McGuinty Government Committed To Bringing Opportunities To Youth In Windsor

Summer Jobs Program Part Of McGuinty Government’s Overall Initiative For Youth

WINDSOR, ON, Feb. 19 – Approximately 190 youth from underserved communities in Windsor will have jobs this summer as part of the province’s Youth Opportunities Strategy, Minister of Children and Youth Services Mary Anne Chambers announced today. The Minister was joined at the announcement by Sandra Pupatello, MPP for Windsor West and Dwight Duncan, MPP for Windsor-St. Clair.

“Our Summer Jobs for Youth and Youth in Policing programs enable young people to gain real work experience, obtain a job reference for future employment, build self-confidence and make a positive contribution to their communities,” said Chambers. “Youth outreach workers will also be hired to help underserved youth access a wide range of programs and services so they
have a better opportunity to be successful.”

Windsor is one of five communities across Ontario the strategy is expanding to this year. Other communities include Ottawa, London, Hamilton and Thunder Bay. In 2006, the strategy was implemented primarily in underserved communities in Toronto.The Summer Jobs for Youth Program includes employment placements in a variety of fields such as recreation, business and youth leadership. Through the Youth in Policing initiative, young people have an opportunity to work in a variety of areas with their local police service, including technology, forensic identification, community events and traffic safety.

The government is investing approximately $860,600 annually to deliver the Youth Opportunities Strategy in Windsor starting this year. This includes salaries for youth participating in the summer jobs programs.

The ministry worked closely with community stakeholders and partners – including the City of Windsor, the United Way of Windsor-Essex County and community leaders – to identify neighbourhoods in Windsor that could most benefit from these programs. They are: Sandwich and City Centre in the west, and the Drouillard Road area and the Forest Glade area in the east.

“Expanding the Youth Opportunities Strategy to Windsor will help our youth overcome challenges they face in their day-to-day lives,” said Pupatello. “Often they do not have access to opportunities and supports that would increase their chances for success.”

“Young people in underserved neighbourhoods tell us they want and need summer jobs but employers don’t typically choose them,” said Bill Mara, Executive Director of New Beginnings, the agency coordinating Summer Jobs for Youth in Windsor and the hiring of up to five youth workers year-round to serve as mentors and advocates for marginalized youth. “These young people will benefit from the work experience and front-line advice and support.”

Chambers made the announcement at J.L. Forster Secondary School, where 20 students who left high school without a diploma are earning high school credits and gaining meaningful work experience through the Ontario Public Service Learn and Work Program, also part of the government’s Youth Opportunities Strategy.

<>

For further information: Chris Carson, Minister’s Office, (416) 212-7118; Anne Machowski-Smith, Ministry of Children and Youth Services, (416) 325-5156