Equitable Employment
Finding a job is about more than just making an income. It’s about finding a sense of purpose, and a place to belong.
But many newcomers, people with disabilities, and youth, continue to face major barriers to inclusion in the workforce.
Talented people aren’t getting in the door. We need to talk about it.
Stigma and bias prevent many newcomers, people with disabilities, and youth from finding employment that matches their skills.
We’re dealing with significant employment disparities among vulnerable populations:
- Approximately 59% of working age adults with disabilities are employed, compared to 80% of those without disabilities.
- Nearly one in four Canadians with a disability live on a low income, compared with only one in ten of those without a disability.
- In Ottawa, 14% of youth are unemployed, with the rates for Indigenous youth going up to 16%, and 18% for immigrant youth.
- 1 in 3 employers in Ottawa report difficulties in recruiting the skills they need for their businesses.
Why we care
Without a way to earn an adequate income, many people are struggling to achieve financial independence and stability.
We want to build a diverse, vibrant workforce, where every person has access to employment, a solid understanding of how to be financially secure, and an opportunity to become financially independent.
We believe everyone deserves to build the lives they want for themselves and their families.
United Way East Ontario helps youth develop the skills they need to chase their dreams.
These young videographers learned all about content creation with Hot Shoe Productions, a social enterprise supported by United Way East Ontario. The program provides valuable work experience they otherwise wouldn’t get access to.
Fun fact: the people you see in this video shot and edited it all themselves!
What we do
GenNext East Ontario supports programs that help often under-represented people find employment, and get access to financial education, supports and the resources they need to succeed.
We’re helping local partners across Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark and Renfrew Counties:
- Provide job training and mentoring for youth, newcomers and people with disabilities, while also educating employers.
- Help service providers create sustainable employment opportunities.
- Ensure people with disabilities are engaged in the labour market.
- Assist people facing a financial crisis in their lives.
You can pave the way to more inclusive employment.
Together, we can ensure more people in our communities achieve financial independence and stability.
Become a monthly donor in support of Equitable Employment by joining GenNext+, and create a more inclusive and accessible workforce for all.
GenNext East Ontario is powered by United Way East Ontario, a registered Canadian charity. All donations are processed and issued with an official tax receipt by United Way East Ontario.
We take accountability seriously.
You should feel confident when supporting a charity, and we’re committed to full transparency, accountability, and cost-efficiency. We invest your gift in smart, strategic ways, to ultimately move the needle.
100% LOCAL IMPACT
Every donation is put to work in the community where it is raised to tackle the causes you care about.
TOP 100 CANADIAN CHARITY
Charity Intelligence, MoneySense & Maclean’s named United Way East Ontario a top-100 Canadian charity.
Learn more about United Way’s charity ratings and how your gift is managed.