FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK, February 21, 2008 - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and the Honourable Ed Doherty, Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour for New Brunswick, are pleased to announce an agreement aimed at meeting the needs of unemployed older workers.
"We know that if hard times hit a community, older workers are deeply affected. They have been self-reliant and independent all their working lives, and they've worked hard at their jobs, year after year, building security for their families," said Minister Thompson. "That's why I am pleased to announce that the governments of Canada and New Brunswick have signed a $3.1 million agreement to help unemployed older workers in New Brunswick get the training they need to get back into the workforce."
The Canada-New Brunswick Agreement on Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) will allow unemployed older workers across New Brunswick to take part in activities such as skills assessment and upgrading, counselling and work experience. These activities are aimed at unemployed older workers aged 55 to 64 and will be offered through projects delivered at the community level. Under this agreement, the Government of Canada will be providing up to $2,625,684, while the Government of New Brunswick will provide up to $500,130 and will be in charge of the design and delivery of the projects funded through this initiative.
The Centre de Bénévolat de la Péninsule Acadienne will receive over $1 million to deliver Nouveau Départ 55+, a project that will provide specific training, employment assistance and work experience to 60 individuals from the Acadian Peninsula.
The TIOW, which represents a $70-million federal commitment, provides programming until March 31, 2009. Under this initiative, the provinces and territories that have chosen to participate are responsible for identifying vulnerable communities and project design and delivery. In most cases, the participating provinces and territories will then work with organizations in affected communities to develop projects.
"This partnership provides us with a unique opportunity to pilot new practices and approaches that help employers to fill key human resource needs," said Minister Doherty. "Ensuring that New Brunswickers get the skills training they need to be successful is essential in positioning our province as a leader in economic development and achieving self-sufficiency, as detailed in the Charter for Change."
The TIOW is part of the Government of Canada's two-part strategy for assisting older workers. In addition to the TIOW, an Expert Panel on Older Workers has been appointed to study labour market conditions affecting older workers. The Panel is looking at other potential measures to help older workers, including improved training. The TIOW offers programming to meet the immediate needs of unemployed older workers pending the outcome of the study.
- 30 -
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
Visit the new Human Resources and Social Development Canada Web site at www.hrsdc.gc.ca .
For more information (media only):
Ms. Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2482
Andrew Holland
Marketing and Public Information Officer
Department of Post-Secondary Education,
Training and Labour
506-444-5655
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
