RICHMOND HILL, ontario, April 7, 2009—Young Canadians in Richmond Hill who face barriers to employment will get help developing the skills needed to find and keep quality jobs through an employment project supported by the Government of Canada. Mr. Paul Calandra, Member of Parliament for Oak Ridges–Markham, made the announcement 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 youth develop the skills needed to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Calandra. “Through this project, and others like it, we are helping young Canadians facing employment barriers gain the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential.”
Pathways for Children, Youth and Families of York Region will receive more than $286,000 in federal funding through the Government of Canada’s Skills Link program to deliver Base 4 Success. With this funding, Pathways will be able to help 200 youth identify their individual issues and goals, and to assist them in developing an employment action plan. Pathways will also support these youth in their job search, and teach them résumé writing and interview preparation skills.
“As an integral part of our Home Base Drop-in Centre, Base 4 Success will support approximately 400 youth this year alone,” said Ms. Mary Haffey, Chair of Pathways’ Volunteer Board of Directors. “Without this funding, the gap in services
supporting these youth would be severe, and we, along with the youth we serve, are truly appreciative of the continued support provided by the Government of Canada.”
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 its commitment to creating a strong work force 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, 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
Between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2010, Pathways for Children, Youth and Families of York Region will deliver outreach and assessment services to 400 youth facing barriers to employment in Richmond Hill, and will provide case management services to help 200 of these youth make a smooth transition to the labour market.
Pathways is a United Way member agency that has been supporting the York Region for over 20 years. The organization’s programs and facilities serve young families, children, youth and caregivers. Through its numerous programs, Pathways inspires and empowers young people in crisis to turn their lives around, and helps parents get their preschoolers off to a great start in life.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy, the Skills Link program is one of three 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.
