(TORONTO, ON - May 2, 2022) – CNIB welcomes the Ontario Government’s new investment to support the continued growth and expansion of CNIB’s Come to Work program. The Ontario Government is investing $1.7 million through its Skills Development Fund to help connect job seekers who are blind or partially sighted with employers who want to discover the full potential of Ontario’s talent.
Ontario employers across all sectors are experiencing an acute labour shortage. Access to skilled, qualified employees to fill these jobs will ensure that businesses can thrive, and local economies can grow. Ontarians living with sight loss are an important reserve of skilled, qualified individuals who are ready to work. However, many face barriers that lead to systemic unemployment or under-employment.
“Ontario is currently in the middle of a generational labour shortage, and we need all hands on deck to fix it,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “I am proud to invest in this win-win CNIB program, which helps connect job seekers who are blind or partially sighted with local employers so they can find meaningful work in the community and earn more take-home pay.”
Through the government’s investment, CNIB is expanding the Come to Work program in Ontario. This innovative program supports Ontarians living with sight loss through skills development, technology training, partnerships with employers and mentorship opportunities. CNIB staff work with partner employers across the province to help them break down barriers (i.e., physical, technological, and attitudinal) to hiring talent with sight loss.
CNIB partners with employers to connect job seekers with valuable work opportunities in leading industries at some of Ontario’s top employers. Employer partners are crucial to the success of program participants, as they demonstrate a commitment to breaking down barriers to inclusion in the workplace.
Ontarians with sight loss are ready and able to work and contribute more to Ontario’s economic growth. This investment is timely due to the rising demand from Ontarians with sight loss and untapped demand for workers from employer partners in today’s labour market. By investing in this program, the Ontario Government is empowering
CNIB to help alleviate some of these pressures and will provide tailored, one-on-one support to open new doors and opportunities for hundreds of Ontarians.
“Come to Work has experienced unprecedented growth in the past two years,” said Angela Bonfanti, Chief Operating Officer at CNIB. “With this support from Minister McNaughton, CNIB can start to grow this important program which will boost Ontario’s workforce and position our province for economic growth, while helping many more Ontarians living with sight loss build the necessary skills and training to become empowered and self-sufficient.”
With this significant support from the Ontario Government, CNIB will continue to help shift the employment landscape and create an Ontario where everyone can come to work.
Join the growing list of employer partners and engage with CNIB’s Talent Pool by visiting the Come to Work website.
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Media contact:
Alice Clark
Manager, Public Affairs
Alice.Clark@cnib.ca
343-996-2528