice heard - with a fresh perspective, we welcome those that can highlight opportunities for improvement. We encourage creative and innovative thinking and welcome candidates who are not afraid to challenge the status quo.

What you’ll be working on* Support finance teams with the process mapping and related documentation

• Support finance teams in monitoring and measuring of key performance metrics
• Generate, evaluate and analyze data and reports, ensuring accuracy and consistency
• Assist with testing and analyzing new finance processes and system implementations
• Assist in designing and analyzing data to identify trends to uncover solutions and opportunities
• Communicate to stakeholders proposals or findings through presentations Support finance functional tasks which may include:
  • Procurement and invoice processing,
  • Account and investment reconciliations
  • Financial planning and analysis
  • New product launch testing
  • Preparing monthly reporting, including financial models and expense analysis
• Respond to requests and inquiries from Finance business partners

What we’re looking for you to have

• Eligible students must be registered as a full-time post secondary student in an accredited institution that requires completion of a co-op term.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite applications, strong in excel
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, and ability to present information clearly to a diverse audience
• Knowledge of Accounting, Finance and Data Management
• Interested in pursuing CPA or CFA designations
• Ability to prioritize and balance multiple tasks
• Attention to detail/accuracy
• Well-developed analytical skills
• If you are applying for a position which is open to applicants across Canada, unless otherwise indicated in the position, language proficiency in English is required for communicating with customers, advisors, or employees across Canada.

Beyond the salary

For regular full-time positions, Empire Life offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes:* Competitive salaries with annual pay increases

• Annual bonus program, which recognizes both strong company performance and individual contributions
• Competitive uncapped commission for sales positions
• A comprehensive employer-funded benefits package that includes life insurance, disability, health and dental and a generous health account
• Flexible work arrangements and an annual allotment of personal health days.
• Four weeks annual vacation from hire date
• A defined contribution pension plan with generous employer matching
• Top up programs for parental leave and compassionate leave
• Employer-sponsored wellness and recognition programs
• A cash employee referral program

To learn more about working at Empire Life, visit https://www.empire.ca/workatempire.

Get to know us

Empire life is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity, are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and welcome everyone to participate in our application process. We encourage those of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don't believe you meet each unique qualification outlined. Applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.

Empire Life welcomes applications from people with disabilities and disabled people. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the screening and selection process. If you need this job posting in an alternative format or have any accessibility questions, please contact recruitment@empire.ca.