May 9, 2008

Summer jobs for youth in Ottawa

McGuinty government expanding opportunity for youth

News

Over 180 youth from high-needs Ottawa neighbourhoods are getting the chance to gain valuable job experience this summer.

The Ontario government-funded summer jobs program expands opportunity for at-risk youth by giving them summer jobs in fields such as recreation, business and youth leadership. Nine of these positions are with the Ottawa Police Service.

Expanding opportunity for young people is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to develop a poverty reduction strategy that enables more Ontarians to work, build and contribute to a stronger economy together. 

The strategy will build on the broad range of programs and services that already have had a direct impact on reducing poverty – everything from child care assistance and affordable housing, to strong public education and health care.

Quotes

“Giving these teenagers the chance to develop new skills and experience is all about unlocking their future potential.  Expanding opportunity for all Ontarians – particularly our children – is the key to helping Ontario grow stronger for years to come,” said Children and Youth Services Minister Deb Matthews. 

“These jobs give young people real work experience, self-confidence and an opportunity to make a positive contribution to our community,” said Ottawa Centre MPP, Yasir Naqvi.

“Taking part in last year’s graduation for this program was a highlight for me. I saw how these job opportunities changed young people’s lives – giving them valuable new skills, work experience and, most of all, confidence and excitement about their own futures,” said Alex Munter of Youth Services Bureau, the agency running the summer job program in Ottawa.

Quick Facts

• The summer job program targets these Ottawa neighbourhoods:
• • Overbrook and Vanier in the east
  • Caldwell and Debra-Dynes in the central west area
  • Ledbury, Banff, Heatherington and Confederation in the south
  • Richie, Dumarier and Michele Heights in the west
• More than $1 million is being invested to help support Ottawa youth through summer job programs, youth outreach workers and school-based programs to help youth in conflict with the law.

Learn More

• Visit ontario.ca/growingstronger to find out how you can get involved in the fight against poverty
• Check out other Ontario government summer job programs.
• Learn more about Youth Services Bureau and the Ottawa Police Service.
• Youthconnect.ca is a one-stop source to useful information and government services for youth.