Innovations Fund Encourages Ontario Businesses To Get Involved

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is calling on the Ontario business community to help social assistance recipients get into the workforce and on the path to a brighter future, Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services, announced today.

“We’re on the side of Ontarians who are trying to improve their lives by finding meaningful jobs and we’re tapping into the creativity of the business community to make it happen,” said Meilleur. “Ontario employers should be benefiting from the potential, skills and talents of all Ontarians – including those who face social, physical or economic barriers. It just makes good business sense.”

The government is launching a new Employment Innovations Fund to engage employers in expanding employment opportunities for people on social assistance, including people with disabilities. Organizations such as employer associations, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations are invited to submit proposals for new programs that will create sustainable job opportunities and help businesses tap into this pool of willing, job-ready people.

“This funding gives municipalities and community groups an opportunity to develop strong partnerships with local businesses that can make a real difference in our communities,” said Ross Fair, General Manager of the Community Services Department for the City of London. “I’m confident that employers will be able to benefit from the diverse abilities of our clients.”

The fund builds on existing employment programs and is just one of many government initiatives aimed at helping Ontarians enter the workforce, including:

• Launching JobsNow, a job retention pilot that has, so far, helped over 2,000 Ontario Works clients find and keep meaningful employment
• Introducing a refundable apprenticeship training tax credit for employers
• Eliminating barriers to employment for social assistance recipients by providing
straightforward incentives and extra support to help people find and keep jobs.

“We have worked hard to break down barriers to employment in the social assistance system – now we are asking businesses to work with us and find new opportunities to build success,” said Meilleur. “By helping businesses to grow and people to reach their potential, we’re investing in the future prosperity of our province.”