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The Canadian Champion, Fnday, Februar 5, 1999 - 9 Halton test site for new welfare approach By IRENE GENTLE The Champion The road to employment in Halton could be get- ting shorter, the region's health and social services committee has been told. The provincial govemrment has asked Halton to expand Ontario Works into the private sector. The committee approved Halton as one of the firat introductory sites for the program. The issue will go before counicil for final approval next Wednesday (Feb. 10). The new progralm allows Ontario Works partici- pants to, get off welfare faster through private sec- tor on-the-job training. The Private Sector Job Placement Program (PSJP) will eventually be phased in throughout the province as part of the workfare program, Ontario Works. The PSJP is an expansion of the employment placement portion of Ontario Works. Under the current system, only participants deemed 'job- ready', are sent out to, find work. Under the new guidelines, job readiness can be achieved via on-the-job training with private sec- tor businesses. To sweeten the deal for employers, incentives to offset the costs of training and encourage interesi in the programn are given. The pmogrami also offers; ongoing support for the new worker, with the aim of helping them accli- matize to, the workplace. According to a regional staff report, it is hoped the program will save money in the long mun by getting more people into the workforce, thereby reducing welfare payments. That's the kind of good news story about Ontario Works that rarely makes it into the news- papers, said Oakville Mayor Ann Mulvale. Ann Mulvale Money set aside to hire 24 new cops afrom POLICE on page 1 Another $300,000 bas been earmarked jfor debt financing, $250,000 for Year 200technology expenses and $ 198,000 for new staffing in programs such as inspector secondment, the firearms office, youth diversion, and health and safety. As well, $403,000 bas been set aside for the possible hiring of 24 new officers this year. Board member John Taylor, aso a Burlington and regional councillor, had an amendment pass that would see that money put int a special reserve fund for the 2000 budget, ifsa consultant' s report on staffing due by late March does flot rec- ommend ail of tbose hirings. The Ontario government bas already approved the hiring of 42 new officers for Halton - nine last year, 24 this year and nine more in 2000 - and said it will pay balf of their salary temporarily through the Community Policing Partnership program. LOOK FOR OUR AD TUS. FEB. 9 IN "BETTER HOMES" j aj-more thons a great o n Elisabeth Hibbert B.Sc., D.Ch. Chiropodist-Foot Specialist " Comas - Calluses - Wars " Heel & Arth Pain * Orthotic Management * Dibetic & Arthritc FootcaS * Surgical Care * Nadl Care * Pediatric Assessment S17 Wilson Drive 9 Milton 878-9167 Finance or Lease Rate ~4Ya~I~ Amazing Finance Rate DODGE TRUCK SALE on 0ow!le V02 wheel drive V4 wheel drive Vdually's Vvô, V8, Cummins, turbo diesels VSTD., cab, club cab, quad cab Specia4 Finance Rate's AsLwA .% Neon 1.9% finance raie Up to 60 months. Neon 1.9% lase, raie 24-38 month tenn. Caravan 2.8% finfance rate up ia 48 maniE, Ram 2.8% finance rata Up ta, 38 mnis excuding VI0 and diess. Dakoata 2.8% financa rata up t038 MantEs, exclut ng 2w4 STO cab. Specia finance and lassa rais ase anailabla in liu oi RDA dacaunis O.A.C. Pull Geaif DaIa R Rachal san Jas Cralo Rîct Cina oa clly DIna Seed Gibsan DaDlivora Martin Dodds W~ DN NUNI~I OCHRYSLER OD1GE JEEP ef *1 ON A I Sl, >.~ ( N .