Ontario Invests in Projects to Help North Bay Residents Affected by Poverty

Local Poverty Reduction Fund Supports Community-Driven Poverty Solutions

October 16, 2015

Ontario is investing in two projects, run by local organizations in North Bay, to help improve educational opportunities for Aboriginal women and Ontario Works clients affected by poverty.

Through the Local Poverty Reduction Fund, Ontario will provide up to:

• $201,750 over three years to Canadore College to help develop and evaluate a culturally-appropriate, hands-on training program for Aboriginal women to help them find sustainable employment in the skilled trades industry and become financially self-sufficient. Students will receive training over 12 weeks using a curriculum developed in partnership with First Nations, local firms and service providers, with ongoing support for up to two years.

• $750,000 over three years to the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board to help  implement and evaluate a post-secondary education program to help low-income clients who have a grade 12 education or higher find meaningful employment and become financially independent. The program will partner with Canadore College to help participants develop the skills that are in demand by employers by offering mentorship, career counselling, and other specialized supports and services.

Evidence gathered from these projects and others will be used to support poverty reduction programs across the province that have been proven to work and that can expand over time.

Fighting poverty is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan.

Quick Facts

• The Local Poverty Reduction Fund is a $50 million, six-year initiative that supports community-driven projects, which measurably improve the lives of those disproportionately affected by poverty, including: women, single parents, people with disabilities, youth, newcomers, visible minorities, seniors and Aboriginal Peoples.
• Organizations have two more opportunities to apply for funding in 2016 and 2017.

Additional Resources

• Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy
• View a video of Minister Matthews talking about the Local Poverty Reduction Fund
• Realizing Our Potential: Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy

QuotesWith this fund, we are establishing a new way of tackling poverty, one that’s rooted in evidence. I’m thrilled to see that Canadore College and the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board are helping us build the evidence we need to make sure we are investing in what works, and in what makes peoples’ lives better.”

Deb Matthews
Deputy Premier, President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy

“Our new ‘Aboriginal Women in Trades’ project at Canadore College will provide a holistic approach to work readiness training. This program will include relevant hands-on training as well as an opportunity for direct experiential learning of the highest quality for Aboriginal women in our First Nations communities. We are eager to begin the recruitment process and bring our participants to Canadore College in Spring 2016.”

Judy Manitowabi
Manager of Community-Based Training, First Peoples Centre, Canadore College

“Data shows that people with a post-secondary education are far less likely to live in poverty and are much more likely to be part of the labour force. We are very optimistic that this innovative education program will help targeted social assistance recipients achieve self-sufficiency.”

Mark King

Chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board
Media Contacts

Leslie O’Leary
Minister’s Office
416-327-0345

Al Cairns
Communications Branch
416-327-2805

NT5