The new CEO of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) says poverty is on the rise in Nipissing and so he wants to refocus the corporation on employment.
Joseph Bradbury says the intent is to reduce poverty in the region by looking at, and improving employment outcomes for Ontario Works clients.
If you are in temporary financial need, Ontario Works can provide you with money, and help you find a job.
See how to apply here: http://www.dnssab.on.ca/services/Pages/OW-How-To-Apply.aspx
"Every client that is working is not being paid by the province and the municipality but providing tax revenue," said Bradbury.
He wants to get more people trained and working to reduce the climbing poverty level here.
"We have a 6.3 percent increase (over three years) in our Ontario Works claims which results in a lower level of workplace participation and that's one of the key indicators of poverty for this district. The population grew by one percent so it gives you a comparison in terms of how much the actual client base grew."
Statistics Canada pegs the poverty line for a single adult in Ontario at $19,930.
The local DNSSAB covers 12 communities and has an annual budget of almost $61 million. North Bay's share of that is just over $18 million.
