Ontario Works legislation  was enacted in 1998 and replaced the General Welfare Assistance Act.   The new legislation moved Social Assistance from a financially dependent program to a more employment-focused program.  Ontario Works provides financial and employment supports to assist participants to find and sustain paid employment.

People receiving Ontario Works include those who are ready to work immediately, people who may be temporarily unable to look for work due to a short-term health condition, people attending school, sole support parents, spouses and dependent adults living with their families and people who are already working.

Some people may be deferred from active participation in Ontario Works activities.  These are people over the age of 65, people who have a health condition that prevents them from being employed and a have a medical form from a Doctor, people who do not have suitable childcare for their children, people who have a family member who is disabled and needs to be cared for on a full-time basis (must be verified by a Doctor) and sole support parents with a child who is not yet old enough to attend school (4 years old).  Participants who are deferred may participate voluntarily in employment support activities.  This promotes their employability once they are no longer deferred.

All employable participants are involved in the Employment Support component of Ontario Works.  The purpose of Employment Supports is to assist participants to become job-ready and assist them to find paid employment. The following are some Employment Assistant Activities that are offered in the District of Parry Sound:

*  Job search support such as visiting the local Human Resources Development Canada Job Bank
*  Resume preparation/cover letter preparation
*  Job specific training such as WHMIS, First Aid/CPR, Smart Serve, Computer Training
*  Employment Start Up Funding
*  Employment Related Expenses
*  Referral to services such as counseling for addictions
*  Basic Education to assist with obtaining a Secondary School diploma
*  Participating in a Community Placement to gain real work experience
*  Participating in Employment Placement to be matched to a job. 

Self-Employment is a component of Ontario Works.  If a participant is interested in self-employment he/she may be referred to a self-employment development counselor.  A participant may become self-employed while in receipt of Ontario Works assistance.

The Learning, Earning and Parenting Program (LEAP) is a program for participants of Ontario Works who are parents under 21 years of age and have not graduated from High School.  This program provides support to young parents to complete High School, develop parenting skills and obtain employment during the summer months.  This program is mandatory for 16 and 17 year old participants and voluntary for 18 to 21 year old participants. 

The Addiction Services Initiative is a program that is available to any Ontario Works participant for whom addiction presents a barrier to employment.

Ontario Works in the District of Parry Sound believe that people want to work, but it can be hard getting started.  It is difficult to find a job without up-to-date skills, relevant job experience or references.  Ontario Works strives to provide employment support and financial assistance to people while they take the necessary steps to achieve their goals.