CEDC Announces Cancer Care Ontario Expansion to the James Whalen Building
by Scott A. Sumner
“ We started this operation brand new about 6 months ago in Thunder Bay and recently were presented with the opportunity to almost double the size of the operation because of some very talented IT professionals that became available here in Thunder Bay. We jumped on that opportunity and offered jobs to these individuals. We therefore needed a new home and the space here in the Whalen Building became available and what a beautiful building and location,” said Rick Skinner Vice President and Chief Information Officer Cancer Care Ontario. “ We are moving from Thunder Bay Research Institute building to this building. Our staff went from 7 to 13. A number of people that previously worked for Tornado became available and we were able to hire some very talented information technology people, just the kind of people we need. It was in essence a win fall for us to get these people, double our size and move into this nice office space.” The Cancer Care Ontario organization hire a whole range of information professionals from people who write code to people who test software, manage the overall development of software and those that implement that software. “ The folks are every bit as skilled if not more so than what we can find in Toronto. Some of our team we would have had trouble in attracting in Toronto because of the competition from much larger organizations than us. We are always looking to expand if we can find the people. We now have the space and certainly have the work. I would prefer to do the work here versus downtown Toronto if possible. If we can find the people there is tremendous opportunity for expansion of this office.” said Skinner. “ There are lots of people that have left Thunder Bay with the skills we need and want to return to Thunder Bay.” “ We look forward to working with Cancer Care Ontario in this historic Whalen Building which will celebrate it’s 100th year next year.” said Steve Demming CEO of CEDC.
