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