Advantage Ontario: Jobs and Prosperity Council

December 19th, 2012

Read more…

Brighter Prospects: Transforming Social Assistance in Ontario

October 24th, 2012

Read more…

Ontario Business Program Guide

July 11th, 2012

The Ontario Business Program Guide is a free, online directory of tax incentives, tax credits and government support programs for business.

You can also subscribe to an RSS feed, which will provide you updates automatically.

The Ontario Business Program Guide:

• is an at-a-glance directory designed for quick and easy scanning
• can help you find programs that might be available to you
• provides basic information on programs as well as links you can follow for more detailed information

http://www.ontario.ca/en/business_program/index.htm

Ontario Municipal Program Guide

July 11th, 2012

The Ontario Municipal Program Guide is a free, online directory of programs and services for municipalities provided by the Government of Ontario.

This directory makes it easy to find general information about programs and services for municipalities. The current version of this guide covers programs from 13 ministries and offices across the provincial government.  To learn more about this guide, visit http://www.ontario.ca/en/municipal_guide/index.htm.

Best Practices for the Regional Coordination of Economic Development in the Toronto Region

June 19th, 2012

Ontario Trade and Investment Centre, Main Theatre, 250 Yonge Street(35^th floor) Read more…

Red Tape Reduction Commission

February 16th, 2012

Between January and March 2011, the Red Tape Reduction Commission consulted with Canadians and received approximately 2,300 ideas about red tape irritants that get in the way of business productivity. The full report was unveiled in January 2012.  It contains 15 systemic changes and 90 department-specific recommended solutions to eliminate or alleviate these irritants. The report can be found here.

Specialist High Skills Major Program

February 15th, 2012

A Specialist High Skills Major program (SHSM) is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. It also assists in their transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace. Pursuing an SHSM enables students to:
• Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents
• Develop specialized knowledge and skills
• Earn credits that postsecondary educational institutions and the sector recognize
• Gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant training
• Develop Essential Skills and work habits documented through the Ontario Skills Passport
• Identify, explore and refine career goals and make informed decisions about their future
• Remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways, should their goals and plans change

• SHSMs are available in the following 18 sectors:

Agriculture
Arts and Culture
Aviation and Aerospace
Business
Construction
Energy
Environment
Forestry
Health and Wellness
Horticulture and Landscaping
Hospitality and Tourism
Information and Communications Technology
Justice, Community Safety, and Emergency Services
Manufacturing
Mining
Non-profit
Sports
Transportation

The following URL provides a variety of electronic SHSM resources and additional information about each SHSM program identified above.  http://www.ontario.ca/SHSM

For more information on Specialist HighSkills Major programs please contact:

Aldo Cianfrini
Education Officer
Student Success/Learning to 18
Strategic Policy Branch

Municipal Research

February 02nd, 2012

Toronto Regional Sustainability Program

Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program

Provincial Research

February 02nd, 2012

Toronto Regional Sustainability Program

Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA)

Federal Research

February 02nd, 2012

NextGen Biofuels Fund – Sustainable Development Technology Canada

SD Tech Fund – Sustainable Development Technology Canada

National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program

Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA)

Toronto Regional Sustainability Program

Regional Adaptation Collaboratives – Natural Resources Canada

Municipal Labour Force Development

February 02nd, 2012

Sustainable Schools Program

Green Healthcare Awards

Provincial Labour Force Development

February 02nd, 2012

Emerging Technologies Fund

Federal Labour Force Development

February 02nd, 2012

EcoCanada Youth Internship Program

Municipal Conservation Programs

February 02nd, 2012

Live Green Toronto

Energy Efficiency Guideline in Buildings

Zero Footprint Toronto

Energy Efficiency Programs

Water Buy Back Program

Greening Retail

Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

Provincial Conservation Programs

February 02nd, 2012

Smart Meters

Home Energy Savings

Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program (ERIP)

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Program

Ontario Solar Thermal Heating Incentive (OSTHI)

Federal Conservation Programs

February 02nd, 2012

ecoMobility Program

Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation

Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Program

Municipal Capital Programs

February 02nd, 2012

Imagination, Manufacturing, Innovation and Technology

Toronto Atmospheric Fund

Provincial Capital Programs

February 02nd, 2012

EcoEnergy Retrofit (Industry)

Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program

Ontario Solar Thermal Heating Incentive (OSTHI) – Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure

Emerging Technologies Fund

Federal Capital Programs

February 02nd, 2012

Green Infrastructure Fund

ecoEnergy Retrofit

Archived Programs And Projects

February 02nd, 2012

Please click the following link for information on archived programs and projects:

Economic and Labour Force Development in Toronto: An Archive of Government Programs and Intergovernmental Projects (July 2011)

North Etobicoke Revitalization Project (NERP)

February 02nd, 2012

NERP is a revitalization initiative involving citizen, business and agency leaders in Ward 1. The purpose of this initiative is to address issues such as the need for increased community engagement and empowerment, local employment and economic development opportunities, youth, arts, culture and recreation program opportunities, environmental stewardship, and expressions of community well-being, safety, marketing and identity. A Community Revitalization Plan has been completed.

PARTNERS:

• North Etobicoke Revitaization Project
• City of Toronto
• Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

Waterfront Toronto

February 02nd, 2012

The revitalization of Toronto’s waterfront provides the city, the province and the country with an excellent opportunity to ensure that Toronto remains among the best places in the world to live, work and visit. Revitalization is a significant key to our future prosperity and Canada’s much envied standard of living.

Following the release of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Task Force’s report in March 2000, the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and the City of Toronto jointly announced their support for the creation of Waterfront Toronto (formerly Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation) to oversee and lead waterfront renewal.

The development of successful waterfront projects in other cities such as London, New York, and Barcelona, has shown that a separate corporation with a strong mandate to coordinate and oversee an integrated strategy is crucial to making waterfront revitalization a reality. Waterfront Toronto was formally established in the fall of 2001 and was up and running in February 2002.
Web site: http://www.waterfrontoronto.ca

PARTNERS:

• Transport Canada
• Public Infrastructure Renewal
• City of Toronto

Government Contact:
John W. Campbell
President and Chief Executive Officer
jcampbell@towaterfront.ca

Elaine Baxter-Trahair
(416) 397-4083
ebaxter@toronto.ca

Medical and Related Sciences (MaRS)

February 02nd, 2012

MaRS is a convergence innovation centre dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of new ideas and new technologies by fostering the coming together of capital, science and business.

Located in Toronto’s downtown “Discovery District,” MaRS sits at the epicentre of one of North America’s most concentrated clusters of biomedical research and expertise – literally steps from world-renowned teaching and research hospitals, the University of Toronto, Canada’s financial core and the Ontario legislature.

MaRS was created in 2000 to capitalize on the research and innovation strengths of the Province of Ontario, and to position Canada for leadership in the highly competitive global innovation economy. MaRS is focused on helping Canadian innovators turn great ideas into great companies – and supporting those companies as they become global market leaders.

PARTNERS:

• City of Toronto
• Federal Government
• University of Toronto
• College of Founders (private sector)

COMMUNITY CONTACT:
Dr. Ilse Treurnicht
CEO
(416)-673-8102
itreurnicht@marsdd.com

Website: http://www.marsdd.com/

GOVERNMENT CONTACT:
Matt Buist (City)
(416) 392-3380
mbuist@toronto.ca

Moving the Economy (MTE)

February 02nd, 2012

MTE acts as a sector development agency that works to attract investment and create jobs in Toronto’s growing sustainable transportation/New Mobility sector.

The two key activities are a major research study on “Building the Toronto Region’s New Mobility Cluster” and supporting sectoral development (through pilots, partnerships, research and communications).

Web site: http://www.tc.gc.ca/innovation/its/eng/menu.htm
PARTNERS:

• Environment Canada
• Transport Canada
• City of Toronto
• Transportation Options
• Toronto Atmospheric Fund
• Canadian Urban Transit Association
• Canadian Urban Institue
• Toronto Atmospheric Fund
• Toronto Board of Trade

GOVERNMENT CONTACT:
IMS Project Manager
(416) 338-5089
mte@city.toronto.on.ca

www.city.toronto.on.ca/mte/mteims.htm

Inland Waterways Cruising Product Club

February 02nd, 2012

The Inland Waterways Product Club concentrates on the development of a cruise industry in Canada’s Inland Waterways. It will enable a niche market of the cruise industry to gather support experiences, identify new opportunities and increase tourism. The Toronto focus is to encourage more ships to select the City as a destination and expanding on-shore activities.

Web site: www.greatlakescruisingcoalition.com

PARTNERS:

• Industry Canada – Canadian Tourism Commission
• Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
• City of Toronto
• Port of Toronto
• Town of Parry Sound
• St. Lawrence Seaway Management
• Sault Ste. Marie
• Town of Collingwood
• Village of Tobermory
• Town of Little Current
• Town of Owen Sound
• GLCC Partners – 16 US Port Cities
• St. Lawrence Development Corp.

COMMUNITY CONTACT:
Stephen Burnett
Executive Director
(613) 544-7857
stephenburnett@sympatico.ca

GOVERNMENT CONTACT:
Leanne Shearer
Port of Toronto
(416) 863-2001
info@torontoport.com

Rob Berry (City of Toronto)
416-392-3387

Intergovernmental Committee for Economic and Labour Force Development in Toronto (ICE)

February 02nd, 2012

COMMUNITY CONTACT:
Dr. Enid Slack
Chairperson
(416) 348-9935
eslack@esci.ca

* Provides in-kind support

Fort York Food Bank (FYFB) Employment Access Project

February 02nd, 2012

FYFB’s Employment Access Project will enhance a shelter client’s ability to gain and retain employment. This objective is achieved by delivering a range of services including workshops, counsellors and a resource centre, either independently or with community partners. FYFB will engage project participants in voluntary service to ensure the project’s success and increase the client’s ability to gain employment.

PARTNERS:

• Homeless Partnership Initiative Funding ( includes federal funds)
• City of Toronto

GOVERNMENT CONTACT:
Geraldine Babcock
City of Toronto
(416) 397-1750
gbabcock@toronto.ca

Lakeside SCC at Dufferin Mall

February 02nd, 2012

This is a co-located service delivery location serving Service Canada and TSS clients. The goal of the partnership is to improve client service and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of delivery.

PARTNERS:

City of Toronto/Ontario Works

Rufus House (City of Toronto)
(416) 392-6558
rhouse@toronto.ca

Ontario WorkInfoNet (OnWIN)

February 02nd, 2012

OnWIN is dedicated to providing employment and career information over the Internet. The OnWIN web site specializes in providing links to employment and career-related web sites in Ontario.

Web site

PARTNERS:

• Canada WorkInfoNet
• Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

COMMUNITY CONTACT:
Ontario WorkinfoNet
Telephone: (705) 254.6943
E-Mail: info@on.workinfonet.ca

GOVERNMENT CONTACT:
Chantal Locatelli
Senior Policy Adviser, Secondary School Project
Ministry of Education
(416) 325-7886
chantal.locatelli@ontario.ca

Food Sector Pilot Project-Best Management Practices

February 02nd, 2012

The project provides business training to company managers in order to improve employment retention.

PARTNERS:

• City of Toronto
• Ontario Food Processors Association
• Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
• Ministry of Training, College and Universities

Dixon Hall – Calico Project

February 02nd, 2012

Calico provides community based entrepreneurs with a supportive and affordable launch pad for their enterprise. All ‘traders’ are low-income and usually on financial assistance. Their goal is to develop an enterprise that will improve their financial and social situation, from dependency to independence. Calico also seeks to mentor a trader to take over the administration and intake of Calico.

PARTNERS:

• Service Canada
• City of Toronto

GOVERNMENT CONTACT:
Tina Cutler (Service Canada)
(416) 973-6166
tina.cutler@servicecanada.gc.ca

Geraldine Babcock
City of Toronto
(416) 397-1750
gbabcock@toronto.ca

Enterprise Toronto

February 02nd, 2012

Enterprise Toronto is a public and private sector alliance providing a one-stop source of services and programs for Toronto’s entrepreneurs and small businesses. It provides business with consultation services, business name registration and incorporation, key business information, links to community business networks, special events and a business resource centre.

Web site: www.enterprisetoronto.com

PARTNERS:

• Industry Canada – Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre
• Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship
• City of Toronto
• The Toronto Community News
• Xystar Technologies

GOVERNMENT CONTACT:
Irene Meek (IC)
(416) 775-3459
meek.irene@ic.gc.ca

John Martin (MSBE)
(416) 325-6539
john.martin@ontario.ca

CITY OF TORONTO CONTACT:
Frank Bedard
Manager
(416) 395-7474
fgbedard@toronto.ca

Canada Business Ontario (CBO)

February 02nd, 2012

CBO is a joint federal-provincial information centre for new and established entrepreneurs. It provides information about government programs, services and regulations on starting and operating a business in Ontario. It also provides information on the activities of some private-sector organizations that are involved with the business community. The Business Info Line, a collaboration between ServiceOntario and Industry Canada, will connect you with the government programs and services you need to start, run or grow your business in Ontario.   CBO can be accessed through the web.

Web site: cbo-eco.ca/en/index.cfm

PARTNERS:

• Industry Canada
• Service Ontario
• Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment & Ministry of Research and Innovation

COMMUNITY CONTACT:
CBO
1-888-745-8888

GOVERNMENT CONTACT:
Sharon O’Flaherty
(416) 775-3443

Strategic Employment Solutions

February 02nd, 2012

Project provides employment services for all persons with disabilities within the Greater Toronto Area. Services include: intake sessions, job search assistance, broker targeted wage subsidies throughout the GTA.

PARTNERS:

• Service Canada
• Ministry of Community, Family, and Children Services (MCSS)
• Toronto Employment Network
• Toronto Consortium of Employment Services for Persons with Disabilities

COMMUNITY CONTACT:
Kari-Ann Timothy
Regional Employment Services Manager
(416)-425-3463 Ext. 210

GOVERNMENT CONTACT:
Kerry Ann Markle (MCSS)
(416) 325-1896
kerry-ann.markle@css.gov.on.ca

Lily Keoshkerian(Service Canada)
(416) 954-3027

Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) Conference

February 02nd, 2012

The Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) Conference is delivered by PCPI annually to create a grassroots forum to inform the immigrant employment policy agenda and to explore ways to facilitate the integration of skilled immigrants into the Toronto region economy. The conference attracts over 1,300 IEPs to share information and experiences with each other and with government, not-for-profit agencies, educational institutions, regulatory bodies, professional associations and employers.

FUNDER:

Haween Enterprises

February 02nd, 2012

Owned and operated by the Somali Women and Children’s Support Network, Haween Enterprises is a sewing enterprise that makes textile products for manufacturers, private companies and individuals, and provides training and transitional employment for immigrant and low-income women. It has several large, long-term contracts to produce cloth bags and vacuum cleaner bags.

Web site: http://haweenenterprises.com/

PARTNERS:

• Ministry of Community and Social Services
• City of Toronto
• United Way Toronto

GOVERNMENT CONTACTS:
Sally Bryant
City of Toronto
(416) 397-4197
sbryant@toronto.ca

Youth Skill Zone

February 02nd, 2012

The Street Involved Youth Program (SIYP), formerly the Squeegee Working Youth Mobilization Program, was created for street-involved youth that use squeegeeing or panhandling as a means to survive. SIYP combines lifestyle stabilization with specific job skill development in 10-week modules that are delivered through partnership with other community agencies. To support next steps towards long term employment, youth are ‘bridged’ to appropriate employment/education programs. Youthlink delivers the program.

PARTNERS:

• Service Canada (HPS)
• City of Toronto

COMMUNITY CONTACT:
Marie Muli
(416) 595-9902
youthskillszone@hotmail.com

GOVERNMENT CONTACT:
Julie Western Set (City of Toronto)
(416) 338-1141

Lily Keoshkerian (Service Canada)
(416) 954-3027

Youth Employment Toronto

February 02nd, 2012

Youth Employment Toronto targets at-risk and unemployed youth across the City through the work of six outreach workers. These workers go into the community to locate youth in a variety of settings including malls, hostels, drop-in centres, and provide on-site vocational assessments, counselling support and help make links to employment resources, with the end goal of bringing these youth into the labour market.

PARTNERS:

• Service Canada
• City of Toronto
• Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

COMMUNITY CONTACT:
Grant Foley
(416) 392-4460

GOVERNMENT CONTACT:
Lily Keoshkerian(Service Canada)
(416) 954-3027

Geraldine Babcock (City)
(416) 397-1750
gbabcock@toronto.ca

Toronto Youth Job Corps (TYJC)

February 02nd, 2012

TYJC operates in two phases; a life skills/pre-employment phase and a work placement phase. It is designed to help “at-risk” youth aged 16-29 who are no longer attending school to maintain and secure employment through the provision of counselling, life skills workshops, hands-on work experience and a supported job placement of up to 24 weeks. Youth earn an income throughout the project.

PARTNERS:

• Service Canada
• City of Toronto
• St. Christopher House
• West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre
• JVS

COMMUNITY CONTACTS:
Downtown:
Angela Barrass
(416) 533-8285

St. Christopher:
(416) 848-7980 ext. 224

North East: West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre
Donovan Minott
(416) 615-1049

North West:
Allen Stern
(416) 636-2481 ext. 217

GOVERNMENT CONTACT:
Lily Keoshkerian(Service Canada)
(416) 954-3027

Geraldine Babcock (City)
(416) 397-1750
gbabcock@toronto.ca

The Silver Brush

February 01st, 2012

The Silver Brush provides painting services to the commercial residential market. It is operated by a partnership of Houselink Community Homes and Parkdale Activity Resource Centre. The Silver Brush offers permanent employment to psychiatric consumer/survivors who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

PARTNERS:
• Ministry of Community and Social Services
• City of Toronto
• United Way Toronto
COMMUNITY CONTACT:
Morgan Low
Enterprise Manager
416-738-7705
mlowe@parc.on.ca
GOVERNMENT CONTACTS:
Sally Bryant
City of Toronto
(416) 397-4197
sbryant@toronto.ca
Joseph Stalteri
Homelessness Partnership Initiative
Federal Government via City of Toronto
(416) 397-1275
jstalte@toronto.ca
Cyril Stickney
ODSP
(416) 325-5941
Cyril.Stickney@ontario.ca