REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, February 13, 2009- Saskatchewan youth facing employment barriers are getting valuable job-preparation training thanks to the Government of Canada's support of several local employment projects, announced the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"Canada's economy can only be as strong as its workers and families, particularly in challenging economic times, so we are taking action to strengthen tomorrow's work force by investing in Canada's youth today," said Minister Finley. "By working with our provincial and community partners to support these projects, we are helping Saskatchewan youth develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to move forward in their lives."
Three Saskatchewan communities will benefit from four youth-employment projects; two in Regina, one in Prince Albert, and one in Yorkton. Together these projects will help 33 unemployed Saskatchewan youth develop life and work skills through workshops, one-on-one counselling and work experience. These projects will receive over $208,000 in total funding through the federal Youth Employment Strategy Skills Link program.
"First Nations and Métis youth is the fastest growing segment of Saskatchewan's population and, as a result, represent a key component of our future labour force," Saskatchewan Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minster Rob Norris said. "The projects announced today will play a vital role in helping these young people gain the skills they need to secure employment and fully participate in the social and economic fabric of this province."
The Government of Canada is working in partnership with the provinces, communities and other stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the workforce and contribute to the quality of life in their communities.
Creating the best educated, most skilled, 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 on the Internet 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
Three Saskatchewan communities will benefit from four youth-employment projects; two in Regina, one in Prince Albert, and one in Yorkton. Together these projects will help 33 unemployed Saskatchewan youth develop life and work skills through workshops, one-on-one counselling and work experience.
Established in 1982, the Rainbow Youth Centre is a community organization that offers a variety of individual and group programs to meet the needs of Regina's youth. Between October 13, 2008 and March 27, 2009, the organization's Road to Employment program will provide work experience and case management for 18 Regina youth facing multiple barriers to employment.
A non-profit organization founded in 1978, la société historique de la Saskatchewan aims to preserve the history and culture of the Fransaskois community in Saskatchewan. Between December 1, 2008 and March 27, 2009 the organization will provide one Regina youth facing employment barriers with the opportunity to work in the Fransaskois community and develop employment skills that will help in finding a job in the Fransaskois or other French-language communities.
Founded in 1968, the Society for the Involvement of Good Neighbors (SIGN) is a private, non-profit organization that develops and delivers social programs in response to community needs. Between November 24, 2008 and March 31, 2009, SIGN will provide group-based employability skills workshops and work experience to six at-risk youth facing employment barriers in the Yorkton area.
Since its creation in the early 1990s, Jubilation Residential Centres Inc. has evolved its program offerings to include life and social skills development. Between October 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, the centre will provide group-based employability skills workshops and work experience for eight at-risk youth in the Prince Albert area.
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, gain work experience, find good jobs and stay employed.
Skills Link focuses on helping youth facing employment barriers 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 assessing the individual's specifics needs. The program helps youth develop 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.
