I ve met people who have taken placements in Brantford, Barrie, Toronto, and in my own constituency office in Nepean, and these are genuine success stories. People are turning their lives around and regaining the confidence and self-esteem needed to get and hold onto a job. Today, I am pleased to announce that, for the first time since workfare become the law three years ago, we have finally met our annual placement target. Last year, we set a target to provide opportunities for at least 30,137 welfare recipients. Year over year that represents a 100 per cent increase.
Placements do make a big difference in people s lives.
After meeting with some of the participants here this morning, I'm more convinced of that than ever. Prior to last year s election we released our campaign Blueprint. Well, today, we have met yet another challenge in the long road to reform Ontario s old welfare system. Last year, we said we had to work harder to provide even more opportunities for people to escape a life of welfare dependency. Meeting our existing annual targets is another step in the right direction.