SUMMERSIDE, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, April 22, 2009—Four local unemployed people will get on-the-job training as carpenter’s helpers thanks to Government of Canada support for an employment project managed by the Summerside Royal Canadian Legion. 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 tough times and helping them contribute to the quality of life in their communities,” said Minister Shea. “With this project, not only are we helping Islanders get work experience today that will help them get jobs tomorrow, but the refurbished Legion Hall will continue to serve the community for years to come.”
The Royal Canadian Legion George R. Pearkes V.C. Branch 5 will receive $114,840 in federal Job Creation Partnerships (JCP) funding to support renovations to its Legion Hall. Funded under the Canada-Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, 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.
“Prince Edward Island is fortunate to have a highly skilled and dedicated workforce,” said the Honourable Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning for Prince Edward Island. “The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to support Summerside’s Royal Canadian Legion in an effort to upgrade its facility. This project also presents a great opportunity for unemployed workers to upgrade skills through on-the-job training.”
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.
“The veterans and members of the Royal Canadian Legion George R. Pearkes V.C. Branch 5 are extremely pleased with the support from the federal government. Our legion has unique challenges, and the completion of this project will assist us in meeting those challenges,” commented Mr. Jim Steele, President of the Royal Canadian Legion George R. Pearkes V.C. Branch 5.
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 www.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
Royal Canadian Legion George R. Pearkes V.C. Branch 5 is a not-for-profit veterans’ organization that supports a variety of programs for seniors, youth and the community. Between March 23, 2009, and August 21, 2009, Employment Insurance-eligible workers will develop trade skills as carpenter’s helpers through 22 weeks of work experience renovating the Branch’s facility.
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.
