Calgary, Alberta, April 17, 2009—Calgary area youth will benefit from the Government of Canada’s support for a local employment project. Mr. Devinder Shory, Member of Parliament for Calgary Northeast, 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. Shory. “We are proud to 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 Aspen Family and Community Network Society will receive $1,316,456 in federal Skills Link funding to support its Building Futures project, which will help 191 young Canadians facing employment barriers prepare for and find meaningful employment.
“Aspen is grateful for the ongoing support of the federal government in providing this funding for the youth of our city that face significant barriers to sustainable employment,” said Ms. Patti Brown, Program Manager of the Aspen Family and Community Network Society. “This program adds to our continuum of services that supports youth and their families to use their strengths to overcome challenges. We look forward to the continued flexible and supportive nature of this partnership.”
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.
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 who face barriers to employment obtain career information, develop skills, gain work experience, find good jobs and stay employed.
The program 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 Aspen Family and Community Network Society is a multi-service, community based organization that supports residents in the Municipality of Calgary, Alberta. Between March 15, 2007, and March 10, 2010, its Building Futures project will provide life and employability skills workshops and work experience to 191 Calgary area 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.
