CHESTER, NOVA SCOTIA, April 15, 2009—Unemployed workers facing barriers to employment on Nova Scotia’s South Shore will benefit from the Government of Canada’s commitment to a local employment project. Mr. Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margaret’s, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Canada’s economy depends on its workers and families. That is why the Government of Canada is taking action to strengthen tomorrow’s workforce through strategic investments today,” said Mr. Keddy. “In supporting this project, our government is working with the South Shore Community Service Association to help unemployed Nova Scotians develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to get good jobs.”
The South Shore Community Service Association will receive $247,166 under the Government of Canada’s Employment Assistance Services program for its South Shore Work Activity Program. This project will help 45 unemployed individuals facing multiple and severe employment barriers develop the skills they need to get a job, return to school or proceed to further training.
“Community-based services aimed at unemployed citizens in our region are vitally important in this current economic climate,” said Mr. David Outhouse, Managing Director, South Shore Community Service Association. “Through the support of the Government of Canada, the South Shore Work Activity Program will be able to continue to offer a variety of employment readiness supports that will help people gain entry to the labour market, not only here on the South Shore but in other parts of Nova Scotia. This investment ensures that unemployed men and women continue to have access to individualized supports that help ensure success in the world of employment.”
The federal government is working in partnership 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.
“The Government of Nova Scotia is pleased to continue our partnership with the South Shore Work Activity Program and the federal government,” said the Honourable Chris d’Entremont, Nova Scotia Minister of Community Services. “Providing education and training opportunities is just one way we are helping Nova Scotians develop the kinds of skills our employers are looking for.”
The Employment Assistance Services program is one of a broad range of Employment Insurance training programs that help unemployed Canadians quickly find work, and develop a skilled labour force that meets current and emerging needs of employers.
It 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 the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development.
Currently, the Employment Assistance Services 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, go on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca or visit your local Service Canada Centre.
Under the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Development Agreement, effective July 1, 2009, the Province will assume responsibility for the design and delivery of Employment Insurance-funded Employment Benefits and Support Measures. The Government of Canada will provide funding directly to the Province to deliver these programs.
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 South Shore Community Service Association, through its South Shore Work Activity Program, provides instruction, assessment and other programs to participants 18 years and older whose personal, physical or social challenges make it hard for them to find employment. Between March 30, 2009, and March 31, 2010, the Association will provide 52 weeks of employment readiness programming to 45 unemployed individuals facing multiple employment barriers in the Lunenburg and Queens Counties.
The Employment Assistance Services program provides funding to organizations that offer employment services to help clients re-enter the labour market. Funding for the program was provided for in the March 2007 federal budget.
All unemployed Canadians have access to a range of services under the program. However, some services are available only to clients who are eligible to receive Employment Insurance benefits, or who have recently been receiving them.
Employment Assistance Services include providing clients with information about the labour market, helping to prepare résumés, career-planning services, employment counselling, diagnostic assessment, help with job search skills, job-finding clubs, and job placement services.
Eligible recipients of the program’s funding are businesses ,including federal and provincial/territorial Crown corporations, organizations, individuals, public health and educational institutions, municipal governments, and band/tribal councils, as well as some provincial/territorial government departments and agencies. These entities act as employers or service coordinators under the program.
This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with Service Canada’s administration of its grants and contributions programs, and is subject to review under the Financial Administration Act.
