April 2, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LÉVIS, QUEBEC — Steven Blaney, Member of Parliament for Lévis—Bellechasse, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Minister responsible for Service Canada, today announced funding of $289,082 for the SEMPRO project, which will help youth acquire vital social and occupational skills.
“By funding this extensive project, Canada’s New Government is fulfilling one of its commitments,” said Mr. Blaney. “The Government is helping young people, the workforce of tomorrow, acquire the knowledge and skills they need to find and keep long-term employment. This project will allow them to show employers in the region what they are capable of and help them find their due place in the job market.”
Under the SEMPRO project, Carrefour jeunesse-emploi (CJE) de Desjardins will receive $289,082 to enable young people aged 16 to 30 living in the Desjardins district to enhance their employability through work experience. An initial group of young people has already completed the program and the second one will begin shortly. CJE de Desjardins works for the social and occupational integration of young adults by helping them develop their potential, creativity, independence and self-confidence, and turn their plans into action.
Through this project, young people will have an opportunity to gain better knowledge of themselves and participate in job search workshops. They will undergo an exploratory placement in the community, followed by a work placement with a local business for a 26-week period. This will help them develop their full potential and increase their chances of finding quality employment.
Service Canada is providing financial assistance for this project through the Skills Link program, which helps youth facing barriers to employment acquire the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to participate in the job market.
The Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy offers three programs: Skills Link, Summer Work Experience and Career Focus. These programs offer a wide range of activities and allow youth the flexibility of choosing the ones that meet their individual needs best.
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 however they choose – by phone, Internet, mail, or in person.
- 30 -
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request. Call 1-800-788-8282 on a touch-tone phone, or through a teletypewriter (TTY).
For more information (media only)
Diane Viau
Communications, Service Canada
(514) 982-2384, ext. 2498
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
Your Info Line
1-800-935-5555
youth.gc.ca.
