When Canada’s most vulnerable youth get the help and support they need to find and keep good jobs, our middle class grows and our economy thrives.

“Supporting vulnerable youth means they will have the chance to thrive in the workforce. Our government is firmly focused on inclusive growth, which means ensuring that every Canadian has a fair shot at success. Through this Skills Link funding, youth will get the support they need to have a successful future.”

– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

“Dignity and equality of opportunity provide the foundation for a just society. The Employment Supports for Youth with Disabilities project rests on these values, a fact recognized by the Government of Canada. This is a vital initiative which I have advocated for and am very proud to support. I wish to thank Minister Hajdu for supporting ATN Access for Persons with Disabilities Inc., our region and an agenda that ensures vulnerable youth have the opportunity to succeed.” 

– Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre

“As a long-time friend of ATN and the honourary chair of the Ability First Coalition, I am keenly aware how important it is for the federal government to invest in young people with disabilities. With this grant, ATN will be able to offer 144 vulnerable youth the skills and knowledge necessary to give them a good start in the working world. Young people are the future of this community and their success is our success.”

– Kate Young, Member of Parliament for London West and Parliamentary Secretary for Science

“Young people with disabilities and employment barriers are some of the most marginalized members of our society. We thank the Government of Canada for its support of youth with disabilities in London-Middlesex and for providing ATN with this opportunity to help young people develop the employment skills they need to participate more fully in the workforce and the community.”

– Vicki Mayer, Executive Director, ATN Access for Persons with Disabilities Inc.

• 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.

• Total funding for YES was increased by $278 million in 2016–17, representing the largest investment since its launch.

• Budget 2017 is investing an additional $395.5 million over three years for YES, starting in 2017–18.

Related Products

• Backgrounder – Youth Employment Strategy

Associated Links

• Youth Employment Strategy

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

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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