Employment and Training Assistance Programs Info-Guide

This document is designed to help you navigate through the federal and provincial government programs and services available to businesses in Ontario that are seeking assistance to hire employees.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction
2. Regulations
3. Financing
4. Programs for Employers
5. Taxation
6. Resources and Web sites of Interest

1. Introduction

When considering questions of staffing many business owners look for programs that can assist them in the hiring and training processes. Below is some general information on different issues that affect a small or medium size business owner as well as some of the programs available that can direct business owners to these employment services. This info guide also provides some information on associations both private and public as well as some listings of publications and various resources on a variety of employer topics.

2. Regulations

Business Regulations Info-Guide

This document will assist you in navigating federal, provincial and municipal regulations that apply to a number of industries and businesses in Ontario.

For further information:
see the document Business Regulations Info-Guide

Depending on what your product or service you are supplying, different regulations will apply. Below are some basic governmental regulations that apply to all businesses in Ontario.

The Employment Standards Act

The Employment Standards Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Labour is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 , which provides for minimum terms and conditions of employment in most industries.

For further information:
please call 416-326-7160 or 1-800-531-5551
visit these web sites :
What You Should Know About The Ontario Employment Standards Act
Employment Standards Claim
Employee Self Help Kit
see these documents:
Employment Regulations Info-Guide
Employee or Self-Employed?

The Pay Equity Act

The Pay Equity Act requires that different jobs be evaluated and work mostly or traditionally done by women be compared to work mostly and traditionally done by men. An employer could, for example, compare the value of the work of a secretary, a traditionally female job, to the value of a shipper, a traditionally male job. If the value to the organization is equal or comparable, the secretary must receive at least the same job rate as the shipper.

For further information:
please call 1-800-387-8813 or 416-314-1896
visit these web sites :
Pay Equity Commission
Seminars and Workshops
see the document Employer’s Introduction to Pay Equity

Ontario Human Rights Code

All employers in Ontario must adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code. The code states that all Employment decisions should be based on the applicant's ability to do the job and not on factors that are unrelated to the job.

For further information:
please call 1-800-387-9080

3. Financing

The Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre has created documents, which provide an overview of some of the main financing options for individuals starting and operating a business in Ontario, including programs offered or supported by the government

For further information:
please call: 1-800-567-2345
see these documents:
Financing for Starting a Business Info-Guide
Financing for Established Businesses Info-Guide

4. Programs for Employers

Grants, Subsidies and Contributions - Employers

This Info-Guide provides an overview of grants, subsidies and contributions potentially available for employers in Ontario, including programs offered or supported by the governments of Canada and Ontario.

For further information:
see the document Grants, Subsidies and Contributions - Employers

Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

The objective of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities is to generate innovative activities, which help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain and keep employment or self-employment. Projects may be approved for a period of up to 52 weeks, but may be extended to a total of 78 weeks. Funding may be provided to cover costs such as participant wages or related employer costs; overhead costs related to planning, organizing, operating, delivering and evaluating approved activities, including costs such as staff wages and employment related costs. Eligible expenses will be negotiated with program officials.

For further information:
see the document Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Job Creation Partnerships

The Job Creation Partnerships program provides employment insurance eligible persons with work experience on projects developed in partnership with the community. Projects may be approved for a period no greater than 52 weeks. Funding may be provided:

• to employers and coordinators to cover such overhead costs as wages and employment related costs and eligible expenses negotiated with program officials;
• for capital costs to a maximum of $1 million per year where such costs are essential to the achievement of objectives. Assistance provided for capital costs must be on a cost shared basis.

For further information:
see the document Job Creation Partnerships

Youth Opportunities Ontario

Youth Opportunities Ontario has several program components, which can help employer’s hire and train youths:

Youth Opportunities Ontario - Job Connect: For employers who operate a business in Ontario, who are looking to hire staff, are ready to provide on-the-job-training, and/or who are seeking people who are willing and ready to work, Job Connect may reduce the costs associated with training a new employee.

Youth Opportunities Ontario - Youth Apprenticeship Program: Employers expanding their workforce in skilled trades, and able to provide structured training and supervision, can be matched with pre-qualified apprenticeship candidates. Participating students must be at least 16 years old and entering Grade 11.

For further information:
please call 416-326-5656 or 1-800-387-5656
visit the web site:  Youth Opportunities Ontario

Internship Program with Innovative Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

This program provides financial assistance to SME's that wish to hire recent college and university graduates as interns for six to twelve months (this program ends March 31, 2008).

For further information:
please call 1-877-994-4727
visit the web site: Internship Program with Innovative Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) see the document Internship Program with Innovative Small and Medium Enterprises

Collaborative Research Internships Program

This program provides financial assistance to innovative Canadian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) towards the employment of post-secondary graduates whose skills will help develop the company's technology.

For further information:
please call 1-877-994-4727
visit the web site: NRC Science Collaborative Research Internships  

The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario offer a number of programs to assist the hiring of students for summer jobs. Such programs usually open in the spring and run until fall. You should confirm the deadlines and application criteria with the program sponsor well in advance of your projected hiring dates.

Youth Opportunities Ontario - Summer Jobs Service

Employers (including farm businesses and community organizations) may receive $2.00/hour wage subsidies as a special incentive to hire students for jobs that can last up to 16 weeks beginning in April and ending by September 30.

For further information:
please call 416-326-5656 or 1-800-387-5656
visit the web site: Youth Opportunities Ontario
see document  Youth Opportunities Ontario - Summer Jobs Service

Employer Sponsored Training (EST)

Employer Sponsored Training  is a Government of Canada initiative to help employers avoid laying people off as a result of changes in their workplace.

For further information:
see the document Employer Sponsored Training

The Immigrant Success Awards

The IS Awards are for small, medium and large employers to submit their case for being recognized as a "best employer" of immigrants.

For further information:
see the web site:  The 2007 IS Awards

Employment Ontario, Ontario's Employment and Training Network - Ministry of Education and the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities

Employment Ontario wants to help you get the training, education, skills and experience to achieve your goals and to connect people looking for work with employers looking for workers.  By using the website Employment Ontario Online, you will be able to learn about employment and training services offered in Ontario and find services offered in your area.

For further information:
visit the web site: Employment Ontario

5. Taxation

Dealing with Business Taxes

All businesses must be aware of the various taxes that may apply to their product or service. Depending on the type and location of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may apply.

For further information:
see the document  Taxation Info-Guide

Income Tax Information

Business owners must be aware of the requirements of Income tax that may apply to their product or service. There are different tax implications for incorporated and non-incorporated businesses. For information specific to your organization you should consult an accountant or financial professional.

For further information:
please call: 1-800-959-5525
see the document Taxation Info-Guide

Below are links to publications that cover some of the general tax requirements for business owners in Ontario.

Ontario Small Business Guide
This booklet will guide you through various aspects of Retail Sales Tax, Corporations Tax and Employer Health Tax. This booklet also answers some of the frequently asked questions of small business owners regarding tax obligations.

Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit (ATTC)
This credit applies to salaries and wages paid after May 18, 2004 and before January 1, 2011 to eligible apprentices during the first 36 months of an apprenticeship.

Ontario Graduate Transitions Tax Credit
The refundable graduate transitions tax credit encourages business to provide work opportunities to unemployed post-secondary graduates. The tax credit is available in respect of qualifying post-secondary graduates hired after May 6, 1997, who have maintained continuous employment for at least six months and are required to work an average of more than 24 hours per week.

For further information:
please call 1-800-263-7965

6. Other Resources

Associations

Canadian Society for Training and Development
The CSTD is a not-for-profit, member based professional association for workplace learning and performance practitioners. They provide information resources as well a variety of programs and services for employers.

Human Resources Professionals Associations of Ontario
The HRPAO is professional association for human resource management in Ontario. Their services include ; information resources, events, and networking opportunities.

Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations (CCHRA)
The Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations (CCHRA) is a collaborative effort of ten provincial and specialist Human Resources Associations. The CCHRA works to establish national standards for the human resources profession; promote communication among participating associations;and to act as a resource for qualifications equivalency.

Office of The Employer Adviser

The Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA) is an independent agency of the Ontario Ministry of Labour.  It provides expert, confidential advice to any size employer.  It provides mediation, negotiation and representation services throughout the workplace safety and insurance system, primarily to employers who employ fewer than 100 employees.  The OEA does not charge any fees for its services because it is funded through the premiums or administration fees that employers pay to the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB).

For further information:
visit the web site:  Office of the Employer Adviser - Information Sheets
see these documents:
Office of the Employer Adviser - Education
Office of the Employer Adviser - Advice For Employers
Office of The Employer Adviser - Representation

Publications and Resources

Labour Market Information Service

Labour Market Information allows you to find answers to your questions about jobs, skills and workers in local areas across Canada. The service provides information on job descriptions, employment prospects, wages/salaries, potential employers, industries, economic outhlooks, local events and community information.

For further information:
see the document Labour Market Information

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is an agency of the Ontario provincial government dedicated to the prevention of all workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.  The WSIB oversees Ontario's workplace safety education and training system and administers Ontario's no-fault workplace insurance for employers and their workers.

For further information:
visit these web sites:
Small Business Services
WSIB ALERT

HR for Employers
A site for small to medium size businesses that provides information from government and non-government sources.  Some of topics on the site include:

• Payroll administration
• Hiring
• Training
• Health and Safety
• HR planning

Employment Insurance Information for Employers
This website provides the latest information on employment insurance including:

• Record of Employment
• Employment Insurance Program
• Automated Earnings Reporting System (AERS)
• Employer's responsibilities

Web Sites of Interest

Canadian Training Solutions

HR for Employers

youth.gc.ca

@wsib e-newsletter

Need more information?

Click: Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre
Call: 1-800-567-2345
Visit:  visit our  Regional Access Program Locations page to locate an office near you

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Some of the organizations listed above are not subject to the federal Official Languages Act or the French Language Services Act of Ontario. Their services may not be available in both official languages.

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DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.