Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Employment Service System Manager Recognized with an Ontario Municipal Social Services Association Award

The Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Employment Services Consortium was recognized by the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association with a Local Municipal Champion Award on May 9, 2023. The award recognizes the work that a consortium of the Counties of Bruce (Lead), Grey, Huron and the City of Stratford did to better support those on Ontario Works to gain access to employment services to help them achieve long-term sustainable employment.

The annual award is provided to municipalities showing leadership in providing more integrated human services. Specifically, in this case, it was a recognition for bringing together Social Assistance and Employment Ontario to generate better employment outcomes for Ontarians.

“This award recognizes the incredible work of all partners in the region that developed services that prevent those most vulnerable from falling through the cracks. By thinking beyond traditional silos and geographic boundaries we have ensured people get the support they need when they need it,” says Bruce County Warden Chris Peabody, speaking on behalf of the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Employment Services Consortium.

The Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Employment Services Consortium took a truly unique approach to system transformation by focusing on the integration of Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, economic development, local employment services providers and the needs of local employers. Through this integration and in launching a new system model on April 1, 2023, as the Service System Manager, and partners can better help marginalized individuals gain access to employment in the region.

Building on the strengths of the existing employment services network, which helps people prepare for and find employment, the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Employment Services Consortium has fostered a collaborative, efficient system to meet the needs of diverse local job seekers and employers. After a multistage competitive process in 2022, the Ontario Government announced that the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Employment Services Consortium has been selected as the regional Employment Services System Manager (SSM).