NELSON, BRITISH COLUMBIA, January 20, 2009-The Government of Canada will help more than 6,000 unemployed youth in Nelson and the surrounding area prepare for, find and keep jobs, announced 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 taking action to strengthen tomorrow's work force by investing in Canada's youth today," said Minister Finley. "In supporting this project, the Government of Canada is helping Nelson-area youth develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to move forward in their lives."
"The Mayor and Council are strong supporters of the Youth Employment Resource Centre. They are very pleased that the Government of Canada has recognized the valuable service the Centre provides to our community by continuing to provide funding for its operation," says Ms. Linda Tynan, Director of Corporate Services for the City of Nelson.
The Nelson and District Youth Centre's Youth Employment Resource Centre will receive more than $450,000 in funding support for its Youth Employment Assistance Strategy project under the Government of Canada's Employment Assistance Services program.
"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."
This project is an example of how the federal government works 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.
Under the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, beginning 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
Backgrounder
The Nelson and District Youth Centre is a not-for-profit organization that aims to create a safe, accepting and empowering community where all youth can interact and access a variety of programs, services and activities they need and enjoy. The Centre offers youth employment services through its Youth Employment Resource Centre.
Between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010, the Nelson and District Youth Centre, through its Youth Employment Assistance Strategy project, will help over 6,000 unemployed and under-employed youth in Nelson and the surrounding area prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. Activities available to participants include counselling, case management, as well as developing and completing a return-to-work action plan.
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 program was provided for in the March 2007 federal budget.
All unemployed Canadians have access to a range of services under the 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.
Program services include information about the labour market, helping to prepare résumés, career planning, employment counselling, diagnostic assessment, help with job search skills, job-finding clubs, and job placement.
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.
