HOBBEMA, ALBERTA, February 17, 2009-Twelve Aboriginal youth facing employment barriers will benefit from the Government of Canada's commitment to a local employment project. The new project was announced today by Mr. Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"In today's environment, it is more important than ever that youth develop the skills needed to help them participate and succeed in the job market," said Mr. Calkins. "This project will provide young Aboriginal people facing barriers to employment gain the skills, knowledge and work experience to get jobs or return to school."
The Louis Bull Tribe's Skills Link project will provide 12 Aboriginal youth facing multiple employment barriers with life and skills training to help them prepare for jobs or return to school. This project will receive $174,177 in funding through the federal Youth Employment Strategy's Skills Link program.
"We are pleased to partner with the federal government to help more Louis Bull youth discover their career aspirations," said the Honourable Hector Goudreau, Alberta Minister of Employment and Immigration. "Despite the recent economic slowdown, Alberta continues to experience a shortage of skilled workers, and we welcome the opportunity to help these young people plan their career paths and take advantage of the many opportunities Alberta has to offer," added Minister Goudreau.
The federal government is working in partnership with the provinces and territories and other stakeholders to make sure that 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.
Skills Link is part of the Government of Canada's strategy to create the best-educated, most-skilled and most flexible work force in the world. The Government's Economic Action Plan will help create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development.
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.
- 30 -
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
The Louis Bull Tribe is committed to creating a safe, healthy, prosperous and thriving Cree Nation. The Skills Link project will provide 12 Aboriginal youth facing multiple employment barriers with life and employability skills training to enable a successful transition to work or return to school.
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 employement barriers, such as single parents, Aboriginal youth, young persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, youth living in rural and remote areas and high school drop-outs. It offers a client-centred approach based on assessing an individual's specific needs. 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.
