Summary
As the economy gradually reopens, our government is helping people affected by COVID-19 get back to work, including those in the skilled trades and hospitality sector.
Today, we announced that we are investing in Ontario’s first Virtual Action Centre to support laid off and unemployed hospitality workers, and is helping apprentices by providing grants to purchase tools, protective equipment and clothing for their trade, along with forgiving previous loans to purchase tools.
Our government is forgiving more than $10 million in outstanding loans owed by apprentices for tool purchases made at the beginning of their careers. About 19,000 apprentices will benefit from loan forgiveness. Our Government is also providing $10 million for an Ontario Tool Grant to help new apprentices purchase the equipment they need to start their careers.
Further, our government’s new UNITE HERE Virtual Action Centre that will allow laid-off workers in the hospitality sector access to services entirely online and over the phone. This allows workers to get support while maintaining physical distancing. The Action Centre will launch on May 22, 2020 and deliver a wide range of virtual services and supports.
We are committed to doing whatever it takes to help affected workers get back on their feet and get the training they need to successfully re-enter the labour market as we restart the economy.
Key Messages
- As the economy gradually reopens, our government is helping people affected by COVID-19, including those in the skilled trades and hospitality sector.
- Today, we announced that we are forgiving government loans issued to apprentices to help pay for the tools of their trade and offering a new grant for apprentices who need to buy tools.
- We are also launching a new virtual action centre that will allow laid-off workers in the hospitality sector access services online and over the phone. This allows workers to receive support while maintaining physical distancing.
- Our government is committed to doing whatever it takes to help affected workers get back on their feet and the training they need to successfully re-enter the labour market as we restart the economy.
- Ontario’s Rapid Re-employment and Training Service and local virtual action centres are dedicated to connecting job-seekers with immediate supports and quick access to training for good, quality jobs.
News Links
English: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/57002/ontario-helps-people-impacted-by-covid-19-get-back-to-work