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November 21, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, ONTARIO - Belinda Stronach, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister responsible for Democratic Renewal, today announced the upcoming establishment of a new Service Canada Centre in the Malvern area of Toronto, Ontario, which would target youth facing multiple barriers to employment, including those living with violence, and those involved with gangs.
"Service Canada is supporting communities and responding to the needs of Canadians, who have been asking for better access to government services. There is a need to increase services for youth and others in the community to address significant social challenges," said Minister Stronach. "This Centre will provide information, guidance and services to assist youth to find opportunities and make life transitions."
"Malvern is one of the City of Toronto's priority neighbourhoods for investment," Toronto Mayor David Miller said. "The decision to open a Service Canada Centre here shows the Federal Government's commitment to working with the City of Toronto to create more opportunities for young people."
The Service Canada Centre will provide youth facing barriers to employment with local access to Government of Canada services through one-on-one personal contact, telephone, computer assistance, and referral to the services of partner organizations in the area. It will provide employment assistance and information about Government of Canada programs and services. It will also provide a base for mobile outreach services across the city that target youth in need, with a focus on the most vulnerable neighbourhoods.
"The Government of Canada believes strongly in the importance of helping young people build a promising future," said Minister Stronach. "And we will partner with the City of Toronto, and other key stakeholders in the community to deliver service in this location."
In order to answer youth's needs, the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy offers three programs: Skills Link, Summer Work Experience and Career Focus. These programs provide flexibility to choose from a range of activities that can be tailored to meet individual needs.
The federal government's commitment to improving opportunities for youth, especially youth facing barriers to employment, is part of an ongoing effort to build a strong, vibrant Canada for the 21st century. The Government's strategy is to create a Canada where meaningful, long-term employment opportunities exist and the workforce is trained to meet the requirements of modern businesses.
Service Canada provides Canadians with one-stop, easy to access personalized service. It brings Government of Canada services and benefits together in a single delivery network. Canadians can access services by phone, by internet, by mail or in person.
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For further information (media only):
Normand Bergeron
Office of Minister Stronach
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Service Canada
(819) 994-5559
Public enquiries:
1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232)
TTY: 1 800 926-9105
servicecanada.gc.ca
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.
Minister Belinda Stronach and Mayor David Miller, in Toronto, Monday, November 21, 2005, speak with two youths after announcing that Service Canada and the City of Toronto will be partners in opening a Service Canada Centre targeting youth facing multiple barriers to employment in the Malvern area of Toronto
