April 10, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PONOKA , ALBERTA - Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin, and
Kevin Sorenson, Member of Parliament for Crowfoot, on behalf of the Honorable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced $436,300 in Youth Employment Strategy funding for the Microbusiness Training Centre. The funding will go towards helping youth from the communities of Ponoka, Rimbey and Bashaw find employment, start their own business or return to school.
"Canada's New Government is committed to funding innovative and effective programs that help rural young Canadians get career-related experience," said Mr. Calkins. "Investing in Canada's future helps us build a stronger economy, stronger communities, and a stronger society."
"Projects like these help give rural youth facing barriers to employment the opportunity to explore the world of business and develop skills that will serve them well in the future," explained Mr. Sorenson.
The program was developed by the Microbusiness Training Centre but will be offered through the local Community Adult Learning Councils in Ponoka, Bashaw and Rimbey. Participants will learn career, business development and personal skills to help them make informed choices about the opportunities available to them. They will be coached and mentored through a series of programs designed to help them achieve their goals, start a business, return to school or join the workforce.
"While Alberta is enjoying an economic boom, we still find that rural youth are facing a number of barriers to employment, particularly if they wish to stay in the community," said David Salsbury, president of Microbusiness Training Centre. "By working with Service Canada, we are able to provide business, employment and career options to young people that they may not have considered."
Service Canada is funding this project through the Skills Link program, one of three programs offered under the Youth Employment Strategy. The other two are Summer Work Experience and Career Focus. The Government of Canada is committed to improving opportunities for youth. By working with employers, community organizations and other levels of government, it is making sure youth have opportunities to develop their skills and gain the job experience required to contribute to a strong and productive workforce.
Service Canada brings Government of Canada services and benefits together in a single delivery network. It provides Canadians with one-stop, personalized service they can access however they choose - by phone at 1 800 O-Canada, Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca, or in person at Service Canada Centres across the country.
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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).
Media inquiries:
Katrina Carreiro
Service Canada Communications 780-495-6226
Media Relations Office
Service Canada 819-994-5559
Public inquiries:
1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232)
TTY: 1-800-926-9105 servicecanada.ca
Youth Info Line 1-800-935-5555
youth.gc.ca.
