More Than 2,000 Social Assistance Recipients Start On The Path To Financial Independence

OTTAWA – More than 2,000 social assistance recipients have moved back into the workforce thanks to the McGuinty government's innovative pilot program, JobsNow, Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur announced today.

Launched in April 2005, JobsNow provides ongoing, personalized employment counselling and job retention support to Ontario Works clients who have been on social assistance for more than 12 months. The program helps people find and keep sustainable, long-term employment so that they can leave social assistance for work and start building a brighter future. 

"I am encouraged by the progress JobsNow is making and the results I'm seeing so far," said Meilleur. "This program gets people back on their feet by helping them find jobs that can put them on the path to financial independence. After only one year, JobsNow has already made a positive difference in the lives of 2,265 individuals and their families in Ontario."

The JobsNow pilot is currently running in six communities: Ottawa, Peel Region, Durham Region, Windsor, Hamilton and Nipissing. The program works one-on-one with clients and local employers to match the right person to the right job. JobsNow is helping to meet the hiring needs of more than 1,590 employers currently participating in the program by connecting them with willing, job-ready workers. Ottawa alone has more than 930 participants working and 630 employers currently participating in the pilot.

"We're pleased that so many businesses in the Ottawa area have taken advantage of the employer-friendly services JobsNow has to offer and we encourage others to follow their lead," said Gail Logan, President of the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. "JobsNow is a positive way for local employers to contribute to the growth and development of our community."

Job retention is a key component of JobsNow. After placement, JobsNow gives participants the support they need for up to 18 months to help them stay employed and grow in their jobs so they can break free of their dependency on social assistance.

"Our goal is to help people move into employment and off social assistance – and JobsNow is helping us do just that. It's a result that's good for clients, for our economy and for all Ontarians," said Meilleur. "By helping people fulfil their potential, we're strengthening our entire province."