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Canadian Tire is hiring
Canadian Tire is hiring for their Leslie & Lakeshore location and for a new store, opening soon near Pape and Danforth. For more information, please visit our special events page.

 

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Transitioning to Trades & Employment Preparation Information Session May 22
Crossways Employment Services is hosting an information session for the George Brown College Women Transitioning to Trades & Employment Preparation program on Wednesday, May 22. For more information, please visit our special events page.

 

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Important notice about May Ontario Works payments
Due to a system problem, pay directs on the May payments were not processed. If a portion of your payment is normally paid directly to a landlord, utility or other person/organization, for the month of May this portion was instead paid directly to you. As a result, you will need to make arrangements to pay your landlord, utility or other person/organization yourself this month.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your caseworker. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

 

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Transitioning to Trades & Employment Preparation Information Session May 13
Golden Mile Employment & Social Services is hosting an information session for the George Brown College Women Transitioning to Trades & Employment Preparation program on Monday, May 13. For more information, please visit our special events page.

 

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Hospitality Industry Information Session May 3
Interested in a career in the hospitality industry? Join us on May 3 to learn about a training program at George Brown College and job opportunities at Paintbox Bistro. For more information please visit our special events page.

 

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Career and Training Exploration Fair May 3
Join employers and training providers at this annual recruitment and training event on May 3 at the Scarborough Civic Centre. For more information, please visit our special events page.

 

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Metro Hall Employment & Social Services and Children's Services Open House April 10
Metro Hall Employment & Social Services and Children's Services are very pleased to announce an upcoming Open House, Wednesday, April 10 between 3 and 6 p.m. in the ground floor rotunda of Metro Hall, 55 John Street. This event will celebrate the opening of this integrated services office, where Toronto residents can access employment, financial, and child care services at one convenient location. Join us for opening remarks by City officials from 3 to 3:30 p.m., then tour the renovated public space (214 Wellington St. W.) and learn about the combined services offered by two divisions and many community partners at this unique location. All are welcome.

 

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Kelly Services / Mondelez Job Fair April 10
Kelly Services / Mondelez International is looking for people to fill several positions including machine operators, biscuit packers, forklift operators and sanitation workers. Join us at Golden Mile Employment & Social Services on Wednesday, April 10 for a job fair. For more information, please visit our job fairs page.

 

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Food Handlers Job Fair April 5
A new catering company is looking for food handlers to join their team. Join us on Friday, April 5 for a job fair featuring guest speakers and the opportunity to interview with the employer. For more information, please visit our job fairs page.

 

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Autobody & Collision Damage Repair Pre-Apprenticeship Information Session
Golden Mile Employment & Social Services is hosting a Pre-Apprenticeship information session about Autobody & Collision Damage Repair on March 27 at our Golden Mile location. For more information, please visit our special events page.

 

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National Job Fair & Training Expo April 3 & 4
The National Job Fair & Training Expo is taking place on April 3 & 4 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

The National Job Fair & Training Expo is open to everyone. If you are looking for a new job, ready for a career change, want to learn about future job trends, want to know more about job search techniques, or are interested in self-employment, visit the National Job Fair & Training Expo. For more information, please visit the National Job Fair's website.

Free tickets are available for a limited time at:

Metro Hall Employment Services 55 John St. (King St. entrance)
High Park/Parkdale Employment & Social Services 1900 Dundas St. W.
Crossways Employment Services 2340 Dundas St. W. 3rd Fl.
Regent Park Employment Services 530 Dundas St. E.
Wellesley Place Employment & Social Services 111 Wellesley St. E.

 

 

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Lesmill Employment & Social Services renovations are complete
We are pleased to announce that renovations at our Lesmill Employment & Social Services location are now complete. You are welcome to visit and speak to our staff about our wide range of employment services.

 

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Opening Doors to Your Future job fair March 7
Don't miss our 2013 Opening Doors to Your Future job fair at the North York Central Library on Thursday, March 7 at the North York Central Library. Employers include Canadian Tire, CN Tower, Desjardins Securities, Paragon Security, Real Canadian Superstore, Stock Transportation, UPS, Zylog, and more. For more information, please visit our job fairs page.

 

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Financial Services Sector Networking Event March 5
Our Beaches location is hosting a Financial Services Sector Networking Event at Metro Hall on March 5. Network with leading Toronto employers and learn about employment opportunities and more. For more information, please visit our special events page.

 

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Skilled Trades Orientation - Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Women
Golden Mile Employment & Social Services is hosting a Skilled Trades Orientation about an Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship Program for women on February 13 at our Golden Mile location. For more information, please visit our special events page.

 

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Preparing For Success - Opening Doors to Your Future pre-event February 21
Come and get ready for our Opening Doors to Your Future job fair at our Preparing For Success pre-event on February 22. You can get resumé and interview tips and hear from employers who will be at the job fair. For more information, please visit our job fairs page.

 

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Construction Craft Worker Foundations Information Session January 29
Join us at our Golden Mile location on January 29 for an information session with George Brown College about the Construction Craft Worker Foundations program for people with a history of mental illness or addiction. This program combines classroom study and work experience while providing recovery support to students. For more information, please visit our special events page.

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Bathurst-Finch Employment Cafe
Looking for work? Let us help! We provide job search suppport, job postings and community information. Drop in any Tuesday from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Bathurst-Finch Employment Cafe located in the Toronto Public Library Centennial Branch at 578 Finch Avenue West (West of Bathurst). For more information, please call 416-395-5490.

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Youth Opportunities Fair
Youth age 14 - 29 living in the Neptune and Lawrence Heights neighbourhoods are invited to a Youth Opportunities Fair at the Lawrence Heights Community Centre on January 29. For more information please visit our special events page.

 

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Toronto Employment & Social Services extended service hours
We are pleased to announce that for two days each week our locations are open later, until 6 p.m., to better serve you. Extended service hours take effect on January 7, 2013.

Full details on times and locations can be found on our office listings page. Caseworkers will be available during these extended hours. Please drop in and speak to one of our staff about the range of employment services and resources we provide.

 

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Malvern Employment & Social Services has relocated
We are pleased to announce that Malvern Employment & Social Services has moved to 325 Milner Avenue, 9th floor.

The office will now have an onsite Employment Centre for your job search and employment needs.

 

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Skilled Trades Orientation - Women in Trades event November 27
Our Golden Mile Employment & Social Services location is hosting a Skilled Trades Orientation event for women interested in learning about a career in the industrial skilled trades. For more information, visit our special events page.

 

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Chesswood Employment & Social Services reopening to the public
We are pleased to announce that renovations at our Chesswood Employment & Social Services location are now complete. You are welcome to visit and speak to our staff about our wide range of employment services.

 

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Renovations begin at our Lesmill location November 21
We are pleased to announce that renovations to improve services at the Lesmill Employment & Social Services location are beginning this month. The office will remain open for regular service however our Employment Centre area will close due to renovations on Wednesday November 21st, 2012.

Employment Centre staff continue to be available to provide one-on-one employment assistance at Lesmill Employment & Social Services. You are welcome to visit any of our other Employment Centre locations or register for employment-related workshops across the city using our Employment Centre Portal.

 

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Canada Career Day event at Lawrence Square Employment & Social Services on November 1
Come visit our Lawrence Square Employment & Social Services location for Canada Career Day on November 1 between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information please visit our special events page.

 

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Metro Hall Employment & Social Services reopening to the public October 30
We are pleased to announce that renovations at our Metro Hall Employment & Social Services location are coming to an end. As of Tuesday, October 30 the office will again be open to the public and all in-person services will be available.

We are also pleased to be sharing our new space with the Children's Services division so that we can offer Toronto residents easier access to childcare supports and employment services.

These renovations will help improve our services. Thank you for your patience during this process.

 

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Fire Services Information Sessions November 26 to December 7
Never imagined yourself a firefighter? Think again! Toronto residents are invited to attend a Fire Services information session between November 26 and December 7. For more information, visit our special events page.

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October 22 - 26 is Workforce Development week
The City of Toronto is helping people find jobs and helping companies find the skilled employees they need.

In March 2012, City Council unanimously endorsed Working as One: A Workforce Development Strategy for Toronto, which describes ways to more effectively plan, manage and deliver services to employers and job seekers. Throughout the week of October 22 - 26, the City will celebrate Workforce Development events that are successfully connecting employers and job seekers.

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Free Tickets for National Job Fair & Training Expo October 16 & 17
The National Job Fair & Training Expo is taking place on October 16 and 17 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Free tickets are available for a limited time at:

Metro Hall Employment Services 55 John St. (King St. entrance)
High Park/Parkdale Employment & Social Services 1900 Dundas St. W.
Crossways Employment Services 2340 Dundas St. W. 3rd Fl.
Regent Park Employment Services 530 Dundas St. E.
Wellesley Place Employment & Social Services 111 Wellesley St. E.

The National Job Fair & Training Expo is open to everyone. If you are looking for a new job, if you are ready for a career change, if you want to learn about future job trends, if you want to know more about job search techniques, or if you are interested in self-employment, visit the National Job Fair & Training Expo. For more information about the job fair, please visit the National Job Fair's website. For TTC directions and hours for our locations, please visit our office listings page.

 

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Networking Event for Engineers on October 23
Metro Hall Employment Services is hosting A Networking Event for Engineers on October 23, 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Metro Hall in room 308/309. For more information, please visit our job fairs page.

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Chesswood Employment & Social Services Renovations
Effective October 9, 2012, renovations to improve services at our Chesswood Employment & Social Services location will begin.

During renovations, staff telephone numbers will remain the same and caseworkers will be available by telephone. All in-person services will be redirected to alternate locations as the office will be temporarily closed to the public.

For help with job search and other employment needs, you may visit any of our other Employment Centres during these renovations.

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OAS and CPP Information Session October 3
Crossways Employment Services is hosting an Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Information Session on Wednesday, October 3 at 9:30 a.m. For more information, please visit our special events page.

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Food Handlers Job Fair
Interested in a catering career? Toronto residents are invited to attend the Food Handlers Job Fair being held on Friday, September 14 from 12 to 3 p.m. For more information, please visit our job fairs page.

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Bathurst-Finch Employment Cafe
Looking for work? Let us help! We provide job search suppport, job postings and community information. Drop in every Tuesday from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Bathurst-Finch Employment Cafe located in the Toronto Public Library Centennial Branch at 578 Finch Avenue West (West of Bathurst). For more information, please call 416-395-5490.

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Yorkdale Expansion Customized Recruitment Event
Retail career opportunities are available at The Yorkdale Expansion Customized Recruitment Event being held on Thursday, September 20 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please visit our job fairs page.

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Metro Hall Employment & Social Services Renovations
Effective August 10, renovations to improve services at the Metro Hall Employment & Social Services location began. During renovations staff phone numbers will remain the same and residents can continue to contact us by phone. All in-person services will be redirected to alternate locations as the office will not be open to the public.

For help with job search and other employment needs residents may visit any of our other Employment Centres, including Metro Hall Employment Services, during these renovations.

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Hospitality Job Fair
We welcome Toronto residents to the Hospitality Job Fair being held this Thursday, August 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information, please visit our job fairs page.

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City Services Benefit Card
We are pleased to announce the launch of the City Services Benefit Card today, as part of the City of Toronto's commitment to customer service and modernization of City services. The City Services Benefit Card is for Ontario Works clients in Toronto who can't access their monthly funds through direct bank deposit. It is a personalized, reloadable card that replaces the need to issue funds by cheque, and works like a debit card but does not require a bank account. Cardholders will no longer have to pay expensive cheque cashing fees and will have access to 24 hour customer care. The City Services Benefit Card is launching in five of our locations today, and based on the results of this initial testing phase, it will then be rolled out in the remaining 10 TESS offices.

For more information, please visit our City Services Benefit Card page.

 

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School Bus Driver Information Session July 12
A speaker from Stock Transportation will share information on upcoming part-time employment opportunities and requirements. Two information sessions will be held on Thursday, July 12 at our Crossways and Cliffcrest locations. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information, please visit our special events page.

 

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Canada Learning Bond Information Session June 22
Come and learn about the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) and Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) at an information session at Crossways Employment Services on June 22 at 9:30 a.m. located at 2340 Dundas St. West, 3rd floor. The CLB is a grant from the government of Canada to help families save for their children's education.

Service Canada will be on-site to complete Social Insurance Number (SIN) applications. To apply for a SIN for your child, please bring your SIN and identification for your child (birth certificate, Canadian citizenship document, Permanent Resident card or Record of Landing).

Please call 416-397-7908 to register. For more information about RESPs and the CLB, visit smartsaver.org or servicecanada.gc.ca. For TTC directions to Crossways, visit our office listings page.

 

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Aboriginal Community Information Fair June 19
Please join us for an Aboriginal Community Information Fair on Tuesday, June 19th in the Metro Hall Rotunda. For more information, please visit our special events page.

 

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Beaches Employment & Social Services re-opening to the public
We are pleased to announce that as of June 14, 2012, renovations at the Beaches Employment & Social Services locations are complete. The office has re-opened to the public and all in-person services are available.

These renovations have helped improve our services to the public. You are invited to come in for help with your job search and other employment needs.

 

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Scarborough Community Agency Fair June 19
Come and find out about services and supports available in Scarborough at our Community Agency Fair on June 19 from 1 - 4:30 p.m. For more information, please visit our special events page.

 

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Canada Learning Bond Event June 20
In partnership with SmartSAVER we are pleased to announce a Canada Learning Bond Event, where you can apply for Social Insurance Numbers, open free RESP accounts, and find out how to get a $500 Canada Learning Bond. For more information, please visit our special events page.

 

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New Online Employment Centre Portal
We are pleased to introduce our Employment Centre (EC) Portal, the first phase of our online TESS Employment Centre. You can view, learn about, and register for Employment Centre workshops offered by TESS locations across the city. You can also find and register for job or community fairs that City divisions publish on the portal. You can access the Employment Centre Portal through our home page.

 

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Security Guard Information & Recruitment Event June 22
Lawrence Square Employment & Social Services is holding an information and recruitment event in partnership with Paragon Security on June 22. For more information please visit our job fairs page.

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Métis Nation of Ontario onsite at Cliffcrest Employment Services
Meet with a Métis Nation representative at Cliffcrest Employment Services and find out about education and training supports on June 4 & 18, July 9 &23, August 13, September 10 & 24, and October 15 & 29. Click here to see the event flyer or visit metisnation.org for more information. For TTC directions to Cliffcrest, click here.

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Green Energy Sector Career Information Fair on June 4
The Green Energy Sector Career Information Fair will be held June 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Yorkdale Adult Learning Centre. For more information visit our special events page.

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Career Information Fair on May 31
TESS invites you to a Career Information Fair on Thursday, May 31 at the Emery Adult Learning Centre. For more information visit our special events page.

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Rexdale Employment Services now open
We are proud to announce the opening of Rexdale Employment Services. Residents can get one-on-one help with job searching, career planning, employment workshops, education and training, and more. To find out more, visit Rexdale Employment Services.

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Personal Support Worker Information & Recruitment event
Lawrence Square Employment & Social Services is hosting a Personal Support Worker (PSW) Information & Recruitment event on Friday, May 11, 2012. Attend one of two information sessions at 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. Please contact Melinda McClean at 416-397-1590 to register as space is limited.

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Canada Learning Bond event
We are hosting a Canada Learning Bond event in partnership with Black Creek Financial Action Network and smartSAVER. Drop in
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yorkgate Mall on Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 or at the Jane and Sheppard Mall on Wednesday, May 16th, 2012. The CLB is a free contribution from the Government of Canada to help eligible families save for their children's post-secondary education with a RESP. For more information, please visit www.smartsaver.org

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Free Tickets for National Job Fair & Training Expo Apr 4 & 5
The National Job Fair & Training Expo is taking place on April 4th and 5th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Free tickets are available for a limited time at:

Crossways Employment Services 2340 Dundas St. W. 3rd Fl.
High Park/Parkdale Employment & Social Services 1900 Dundas St. W.
Metro Hall Employment Services 55 John St.
Regent Park Employment Services 530 Dundas St. E.
Wellesley Place Employment & Social Services 111 Wellesley St. E

The National Job Fair & Training Expo is open to everyone. If you are looking for a new job, if you are ready for a career change, if you want to learn about future job trends, if you want to know more about job search techniques, or if you are interested in self-employment, visit the National Job Fair & Training Expo. For more information about the job fair, please visit the National Job Fair's website. For TTC directions and hours for our locations, please visit our Employment Centres page.

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Green Economy Employment Program information session for internationally educated professionals- Mar. 20, 2012
TESS and Microskills invite internationally educated professionals interested in green jobs to attend an information session about the Green Economy Employment Program. Microskills staff will share information about this program on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 246 Sackville St. Please contact Regent Park Employment Services at 416-392-3456 to register for this session, as space is limited.

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Working As One: A Workforce Development Strategy
for Toronto - Mar. 5, 2012
TESS's report, "Working As One: A Workforce Development Strategy for Toronto," was presented to the City's Economic Development Committee on February 21 and adopted unanimously by City Council on March 5, 2012. The report sets out a framework and vision for workforce development in Toronto and outlines a strategy to more effectively plan, manage and deliver services to employers and job seekers. Read the report to learn more about TESS's plans to develop an integrated and forward-looking, city-wide employment service system.

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Employment Centre services survey from Mar.5 - 30
We want to hear from you about our Employment Centre services. Your feedback will help us understand what is working and what we can do better. Complete our survey at: http://app.fluidsurveys.com/s/tessemploymentcentres/

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Career Planning Information Fair on Mar. 8
Golden Mile Employment & Social Services and Beaches Employment & Social Services are hosting a Career Planning and Information Fair on March 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. Staff from community agencies will share tools and techniques for job searching and networking, and will have information about courses and programs available for career planning.

Golden Mile Employment & Social Services
1880 Eglinton Ave. E. (use mall entrance)
March 8, 1 - 4 p.m.

For more information, please call Joanne Koussiouris at 416-397-0234. For TTC directions please visit our office listings.

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Opening Doors to Your Future job fair and preparation events Feb. 23 and Mar. 8
TESS is proud to present Opening Doors to Your Future 2012. We are holding two events at North York Central Library. For more information, visit our job fairs page.

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Education & Training funding information with Metis Nation
Jan 23, Feb 6 & 27, Mar 12 & 26
Meet with a Metis Nation representative on information about Toronto education & training funding at Metro Hall Employment Centre on
Jan 23, Feb 6 & 27, Mar 12 & 26. Click here to see the event flyer or visit www.metisnation.org for more information.

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Etobicoke South Employment & Social Services closed for renovations Dec. 12 - 19
From December 12 to December 19, the Etobicoke South Employment & Social Services office will be closed for renovations. During renovations staff phone numbers will remain the same and residents can continue to contact us by phone. The office is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, December 20. For help with job search and other employment needs residents may visit any of our other Employment Centres during these renovations.

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Rate Change
The Ontario government has increased Ontario Works rates by 1% effective December 1, 2011. For more information, please see our Basic Financial Assistance page or speak to your caseworker.

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Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Career Seminar on Nov. 29
Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) is holding a career seminar at Ricoh Coliseum (click here for directions) for people interested in a career in the sports management industry on Tuesday, November 29 at 3 p.m. A panel of MLSE employees will talk about volunteer opportunities, part-time and full time employment with MLSE, as well as their career paths in the sports management industry. If you are receiving Ontario Works assistance please speak to your caseworker for details. For more information, please click here to see the MLSE flyer.

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Beaches Employment & Social Services closed for renovations
Effective November 17, 2011, renovations to improve services at the Beaches Employment & Social Services will begin. All in-person services will be redirected to alternate locations as the office will not be open to the public. During renovations staff phone numbers will remain the same and residents can continue to contact us by phone. For help with job search and other employment needs residents may visit any of our other Employment Centres during these renovations.

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Canada Learning Bond mailout
In November, the Government of Canada will mail out information to eligible families about the Canada Learning Bond (CLB), along with a voucher showing how much money each family will receive if they open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). The CLB is a free contribution from the Government of Canada to help eligible families save for their children's post-secondary education with a RESP. For more information on the CLB as well as what you need in order to open a RESP account, please visit www.smartsaver.org.

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Apprenticeship Fair on Thursday, Oct. 20
Please join us for an Apprenticeship Information Career Fair this Thursday, October 20th from 1 - 4 p.m. Learn about the apprenticeship program and careers in the skilled trades. For more information, please visit our job fairs page.

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New online application for social assistance
As part of the Provincial government's initiative to modernize and improve social assistance technology and delivery across Ontario, a new online application for social assistance was launched province-wide earlier this year, with the exception of Toronto. On October 17, 2011, the City of Toronto will stop using WAYS (Web-based Access to Your Services) and begin using the provincial online application for social assistance. Residents will continue to be able to access this application from the homepage of this website as well as the provincial website at www.ontario.ca/socialassistance.

Residents using the new provincial application will continue to have the ability to estimate their eligibility. Toronto applicants will be able to schedule their own follow-up appointment online through a direct link to the Toronto Employment & Social Services appointment scheduler at the end of the application process.

The online application for social assistance is a convenient and confidential way for people to apply for Ontario Works (OW) assistance, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in English and French.

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Networking Event for Engineers on Oct. 4
Metro Hall Employment Services will be hosting A Networking Event for Engineers on October 4, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Metro Hall in room 308/309. For more information, please visit our job fairs page.

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Free Tickets for National Job Fair & Training Expo Sep. 27 & 28
The National Job Fair & Training Expo is taking place on September 27th and 28th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Free tickets are available for a limited time at:

Metro Hall Employment Services 55 John St. (King St. entrance)
High Park/Parkdale Employment & Social Services 1900 Dundas St. W.
Crossways Employment Services 2340 Dundas St. W. 3rd Fl.
Wellesley Place Employment & Social Services 111 Wellesley St. E.

The National Job Fair & Training Expo is open to everyone. If you are looking for a new job, if you are ready for a career change, if you want to learn about future job trends, if you want to know more about job search techniques, or if you are interested in self-employment, visit the National Job Fair & Training Expo. For more information about the job fair, please visit the National Job Fair's website. For TTC directions and hours for our locations, please visit our Employment Centres page.

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Upcoming Job Fair on Sep. 13
We invite all Toronto residents to attend a job fair at Scarborough Town Centre on Tuesday, September 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please visit our job fairs page.

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Information sessions for firefighter training opportunity are closed
Information sessions for the firefighter training opportunity are now closed. Thanks for your interest!

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July 2011 Ontario Works cheques
Toronto Employment and Social Services will not be mailing out July 2011 Ontario Works cheques because of the postal disruption.Toronto residents who are expecting a July 2011 cheque should pick up their cheques at their regular Employment and Social Services office as follows:

If your last name begins with the letters:

A to K cheque pick-up date: Tues., June 28 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
L to Z cheque pick-up date: Wed., June 29 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you are unable to come to the office on these dates you can pick up your cheque on Thursday, June 30th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Appropriate identification is needed in order to pick up a cheque. Examples of appropriate identification are a birth certificate, driver's license, passport or immigration documents.

If you are unable to pick up your cheque on the above dates please call your caseworker.

Cheques will only be given to the person whose name is on the cheque.

Please note: if you normally receive your payments by direct deposit, you will not be affected. The June 2011 Drug Benefit Card has been extended to cover clients during this period.

To find the address, phone number and directions to your local office, please visit our office listings.

 

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Never imagined yourself as a firefighter? Go ahead... picture it
We are offering an opportunity in partnership with Toronto Fire Services and Parks, Forestry and Recreation that can help you prepare for a job as a firefighter. To find out more, visit our job fairs and special events page.

 

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City of Toronto survey for parents
If you have children 6 to 12 years of age, the City encourages you to complete a brief, confidential, online survey about your child's after-school options. The City will use this information to plan after-school programs. The survey (via Living in Toronto web page): www.toronto.ca/family

 

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June 2011 Ontario Works cheques
Toronto Employment and Social Services will not be mailing out June 2011 Ontario Works cheques because of the potential for a postal strike. These arrangements are in effect whether there is a strike or not. Toronto residents who are expecting a June 2011 cheque should pick up their cheques at their regular Employment and Social Services office as follows:

If your last name begins with the letters:

A to K cheque pick-up date: Mon., May 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
L to Z cheque pick-up date: Tues., May 31 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Appropriate identification is needed in order to pick up a cheque. Examples of appropriate identification are a birth certificate, driver's license, passport or immigration documents.

If you are unable to pick up your cheque on the above dates please call your caseworker.

Cheques will only be given to the person whose name is on the cheque.

Please note: if you normally receive your payments by direct deposit, you will not be affected. The May 2011 Drug Benefit Card has been extended to cover clients during this period.

To find the address, phone number and directions to your local office, please visit our office listings.

 

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Canada Learning Bond Event on Sat., May 14
In partnership with Councillor Michael Thompson and smartSAVER, we invite all Toronto residents to attend a Canada Learning Bond Event at the Scarborough Civic Centre Rotunda on May 14th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please visit our job fairs and special events page.

 

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Services en français
We are pleased to announce we are now offering services in french, including applications as well as ongoing services. For more information, visit our french services page.

Les services sociaux et d'emploi de Toronto (Toronto Employment & Social Services) offrent des services en français. Pour plus d'informations, visitez notre site Web.

 

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International Adult Learners' Week Apr. 2 to Apr. 9, 2011
We are proud to be a supporter and education partner of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO International Adult Learners' Week in Canada. This week celebrates adult learning across the country, showcases partnerships and success stories, and demonstrates the importance of adult literacy and lifelong learning. For more information, visit the UNCESCO IALW website and the IALW Canada Facebook page.

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Special Diet Allowance Changes effective Apr. 1, 2011
The Ministry of Community and Social Services has introduced changes across Ontario to the Special Diet Allowance, effective April 1, 2011. For more information on the upcoming changes, including the new Special Diet Allowance amounts, please click here. Need Adobe Acrobat Reader? Download free software to view PDF files.

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Upcoming job fair Mar. 10 - Opening Doors to Your Future
We invite all Toronto residents to attend a career and job fair on March 10 at the North York Central Library - Opening Doors to Your Future. For more information, please visit our job fairs and special events page.

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Crossways Employment Services and Cliffcrest Employment Services are now open
We are proud to announce the launch of Crossways Employment Services and Cliffcrest Employment Services. Toronto residents can get one-on-one help with job searching, career planning, employment workshops, education and training, and more. To find out more, visit ESS in Action.

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8th Annual Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) Conference held Jan. 14, 2011
This is an opportunity for those currently unemployed, or not working in their chosen profession, to network with and learn job search skills from industry experts, employers and successful internationally educated professionals. For more information and to register, please visit http://www.iep.ca/.

 

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Free tickets for National Job Fair & Training Expo
The National Job Fair & Training Expo is taking place on October 5th and 6th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Metro Hall Employment Services, located at 55 John Street, is offering free tickets for a limited time. The National Job Fair & Training Expo is open to everyone. If you are looking for a new job, if you are ready for a career change, if you want to learn about future job trends, if you want to know more about job search techniques, or if you are interested in self-employment, visit the National Job Fair & Training Expo. For more information about the job fair, please visit the National Job Fair's website.

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Never imagined yourself as a firefighter? Go ahead... picture it!
We are offering a new opportunity in partnership with Toronto Fire Services that can help you prepare for a job as a firefighter. To find out more, visit our job fairs and special events page.

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Registration for paramedic training info sessions is closed -
Registration for the primary care paramedic training opportunity information sessions is now closed. Thank you for your interest!

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Primary care paramedic training opportunity
 We are offering a new training opportunity in partnership with Toronto Emergency Medical Services that can help you prepare for a job as a primary care paramedic. To find out more, visit our job fairs page.

 

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Regent Park Park Employment Services is now open
We are proud to announce a new location for Regent Park Employment Services at 530 Dundas St. East. Regent Park residents can get one-on-one help with job searching, local employment opportunities, career planning, education and training, and more. To find out more, visit our Regent Park page.

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T5 slips
For 2009 tax returns only, clients who received two T5 slips must submit both slips for filing taxes. This is due to the way some payments were processed during the 2009 city workers' strike. If you have questions or concerns about the amount on your T5s, please call the T5 unit at 416-397-0290 from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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Metro Hall Employment Services is now open
We are proud to announce the launch of Metro Hall Employment Services. Toronto residents can get one-on-one help with job searching, career planning, employment workshops, education and training, and more. We’ll be showcasing Toronto Public Service jobs and connecting residents with employers and training providers. To find out more, visit ESS in Action.


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TESS on Facebook and Twitter
Want to keep up with the latest news on job fairs, events, employment news and more? Follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook!

 

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Now available: French language online applications, eligibility estimator and office finder - Jan. 7, 2010
Residents of Toronto are now able to apply for Ontario Works assistance online in French with ACCÈS, the French version of WAYS (Web Access to Your Services). Francophone residents can now also use an eligibility estimator in French to see if they might qualify for social assistance, and can find out which TESS office to go to with an office finder in French.

 

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Rate change - Dec. 1, 2009
As per provincial legislation, on Dec. 1st social assistance rates changed. For more information see the Procedures Index, or visit the Ministry of Community and Social Services website.

 

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We've changed our name! - Nov. 10, 2008
We have changed our name from Toronto Social Services to Toronto Employment and Social Services.

We feel our new name better reflects the work that we do. After all, our employment services play a significant role in how we carry out our vision, to strengthen the social and economic well-being of Torontonians in their communities.

Changing our name was an important decision, so before doing so we talked to city residents and our community partners. They told us how important it is that our name identifies the services that we provide.

Changing our name also coincides with the Mayor’s launch of a plan that sets out a new direction for employment and social services in this city. Read about the plan, Starting in the Right Place: A New Approach for Employment and Social Services in Toronto. Need Adobe Acrobat Reader? Download free software to view PDF files.

We are excited about the new direction that we’re taking to ensure that the employment, financial and social supports we provide are helping to build a stronger Toronto.

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Now available: Apply for Ontario Works online - Nov. 10, 2008
Residents of Toronto are now able to apply for Ontario Works online. Web Access to Your Services (WAYS) allows residents to:

  • use an online estimator to quickly and anonymously determine whether they may qualify for social assistance
  • initiate an application for financial benefits online at any time.

This online application is an additional way for residents to apply for Ontario Works in Toronto.

*WAYS logo

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New website launched - Nov. 3, 2008

Welcome to Toronto Social Services’ new website! We are pleased to offer a redesigned website that includes many details about the programs and services we provide.

We have developed the website to share information with Torontonians, including job seekers, people in need of financial benefits, employers, representatives from community agencies and other professionals.

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In creating this new website, we have consulted with community members including people who receive benefits from Toronto Social Services and our staff.

Many new features have been added, including improved tools for residents to easily find the offices and Employment Centres that serve them. We have also expanded the information we provide about our financial benefits and employment services. Our Resources section includes an extensive list of links to city, government and community services.

A new Partnerships section will allow employers to get help with their hiring needs by connecting with qualified candidates through our programs and initiatives. In this section, community agencies and training providers will also be able to find valuable information about how they can work with us.

Our About Us section includes a message from our General Manager, Heather MacVicar, information about our organization, publications and facts and figures.

We hope this new website helps to answer your questions. If you have feedback about our site, you are welcome to complete our brief site feedback form.

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