BRANDON, MANITOBA, May 15, 2009—Manitobans with disabilities are set to benefit from the Government of Canada’s support for a local employment project. Mr. Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon–Souris, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development made the announcement today.
“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever that all Canadians have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Tweed. “By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence.”
Career and Employment Youth Services, sponsored by the Optimist Club of Brandon, will receive $38,378 under the Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the Opportunities Fund for the Abilities Project II. This project will help 51 people with disabilities in Brandon and southwestern Manitoba find and maintain meaningful employment, or return to school.
“There are a significant number of people in the southwest corner of Manitoba living with a disability that want to contribute but, for a variety of reasons, struggle to find their way,” said Mr. Richard Greer of Career and Employment Youth Services/the Abilities Project. “The Abilities Project is designed to guide people in their journey to employment. Our focus is to help promote the abilities of individuals to organizations or businesses in their own community, and this often develops into a mutual and long‑term employment relationship.”
The federal government works with stakeholders to make sure that Canadians get the training, skills and opportunities they need to participate in the workforce and contribute to the quality of life in their communities.
The Opportunities Fund supports an array of activities, such as increasing employability skills, providing work experience and preparing individuals for self‑employment. The Government of Canada is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent Canadians from reaching their full potential with a wide range of effective policies, programs and services tailored to people with disabilities.
The Opportunities Fund 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.
A backgrounder is attached.
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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
Originally established to meet the needs of area youth, Career and Employment Youth Services, sponsored by the Optimist Club of Brandon, provides a variety of employment services in Brandon and communities throughout southwestern Manitoba. The organization’s Abilities Project II will help persons with disabilities overcome barriers through client assessment, case management, one-on-one skills development workshops and access to employment resources.
The Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the $30-million Opportunities Fund helps Canadians with disabilities who have little or no work experience, and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance benefits. The Fund works with community organizations and the private sector to support projects that help Canadians with disabilities develop the skills and work experience they need to participate in the job market.
