DAWSON CREEK, BRITISH COLUMBIA, March 16, 2009—At-risk youth in Dawson Creek will be given an opportunity to gain employment skills thanks to the federal government’s commitment to a local employment project. The Honourable Jay Hill, Member of Parliament for Prince George–Peace River, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“It is more important than ever that youth develop the skills needed to participate and succeed in today’s job market,” said Mr. Hill. “This project will provide young Canadians facing employment barriers with an opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge, and work experience they need to reach their full potential.”
The Youth Outlook 360 and Resource Centre Society, previously known as the Parkhill Community School and Resource Centre, will receive $375,906 in federal funding through the Government of Canada’s Skills Link program. This funding has made it possible for the organization to help 40 at‑risk youth in Dawson Creek gain employment skills through developmental skills training.
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 its commitment to create a strong work force in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to 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 on the Internet at www.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
Between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2010, the Youth Outlook 360 and Resource Centre Society, previously know as the Parkhill Community School and Resource Centre, will provide 40 at-risk youth with an opportunity to overcome employment barriers through client assessment and case management services, and through the Group Based Employability Skills, Employability Skills through Community Service, and Employability Skills through Work Experience programs that will lead to enhanced skills, employment, or a return to school.
The mandate of the Youth Outlook 360 and Resource Centre Society is to provide education and resources to promote self-empowerment and community connectedness for all citizens of Dawson Creek.
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 youth who have dropped out of high school. 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.
