Tuesday, June 23, 2009
SDAG Teleconference Meeting, May 28, 2009
Issues discussed at this meeting included the role of specific client groups in MTCU's proposed service delivery model for EO, the EO funding model, a call from the Service Delivery Advisory Group (SDAG) for MTCU to update employment agencies, and MTCU's overview of the provincial budget.
A General Update:
By early 2009 MTCU had hoped to announce the results of the October 2008 survey of service providers and notify agencies as to whether they had been selected for contract renewal. However, MTCU now reports that the dramatically changed economy has slowed the implementation of Employment Ontario.
As a result, MTCU has extended agency contracts and, to date, no agency has been notified as to its long-term status. At the March 2009 meeting of the SDAG, MTCU provided information on the transition process for all agencies, whether they would move into the EO system or wind down their MTCU contracts. See the EOPG web site for details: http://www.eopg.ca/eng/sdag.html.
On April 1, 2009, the SDAG sent a letter to Assistant Deputy Minister Kevin French asking for clarity on a number of issues, including agency status, because the uncertainty in the network is so great.
This letter was resent to Peter Armstrong on April 17 when Kevin French moved from MTCU into the Ministry of the Environment. Peter Armstrong was the Interim ADM until early June when Laurie LeBlanc took over as the new ADM.
May SDAG Meeting:
Paula Wansbrough attended the SDAG teleconference meeting on May 28, 2009, on ACTEW's behalf.
Peter Armstrong opened the meeting apologizing for the delay by MTCU in responding to the SDAG letter, saying it was due to staff turnover and to the economic uncertainty.
The following discussion arose in response to the SDAG letter to MTCU:
Peter reported that MTCU is slowing the Employment Service Implementation as it takes into consideration the impact of the economic downturn. MTCU is weighing the risks and benefits of moving ahead given the current high demands at many agencies. When queried by SDAG members, Peter said that when the roll-out occurs, it will take place across the province rather than through pilots or test projects.
The SDAG encouraged MTCU to communicate directly with agencies about the slowed process and the estimated timeframe so as to lessen anxiety in the sector.
Other updates from MTCU:
$700M over two years that will support amendments to LMDA and LMA for the following programs:
A General Update:
By early 2009 MTCU had hoped to announce the results of the October 2008 survey of service providers and notify agencies as to whether they had been selected for contract renewal. However, MTCU now reports that the dramatically changed economy has slowed the implementation of Employment Ontario.
As a result, MTCU has extended agency contracts and, to date, no agency has been notified as to its long-term status. At the March 2009 meeting of the SDAG, MTCU provided information on the transition process for all agencies, whether they would move into the EO system or wind down their MTCU contracts. See the EOPG web site for details: http://www.eopg.ca/eng/sdag.html.
On April 1, 2009, the SDAG sent a letter to Assistant Deputy Minister Kevin French asking for clarity on a number of issues, including agency status, because the uncertainty in the network is so great.
This letter was resent to Peter Armstrong on April 17 when Kevin French moved from MTCU into the Ministry of the Environment. Peter Armstrong was the Interim ADM until early June when Laurie LeBlanc took over as the new ADM.
May SDAG Meeting:
Paula Wansbrough attended the SDAG teleconference meeting on May 28, 2009, on ACTEW's behalf.
Peter Armstrong opened the meeting apologizing for the delay by MTCU in responding to the SDAG letter, saying it was due to staff turnover and to the economic uncertainty.
The following discussion arose in response to the SDAG letter to MTCU:
- While they support the service delivery model proposed by MTCU, the SDAG is concerned how specialized service groups, such as women and newcomers, fit into the model. Peter's response was that although it may appear that there is little support from MTCU for agencies that serve specific groups, MTCU is exploring how to continue to support this work. (Note: the March SDAG handouts from MTCU say "Agencies -- even those providing services targeted to specific client groups -- will offer services that respond to the needs of all customers".)
The SDAG was very concerned about the funding model proposed by MTCU. We were told at the meeting that MTCU is considering increased funding ranges but that they are limited by a finite amount of money. MTCU also announced at the May meeting that they would provide a new funding model at the next SDAG meeting in June. The temporary (2 year) funding from the federal government's 2009 budget would be add-ons for agencies that are responding to greatly increased numbers because of the economic downturn.
The SDAG was concerned about the data MTCU is using to determine need across the province. MTCU agreed that it was not the best data but for now this information will act as a baseline until the new system gets underway and fresh data can be gathered.
Peter reported that MTCU is slowing the Employment Service Implementation as it takes into consideration the impact of the economic downturn. MTCU is weighing the risks and benefits of moving ahead given the current high demands at many agencies. When queried by SDAG members, Peter said that when the roll-out occurs, it will take place across the province rather than through pilots or test projects.
The SDAG encouraged MTCU to communicate directly with agencies about the slowed process and the estimated timeframe so as to lessen anxiety in the sector.
Other updates from MTCU:
- Employment Ontario Information System - This real-time, web-based case management system is central to the transformation of EO. It currently is limited to only a few programs but will extend across the whole system. As part of the transition, service providers will be trained for use on this system.
Integrated Local Labour Market Planning (ILLMP) - Evaluation of this framework will be completed in July. MYCU says that the response from the pilot communities has been positive. It is not clear when the end date will be for local boards.
- 2nd Career - According to MTCU, this program met its goals (over 6,800 enrolled and 4,400 application under review as of April 30/09). MTCU thanks agencies in the network for making the program so successful. Clients tend to move into service sector jobs, such as book-keeping, computer/IT, and social or community sector work. Community colleges are increasing intakes and MTCU has approved 50 new college programs with more rolling out in the fall.
Apprenticeships - Again, the registration target for this program was met (28,000 in 2008). However, there are challenges because industry has been so hard hit this year and historically, as we all know, the completion rate is low: 50%. The College of Trades (see below) is expected to improve the completion rate of apprenticeships.
Rapid Re-employment and Training Service (RRTS) - MTCU describes this as a very important program that provides an immediate response to labour adjustment situations. MTCU is working closely with the Federal government and other provincial ministries to develop a coordinated local and regional response to layoffs.
- Bill 183, the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, was introduced in May 2009. It will likely be subject to legislation in Fall 2009, but it will take a bit for the College to get up and running.
It requires that all certified journeypersons in compulsory and voluntary trades, as well as employers or sponsors of journeypersons and apprentices, become members of the College.
The College will establish training standards, determine compulsory status for trades, and set appropriate training ratios. It will also set out the apprenticeship functions retained by MTCU.
$700M over two years that will support amendments to LMDA and LMA for the following programs:
- summer employment - $71.3M over two years
literacy - $90M over two years
New Canadians - $94M over two years; funding for both MTCU and MCI
green jobs skills - $5M over two years
Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit and Cooperative Education Tax Credit enhancements proposed - $100M over two years (subject to approval of budget bill)
other initiatives
- supports to EO in response to economic downturn
apprenticeship strategies
support to groups specifically impacted by economic downturn
Labels: Meetings_and_Events, MTCU_Updates
