Temporary or Transitional? – Migrant Workers’ Experiences with Permanent Residence in Canada

Although more and more temporary migrant workers are becoming permanent residents in Canada, their experience with immigration opportunities remains under-studied. This study aims to fill that gap by examining the lived experience of migrant workers — in skilled and low-skilled occupations — who transition to permanent residence   Click here to read the report

Shifting Workforce Development into High Gear

 Workforce development is the next wave of economic development. The overwhelming opinion of the private sector is that businesses grow and prosper where there is a talented, well-suited workforce. Learning to partner with Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) and education to create this workforce is not an option for economic developers; it is a new requirement … Read more

Youth Employment Partnerships

The program provides overall co-ordination and capacity building for the youth employment agencies to increase the effectiveness of their job development activities and deliver projects that emerge from this co-ordination. Eligible to participate are non-profit youth employment agencies involved with job development for youth with barriers (“at-risk” youth). The program supports youth employment agencies in implementing an … Read more

Toronto Urban Fellows Program

The Toronto Urban Fellows program is a one-year fellowship that provides talented early-career professionals with intensive exposure to the governance, operations and administration of Canada’s largest city through a combination of full-time work experience, career coaching, and a series of seminars, tours and workshops. Applicants must have graduated from a Master’s or PhD program within … Read more

Capital Improvement Program

The program works with Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) to implement physical improvements to the public realm that work as a catalyst for additional employment revitalization activity. Capital funding is provided on a 50/50 cost-share basis, to improve the appearance, function and physical conditions of public spaces above and beyond the City’s standard treatment. GOVERNMENT CONTACT: … Read more

Imagination, Manufacturing, Innovation and Technology(IMIT) Grant

IMIT grant supports new building construction and/or building expansion in targeted sectors and areas across the City. The program will be made available for a five-year period. Eligible development will benefit from a deferral of up to 60% of the increase in the municipal taxes attributable to eligible new commercial and industrial construction over a … Read more

Toronto’s Business Improvement Areas (BIAs)

BIAs help create safe, unique, and thriving business areas that attract shoppers, diners, tourists, and new businesses in an age of competition with shopping malls and big-box retailers. The City of Toronto offers grants for festivals and special events, murals, façade improvements and commercial market research. To learn more about BIAs in your community go … Read more

Commercial Façade Improvement Program for Business Improvement Areas

The program works with commercial building owners whose properties are located in designated Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), which have Community Improvement Plans in place to encourage the redesign, renovation and restoration of commercial building façades by facilitating business partnerships. The program helps to stimulate private reinvestment, increase property values, boost business and better neighbourhoods. Grants are … Read more

Streetscape Improvement Program

The program works in partnership with a Business Improvement Area (BIA). The City provides 50/50 matching capital funds for streetscape beautification projects such as decorative pedestrian lighting, kiosks, banners, theme signage, landscaping, fountains and decorative street furniture. GOVERNMENT CONTACT: Raj Kumar Capital Project Coordinator 77 Elizabeth Street, 2nd Floor 416-392-187692 Antonella Nicaso Capital Project Coordinator … Read more

Mural Program

[Employment Revitalization Program – A] This program helps local businesses and community organizations create an attractive and positive identity for their commercial areas. It encourages organizations to leverage other funding, develop local commitment and involvement. It provides funding to business areas for wall mural projects. GOVERNMENT CONTACT: Michael Saunders Community Partnership Advisor Economic Development City of Toronto … Read more

Creativity and Collaboration Investment Program (CCC)

The program provides seed money for the initiation or expansion of projects which are expected to yield substantial economic development benefits for the City of Toronto, by contributing to the local economy through new economic growth and job creation. Incorporated non-profit organizations can participate in the program. Eligibility for the CCC: Investment Program Applicants must … Read more

Metro Hall Employment Services

On-site support from Career and Employment Information Specialists. This facility provides a range of job search, career planning and job retention services. It also showcases Toronto Public Service jobs and other career opportunities resulting from City initiated projects. Government Contact: Patrick Chartrand Community and Labour Market Manager Metro Hall Employment and Social Services (416) 397 … Read more

Partnership to Advance Youth Employment

The Partnership to Advance Youth Employment (PAYE) is a joint initiative between private sector employers and the City of Toronto. A group of business leaders, including the Toronto Board of Trade, is engaging employers to increase access to economic opportunities for youth. Government Contact: Karen Wilson Program Support Manager Social Services Division City of Toronto … Read more

Individual Services and Supports

This program provides access to training or services that are customized to the needs of an individual Ontario Works participant. Short-term skill training courses, specialized assessments and job strategy are some of the services that can be accessed. Government Contact: Mary Baratta Program Support Manager (416) 392-8433

Investing in Neighbourhoods

Investing in Neighbourhoods addresses the dual issues of unemployment and social capitol capacity across the City by directly funding jobs in non profit organizations that serve local communities. In partnership with Toronto Employment and Social Services, organizations are able to expand their services while providing gainful employment to social assistance recipients. Government Contact: Eve Connors … Read more

Local Initiatives

Local initiatives are small pilot projects that will respond to the hiring needs of employers and increase linkages to employment opportunities for Ontario Works (OW) clients. Projects developed will achieve the following objectives: Link OW clients to emerging employment opportunities Improve the job readiness of OW clients Respond to the hiring needs of employers Government … Read more

Purchase of Employment Services

The City of Toronto is mandated by the Province to deliver social assistance. Ontario Works (OW) has two main components: Financial Assistance and Employment Assistance (EA). EA provides clients with programming and financial supports to assist them in obtaining employment. Employment Assistance Services are delivered both directly and through 3rd party service providers. Divisional EA … Read more

ICE Committee