For Immediate Release
March 29, 2006

Ontario Summer JobS helps students find work in the community
McGuinty Government Provides Opportunities For Students To Develop Workplace Skills

YORK WEST– The McGuinty government is helping students find work or create their own summer business in the Greater Toronto Area through Ontario Summer Jobs, MPP Mario Sergio announced today.

“We are building an economy based on high skills and high standards by developing one of the world’s best workforces
,” said MPP Sergio.  “Ontario Summer Jobs is one way we are helping students in Toronto get the workplace skills and experience they need to achieve their goals.”

Last year, about 14,000 students used the services of the program or found work in the Greater Toronto Area. The government is investing almost $52 million in Ontario Summer Jobs this year to help over 56,000 students across the province find work.

Ontario Summer Jobs, which runs from April to September, helps young people ages 15 and up find work and offers a range of programs and services, including providing students with up to $3,000 to help them start up and run their own summer business.  Jobs are also available in provincial government ministries and agencies.

“Local businesses and organizations looking for students to help with their summer activities should call 1-888-JobGrow, and ask how they can participate in Ontario Summer Jobs,” MPP Mario Sergio said.

Information about Ontario Summer Jobs is also available on the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities website at www.edu.gov.on.ca, or the Ontario government’s www.youthjobs.gov.on.ca site.

“Our government believes that our youth represent the future of our province,” said Chris Bentley, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.  “By supporting summer employment, we are helping students pursue opportunities that could contribute to their future success.”

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For further information:
Mario Sergio, MPP
York West
416-585-7007