Metro Youth Job Corps

The Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 2, 1998) from the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services:

Purpose:

This report provides updated information on the Metro Youth Job Corps program and makes recommendations regarding program funding.

Funding Sources:

The M.Y.J.C. is currently funded 91 percent through Human Resource Development Canada (H.R.D.C.), employer's contributions and the Province of Ontario. The remaining 9 percent funding is provided by the City of Toronto.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that, subject to H.R.D.C. approval:

(1) the Commissioner of Community and Neighbourhood Services be authorized to enter into a funding agreement with H.R.D.C. for the operation of the Metro Youth Job Corps for the period April 1,1998 to March 31, 1999, and to renew agreements with St. Christopher House and West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre to deliver the program;

(2) the total cost of the agreement not exceed $1,503,000.00 gross and the City of Toronto's contribution to the program not exceed $135,000.00 net for 1998; and

(3) the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Council Reference:

Metro Youth Job Corps is an employment program designed to help severely disadvantaged youth aged 16 to 24 maintain and secure employment through counselling, life skills training, work experience and job placement. Throughout the program's 20-week duration the 180 participating youth are paid the minimum wage while developing generic work skills, increasing their self esteem and improving their options for the future. It is anticipated that 80 percent of those who graduate will be successful in securing employment, returning to school or continuing with further training.

This target group includes many youth who have been in receipt of General Assistance or are at risk of becoming dependent upon long-term social assistance. Metro Youth Job Corps is one of the few programs funded under the Federal Canadian Jobs Strategy for multiple-barriered, unemployed youth.

Since its inception in 1983, the program has operated as a partnership among the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, H.R.D.C. and two community-based organizations, namely West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre and St. Christopher House.

The Department's role includes negotiating funding with H.R.D.C., preparing budget submissions, contracting with community agencies, monitoring and ensuring the program's effectiveness. The community agencies deliver the program directly to eligible participants.

Comments:

Approximately 16 percent of youth in Toronto are unemployed and another 13 percent are underemployed, clearly this is not acceptable. The City of Toronto is committed to address issues that affect youth employment in Toronto. City staff have been working closely with the other levels of government and community agencies to identify what can be done to effectively combat this problem. Recently, Mayor Lastman hosted a Youth Employment Summit, entitled "Count Me In". Representatives from the three levels of government, business, education, labour, community agencies and youth themselves came together to discuss issues affecting youth employment. Discussions quickly revolved around "At Risk Youth". Several strategies were discussed and suggestions were made with respect to current and required supports. It was recommended that programs such as Metro Youth Job Corps continue to be funded in order to effectively meet the needs of this client group.

Furthermore, "At Risk Youth" are a National priority for H.R.D.C. in 1998. H.R.D.C. has been extremely supportive of the Metro Youth Job Corps program. The Funding Proposal for the 1998-1999 fiscal year was submitted to H.R.D.C. in March 1998. At that time, H.R.D.C. provided a verbal commitment to locally fund the program for the 1998-1999 fiscal year.

In May 1998, the local H.R.D.C. approved the 1998-1999 funding submission, it was then authorized by their regional office and has since been forwarded to the national office for final approval. Confirmation of approval is expected in the near future. The program is being funded through a number of sources. A submission has been made for Youth Service Canada funding (H.R.D.C. National program). Local H.R.D.C. funding is also being provided through the Employment Assistance Services (E.A.S.). The Province of Ontario through the Job Connect Program also supports the program by providing an employer subsidy. The corporate sector has made donations and employers themselves contribute by paying partial wages.

In the 1998-1999 fiscal year clients will be provided with additional financial support through the pre-placement phase of the program, which ultimately will enhance their chances for placement in permanent employment.

Conclusions:

Funds for the continuation of Metro Youth Job Corps are included in the Department's 1998 operating budget.

City staff will continue to meet with H.R.D.C. officials to review our mutual objectives and clarify funding for all clients including youth.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Heather MacVicar

General Manager

392-8953