April 1, 2008

Summer Jobs for Youth in Toronto

McGuinty Government Support High Needs Neighbourhoods

Tara Omorogbe and Ahmed Ibrahim met with Minister Matthews at Toronto Police Services Headquarters and talked about their experience in the Youth in Policing Program.

News

Ontario will help approximately 850 youth this summer from high needs Toronto neighbourhoods gain valuable work experience.

Approximately $5.3 million is being invested to help support Toronto youth through summer job programs, youth outreach workers and school-based programs to help youth in conflict with the law.

Ontario’s Youth Opportunities Strategy will help youth, especially young people in high needs neighbourhoods who may not always have the same opportunities as other teenagers, gain confidence and skills in the workplace.

One hundred of these exciting opportunities will be with the Toronto Police Service in areas such as the forensic and traffic safety units. 

As part of the strategy, thirty-five youth outreach workers are helping hard-to-reach young people.

Quotes

“These are much more than summer jobs,” said Children and Youth Services Minister Deb Matthews.  “We’re giving these young people the chance to make a positive contribution to their communities and the opportunity to explore options for their future.”

"The Toronto Police Service will once again enjoy success with the Youth in Policing Initiative," said Police Chief Bill Blair. "This program continues to provide an invaluable experience for both my officers and our young people."

Quick Facts

Last year, through Ontario’s Youth Opportunity Strategy:

• Almost 1,800 summer jobs were created in Toronto, Durham, Windsor, Ottawa, London, Hamilton and Thunder Bay. 159 youth were employed with police services.
• 62 youth outreach workers helped youth across the province.
• More than 3000 youth participated in school-based programs to help youth in conflict with the law.

Learn More

Check out other Ontario government summer job programs.

Learn more about Tropicana Community Services and the Toronto Police Service that help deliver the programs in Toronto.

Youthconnect.ca is a one-stop source for useful information and government services for youth.