Ontario Helping People Facing Employment Barriers Get Construction Jobs

Community Benefits Declaration to Provide Apprenticeships on Eglinton Crosstown LRT Project

Ontario has finalized a landmark agreement with government agencies, business, labour and the local community to help people from disadvantaged communities along the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit corridor get construction jobs on the largest transit project in Canada.

Premier Kathleen Wynne announced details of the community benefits declaration today at the Workers Health and Safety Centre in Toronto. The Premier was joined by several of the partners involved in reaching the agreement and delivering its economic benefits to the community.

The partners have set a goal that 10 per cent of all trade and crafting hours needed for the project will be performed by apprentices and journey persons who live along the transit corridor and who have had trouble finding jobs. This valuable experience will offer them the opportunity to develop careers in the construction sector.

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT is the first of several major transit projects that will include an agreement providing a range of social and economic benefits for communities. These include employment opportunities for youth and training programs.

Community benefits programs are part of Ontario’s plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.