HAZELTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA, March 26, 2009—Aboriginal youth in the Bulkley Valley who face barriers to entering the job market will be offered life and employability skills training through Government of Canada funding for a local project, Youth Works − Community Development Learning.
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade, Minister for the Asia‑Pacific Gateway and Member of Parliament for Okanagan–Coquihalla, made the announcement today 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 young Canadians develop the skills needed to help them participate and succeed in the job market,” said Minister Day. “This project is helping Aboriginal youth in the Bulkley Valley gain the skills, knowledge and experience they need to reach their full potential.”
The Upper Skeena Development Centre will receive over $124,000 in federal Skills Link funding to support its Youth Works − Community Development Learning project. The Youth Works project will provide six Aboriginal youth with life and employability skills training to help them prepare for jobs or return to school.
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 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.
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.
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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
819-994-5955
Established in 1998, the Upper Skeena Development Centre promotes economic sustainability through social, economic and educational development that enables people to have an active and meaningful role in their community. Between November 3, 2008, and June 12, 2009, the Centre, through its Youth Works − Community Development Learning project, will help a minimum of six unemployed Aboriginal youth facing multiple employment barriers develop life and employability skills through workshops and work experience on community development projects.
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.
