June 18, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland and Labrador —The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced $961,279 in funding for a program to help Newfoundland and Labrador youth gain valuable work experience. The Student Work and Service Program (SWASP), Community Service Component, is administered by the Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador, and helps current and potential post-secondary students in Newfoundland and Labrador gain career-related experience through placements with non-profit, voluntary sector organizations throughout the province.
“The Government of Canada is proud to invest in this project, which will help more than 400 students,” said Minister Hearn. “Participants will have the opportunity to acquire the work skills and experience they need to reach their goals and fulfill their true potential.”
Approved SWASP applicants complete a 280-hour community service placement with a non-profit organization, and receive a $75-per-week stipend and a tuition credit voucher worth up to $1400.
“SWASP provides tremendous support to hundreds of students while also helping hundreds of voluntary and non-profit sector organizations meet their objectives,” explains Penelope M. Rowe, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador. “Our organization is delighted to be administering this unique and innovative program, which offers young people the chance to improve their skills and learn the importance of contributing to their communities.” Ms. Rowe noted that successful applicants throughout the province will be notified within the next couple of weeks.
Federal government funding for SWASP is provided by the Partners in Promoting Summer Employment Program.
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. For information on Service Canada’s youth services, call the Youth Info Line at 1-800-935-5555.
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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:
Lorne Lambert
Regional Manager Communications
Service Canada
709-772-5346
Penelope Rowe
Community Services Council
Chief Executive Officer, Community Services Council
(709) 753-9860
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
