CALGARY, ALBERTA, April 24, 2009—Calgary area youth will benefit from the Government of Canada’s support for a local employment project. Mr. Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre, 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 have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Richardson. “We are proud to not only be informing our youth about careers in the high-demand trade sector, but also helping them develop the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential.”
The YWCA of Calgary will receive $461,244 in federal Skills Link funding to support the Vermilion/YWCA Skills Training Centre project, which will help 48 young Canadians facing employment barriers prepare for and find meaningful employment.
“The support we are receiving from the Government of Canada through its Skills Link program is critical to the YWCA of Calgary and its ability to offer the Vermilion/YWCA Skills Training project,” said Ms. Jill Wyatt, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA of Calgary. “Because of this funding, young people who have been underemployed or unemployed in Calgary are now learning a trade and life skills that lead them to a career and not just a job.”
The federal government works with the provinces and territories, communities and other stakeholders to provide Canadians with the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the workforce and contribute to their communities.
Skills Link is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government underscored its commitment to this strategy in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, a key component of which 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, visit servicecanada.gc.ca or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.
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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
The YWCA of Calgary is a multi-service, community-based organization that supports residents in Calgary, Alberta, and has been serving the community since 1910. Between April 27, 2009, and April 23, 2010, the organization will offer group-based employability skills workshops to 48 youth facing employment barriers, in order to help ease their transition to employment 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 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.
