ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PROMOTES BACK-TO-WORK PROGRAM
By Adnews Staff
The Ministry of Communications and Social Services is trying to put a positive spin on its Ontario Works program. The government department launched a radio and print campaign this week to tell Ontarians the program is designed to help people on welfare to get back to work. There are six radio ads that will air for seven weeks. They feature actual participants in the program, including welfare recipients, front-line administrators and representatives from community agencies that provide placements for Ontario Works. The newspaper ad outlines the details of the programs and will run over the next two weeks. The ads also provide a 1-800 number that people can call for more information or to offer ideas for community placements. The campaign was created by MacPhee Jesson of Toronto. The Ontario Works program has come under fire since the Ontario Tory government implemented it. Various groups have stated that the placements have no relevant training for the work force, and that it would be too difficult for single mothers to participate since they couldn't afford to pay babysitters. The government has slashed 21% from Ontarians' welfare benefit cheques, but they can earn the money back if they participate in Ontario Works.