TORONTO — The Ontario government is expanding the province’s integrated employment services to three more regions to help connect jobseekers, including those on social assistance and people with disabilities, secure rewarding careers. The final expansion of the province’s Employment Services Transformation (EST) to Toronto, Northeast and Northwest Ontario will ensure service system managers (SSM) bring integrated, streamlined and outcomes-oriented employment services to every region in the province.
“Our government has delivered on our promise to transform pre-employment and employment services to help people leave social assistance when they are ready to work, empowering them to find rewarding jobs where they can support themselves and their families,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our integrated services and skills training are making a difference in Ontario’s job market, ensuring job seekers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can connect with opportunities, join the workforce and help build a stronger Ontario for all of us.”
“Connecting people to meaningful jobs is a key part of building a sustainable and inclusive social assistance system,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “As we transform employment services across the province, we are setting job seekers on a path towards greater security and independence.”
The number of unfilled jobs in Ontario has dropped by over 49 per cent since April 2022. However, effective employment services have become more crucial than ever for bridging the gap for jobseekers, especially those with disabilities or people on social assistance, to gain the skill sets they need to pursue lifelong, rewarding careers.