SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, April 30, 2009—Saskatoon youth will benefit from the Government of Canada’s support of a local employment project. Mr. Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon–Wanuskewin, 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. Vellacott. “We are proud to provide young Canadians with an opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential.”
The Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council (STEC), a division of Tourism Saskatchewan, will receive $60,936 in federal Skills Link funding to support its Ready to Work project. Through this project, the organization will help eight young Canadians facing employment barriers prepare for and find meaningful employment or return to school.
“STEC is very appreciative of this support for the Ready to Work project. The tourism sector in Saskatchewan holds many excellent career opportunities. Currently, there are significant skills shortages in many key areas of the sector,” said Ms. Carol Lomb, Director, Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council. “This funding will assist us in bringing the opportunities that tourism employers have to offer together with individuals who are eager to enter the workforce and will have developed strong entry-level skills over the course of the Ready to Work project.”
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.
Skills Link 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 the Plan 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 www.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 27, 2009, and December 4, 2009, the Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council will provide client assessment, case management, group-based employability skills workshops and work experience to eight youth at risk, to assist them in either obtaining employment in the tourism industry or returning to school. Through these activities, the project will help unemployed youth facing barriers to employment develop the skills, knowledge and work experience necessary to gain employment or return to school.
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.
