Ontario Increasing Opportunities for Black Children, Youth and Families

Ministry of Children and Youth Services

Black Youth Action Plan to Support Education, Employment

Scarborough, ON – Mar 21, 2017

Ontario is increasing opportunities for Black children, youth and families through new services and supports in communities across the province.

Today, Michael Coteau, Minister of Children and Youth Services and Minister Responsible for Anti-Racism, held a roundtable discussion with Black youth, community leaders and youth sector service providers to talk about the implementation of the Ontario Black Youth Action Plan.

The plan — released this month as part of A Better Way Forward: Ontario’s 3-Year Anti-Racism Strategic Plan — will help eliminate systemic, race-based disparities for Black children and youth. The four-year, $47 million plan will support 10,800 Black children, youth and their families in schooling, postsecondary education and employment, as well as those in conflict with the law.

New investments will be available in communities including the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Ottawa and Windsor, based on need.

Specific initiatives in the plan will be developed based on discussions with the community and through an implementation steering committee, to ensure that recommendations from Black community leaders are reflected in ongoing work.

Eliminating systemic racism and advancing racial equity is part of Ontario’s plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

Click here for more information