The following six programs supported by the Federal and Ontario provincial governments aim to assist employees and employers in meeting their employment requirements.

Job Connect

This Ontario government program supported by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities offers a range of services to respond to the employment needs of individuals and the skilled labour needs of employers. Employers benefit because they are able to reduce costs associated with training new employees. There are three service components that meet individual needs:

1. The Information Resource Service (IRS) provides information on careers and occupations, the local labour market, training opportunities and job search strategies.
2. Employment Planning and Preparation (EPP) helps individuals determine their employment needs, develop an action plan, and search for employment.
3. Job Development and Placement Support (JDPS) helps people develop their skills and gain work experience.

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/cepp/aboutjc.html

Ontario Works

This program aids individuals receiving social assistance to find and secure employment. Ontario Works is a province-wide initiative headed by the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services which provides matching and referral services to assist companies in finding new employees. Companies are also eligible for funds that assist in training new employees.

http://www.gov.on.ca/CSS/page/services/ontworks.html

CO-Operative Education Tax Credit (CETC)

The CETC is a refundable tax credit available to Ontario businesses hiring eligible university or college students enrolled in a recognized post-secondary education program. The Ontario Ministry of Finance is responsible for this program.

http://www.infogo.gov.on.ca/

Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit

The provincial government is committed to increasing the number of apprenticeships in Ontario, helping to ensure the province has skilled workers. Under the overview of the Ontario Ministry of Finance Corporate and Commodity Tax Branch registered corporations doing business in Ontario are eligible to receive financial assistance for apprenticeship training through: an Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit, and funding for the trainer and/or trainee. Ontario is the only province that includes trades in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

http://www.infogo.gov.on.ca/infogo/service

Targeted Wage Subsidies Program

http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/redirect_hr.html

Ontario’s Rural Plan

This program aims to support rural communities in an effort to offer a range of employment opportunities that include well-paying, high-skilled jobs in order to encourage people to remain in rural Ontario and attract new residents and new investments.

Email: rural@omafra.gov.on.ca