May 19, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
04-46
TORONTO, ONTARIO - The Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced Government of Canada funding of $1,231,844 for three projects by the Jewish Vocational Service of Metropolitan Toronto (JVS Toronto) and COSTI. These three projects, under the Employment Assistance Services program, will provide employment services for 1,430 individuals.
"In today's economy, learning new tools and developing the appropriate skills and knowledge are essential for finding and keeping a job," said Minister Volpe. "These projects will provide important educational, social and employment support and services to unemployed individuals in Toronto and will help them to better adapt and respond to the changing skills demands that underpin our country's productivity and competitiveness."
Under the first project, Project Job Search, JVS Toronto will receive $300,223 to help 350 individuals who face multiple barriers to employment to find and keep employment. Participants will include individuals facing employment barriers such as communication and language issues; learning disabilities; addictions; depression or other psychological difficulties; and sporadic and long-term unemployment. The participants will develop an employment strategy, participate in workshops such as Career Exploration and Top Ten Employers, and work with an employment counsellor who will help them to establish realistic objectives while coaching them through the program.
Under the second project, Employment Assistance Services, JVS Toronto will also receive $443,621 to help 300 unemployed foreign-trained professionals and tradespeople to gain employment within their fields. Participants will receive work search strategy training and pre-employment workshops providing them with the appropriate tools to secure a job. JVS Toronto will also conduct surveys to evaluate the success and satisfaction of the participants.
Under the third project, Centre for Foreign-Trained Professionals and Tradespersons, COSTI will receive $488,000 to operate the Centre, which will help 780 individuals to assess credentials and determine skills that are transferable to the Canadian labour market.
Participants will also develop work search plans related to their education, training, interests, and background; learn and apply effective work search and interview techniques such as networking and portfolio building; and gain an understanding of the Canadian business and corporate culture. Staff at the Centre will also provide support for all individuals who graduate from the program and attempt to find work.
COSTI provides educational, social and employment services to help all immigrants in the Greater Toronto area to attain self-sufficiency in Canadian society. Today, COSTI operates six employment and training centres throughout Toronto and York region, six E.S.L. Training Centres, a Centre for Foreign-Trained Professionals and Tradespersons, a Rehabilitation Centre for people with disabilities, a Family Counselling Centre, and a 100-bed Reception Centre for people who have come to Canada as refugees. The agency strives to be a leader in community services, using a client-focused and proactive approach in planning, developing and delivering services. With over 170 staff members who, together, speak more than 30 languages, COSTI provides services to a diverse client base of 20,000 individuals annually.
The Jewish Vocational Service of Metropolitan Toronto helps people from all backgrounds and walks of life to overcome obstacles that prevent them from achieving their educational or economic potential. The organization provides programs that help a wide variety of employable people, including women, youth and new Canadians, to find work. It also provides programs for people with disabilities, injuries and illnesses. JVS Toronto is also well known for its educational and vocational services for employers, agencies, schools and organizations.
These projects are being funded through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's Employment Assistance Services. Employment Assistance Services help unemployed individuals by providing counselling, job search techniques, job search, and labour market information.
Funding for these projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal Budget.
These projects were reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's administration of its grant and contribution programs, and are subject to review under the Financial Administration Act.
PROJECT SUMMARIES
Job Search Project by the Jewish Vocational Service of Metropolitan Toronto: $300,223
Employment Assistance Services Project by the Jewish Vocational Service of Metropolitan Toronto: $443,621
Centre for Foreign-Trained Professionals and Tradespersons Project by COSTI: $488,000
Total Government of Canada funding: $1,231,844 through Employment Assistance Services
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For more information:
Stephanie Lewis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
(819) 994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
(819) 994-5559
