Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador Expands Employment Programs Across the Province 

News release

Federal government announces more than $237,000 for ASNL to deliver programs in rural areas

November 9, 2020 · St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

The Government of Canada is making strategic investments to ensure a safe and sustainable economic recovery, while also focusing on the health and well-being of all Canadians. As the economy reopens, the federal government will always put Canadians first and work to build a better and more inclusive Canada for everyone.

Government support helps to broaden the reach of ASNL programs

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, today announced a non-repayable contribution of $237,986 for the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador (ASNL) to deliver its employment programs in rural areas of the province.

This initiative enabled the ASNL to hire three full-time program delivery employees for its Clarenville, Grand Falls-Windsor and Corner Brook offices. The two-year project will benefit up to 90 individuals living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and prepare them for future employment opportunities. It will also enhance the society’s capacity to provide consistent programming to the broader ASD community. 

Today’s announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting all Canadians through this difficult time and to building a stronger, inclusive economy. Initiatives like this one will help get Atlantic Canadians back to work and ensure that everyone can fully participate in Canada’s economic recovery. 

Quotes

“COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on all Canadians, particularly those living with disabilities. Our message is clear: we were here for you before the pandemic and we’re here for you during this difficult time. Our government is proud to support ASNL programs, enabling their clients to gain valuable skills and tools to improve their quality of life and play an active role in the economy.”

-        The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

 

“This investment will enable ASNL to help more people living with ASD reach their full potential, regardless of where they live in our province.”     

-        The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl

 

“The Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is a provincial organization, and thanks to ACOA’s support we can now continue to grow what we offer to people all over the province. This funding allows us to expand our employment programs for individuals living with autism spectrum disorder outside of the St. John’s metro area. These programs have significant social and economic impacts for our province and will give adults on the spectrum the foundation and skills needed for success in the future.”

-        Alex Collins, Acting CEO, Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador 

Quick facts

  • The federal funding for this initiative is provided through ACOA’s Business Development Program. 

  • Incorporated in 1987, ASNL is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the development of individual, lifelong and community-based supports and services for people with ASD, their families and caregivers. 

  • ASNL is headquartered in St. John’s at the Elaine Dobbin Centre for Autism where vocational, behavioral and life skills programming is offered to adults and children affected by ASD. Satellite offices are located in Clarenville, Grand Falls-Windsor and Corner Brook. 

  • ASNL operates two social enterprises, Pantry Café & Catering and Good Roots Gardening. 

Associated links

Contacts

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic
Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca

Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

Alex Collins
Acting CEO
Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-722-2803
acollins@autism.nf.net 

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