LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, January 20, 2009-Unemployed workers facing barriers to employment in British Columbia's Lower Mainland will benefit from the Government of Canada's commitment to two local employment projects. Mr. Mark Warawa, Member of Parliament for Langley, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"Canada's economy is only as strong as its workers and families, so we are committed to strengthening tomorrow's work force by investing in Canadians today," said Mr. Warawa. "In supporting these projects, the Government of Canada is helping unemployed workers in the region develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to move forward in their lives."
Myert Corps Inc. will receive $4.38 million under the Government of Canada's Employment Assistance Services program for two employment projects. The Community Employment Resource Centre project will help over 12,000 unemployed individuals prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. The Youth Employment Zone will target 1,200 unemployed, job-ready youth for job search skills development that will provide a strong foundation for entry into the labour market.
"We are pleased to partner with the federal government to ensure that our citizens are able to develop and utilize the skills that will keep them active in our employment market and in our communities," said the Honourable Rich Coleman, British Columbia Minister of Housing and Social Development.
This project reflects the federal government's commitment to working in partnership with the provinces and territories, communities and other stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the work force and contribute to their communities.
Currently, the Employment Assistance Services program is delivered by Service Canada, which provides one-stop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits. For more information about this program, call 1-800-O-Canada, go on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca or visit your local Service Canada Centre.
Under the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, effective February 2, 2009, the Province will assume responsibility for the design and delivery of Employment Insurance-funded Employment Benefits and Support Measures. The Government of Canada will provide funding directly to the Province to deliver these programs.
Further information can be found in the attached backgrounder.
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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
National Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Regional Media Relations Office
Service Canada Communications
604-666-2337, ext.
Backgrounder
Established in 1995, Myert Corps Inc. is a private company that delivers employment assistance, placement and support services in the Fraser Valley and the Lower Mainland. Its primary goal is to help youth and adults achieve autonomy and self-sufficiency through education and employment development.
As one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, Surrey/Langley will need a range of skilled workers. Between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010, Myert Corps Inc.'s Community Employment Resource Centre will help over 12,000 unemployed individuals prepare for employment in high-demand occupations.
Identified as a high-priority target group, youth in the Lower Mainland will benefit from the organization's Youth Employment Zone project. Between January 28, 2009, and January 27, 2011, the project will help 1,200 unemployed, job-ready youth prepare for and find employment.
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.
