Province Partners with County of Simcoe on Community-based Poverty Solutions

Local Poverty Fund Supports Community-Driven Solutions to Tackling Poverty

September 25, 2015 – Treasury Board Secretariat

Ontario is investing in services for newcomers in the County of Simcoe to help more new immigrants find jobs.

Through the Local Poverty Reduction Fund, Ontario is investing up to $230,000 over three years, in helping the County of Simcoe provide specialized training to Employment Ontario staff to better serve its growing newcomer population. The new immigrant employment specialists will develop the knowledge, expertise and employer networks they need to help newcomers find sustainable employment in Ontario and avoid slipping into poverty.

Evidence gathered from this project 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 supports innovative and sustainable local programs that use community partnerships to support those who are 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 or in 2017.

Additional Resources

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

Quotes

“Our Poverty Reduction Strategy is about helping everyone get the supports they need to reach their full potential, including newcomers. This funding will help the County of Simcoe to better support its growing community of newcomers so that they can find good jobs and avoid slipping into poverty.”

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

“Unfortunately, poverty is all too common across this province and Barrie is no exception. I’m pleased that our government is dedicated to fighting poverty, especially in this area. The funding will be put to good use in helping those less fortunate in our riding and across Simcoe County.”

Ann Hoggarth
Member of Provincial Parliament for Barrie

“I thank and applaud the province for providing this important funding. Our County is an increasingly popular destination for new Canadians to call home. It’s vital that we provide the support services, training and opportunities needed to benefit newcomers, their families and the communities they call home.”

Gerry Marshall
Warden, County of Simcoe

“We know that our unemployment rate is higher among recent immigrants compared to Simcoe County residents as a whole. We look forward to working with the province and all our regional partners and service providers to implement strategies that further establishes Simcoe County as a prosperous destination for new Canadians to call home.”

Greg Bishop
General Manager, Social and Community Services Division, County of Simcoe

Media Contacts

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

Alan Cairns
Communications Branch
416-327-2805

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