Moose FM CFBG 99.5 - Muskoka

The number of Muskoka families receiving Ontario Works assistance is the highest its been in 15 years. That from the District's Social Services Commissioner Rick Williams, who says there are currently 1,036 families here receiving the assistance. Williams hopes to see that number go down as more local jobs become available this spring and summer. Williams says there are indicators there will be a number of job opportunities coming online in the tourism, construction and agriculture sectors. Another sobering statistic is that the number of people receiving EI in Muskoka, Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes has risen 10 percent over last year.