Education/training

New multilingual referral service for Employment Ontario

Government making it easier for newcomers to access jobs, training

Callers to Employment Ontario's toll-free hotline will receive help in the language of their choice, Chris Bentley, minister of Training, Colleges and Universities announced last week.
[ 2007-08-29 ]

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"We're keeping Ontario moving forward, by offering newcomers multilingual interpretation for Employment Ontario programs geared towards their success," Bentley said. "It's now faster and easier for newcomers to access training and obtain job counseling -- ultimately helping Ontario become more prosperous."

Bentley was joined at last week's press conference by Michael Chan, the MPP for Markham, and Peter Fonseca, the MPP for Mississauga East, for a live demonstration of the new multilingual service at an Employment Ontario funded, ACCES Employment Services centre in Toronto.

"This new service will help newcomers continue their careers in Ontario," Chan said. "Employment Ontario is a one-stop shop for anyone who wants to learn about how Ontario's job market works, connect with potential employers and find out where to brush up on their language skills."

Newcomers to Ontario can call the toll-free Employment Ontario hotline and tell staff which language they wish to use. Within minutes a certified interpreter will be linked to the call to interpret for both caller and staff person. Newcomers can be linked to information about language programs supported by the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, as well as Employment Ontario programs and services.


Newcomers make up about 29% of Ontario's workforce. Since November 2006, information about Employment Ontario programs and services has been available online in 25 languages, including English and French.

"The staff at ACCES speak various languages reflecting the thousands of newcomers we serve every year," said Manjeet Dhiman, director of services at ACCES Employment Services.

"Providing service to our participants in their first language allows us to build stronger connections with them and it ensures that they gain a more in-depth understanding of the information and services we provide," Dhiman said.



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