May 4, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GATINEAU, Quebec — The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Member of Parliament for Pontiac, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced funding for three local projects as part of the Youth Employment Strategy’s Skills Link program.
These projects will be carried out by the following organizations: the Centre de placement spécialisé du Portage, which will receive $137,929; the Société de Saint-Vincent de Paul, which will receive $126,331; and the Vallée jeunesse, which will receive $114,951.
“By funding projects such as these, Canada’s New Government is fulfilling one of its promises – to help youth acquire the skills and knowledge they need to find a job and kepp it in the long-term,” said Minister Cannon. “Thanks to this financial contribution of more than $375,000, Outaouais youth will have the opportunity to take part in personal development workshops that will give them work experience and allow them to make a positive contribution to their community.”
Service Canada is providing financial assistance for these projects through the Skills Link program, which helps youths facing barriers to employment acquire the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to participate in the job market. Thanks to projects such as these, youth gain knowledge of themselves and practical experience in diverse areas, which increases their independence and level of employability. At the end of these projects, the participating youth will have all the tools they need to realize their true potential.
The Skills Link program is one of three programs for youth. The other two are Summer Work Experience and Career Focus. These programs offer a range of activities to meet each participant’s needs .
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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Backgrounder
Organization
Project Description
Location
Amount
Centre de placement spécialisé du Portage
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As part of this project, 10 youths who have already been in conflict with the law will attend workshops in cabinetmaking and carpentry. They will then put their knowledge and skills to work during internships with businesses. Their completed projects will be given away to local organizations.
Gatineau
$137,929
Société de Saint-Vincent de Paul
Eight young dropouts will participate in this project. They will be responsible for each stage in producing a play, from writing it to presenting it before an audience. The play will deal with the difficulties youths have with integrating into society and the labour market.
Gatineau
$126,331
Vallée jeunesse
In the course of the project, eight young dropouts will take part in cooking and building maintenance activities. They will give the meals they prepare to organizations that help the area’s disadvantaged families.
Gatineau
$114,951
