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News & UpdatesJune 5, 2013 Ontario Receives Annual Report on French-Language ServicesOntario Government Supports Francophone Communities A report that will help Ontario build on its commitment to improving French-language services was received today from the province's French Language Services Commissioner. Commissioner François Boileau congratulated the government on actions that have helped improve the delivery of French-language services in the past year, including:
QUOTES " We are very proud to have established the Office of the French Language Services Commissioner. The government welcomes the Commissioner's annual report and thanks him for his hard work and leadership. We will carefully consider the report’s recommendations in our ongoing efforts to enhance the overall delivery of French-language services." QUICK FACTS
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Province Announces Winners of Make Your Pitch Competition Ontario is helping promising young entrepreneurs kick-start their business ideas through the Young Entrepreneurs, Make Your Pitch competition. Competition winners were announced today at OCE Discovery in Toronto. The six successful high school students will receive $750 towards their postsecondary education from Desire2Learn and a reserved spot in Ontario's Summer Company program. The six winners are:
Ontario's 2013 Budget introduced the government's Youth Jobs Strategy to help more youth find jobs or start their own businesses, while helping employers find the skilled workers they need to thrive in the global economy. If the Budget is passed, the government would invest $295 million over two years to create employment opportunities for about 30,000 youth, while promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. Helping young entrepreneurs succeed is part of the new Ontario government's plan to build a prosperous and fair province. |
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May 27, 2013 Annual General Meeting
May 22, 2013 Improving Infrastructure on Highway 17 Near Nipigon
Ontario is creating about 150 jobs with improvements to infrastructure on Highway 17 near Nipigon.
More than 31 kilometres of Highway 17 east of the Highway 11 junction is being resurfaced. The project will include the replacement Jackfish River Bridge and the refurbishment of the Jackpine River Bridge. The improvements will strengthen the northern transportation network by reducing maintenance demands and making the road safer for families, businesses and tourists who visit the area.
Investing in roads, highways and bridges is part of the Ontario government's Growth Plan for Northern Ontario. A strong northern economy will help create a fair society and give the people of Ontario more opportunities for jobs and economic prosperity
May 17, 2013 Creating Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs
Ontario is expanding Summer Company -- a flagship program for helping students launch start-up companies.
As part of the Youth Jobs Strategy announced in Ontario's 2013 Budget, 100 new spaces would be added to Summer Company this year, bringing the number of openings to 600. The number of spaces will increase again in 2014 and 2015.
Summer Company provides students age 15 to 29 hands-on coaching, mentoring and up to $3,000 to help them launch successful businesses.
The Youth Jobs Strategy is part of the government's plan to help Ontario's young people succeed and build a prosperous and fair province.
May 17, 2013 Highway Improvements Underway in Northern Ontario
Ontario is making major improvements to the province's highways, roads and bridges, which is supporting more than 20,000 construction jobs across the province and making travel easier for families and businesses.
Key highway improvements in Northern Ontario include:
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Expanding Highway 11-17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon
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Expanding Highway 69 south of Sudbury
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Reconstructing the Noden Causeway near Fort Frances
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Reconstructing more than 16 kilometres of Highway 17 near Terrace Bay
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Reconstructing more than 13 kilometres of Highway 535 near Noelville
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Reconstructing more than 11 kilometres of Highway 66 near Kirkland Lake
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Replacing the Otasawian River Bridge west of Hearst
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Replacing the Little Wabigoon River, Melgund River and Nugget Creek bridges near Dryden
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Reconstructing more than 24 kilometres Highway 144 near Cartier
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Reconstructing more than 16 kilometres of Highway 124 near Magnetawan
Investing in modern infrastructure is part of the government's plan to create jobs, help Ontario seize new opportunities for economic growth and help people in their everyday lives.
May 1, 2013 Tourism Performance Bulletin
Click here for more information.
May 1, 2013 Jobs and Opportunity for Youth
The new Ontario government launched its comprehensive Youth Jobs Strategy, which would help more young people find jobs and make sure employers can hire the skilled workers they need to thrive in today's economy. A highly skilled and adaptable workforce is critical to Ontario's continued economic success.
The strategy would focus on jobs, entrepreneurship and innovation for youth in Ontario:
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Ontario Youth Employment Fund - would create new job opportunities for youth across Ontario.
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Ontario Youth Entrepreneurship Fund - supports the next generation of entrepreneurs through mentorship, startup capital and outreach.
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Ontario Youth Innovation Fund - supports youth to lead and manage industrial research, development and commercialization. It would also support young entrepreneurs at universities and colleges.
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Business-Labour Connectivity and Training Fund to bring together business, labour, educators and youth to better prepare young people to develop the skills they need to succeed.
The entire strategy would be supported by a total investment of $295 million over two years, and would create 30,000 new job opportunities.
The Youth Jobs Strategy is part of the government's plan to help Ontario's young people succeed and build a prosperous and fair Ontario.
April 30, 2013 Helping Protect the Great Lakes
The new Ontario government is working with communities to help protect and enhance the Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund provides grants to community groups for grassroots activities such as cleaning up a beach or shoreline, or restoring a wetland. Not-for-profit groups such as service clubs, environmental groups, Aboriginal groups, and Scouts Canada troops are eligible.
Protecting and restoring the Great Lakes is part of the new Ontario government's plan to enhance quality of life for families and ensure a strong, green economy for future generations.
April 22, 2013 Summer Jobs Service Helps Northern Employers, Northern Students
Participating employers receive a $2-per-hour hiring incentive when they hire students aged 15-to-30 years old who are planning to return to school in the fall.
Supporting youth employment and helping young people get summer jobs is part of the new Ontario government's plan to create a fair society and a strong economy.
March 15, 2013
Nominations for the 2013 Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards are now being accepted
NEW! The next call for nominations for the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards will remain open until April 15, 2013. To show your appreciation of the volunteer work that individual volunteers, not-for-profit organizations and businesses make to your community, nominate the extraordinary volunteer you know today.
Use this website to find the information and easy-to-follow instructions that you need to nominate a volunteer-whether it's an individual, business or not-for-profit organization.
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Learn about eligibility, award categories and recognition
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Understand the assessment process and criteria
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Download Guidelines for Nominators - which contains all the information and instructions you need to prepare a nomination
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Find more information about the current call for nominations
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Discover the volunteer achievements of the 2012 award recipients
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About volunteerism
March 12, 2013 Northern Highway Project to Include Innovative Bridge Design
The construction of a new cable-stayed bridge along the Highway 11-17 expansion east of Thunder Bay will make travel easier and safer for families and businesses while strengthening tourism and the economy in the north.
This first of its kind bridge in Ontario will have four lanes for traffic as well as a walkway for pedestrians. The construction of this bridge will begin this summer.
Investing in roads, highways and bridges is part of the new Ontario government's Growth Plan for Northern Ontario. A strong northern economy creates good jobs and generates more opportunities for young people and Aboriginal Ontarians.
February 20, 2013 The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario - On the Move
The Ministry of Community and Social Services is very proud of the achievements and inroads which have been realized, and the leadership and commitment which the ADO and its staff have demonstrated while the Directorate has been with us. I am confident its commitment of partnership with you will continue as strong as ever as you continue your shared mission of achieving inclusion and employment opportunities for all Ontarians.
The transfer of the ADO from our ministry to the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment announced in yesterday’s Throne Speech is the natural next step in the evolution of Ontario’s accessibility journey.
The government is committed to a province which provides a level playing field for all, and has called on the private sector to increase the number of people with disabilities in the Ontario workforce. Aligning the ADO with Economic Development, Trade and Employment will ensure the employment potential of those living with a disability, and further advance the economic benefits for our businesses and communities. Having the vision and objectives of a more accessible Ontario fully linked with the province’s economic development and employment agenda represents an exciting and historical new phase for the ADO and the 1.85 million Ontarians who have a disability.
February 15, 2013
Check out the latest news on the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario
February 4, 2013 Phasing Out of the Penny
As part of the Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government announced that it will phase out the penny from Canada’s coinage system.
While the cent will remain Canada’s smallest unit for pricing goods and services, the Royal Canadian Mint will no longer distribute pennies as of February 4, 2013.
February 1, 2013
New Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces added to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations
On January 1, 2013, the Government of Ontario achieved another milestone in implementing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (Ontario Regulation 191/11) was amended to include accessibility requirements for the Design of Public Spaces (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment).
Beginning in 2015, public and private sector organizations will have to meet accessibility requirements when constructing and maintaining new or redeveloped elements of public spaces including:
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Recreational trails and beach access routes
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Outdoor eating areas for public use
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Outdoor play spaces (such as playgrounds)
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Exterior paths of travel (such as walkways across parks or between buildings)
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Accessible on- and off-street parking
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Service counters and waiting areas
Organizations are not required to make changes to their public spaces. The standard only applies when organizations build new or make major changes to existing elements of public spaces.
The new requirements can be accessed on e-laws by following this link:
http://trk.mmail.lst.fin.gov.on.ca/trk/click?ref=zr9uf3m5h_0-15dcx3158ax1379&
February 1, 2013 Young Entrepreneur Award
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January 31, 2013
Harper Government strengthening community infrastructure in Nipigon
Across Northern Ontario, community and cultural centres, hockey rinks, swimming pools, and other community projects will soon begin repair and rehabilitation work thanks to support from the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF). The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor, today announced a project in Nipigon that will benefit from the Fund.
“Our Government is pleased to support infrastructure projects across the country in communities like Nipigon,” said Minister Clement. “The Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund will benefit Canadian families and communities immediately, helping to support job creation, boosting economic activity, as well as creating safe and accessible community infrastructure facilities for years to come.”
In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. The Plan identified $150 million over two years for the Fund to support projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.
The Township of Nipigon will use a Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund investment of $170,000 to renovate and expand its fire hall, which is home to a full-service, volunteer fire department.
“Thanks to the federal government, our community will be able to update our fire hall to ensure that it can continue to safely meet the needs of our area residents,” said Richard Harvey, Mayor of Nipigon.
The Fund supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure that is accessible for use by the public. Recipients of the Fund may receive contributions of up to $1 million and must leverage a minimum of 50 percent of funding from other sources. The Government of Canada’s contribution to recipients is contingent on the successful execution of a contribution agreement. Please see the backgrounder for more information on CIIF
January 28, 2013 Mobilize Now
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January 28, 2013 AIME Initiaitve North/Nord
January 23, 2013
Harper Government strengthening community infrastructure in Terrace Bay
Across Northern Ontario, community and cultural centres, hockey rinks, swimming pools, and other community projects will soon begin repair and rehabilitation work thanks to support from the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF). The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor, today announced a Terrace Bay project that will benefit from the Fund.
“Our Government is focused on what matters to Canadians – creating jobs and growth,” said Minister Clement. “Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, our Government continues to support communities across the country.”
In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. The Plan identified $150 million over two years for the Fund to support projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.
The Township of Terrace Bay will receive $27,500 in CIIF funding to install an air conditioning system in Michael King Hall, a multi-use facility and main gathering place for large community events.
“Michael King Hall accommodates a variety of cultural and social activities for residents of all ages,” explained Michael King, Mayor of Terrace Bay. “Thanks to this investment by the federal government, the Hall will offer a comfortable environment for visitors.
The Fund supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure that is accessible for use by the public. Recipients of the Fund may receive contributions of up to $1 million and must leverage a minimum of 50 percent of funding from other sources. The Government of Canada’s contribution to recipients is contingent on the successful execution of a contribution agreement. Please see the backgrounder for more information on CIIF.
January 21, 2013 New Council to Help Make Ontario Even More Accessible
Ontario has appointed a new council to help remove barriers for people with disabilities.
In response to recommendations by Charles Beer's review of Ontario's accessibility law, the government is establishing the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council. This new council will be chaired by Jim Sanders, former president and CEO of CNIB. The immediate mandate of the new council will be to:
•Review Ontario's five existing accessibility standards.
•Develop new accessibility standards based on the advice and feedback we have received to date from stakeholders.
Since the introduction of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act in 2005, Ontario has implemented standards that cover customer service, information and communications, employment, transportation and the design of public spaces. The most recent set of standards, the design of public spaces, became law on Jan. 1, 2013. As part of a phased-in approach, this newest standard will take effect in 2015 for the government, with full implementation by 2018.
Making Ontario more accessible is an important part of the McGuinty government's plan to create opportunities for Ontarians and improve independence for people of all abilities.
Quick Facts
•One in seven Ontarians has a disability — that’s 1.85 million people. Over the next 20 years, that number will rise as the population ages.
•Ontario’s accessibility law affects 360,000 businesses and organizations throughout the province.
January 15, 2013 Helping Women Entrepreneurs Succeed
McGuinty Government Supporting the Economic Success of Low-Income Women
Women's Directorate
Ontario is helping over 800 low-income women build and grow their own businesses.
Through the new Microlending for Women in Ontario program six not-for-profit organizations, including the Women's Centre of York Region, will receive funding to support low-income women who are seeking to start their own business. The organizations will offer financial literacy training, entrepreneurial mentoring, skills development and life skills support.
Women who become business ready through these programs will be eligible to receive small loans, or microloans, to start their own business. Close to 400 microloans will be given out across the province.
Helping women succeed in business is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create new opportunities for jobs and growth.
Quick Facts
· Ontario is funding six not-for-profit organizations across Ontario that will support low-income women who are seeking to start their own business.
· Microlending programs have been found around the world to be successful in lifting women out of poverty.
· Microloans are traditionally targeted towards low-income individuals who lack the credit history or collateral to start their own businesses.
January 8, 2013 Media Release
January 3, 2013 2013 Local Initiatives Contributions
January 2, 2013 Harper Government Provides Continued Tax Relief in 2013
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, today highlighted the tax relief measures that the Harper Government has made available to Canadians through Canada's Economic Action Plan. As Canadians prepare to file their 2012 taxes, they will be able to claim the Family Caregiver Tax Credit for the first time. This new tax relief measure is only one of many introduced since 2006 to keep taxes low for Canadian families and businesses.
"Our Government is committed to supporting hardworking Canadians and their families," said Minister Shea. "We will continue to provide tax relief so that Canadians can keep more of their hard-earned dollars and invest in the economy."
Claiming these credits by filing online and using direct deposit will, in most cases, help individuals receive a refund in as little as eight days, compared to four to six weeks for a paper return.
The Harper Government has introduced or improved a number of tax relief measures for Canadians, including:
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The Family Caregiver Tax Credit – Is a 15 per cent non-refundable tax credit on an amount of $2,000 that provides tax relief to caregivers of infirm dependant relatives. This includes, for the first time, infirm spouses, common-law partners, and minor children. Canadians can claim this new, non-refundable tax credit for the first time when filing their 2012 taxes.
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The Medical Expense Tax Credit – In order to fully recognize the medical and disability-related costs incurred by caregivers, the Harper Government has removed the $10,000 limit on the amount of eligible expenses a caregiver can claim in respect of financially dependent relatives.
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The First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit – Assists first-time home buyers with the costs associated with the purchase of a home, such as legal fees. More than 550,000 Canadians have taken advantage of the First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit.
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The Children's Fitness Tax Credit – Canadian families can claim a 15 per cent non-refundable tax credit on an amount up to $500 for the cost of registering a child in eligible physical activity programs, such as soccer or hockey teams. For the 2011 tax year, over 1.5 million families took advantage of the Children's Fitness Tax Credit.
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The Hiring Credit for Small Business – Small businesses that meet certain criteria and paid more in Employment Insurance premiums in 2012 over 2011are eligible for the credit, which puts up to $1,000 back into the accounts of job creators. As of September 30, 2012, over $200 million has been credited to over 500,000 eligible employers.
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The Children's Arts Tax Credit – Canadian families can claim a 15 per cent non-refundable tax credit on an amount up to $500 for the cost of registering a child in eligible artistic, cultural, or other programs, such as music lessons or tutoring. Over 460,000 families claimed the Children's Arts Tax Credit in the 2011 tax year.
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The Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit – Provides employers with a tax credit of up to 10 per cent of the eligible wages payable to eligible apprentices. The maximum credit an employer can claim is $2,000 per year for each eligible apprentice. For the 2011 tax year, more than 10,000 employers across Canada used the Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit.
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The Tradesperson's Tool Deduction – Allows tradespeople to deduct from their income part of the cost of tools purchased throughout the year.
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The Textbook Tax Credit – In order to better recognize the cost of textbooks, this credit provides increased tax relief to students in addition to the Tuition and Education Tax Credits. Students must first claim their credit on their own returns, but may be able to transfer unused amounts to a parent, grandparent, spouse or common-law partner.
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The Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) – Gives families with young children more choice in child care by providing $100 per month for each child under age six. Canadians received almost $2.7 billion in UCCB payments in 2011.
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The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) – Allows all Canadians to earn tax-free income through a range of investment products. TFSAs have become increasingly popular, with approximately 8.2 million Canadians having opened an account and roughly 2.5 million Canadians contributing the maximum in 2011. Starting on January 1, 2013, Canadians will be able to contribute $5,500 to their TFSAs annually.
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The Registered Disability Savings Plan – A long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future. Since being introduced by the Harper Government in 2008, over 60,000 plans have been opened.
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The Canada Employment Credit (CEC) – A 15 per cent non-refundable tax credit on an amount of $1,095 in employment income, the CEC was introduced by the Harper Government to recognize employees' work expenses for items such as home computers, uniforms and supplies.
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The Public Transit Tax Credit – Allows Canadians to claim the full amount they spend on eligible transit passes for the year. In 2011, more than 1.6 million Canadians claimed this credit.
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The Volunteer Firefighters' Tax Credit – Available to any volunteer firefighter who serves at least 200 hours per year at one or more fire departments in their community. In 2011, more than 37,000 Canadian volunteer firefighters took advantage of this new tax credit.
"Our Government is proud of the tax relief we have put in place over the last number of years to reduce the tax burden on Canadians families and businesses," said Minister Shea. "We encourage all Canadians to claim the credits to which they are entitled when they file their 2012 taxes."
As a direct result of the Harper Government's strong record of providing tax relief to Canadians, the average family of four now receives more than $3,100 in extra tax savings. The federal tax burden for all Canadians is now the lowest it has been in half a century.
For more information on the various tax measures supporting working Canadians and their families, go to http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/txnf/menu-eng.html.
