May 12, 2008

Summer jobs for youth in Hamilton

McGuinty government expanding opportunity for youth

News

Over 190 youth from high-needs Hamilton neighbourhoods are getting the chance to gain valuable job experience this summer.

The Ontario government-funded summer jobs program expands opportunity for high-risk youth by giving them summer jobs in fields such as recreation, business and youth leadership.  Fourteen of these positions are with the Hamilton Police Service.  The YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington is the agency responsible for running the summer job program in the region.

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.

Minister Deb Matthews meets Hamilton's Youth Outreach
Workers at the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington.

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 are a great opportunity for young people to get ahead.  Hamilton's youth have showed us that they really want to work," said Lily Lumsden, General Manager of Career Development and Learning at the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington.

Quick Facts

• The summer job program targets these Hamilton neighbourhoods:  
• • Gibson and McQuesten in the east
  • Gibson in the west
• More than $878,000 is being invested to help support Hamilton youth through summer job programs and youth outreach workers.

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 YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington and the Hamilton Police Service
• Youthconnect.ca is a one-stop source to useful information and government services for youth.