HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, May 20, 2008-The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced new funding under the Workplace Skills Initiative for the Work in Nova Scotia (WINS): Workplace Skills Enhancement project.
"This project will go a long way towards helping newcomers find and keep Canadian jobs, as well as addressing skills gaps and labour shortages in small- and medium-sized businesses," said Minister Solberg. "Our government made an important commitment in our long-term economic plan, Advantage Canada, to create the best educated, most skilled, and most flexible work force in the world. With today's announcement, we are one step closer to getting this done in Nova Scotia."
The Government of Canada is investing over $560,000 through the Workplace Skills Initiative to help integrate newcomers into the workplace and provide them with the skills they need to reach their employment goals. It is estimated that approximately 350 individuals and 250 small- and medium-sized enterprises will benefit from this project. WINS is managed by the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association and was launched as a bridging program to help newcomers in Nova Scotia achieve their employment goals.
"We are thrilled with the funding, which will allow us to enhance the labour market supports we already offer. It will help us reach newcomers living outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality and provide additional services to both employers and newcomers wishing to develop new workplace skills," said Ms. Claudette Legault, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association. "The project also complements the goals of the Province in relation to its immigration and labour, and work force development strategies. It is a win-win situation for us all."
The Province of Nova Scotia, through the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration, has also committed $36,275 in support for the project.
"We are pleased to be one of MISA's funding partners for this initiative, which helps new immigrants gain access to job opportunities and advance their career goals. Newcomers who have meaningful employment are more likely to succeed and stay here," said Nova Scotia Immigration Minister Len Goucher. "Attracting and retaining new immigrants is vital to Nova Scotia's economic growth."
Today's announcement launches the second phase of the project, which focuses on helping small- and medium-sized businesses. This project will also provide the opportunity to further develop and deliver programs across Nova Scotia that make use of computer and Internet resources to offer skills enhancement activities to under-employed immigrants who cannot access in-person services.
The Workplace Skills Initiative funds projects that mobilize and transform Canadian workplaces to meet both present and future challenges. This Initiative promotes and tests promising approaches to skills development and improved human resources practices for employed Canadians, encourages employers to invest in the skills of their employees, and helps the Government of Canada develop labour market policy and programming. A third Call for Proposals for the Workplace Skills Initiative has just been launched.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
Visit the new Human Resources and Social Development Canada Web site www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
For more information (media only):
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
Mary Anna Jollymore
Communications Director
Nova Scotia Office of Immigration
902-424-3742
