April 10, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, ONTARIO -The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, officially opened the Malvern Service Canada Centre today, and announced $364,376 in funding under the Skills Link program to support the West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre.
"This centre is a wonderful initiative. It will give young people in this community a place to go where they can feel welcome, comfortable and where the staff understands them on every level," said Minister Solberg. "And I'm very happy to announce a funding agreement with the West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre under the Youth Skills Link program, which will help youth facing barriers to finding or keeping a job develop the skills they need to succeed."
The Malvern Service Canada Centre is the result of partnerships with the City of Toronto and ServiceOntario. The Malvern Community Coalition, as well as students from local high schools, Blessed Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School, and Lester B. Pearson Collegiate Institute, also provided valuable insight into the needs of youth in the community and how a Service Canada Centre could address them. Another key contribution was made by youth from the area's Blessed Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School, who painted a mural in the centre.
Speaking at the event, Mayor David Miller said, "I'm pleased to see the Government of Canada is improving access to services for residents of the Malvern community. The City has determined this to be one of our priority communities and I'm encouraged that other levels of government are recognizing this. Giving residents better access to government services makes Toronto a more inclusive city."
As part of the project with the West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre, Canada's New Government is committing $364,376 over the next year to fund the Malvern Youth Community Employment program, which will help 80 youth facing a host of challenges find and keep work.
"This program offers hope to our youth an opportunity for them to further develop civic pride, engage in community development, and reclaim their community while acquiring valuable skills and training," said Lance Williams, Program Coordinator. "This dream is being realized today."
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 on request. Call 1-800-788-8282 on a touch-tone phone or through a teletypewriter (TTY).
Media inquiries:
Meeta Bhimani
416-973-4025
Communications Manager
Service Canada, Ontario
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.
