SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, January 22, 2009-More than 2,400 unemployed people in the Surrey area will benefit from the Government of Canada's commitment to local employment projects. Russ Hiebert, Member of Parliament for South Surrey, White Rock and Cloverdale, 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 Mr. Hiebert. "In supporting this project, the Government of Canada is helping provide participants with the training, skills and opportunities they need to work, support their families, and contribute to their communities."
The Peace Arch Community Services Society will receive more than $1.7 million for its Employment Resource Centre project under the Government of Canada's Employment Assistance Services program. Through this project, the Employment Resource Centre will help more than 2,400 unemployed people in the Surrey area find and keep jobs.
"There are jobs in our province that need to be filled, and we are pleased to work alongside the Government of Canada to ensure that the people of B.C. have every opportunity to secure meaningful employment," said the Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development.
Surrey is a fast-growing urban area with a diverse population and long-term increasing labour requirements. The project will focus on preparing participants for employment in specific occupations.
This project reflects the federal government's commitment to working in partnership with the provinces and territories, communities and stakeholders to help make the tools and opportunities available for Canadians to participate in the workforce and contribute to their communities.
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
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Service Canada Communications
604-666-2337, ext. 5478
Backgrounder
Peace Arch Community Services is an accredited non-profit organization that oversees the coordination of a broad range of social support services in Surrey, Delta and White Rock. They have been working with Service Canada for the past eight years, as well as delivering a variety of other successful employment programs since 1978.
Between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010, the Peace Arch Community Services Society (PACS) Employment Resource Centre will provide employment assistance services to a minimum of 2,400 unemployed individuals who are legally entitled to work in Canada to prepare them to obtain and maintain employment.
The Employment Assistance Services program funds organizations that offer employment services to help clients re-enter the labour market. All unemployed Canadians have access to a range of services under the Employment Assistance Services program. However, some Employment Assistance Services benefits are available only to clients who are eligible to receive Employment Insurance benefits, or who have recently been receiving them. 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 Employment Assistance Services program 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.
