October 21, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LITTLE CURRENT, ONTARIO -Brent St. Denis, Member of Parliament for AlgomaManitoulinKapuskasing, on behalf of Belinda Stronach, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister responsible for Democratic Renewal , today announced $41,427 to the Manitoulin Tourism Association Inc., in order to help participants make a successful transition to the workplace.
"The Government of Canada recognizes the important work being done by the Manitoulin Tourism Association Inc. in helping these youth overcome barriers to employment," said Mr. St. Denis. "This project will provide participants with valuable experience that will enhance life and employability skills."
"The Government of Canada is committed to giving young people the opportunity to develop their full potential ." said Minister Stronach. "That is why we are pleased to support the Manitoulin Tourism Association, an organization that is providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to make the transition to the labour market. "
Under the project, the Manitoulin Tourism Association Inc. will help four young people enhance their employability skills and gain work experience in the tourism sector. Two participants, who will be hired as travel counsellors, will provide up-to-date travel information to clients, sell Manitoulin Island tour packages, and plan and organize vacations. As a program assistant, one youth will perform general administrative duties, such as photocopying, bookkeeping, editing and responding to public telephone enquiries. The fourth youth will be hired as an office clerk/Web administrator, responsible for updating a Web site, setting up local area networks and preparing reports.
The Skills Link program helps young people facing barriers to employment to acquire the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to participate in the job market.
The Government's commitment to improving opportunities for youth is part of an ongoing effort to build a strong, vibrant Canada for the 21 st century. The Government's strategy is to create a Canada where meaningful, long-term employment opportunities exist and the work force is trained to meet the requirements of modern businesses.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal Budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
This project has been reviewed to ensure its compliance with the Department's administration of its grant and contribution programs, and it is subject to review under the Financial Administration Act.
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For more information on programs under the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy, call the Youth Info Line at 1 800 935-5555, or visit our Web site at youth.gc.ca.
