Longtime job trainer for people with disabilities quits Ontario’s program – Toronto Star article highlights.

By Moira WelshQueen’s Park Bureau

After 40 years providing employment services training to people with developmental disabilities, Community Living Mississauga says it will no longer work under Ontario’s job training program.

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Unlike others that left and posted criticisms of the Labour Ministry’s “integrated services program” system (IES), Community Living Mississauga called it a “privilege” to work alongside “community partners, stakeholders and the Employment Ontario network …” It did not respond to interview requests.

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On Thursday, Labour Minister David Piccini’s office said employment providers receive “enhanced funding” for clients with higher needs, “recognizing that people with disabilities often require additional time, co-ordination and specialized supports to secure and maintain employment.”

Employment service providers that “fail to meet expectations face consequences,” Piccini’s spokesperson said, adding that organizations with decades of experience “continue to operate” in the program. “What has changed is the addition of clearer accountability measures and stronger oversight of public dollars.”

Last month, after 81 years, the Canadian Hearing Services ended its employment training. A note to clients said the government’s current program design made it impossible to meet the new performance rules.

Two years earlier, Community Living Oshawa-Clarington ended its long-time program, saying the model “no longer aligns with our values and mission, as it fails to address the unique employment barriers faced by people with developmental disabilities.”

At Queen’s Park, New Democrat Leader Marit Stiles called Ford’s use of third-party contractors “appalling,” saying it takes money away from programs for vulnerable people. 

Liberal interim Leader John Fraser said the employment program controversy shows the premier is “abdicating his responsibility to people with disabilities to help them get in the workforce, and allowing profit to be a motive in this situation when it shouldn’t be there at all.”