SUMMERSIDE, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, April 20, 2009—The Government of Canada is providing support that will enable the Grand River Hall renovation project to provide on-the-job training to four unemployed people. The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for Egmont, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Our government is committed to supporting Canadians in difficult times and helping them contribute to the quality of life in their communities,” said Minister Shea. “With this project, our government is providing work experience for unemployed Islanders today, which will result in a refurbished Grand River Hall to serve the community for years to come.”
The Grand River Hall Committee will receive $72,748 in federal Job Creation Partnerships (JCP) funding to support renovations to the community hall. Funded under the Canada-Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, the JCP will provide four unemployed workers with the opportunity to develop the skills and experience they need to find and maintain employment in construction trades.
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is proud to work with community-based organizations such as the Grand River Hall Committee,” said the Honourable Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning for Prince Edward Island. “This project will have a positive impact on the rural community of Grand River, as it will rejuvenate the community hall while providing valuable experience for local individuals seeking careers in the skilled trades.”
The federal government is working 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.
“We are very pleased with the funding provided through the Canada-PEI Labour Market Development Agreement. Our rural hall has been a focal point of community activities for many years. This funding enables us to make necessary renovations that will ensure that the hall continues to be available for a variety of activities that will support the community and its members,” stated Mr. Doug MacDougall, Chair of the Grand River Hall renovation project.
The Job Creation Partnerships program offers participants valuable work experience, and 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 this commitment in January when it introduced Canada’s Economic Action Plan, a key component of which is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development.
JCP 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.
Further information can be found in the attached backgrounder.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
National Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
The Grand River Hall Committee is a not-for-profit organization that oversees the day-to-day activities of the Grand River Hall. Between February 9, 2009, and June 12, 2009, Employment Insurance-eligible workers will develop trade skills as carpenter’s helpers through 18 weeks of work experience renovating the Grand River Hall.
The Job Creation Partnerships (JCP) program supports projects that create jobs for unemployed, insured individuals that provide opportunities to gain meaningful work experience. While the primary focus is on helping participants, funded projects must also benefit the larger community.
JCP is funded through the Canada-Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, which is co-managed by Service Canada and the provincial Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning. Under the agreement, the federal and provincial governments manage labour market development programs and services in Prince Edward Island. These programs and services are funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by Service Canada through local Service Canada Centres.
