EDMONTON, ALBERTA, February 18, 2009-Edmonton youth facing barriers to employment are getting valuable job-preparation training thanks to the Government of Canada's investment in a local employment project. Mr. Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, made the announcement 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 that will enable them to participate and succeed in the job market," said Mr. Hawn. "This project will help young Canadians facing employment barriers gain the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their potential."
The Action for Healthy Communities Society of Edmonton's Skills Link project will provide 12 inner-city youth facing multiple employment barriers to employment with life and job skills training to help them prepare for jobs or return to school. This project will receive more than $219,000 in funding through the federal Youth Employment Strategy's Skills Link program.
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 underscored this commitment in January when it introduced Canada's Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development.
"Action for Healthy Communities is committed to providing young people in Edmonton with the much-needed life skills and career exploration opportunities they need to make positive changes in their lives," said Ms. Idalia Ivon Pereira, Executive Director of the Action for Healthy Communities Society of Edmonton. "This project focuses on career exploration and real life experimentation, with ideas of individual and group analysis and critical thinking skills, as well as clear career goal setting. The support of both the Government of Canada and our community employers are important contributors to the success of the program and of our young participants."
The federal government works in partnership with the provinces and territories and other stakeholders to ensure 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.
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
A non-profit organization founded in 1995, the Action for Healthy Communities Society of Edmonton supports and encourages marginalized community members to use their skills, knowledge, culture and values to address community health issues and build a stronger community. Through its Skills Link project, the organization will help 12 inner-city Edmonton youth facing multiple employment barriers develop life and employability skills that will ensure 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 employment barriers obtain career information, develop skills and gain work experience.
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 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.
