WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, February 6, 2009 - At-risk youth in Manitoba will get valuable job-preparation training thanks to the Government of Canada's investment in several employment projects. The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament for Charleswood - St. James- Assiniboia and Minister of State (Democratic Reform) made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"Improving opportunities for youth is part of the Government of Canada's strategy to create a productive workforce and a stronger economy," said Mr. Fletcher. "In supporting these projects, we are helping young Canadians develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to move forward in their lives."
Three Manitoba communities will benefit from seven youth-employment projects; three in Winnipeg, three in Dauphin and one in Brandon. Together, these projects will help 98 unemployed Manitoba youth develop life and work skills through workshops, one-on-one counselling and work experience. These projects will receive over $750,000 in total funding through the federal Youth Employment Strategy Skills Link program.
The federal government is working in partnership with the province and other stakeholders to make sure Canadians get the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the work force and contribute to the quality of life in their communities.
Creating the best-educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world has always been a priority for Canada's Government. With the Canada Skills and Transition Strategy outlined in Canada's Economic Action Plan, our government is committed to making this goal a reality by enhancing access to training for Canadian workers.
The Skills Link 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 online at servicecanada.gc.ca or visit your local Service Canada Centre.
A backgrounder is attached.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon 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
Backgrounder
Three Manitoba communities will benefit from 7 youth-employment projects; 3 in Winnipeg, 3 in Dauphin and 1 in Brandon. Together, these projects will help 98 unemployed Manitoba youth develop life and work skills through workshops, one-on-one counselling and work experience. Each program aims to help targeted youth successfully transition to employment, further education or referral to a subsequent intervention.
Winnipeg's Salvation Army Multicultural Family Centre provides programs and services to enhance the quality of life for the multicultural communities within the framework, philosophy and values of the Salvation Army. Between January 21, 2008 and March 31, 2009, the Centre is delivering the Life and Employability Enhancement Program (LEEP) to 25 youths who are recent immigrants or refugees from war-affected countries who are eligible to work in Canada. The program offers 24 weeks of life and employability skills workshops and 27 weeks of monitored work experience to ease the transition to employment or further education.
A registered charity, Winnipeg's Macdonald Youth Services has been providing a range of quality assessment, treatment, and support services to individuals, families and communities for the past 75 years. Between January 5, 2009 and January 1, 2010, the organization will offer its Support Towards Education/Employment Participant (STEP) project. Targeting 42 youth with multiple barriers to employment and few supports, the project includes 17 weeks of employability and life skills through community service.
Elmwood Community Resource Centre and Area Association is a non-profit community development organization, established in Winnipeg in 2001. Through its Elmwood Youth Employment Experience (EYEE) project, the organization will deliver 8 weeks of group-based employability skills classes and 8 weeks of work experience to 12 youth facing barriers to employment between August 4, 2008 and March 31, 2009.
Run by a local church, Parkland Crossing is a multifaceted community organization in the City of Dauphin. Between January 5, 2009 and March 31, 2009, its Dauphin At-Risk Teens (D.A.R.T.) project will help 6 at-risk youth between 15 and 17 identify barriers to unemployment and access services to develop the broad range of skills and knowledge necessary to participate in the current and future labour market.
Mountain View School Division pairs a rich tapestry of culture and geography with a mission to enable its students to realize their full potential. Between November 3, 2008 and March 31, 2009, the organization provides work experience and skills development to 3 Aboriginal or single-parent youth living in rural communities to help them become qualified Educational Assistants for future employment.
In providing leadership and direction on business and community growth, Dauphin Economic Development works with entrepreneurs and investment groups to start business ventures as well as facilitate and coordinates community projects. The organization's Parkland Youth Entrepreneur Program will help 4 youth facing barriers to employment develop the skills necessary to successfully start their own business ventures through entrepreneur workshops between August 4, 2008 and March 27, 2009.
Career Connections Inc. is a non-profit, Brandon-based agency dedicated to finding sustainable employment for persons with disabilities. Between December 1, 2008 and March 27, 2009, its Neighbourhood Eco Team project will offer life-skills workshops and work exploration opportunities to 6 youth facing barriers to employment.
As part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy, the Skills Link program is one of three Government of Canada programs that help young Canadians facing barriers to employment obtain career information, develop skills, gain work experience, find good jobs and stay employed.
Skills Link focuses on helping youth facing barriers to employment such as single parents, Aboriginal youth, young persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, youth living in rural and remote areas and high school dropouts. It offers a client-centred approach based on an assessment of the specific needs of individual youth. The program supports youth in developing basic and advanced employment skills. Eligible participants between 15 and 30 years of age – who are not receiving Employment Insurance benefits – are assisted through a coordinated approach, offering longer-term supports and services that can help them find and keep a job.
