April 13, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EDMONTON, ALBERTA —Rahim Jaffer, Member of Parliament for Edmonton – Strathcona, on behalf of the Honorable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced $226,847 in Skills Link funding for the Youth Emergency Shelter Society (YESS). The funding will be used to help youth facing barriers to employment make a successful transition into the workforce.
“Canada’s New Government is proud to support the efforts of Edmonton’s Youth Emergency Shelter Society,” said Mr. Jaffer. “YESS delivers crucial services to youth in crisis, offering them the tools they need to learn to help themselves and become independent, contributing members of society.”
The Youth Emergency Shelter Society program, Strategies to Achieve Results or STAR, will help young people between the ages of 15 and 18 develop the personal and career skills they need to find and keep a job. Participants will attend a series of workshops that teach life skills, relationship building, work preparation and job search skills. They will also gain work experience through a 12-week work placement.
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. Canada’s New Government is committed to improving opportunities for youth. By working with employers and community organizations, it is ensuring that 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
780-495-6226
Communications Manager Service Canada
Media Relations Office
Service Canada 819-994-5559
Public inquiries:
1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232)
TTY: 1-800-926-9105 servicecanada.gc.ca
Youth Info Line 1-800-935-5555
youth.gc.ca.
