SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, May 2, 2008 - The Honourable Carol Skelton, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced support that will help people with mental illness develop employment skills and obtain work placements.
Through the federal Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, the Crocus Co operative will receive $93,306 for its Feed and Fuel with Food project.
"The Government of Canada is committed to creating the best educated, most skilled and most flexible work force in the world," said Mrs. Skelton. "This project will help people with mental health disabilities get the skills and support they need to gain employment in the food industry and become more independent."
In Crocus Co-operative's project, there will be two 17-week training sessions with four participants in each. Participants will learn work readiness skills and participate in workshops on kitchen familiarity and food safety. Following the workshops, project facilitators will help participants find work placements.
"Crocus Co-op is a non-profit, charitable, member-guided organization that works on behalf of people recovering from mental illness," said Ms. Patricia Hanbidge, Executive Director. "This funding supports our mandate to help our members to grow through vocational and educational programming. Crocus is a place where people find companionship, understanding and support; a place to learn, work and heal."
The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities supports a wide range of employment activities for people with disabilities who are not normally eligible for such benefits under the Employment Insurance Act.
With an annual budget of $30 million, the Opportunities Fund helps people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and retain employment or self employment. The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities works in partnership with organizations, including the private sector, to support effective and innovative activities for people with disabilities.
As part of the federal government's commitment to help those who need care and support, Budget 2008 announced $110 million for the Mental Health Commission of Canada to support innovative demonstration projects to help Canadians facing mental health and homelessness challenges.
Other measures that the Government of Canada is undertaking for people with disabilities include:
- the Registered Disability Savings Plan;
- the Enabling Accessibility Fund; and
- the Working Income Tax Benefit.
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