Ted McMeekin

February 1, 2010

Hamilton area has a range of summer job opportunities for students, through Ontario’s Summer Jobs Programs. These programs help working-age students gain jobs and experience so they can succeed and continue their studies.

 

Through the government’s Summer Jobs website, students can:

·    Find job listings

·    Get help to improve their marketing skills

·     Learn how to start their own “Summer Company”

·     Apply for summer jobs with the Ontario Government

·     Find out about the $2-per-hour hiring incentive for employers.

 

 

The Summer Jobs Service offers students free self-marketing and job search services, and offers employers a $2-per-hour hiring incentive to encourage them to hire students.  Summer Jobs Services are open to students aged 15 to 30 years who are planning to return to school this fall.

 

Students in Hamilton region can access Ontario’s Summer Jobs Service at  the Youth Employment Centre, 67 Victoria Street Hamilton and Mohawk College, 135 Fennell Avenue West.

 

QUOTES

 

“This is all about creating opportunities for our youth who are working hard to gain valuable job experience during the summer months. Having the chance to get into the work world offers real life experience to compliment in-school learning.”

Ted McMeekin MPP Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Training Colleges and Universities.

 

"Helping students find summer jobs strengthens our local communities. Not only will Hamilton’s students gain valuable work experience, but our city’s businesses will benefit from an educated and talented workforce."‪‪

–  Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP for Hamilton Mountain.

 

 

QUICK FACTS

·      Students work in all employment sectors, including private sector, non-profit, broader public and public sector jobs.

 

·      Through the Ontario Summer Jobs Strategy, the McGuinty government is helping to build the best-educated, best-trained workforce in North America.

 

·      Last summer,  the government helped 110,521 Ontario students find jobs.

 

 

LEARN MORE

 

Call Employment Ontario at 1-800-387-5656 or visit:  www.ontario.ca/summerjobs

 

Employers, students, schools and community agencies will find useful downloadable resources  on the MTCU website.

 

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CONTACT

 

Ted McMeekin MPP

905 690 6552

 

Sophia Aggelonitis MPP

905-388-9734

 

January 25, 2010


Ontario is ensuring that Hamilton area youth will have more opportunities to become the first in their family to attend college, university, or train to become an apprentice.

 

Mohawk College and McMaster University are providing youth with a range of innovative supports to encourage them to pursue postsecondary education or training, and to support first generation students’ success.

 

McMaster is currently providing first generation students with Venture Camp which enables students in grades 3-9 to experience activities and creative opportunities in Engineering & Science or Computers & Technology.   The Learning Enrichment Advance Program (LEAP) offers an advanced program for students in grades 10-12, introducing them to the fundamentals of engineering through lectures, hands-on activities, labs, industry tours and projects.  Students also receive information on post-secondary education opportunities through presentations which are designed to educate and inspire high school students.  Mohawk offers an off-campus FG recruitment and information program in a range of community based organizations across a range of neighbourhoods. Prospective applicants and applicants are also encouraged to participate in on-campus information sessions and open houses. Also, Post-admission supports, career clarification, direction and planning sessions, mentorships and personal counselling as appropriate to support academic success.

 

QUOTES

 

"As Hamilton's economy transforms, the investments we make in institutions like Mohawk College and McMaster University strengthen our city."

-- Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP for Hamilton Mountain

 

“Ontario’s economic success depends on our ability to benefit from the  talents of all our citizens. Promoting educational opportunities for youth strengthens Ontario families and will help secure a prosperous future for the province.”

-- Ted McMeekin, MPP Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale

 

“Over 4000 Mohawk students are the first in their family to access postsecondary education,” said Mohawk President Rob MacIsaac.  “Thanks to Ontario’s First Generation funding, Mohawk was able to give these students the support and encouragement they needed to succeed. These Mohawk graduates will make a great contribution to a stronger labour force and Ontario’s economic recovery.”

--  Rob McIsaac, President Mohawk College

 

 

 

“As someone who was the first in their family to pursue post-secondary education I understand how university can appear to be an intimidating place for an individual and a family,” said Peter George, president of McMaster University.  “McMaster has always endeavoured to reach out with sensitivity to all students and we have done so by offering programs that make post-secondary education less daunting as well as a financially smart decision. We are delighted that the province sees the value of such programs. An educated workforce boosts innovative ideas that, in turn, improve economies.”

 

 

 

QUICK FACTS

 

§  Mohawk College has received $273,000 and McMaster has received $308,000 to attract and support first generation students in 2009-10.

 

§  The Ontario government has invested more than $32 million to support first generation students since 2007.

 

§  In Canada, youth whose parents have a postsecondary education are 2.4 times more likely to attend college or university.

 

 

 

 

LEARN MORE

 

Learn more about Ontario’s postsecondary institutions.

 

Find out about job prospects in today’s labour market

 

 

 

Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP

Hamilton Mountain

416-326-1939

 

Ted McMeekin MPP
Ancaster Dundas Flamborough Westdale

905-690-6552

 

 

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January 20, 2010


Aboriginal students at McMaster University and Mohawk College will benefit from a new student bursary and enhanced programs and services.

 

The Ontario government has created a bursary program to help Aboriginal students with financial need attend college, university or Aboriginal postsecondary institutions. The government is also investing in a range of Aboriginal student support services at Mohawk College and McMaster University and at postsecondary institutions across the province.

 

The government’s efforts are aimed at ensuring more Aboriginal students pursue and succeed at postsecondary education.

 

 

QUOTES

 

“This investment will help provide greater access to post-secondary education for Aboriginal students,” said Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP for Hamilton Mountain. “Through this funding, McMaster University and Mohawk College will continue to provide exceptional opportunities to their students.”

 

 

 “This funding will help to close the education gap that exists between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students and provide greater success and opportunities for graduates of Mohawk College and McMaster University.” Said Ted McMeekin MPP Ancaster Dundas Flamborough Westdale

 

“Mohawk welcomes Ontario’s continued support and investment in our Aboriginal learners,” said President Rob MacIsaac.  “We will be able to increase enrolment for Aboriginal students, enhance our partnerships with Six Nations Polytechnic and the Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre, and augment our recruitment, academic and student services for individual First Nations and Metis students.  Mohawk is committed to increasing access to postsecondary education and ensuring our Aboriginal students graduate to success.”

 

 

“This is an important initiative,” says Peter George, President of McMaster University. “Nearly half of all native Canadians are under the age of 25, and post-secondary education is both vital and necessary to enable them to fully participate socially and economically in this country’s opportunities. It will help us to build on past and current efforts to attract more students from Six Nations.”

 

 

 

 

QUICK FACTS

 

§         The government is investing $398,260 to support Aboriginal learners at McMaster University and $488,484 at Mohawk College

§         The government is investing a total of $26.4 million in Aboriginal postsecondary education in 2009-10.

§         About 11,000 Aboriginal students were enrolled in Ontario postsecondary institutions last year.

 

 

 

LEARN MORE

 

Explore what you can do after high school.

Find out more about Ontario’s colleges and universities.

 

 

 

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For further information contact:

 

Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP   905-388-9734

Ted McMeekin, MPP    905-690-6552

 

Ontario Government Building A Well-Educated Workforce

 

 

NEWS	January 12, 2010

 

Local children and their families will benefit from an integrated day of learning and play when full-day early learning comes to Hamilton this September.

 

Full-day early learning for four- and five-year-olds will be available the following schools:

 

• Bennetto Elementary School
• Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Elementary School
• Cathy Wever Elementary School
• Dr. J Edgar Davey Junior Public School
• ÉÉ Pavillon de la jeunesse
• ÉÉC Notre Dame
• Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Elementary School
• King George Junior Public School
• Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Elementary School
• Parkdale School
• Pauline Johnson Public School
• Prince of Wales Elementary School
• Queen Mary Public School
• Richard Beasley Junior Public School
• Roxborough Park Junior Public School
• Sir Isaac Brock Junior Public School
• St. Brigid Catholic Elementary School
• St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School
• St. Lawrence Catholic Elementary School
• St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School

 

Parents who are interested in registration for full-day learning classes, including the before- and after-school program, should contact their local school or school board.

 

In full-day learning classrooms, teachers and registered early childhood educators will work together to help children learn and develop emotional, social and academic skills that are crucial for healthy development. Schools will also offer extended day programs led by early childhood educators. Parents can enrol their child in these integrated programs for a reasonable fee, giving children even more opportunities to learn, play and grow.

 

Ontario is investing in the education of our youngest students to better prepare them for future success. The goal is for all schools to offer full-day learning by 2015-16.

 

QUOTES

"Early childhood education is one of the most important things we can do to give our children a head start in life.  For Hamilton, this is a significant step towards making our city the best place in Canada to raise a child,” said Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP for Hamilton Mountain.

"By giving our four- and five-year-olds a stronger start in school, we’re giving them a stronger start in life. Full day learning will help more children and families right here in our Hamilton area,” said Ted McMeekin, MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale.

 

“Our public Board is proud to begin the implementation of full-day kindergarten as another way to offer innovative programming that meets the needs of our youngest learners,” said Jessica Brennan, Chair of Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.  “Through this initiative, we can further support working families.”

 

“The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board is pleased to be able to offer this program to JK and K students in our system. For many of our students, full-day kindergarten will provide the necessary early development that they need to succeed in school,” said Patrick J. Daly, Chairperson, Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board.

 

QUICK FACTS

 

§  Up to 35,000 four- and five-year-olds in nearly 600 Ontario schools will attend full-day early learning in September. The full list of schools is available at Ontario.ca/EarlyLearning.

 

§  As part of the full-day learning initiative, parents can choose to enrol their child in integrated before- and after-school programs for a reasonable fee. Subsidies will be available for some families, based on financial need.

 

§  Full-day early learning will help students with their reading, writing and math skills, provide a smoother transition to Grade 1, help more students achieve success at school, and help create a stronger economy for the future.

 

LEARN MORE

 

§ See how full-day learning is part of Ontario’s plan to reduce poverty. 

§ Find out more about full-day learning.

 

For more information, please contact:   Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP                Ted McMeekin, MPP Hamilton Mountain                          Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale 416-314-7882                                  905-690-6552

 

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