March 14, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SASKATOON, SK — Lynne Yelich, Member of Parliament for Blackstrap and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced funding for a Saskatchewan Construction Association project targeted to help Saskatchewan’s booming construction industry address current and future human resources requirements. The funding, totaling $78,360, is intended to help employers and communities recruit young people to the construction trades.
“Canada’s New Government is proud to invest in initiatives that will ensure young Canadians can pursue careers in our country’s construction sector,” said Ms. Yelich. “Investing in Canada’s future will help us build a stronger economy, stronger communities, and a stronger society.”
Under the project, the Saskatchewan Construction Association will develop a strategic plan to address current and future human resources requirements by encouraging young women, Aboriginal youth and youth with disabilities to pursue careers in the construction trades. Activities will include youth fairs, career days, seminars, round tables, consultations with industry employers and community stakeholders.
Service Canada is funding this project through Youth Awareness Initiatives. Youth Awareness activities, delivered by employers, employer associations and/or organizations, respond to the changing needs of the labour market and encourage communities to recognize youth as the workforce of the future.
In budget 2006, Canada’s New Government announced several measures to encourage jobs in the skills trades, including:
An Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit of up to $2,000 per apprentice, for each of the first two years of their contract;
An Apprenticeship Incentive Grant of $1,000 per year for the first two years of a Red Seal apprenticeship program and other programs; and
A $500 deduction for the cost of tools, which is an investment of $155 million over two years benefitting approximately 700,000 employed tradespeople in Canada .
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This news release is available in alternative formats, on request. Call 1 800 788-8282 on a touch-tone phone, or through a teletypewriter (TTY).
For more information (media only):
Craig Henry
Manager, Communications and Marketing
Service Canada Saskatchewan
(306) 539-1659
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
