KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA, January 12, 2008-At least 420 people with disabilities in Kamloops and surrounding areas will be better prepared to find meaningful employment through a new project announced today by Ms. Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo. Ms. McLeod made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, at the BC Society of Training for Health and Employment Opportunities (THEO BC) office in Kamloops.
"The Government of Canada is helping Canadians with disabilities become more active in the work force and in their communities," said Ms. McLeod. "Through the Employment Assistance Services program, we support community organizations that help Canadians find jobs."
This project will enable THEO BC to help participants gain the skills they need to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. Individuals will take part in orientation sessions and disability employment needs assessments, as well as develop a career action plan. Other services offered by THEO BC include job coaching and volunteer work placements to help participants become job-ready.
The Government of Canada is providing $762,212 in funding for this project, which reflects its commitment to working in partnership with communities and stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the work force and contribute to the life of their communities.
"The Province of British Columbia recognizes the importance of support for our citizens seeking employment," said the Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development. "Working alongside the federal government to ensure people have skills in place to participate in our job market is a priority."
The Employment Assistance Services program is delivered by Service Canada, which provides one-stop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits. People interested in more information about this program can call 1 800 O-Canada, go on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca, or visit their local Service Canada Centre.
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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).
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
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, helping to prepare 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.
