Government of Canada provides support for Toronto youth
News Release
Breaking down barriers for youth, including those with disabilities
April 25, 2017 Toronto, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
Building a strong middle class means giving Canada’s youth the tools they need to find and keep good jobs. That’s why today, Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities announced that the Government of Canada will help over 330 youth with disabilities get essential job skills and training.
At the CNIB in Toronto, MP Oliphant announced that the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) will receive $4.7 million from the Government of Canada’s Skills Link program. This funding will help them provide essential job skills and training to assist over 330 youth with disabilities to overcome barriers to employment, and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make a successful transition to the labour market or return to school.
Starting this year for a three-year period, youth with disabilities will get the opportunity to attend a 20-week development program. Participants will attend six weeks of job training and will take part in a 14-week paid work placement, geared towards the private and public sectors and non-profit businesses.
At the event, MP Oliphant also announced that the Government of Canada is providing more than $524,000 from the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities to the CCRW for its Ontario Workplace Inclusion Program project. The 12-month project, starting this April, will assist an additional 100 individuals with disabilities to develop the skills necessary to prepare for and obtain employment or self-employment, and/or to return to school.
Quotes
“We know that our communities are healthier and stronger when everyone can fully participate. Supporting youth as they transition into the workforce is a key way in which we can grow our economy and strengthen the middle class. By increasing the inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations, more young people will be able to thrive, and build a more positive future.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
“The Government is working hard to break down barriers for all Canadians by providing financial support to organizations like the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work, who work hard to help persons with disabilities develop the skills and training they need to fully participate in their communities and workplaces. Together, we can help build a more accessible and inclusive Canada.”
– The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
“This project will have a direct impact on youth with disabilities. It will help them gain the necessary skills they need to actively take part in our society and enter the labour market.”
– Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West
“With funding from the Canadian Government, through initiatives such as Skills Link and Opportunities Fund, the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work can continue our unique focus on employment for persons with disabilities, including a cross-section of women, youth and indigenous populations. We are thrilled to establish sites in Montreal, Halifax and Scarborough, and to continue our great service in Moncton and Oshawa. Investing in support for employers and job seekers with disabilities today will ensure a strong, diverse and innovative labour force in the future.”
– Maureen Haan, President & CEO, Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work
Quick Facts
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Since its inception, the Skills Link program has helped over 236,000 youth develop skills and gain experience to find a job or return to school.
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In 2015–2016, ESDC’s Skills Link program helped 6,024 youth.
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Each year the Government invests more than $330 million in the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) to help young people gain the skills, abilities and work experience they need to find and maintain good employment.
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Total funding for YES was increased by $278 million in 2016–2017, representing the largest investment since its launch in 1997.
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Budget 2017 proposed an additional $395.5 million over three years for YES, starting in 2017–18.
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Since 2005, YES has helped over 772,000 young Canadians get the training and work experience they need to enter the labour market.
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Each year, ESDC invests approximately $40 million in the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
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In 2015–2016, the Opportunities Fund served 4,509 Canadians with disabilities; helped 1,950 find work; supported 289 to return to school; and, helped 3,133 enhance their employability.
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Contacts
Matt Pascuzzo
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
matt.pascuzzo@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
819-654-5613
Ashley Michnowski
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
ashley.michnowski@canada.ca
613-697-8016
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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