Effort launched to tackle underemployment near Mississauga’s Pearson Airport

Pearson Airport in Mississauga is putting out a call for help in efforts to further tackle underemployment in surrounding communities.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), which runs Pearson, has called for proposals for its 2022 Uplift Fund, an ongoing initiative that seeks to combat specific workforce issues in areas of Mississauga, Brampton and Toronto located near the airport.

Through the Uplift Fund, the GTAA is committing $350,000 for organizations that are dedicated to breaking down barriers to employment and cultivating opportunity for communities around Pearson.

Interested organizations can apply for up to $75,000 in funding for one-year projects. Deadline to submit proposals is April 20.

Underemployment is the underuse of a worker because a job:

• does not use the worker’s skills (overqualified for a job)
• is part-time (despite the worker wanting full-time employment)
• leaves the worker idle for periods of time

GTAA officials say the Uplift Fund has been investing in programming, advocacy and research since 2018 to support efforts of area residents to gain the skills, connections and opportunities needed to be meaningfully employed.

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They add that given the dramatic effects COVID-19 has had on employment in communities near Pearson, never has support of this nature been more important.

“We are an integral part of the communities we serve and we’re dedicated to lifting up our neighbours,” said Robyn Connelly, GTAA director, sustainability and social impact. “Although COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on our business, it has also disproportionally impacted our neighbours. Our Uplift Fund is just one way we can continue to collaboratively address underemployment, and in doing so support a strong post-pandemic recovery for the Greater Toronto Area.”