SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, January 9, 2009-Thanks to two new federal projects, approximately 1,000 unemployed individuals living in the Surrey area will get help finding meaningful and lasting employment. Ms. Nina Grewal, Member of Parliament for Fleetwood–Port Kells, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"Our government is taking action to support Canadians in difficult times because our economy will only remain as strong as our workers and families," said Ms. Grewal. "Canada is built on a promise of opportunity; the chance to work hard, raise a family and make a better life. Today, it is more important than ever to ensure that all Canadians share in the promise of this land."
Canada's government is committing almost $1.5 million in Employment Assistance Services funding to SCCI Project Restart. This funding will help almost 800 unemployed people who face barriers to employment acquire the skills, knowledge and experience to obtain and maintain full-time employment.
In addition, the Government of Canada is committing over $1.4 million in Targeted Wage Subsidy funding to Career Connections Training Centre. This money will help at least 200 unemployed persons who face barriers to employment acquire the knowledge and experience to obtain and maintain full-time employment. The Targeted Wage Subsidy program enables community organizations to provide wage subsidies to employers to help unemployed individuals find employment and gain work experience.
These projects reflect the federal government's commitment to working with the provinces and territories, communities and stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities needed to participate in the work force and contribute to their communities.
The Employment Assistance Services program and the Targeted Wage Subsidy program are delivered by Service Canada, which provides one-stop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits. For more information, call 1-800-O-Canada, go on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca or visit your local Service Canada Centre.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Service Canada Communications
604-666-2337
Backgrounder
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.
Services include providing clients with information about the labour market, helping to prepare résumés, career-planning services, employment counselling, diagnostic assessment, help with job-search skills, job-finding clubs, and job-placement services.
Between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010, SCCI Project Restart will help almost 800 unemployed individuals in the Surrey area to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment.
The Targeted Wage Subsidy is an employment benefit program that provides funding to employers to encourage them to hire Employment Insurance-eligible individuals whom they would not usually hire without a subsidy. The Targeted Wage Subsidy program helps unemployed individuals enhance their skills and improve their employability. The expectation is that the subsidy will lead to a permanent job, either with the current employer or with another employer.
Under the Targeted Wage Subsidy program, funding is distributed through Community Coordinators, who administer wage subsidy agreements with eligible employers. The Community Coordinator can be a business, an individual, an organization, a federal Crown corporation, a corporation, a public health and educational institution, a municipal government, or a band/tribal council.
Between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010, Career Connections Training Centre will help a minimum of 200 unemployed individuals become employed through wage subsidy agreements with employers.
