Ontario Helping People Facing Employment Barriers Get Construction Jobs December-07-16 1:11 PM

Subject Helping People Facing Employment Barriers Get Construction Jobs From Ontario News To Lianne Sauter Sent December-07-16 9:28 AM

News Release Ontario Helping People Facing Employment Barriers Get Construction Jobs December 7, 2016 Community Benefits Declaration to Provide Apprenticeships on Eglinton Crosstown LRT Project Ontario has finalized a landmark agreement with government agencies, business, labour and the local community to help people from disadvantaged communities along the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit corridor get construction jobs on the largest transit project in Canada. Premier announced details of the community benefits declaration today at the Workers Health and Safety Centre in Toronto. The Premier was joined by several of the partners involved in reaching the agreement and delivering its economic benefits to the community. The partners have set a goal that 10 per cent of all trade and crafting hours needed for the project will be performed by apprentices and journey persons who live along the transit corridor and who have had trouble finding jobs. This valuable experience will offer them the opportunity to develop careers in the construction sector. The Eglinton Crosstown LRT is the first of several major transit projects that will include an agreement providing a range of social and economic benefits for communities. These include employment opportunities for youth and training programs. Community benefits programs are part of Ontario's plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives. QUICK FACTS BACKGROUND INFORMATION ADDITIONAL RESOURCES QUOTES "Infrastructure projects such as the Eglinton Crosstown LRT can create benefits for communities that go beyond simply building the infrastructure needed. Through this agreement, people facing employment challenges will have the opportunity to acquire new skills and get good jobs in construction. We’re building more than transit. We’re building partnerships and pathways that are creating more opportunities for people to thrive in the economy." — Kathleen Wynne, "Training Ontario’s workforce is one of the most important things we can do for our people and our economy, but we can’t do it alone. When government, educators and employers work together, we can create good jobs, grow local businesses and build Ontario’s competitive advantage." — Deb Matthews, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development "We have been working with our business, labour and community partners to make sure that all Ontarians — regardless of background or circumstance — have access to meaningful employment and training programs that give them the skills they need to succeed. The 10 per cent goal we have agreed on will help bridge the gap between the demand for talent by employers and jobseekers experiencing employment barriers who are looking for the training they need to develop a career in the construction industry." — , Minister of Transportation "This is about making sure the dollars we spend on infrastructure projects in Toronto are providing the greatest benefit to the entire community we serve. This isn’t about a hand out. It’s about a hand up. This program will increase the number of jobs and training opportunities for those living in poverty, newcomers and young people. We need to find opportunities like this to invest in the city, in our economy and in our people, with a particular focus on our most vulnerable residents." — John Tory, Mayor, City of Toronto

Council Page 1 — John Tory, Mayor, City of Toronto

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