For Release: August 17, 2005
McGuinty Government Helps
Students Find Jobs In Rural Ontario
Program Increases Skills And Supports Economic Growth in Rural Ontario
TWEED -The McGuinty government has helped more than 4,000 young
people find summer jobs in rural Ontario to enhance their skills and gain
valuable experience, Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and
Rural Affairs, announced today.
"Our government's plan for rural Ontario is to strengthen our greatest
competitive advantage - our people," said Dombrowsky at the Hastings
County Farm Show and Plowing Match. "Training successful students
will improve the quality of our workforce, build stronger communities
and stimulate investments and economic growth in rural Ontario. By helping
our students succeed today, we are ensuring that rural Ontario succeeds
tomorrow."
From April to September 2005, the Rural Summer Jobs Service helps students
ages 15-24 find work and gain valuable experience and skills. Businesses
and community organizations in rural Ontario were able to get wage support
of $2 per hour to hire students for up to 16 weeks. This program is part
of the Ontario Summer Jobs program, which is investing almost $52 million
in 2005 to assist young people across Ontario.
"The Rural Summer Jobs program is definitely a worthwhile project.
Any program that promotes employment for our youth displays foresight
and is a sensible investment," said Ed Hunt of Hunts Haven Farms
in Tweed. "Aside from its financial rewards, it enhances opportunities
for our future workforce to develop practical skills, while building self-worth."
For more information about the Rural Summer Jobs Service program, visit
www.mah.gov.on.ca or contact 1-888-588-4111.
For information about the Ontario Summer Jobs program, visit www.edu.gov.on.ca
or contact the Training Hotline at 1-888-JOB-GROW, or (416) 326-5656 in
Toronto.
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Contacts:
Art Chamberlain
Minister Dombrowsky's Office
(416) 326-3072
Karen Chan
Rural Investments Branch
(519) 826-3419
