June 23, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KAMLOOPS, British Columbia-New Canadians and members of visible minorities in the Kamloops area who are currently unemployed will get help to re-enter the work force, thanks to a federally funded program. At the same time, local employers facing labour shortages will have greater access to skilled employees. Betty Hinton, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development.
"Our government is committed to creating the best educated, most skilled, and most flexible work force in the world," said Ms. Hinton. "Not only will this funding help 500 immigrants and members of visible minorities in the Kamloops area who need employment and career help, but it will also benefit local employers and the local economy."
The Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Society will receive $244,599 in funding from Service Canada's Employment Assistance Services program to support job-search facilities and employment counselling. These projects reflect the Government of Canada's commitment to creating a strong economy for all Canadians.
The Government of Canada has taken steps to ensure that skilled immigrants get to Canada when their skills are in demand, and that newcomers to Canada can more fully participate in the labour market.
The Government has also created the Foreign Credentials Referral Office to help internationally trained individuals find the information and access the services they need to put their skills to work quickly in Canada.
Through its Advantage Canada plan, the Government is building on Canada's strengths and gaining a global competitive advantage by creating the best educated, most skilled, and most flexible work force in the world, reducing taxes for all Canadians, increasing competition in the marketplace, and building modern infrastructure.
Service Canada brings Government of Canada services and benefits together in a single delivery network. It provides Canadians with one-stop service they can access however they choose-by phone at 1 800 O Canada, on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca, or in person at Service Canada Centres across the country.
A backgrounder is attached.
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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)
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Backgrounder
Employment Assistance Services
The Employment Assistance Services (EAS) program provides funding to organizations that offer employment services to help clients re-enter the labour market. Funding for the EAS program was provided for in the March 2007 federal budget.
All unemployed Canadians have access to a range of services under the EAS program. However, some EAS offerings are available only to clients who are eligible to receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, or who have recently been receiving EI benefits.
Employment Assistance Services include providing clients with information about the labour market, help preparing résumés, career-planning services, employment counselling, diagnostic assessment, help with job-search skills, job-finding clubs, and job-placement services.
Eligible recipients of EAS funding are businesses (including federal Crown corporations and provincial/territorial Crown corporations), organizations, individuals, public health and educational institutions, municipal governments, and band/tribal councils, as well as some provincial/territorial government departments and agencies. These entities act as employers or service coordinators under the program.
This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with Service Canada's administration of its grants and contributions programs, and is subject to review under the Financial Administration Act.
