Self introductions were made. Special guests included Roger Gilbert, Employment & Income Support; Peter McFadden, Executive Director, Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN); Jason Spencer, The Working Centre; and Sherri Tryon, Conestoga College.

REVIEW OF AGENDA

MOVED by D. Carter
SECONDED by D. Pinnell

THAT the Employment and Income Support Community Advisory Committee agenda for October 23, 2009 be approved.

CARRIED

MINUTES of the September 11, 2009 Meeting

MOVED by D. Pinnell
SECONDED by S. Brady

THAT the Employment and Income Support Community Advisory Committee minutes of September 11, 2009 be approved.

CARRIED

David Dirks, Director, Employment and Income Support, proposed that in response to concerns with the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) raised at the last meeting, Family Support staff from Employment and Income Support could make a presentation to the Committee in the new year.

PRESENTATIONS

5.1 Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN)

Peter McFadden, Executive Director, provided a presentation to the Committee; a copy of his presentation is appended to the original minutes. He provided an overview of the organization, summarizing its mandate, structure, and funding partners. He highlighted the various programs and activities of the group, which include the Waterloo Regional Immigrant Loan Program, the Mentoring partnership, the New Canadian Employment Connections Program, Internships for Internationally Trained Professionals, the Newcomers Waterloo Region Immigrant Portal and the Employer Resource Guide. A copy of the Guide was distributed to members and is appended to the original minutes.

* C. Abrego joined the meeting at 9:21 a.m.

P. McFadden responded to questions regarding WRIEN’s work with new immigrants and potential employers, and the current context of workforce shortages. He commented on the gap between skills and available jobs in Waterloo Region (e.g. RIM). He advised that by 2011, immigration will account for 100% of Canada’s net labour force growth. He made reference to a study recently released by the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin, Immigrant Employment by Field of Study; this study can be found on the Workforce Planning Board’s website.

* P. McFadden left the meeting at 9:50 a.m.

BUSINESS ARISING

6.1 Opportunities for Collaboration

6.1.1 Options to Engage Volunteers

D. Dirks reviewed two outstanding items from the potential opportunities for collaboration identified by the Committee. He noted first the suggestion to engage recently unemployed people as volunteers with local agencies to assist in maintaining skills and also adding to their resume. Members were in agreement regarding the importance of providing volunteer opportunities and agreed to undertake this individually (depending on the ability of each organization to offer these opportunities).

6.1.2 List of Basic Resources

D. Dirks initiated discussion on options for creating a contact list. It was suggested that the list be created collectively and include website information. Since the ‘211’ initiative is currently in progress, staff will bring back a report on its status and its potential as an alternative to creating new lists or resources.

6.2 Identification of Steering Committee members for evaluation

D. Dirks gave an overview of the mandate of the Service Delivery Evaluation Design Committee and identified the objectives and timelines. Several meetings are planned for the next six months and a report is expected at the end of 2010. Group discussion resulted in the informal appointments of R. Ferguson, C. Abrego and D. Pinnell, as well as representatives from The Working Centre and Cambridge Career Connections.

The Committee took a recess at 10:05 a.m. and reconvened at 10:25 a.m.


LOCAL PROGRAM CHALLENGES / UPDATES

7.1 Program updates - Project READ

L. Sauve, Literacy Specialist, distributed a copy of the latest resource guide to the members; a copy is appended to the original minutes. She provided an overview of the mandate of the agency and how clients are served and referred to other agencies. She advised that English as a Second Language (ESL) clients experience the greatest barriers in accessing learning programs. L. Sauve provided background information on a new initiative, the Learning Challenges Assessment, which is a fee-based program that will be rolled out in 2010. In response to a question, L. Sauve provided details about the aspects being assessed.

7.2 Employment updates – Conestoga College

S. Tryon, Job Connect Manager, provided a summary of the Career Centre at Conestoga College, advising that the centre assists people in navigating through the College and towards employment. A copy of the handout material is appended to the original minutes. She stated that the Job Connect program is funded by the Provincial government and offered free of charge. The program offers clients labour market information, workshops and a self-service centre. She advised that 67% of those involved in the program report finding employment. She also highlighted a new program, Enhanced Language Training for Engineering Professionals, which will start in January 2010; interested participants can contact Jan Newington at 519-886-3300. S. Tryon responded to Committee questions related to grade 12 upgrade classes and private tutoring.

7.3 Feedback regarding Employment & Income Support

Two issues were raised by client members: frequency of payment of Ontario Works (OW) benefits, as well as staff access to E&IS client information. D. Dirks advised that the Provincial government controls the frequency of payment options of OW benefits. This question will be forwarded to E. Dubas for review. D. Dirks stated that E&IS staff use one main database (Service Delivery Model Technology). Some staff also have access to additional databases to support their work. There are clear and strict guidelines to ensure confidentiality.

INFORMATION / UPDATES

8.1 Local Immigration Partnership

D. Dirks provided background information about the Local Immigration Partnership Council, which, funded by the federal government, is looking at how we can better assist new immigrants settling in Waterloo Region. Several subcommittees have been established; C. Abrego, R. Chiriac and L. Myers participate in task forces. More information about this Council can be found at http://www.communitybasedresearch.ca/Page/View/LIP.html.

Committee members involved in this group provided their feedback about the issues raised to date, including immigrant employment, ESL access, coordination and integration of services and credential recognition.

8.2 Employment & Income Support updates

D. Dirks stated that the Addendum attached to the agenda outlines the plan for Enhanced Employment Services for Vulnerable Persons. Funding will be received from the Provincial government and the Region will identify how best to utilize the funds. D. Dirks also highlighted the upcoming social assistance rate increase, effective December 2009 for Ontario Works participants, and the increase for shelter/hostel per diems. He will provide copies of the Ontario Works cheque inserts at the next committee meeting. He advised that a report will be going to Regional Council with an update about caseloads to the third quarter of 2009. He announced that caseloads have declined for the first time in a year. In response to a Committee inquiry, D. Dirks stated that the Region has not received any follow-up information from the Provincial government regarding its recent fiscal update.

OTHER BUSINESS

9.1 Membership Updates

H. Callum, Social Planning Associate, advised that R. Ferguson has agreed to participate on the Committee as a client member; recruitment will continue to fill the existing client member vacancies. L. Sauve will replace J. Tuerr from Project Read; G. Reeckie will replace S. Gadbois from the Canadian Mental Health Association and D. Carter’s term will be extended beyond the maximum since there are no other representatives to fulfil her participation from a Labour organization.

MOVED by J. Cudney
SECONDED by D. Pinnell

THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo appoint the following persons to the Employment and Income Support Community Advisory Committee as follows: Ross Ferguson, Client Member, with a term ending December 31, 2013; Geoff Reekie, Sector-based Front-Line, with a term ending December 31, 2010; and Lorri Sauve, Literacy Services, with a term ending December 31, 2013;

AND THAT the 8-year maximum term of service be extended for Denise Carter, Labour, with a term ending December 31, 2013.

CARRIED

H. Callum advised that members leaving the Committee will be recognized at the December meeting.

9.2 2010 Meeting Dates

H. Callum stated that a draft schedule of the 2010 meeting dates will be on the December meeting agenda. She reminded the members that agencies are welcome to host a committee meeting; interested agencies were encouraged to contact her directly.

ADJOURN

MOVED by D. Pinnell
SECONDED by B. Barlett

THAT the meeting adjourn at 11:17 a.m.

CARRIED


COMMITTEE CHAIR, J. Mitchell

COMMITTEE CLERK, S. Natolochny