EDMONTON, ALBERTA, April 20, 2009-Ten youth who have recently dropped out of school will receive help getting jobs or returning to school, thanks to Government of Canada support for a local employment project. Mr. Peter Goldring, Member of Parliament for Edmonton East, 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 our youth develop the skills needed to participate and succeed in the job market," said Mr. Goldring. "We are proud to provide young Canadians with an opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential."
The Wecan Cooperative for Community and Economic Development will receive $89,932 in federal Skills Link funding to support its Wecan Connect project, which will help 10 young Canadians who face employment barriers return to school and prepare for and find meaningful employment.
"The Wecan Cooperative is proud to work in conjunction with the federal government to address the challenges our young adults face," said Ms. Karen Cook, Director of the Wecan Cooperative for Community and Economic Development. "This program focuses on identifying youth's potential and connects them to an attainable future."
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 www.servicecanada.gc.ca or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.
- 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 May 4, 2009, and September 4, 2009, the Wecan Cooperative for Community and Economic Development will provide an 18-week group-based employment skills program to 10 Edmonton area youth facing employment barriers. The program will teach them life and employment skills through developmental training and work placements. Through its programs, the organization inspires and empowers young people to return to school, and helps them enhance their employability by providing them with the support needed to enter and succeed in the workplace.
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.
