Ontario is expanding literacy and basic skills programs in York Region.
The province is investing $545, 735 in seven organizations providing literacy training in Newmarket, Thornhill, Sutton West, Keswick and Barrie. The organizations include:
-Literacy Council York-Simcoe
-Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology
-Literacy Council York South
-York Region District School Board
-Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation
-Learning Centre for Georgina
-Simcoe County District School Board
These organizations are receiving additional funding to expand literacy and essential skills training so more Ontarians can train for more high-skill jobs.
The government is investing an additional $25 million in colleges, school boards and community literacy organizations in the Employment Ontario network across the province to help laid-off workers and other adult learners train for highly skilled jobs.
In addition, Ontario is investing $5 million across the province to expand online literacy training. The e-channel project helps English-speaking, French-speaking and Aboriginal learners living in remote communities.
“People remain our number one asset in York Region. Investing in literacy skills means providing more opportunities for people to be their best, strengthening our local economy and helping our neighbourhoods grow,” said Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP for Oak Ridges-Markham.
“We’re taking action now to help people strengthen their skills while laid off and looking for work so they’ll be better able to find jobs in the new economy,” said John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and Minister of Research and Innovation.