Orazietti helps 105 local youth find summer jobs

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

**************************** Orazietti announces over $500,000 to fund new summer jobs program for young people in Sault Ste. Marie and area

McGuinty government creating opportunities for at-risk youth

SAULT STE. MARIE - The McGuinty government is investing $501,642 this summer to help 105 at-risk youth gain valuable work experience in Sault Ste. Marie and area, David Orazietti, MPP announced yesterday.

“We recognize the importance of helping young people gain practical work experience to prepare them to be future leaders of our community," said Orazietti. "This investment will encourage local youth that are facing challenges to explore opportunities so they can reach their full potential in life."

The 105 new jobs in Sault Ste. Marie and area are being offered through the Youth Opportunities Strategy, which helps at-risk youth gain skills and experience with local employers and police services.

The province has doubled the number of jobs available through the program – bringing the total to over 4,000 across the province.

"Young people in the District of Algoma will benefit from the additional opportunities for summer employment. They will gain valuable work experience which will benefit them as they prepare for their future," said Mike Brown MPP, Algoma-Manitoulin.

Locally, Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology - Community Employment programs has recruited employers and youth to help the program succeed.

“Sault College is extremely pleased to be a part of this project. These services will be highly valuable to the youth participants who may not have otherwise had such a great summer opportunity. Local employers will work closely with the youth mentors to ensure these young people have a successful experience,” said Linda Ryan, director of community employment programs - Sault College.

Expanding the Youth Opportunities Strategy is part of the McGuinty government’s poverty reduction strategy, which sets a target of reducing the number of children living in poverty by 25 percent over five years - that’s 90,000 kids.

“Getting that first job can be a challenge,” said Deb Matthews, minister of children and youth services. “That’s why we’re helping youth get that all important summer job so they can develop skills that will lead to future opportunities.”

Quick facts

- In 2008, nearly 2,000 youth across the province gained valuable skills and experience through the Youth Opportunities Strategy.

- In 2009-2010, the total investment for the Youth Opportunities Strategy is more than $21 million, nearly double last year’s investment.

- The program began in Toronto in 2006, expanding to Windsor, Durham Region, Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Hamilton and London in 2007. Another 17 communities in Ontario including the Sault and Algoma area were added to the program this year.

Learn more

Find out more about the Youth Opportunities Strategy

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