REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, May 19, 2009—People with disabilities will get help preparing for jobs thanks to the Government of Canada’s support for a local employment program. Mr. Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament for Regina–Qu’Appelle, 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 all Canadians have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Scheer. “By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence.”
The Saskatchewan Abilities Council will receive $129,901 under the Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the $30-million Opportunities Fund for its Partners in Employment project. This project will help 65 persons with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment, or return to school.
“The career and employment service needs of a region take a community response,” said Ms. Tanja Ignatiuk, Program Manager at Partners in Employment. “This Government of Canada funding, coupled with our knowledge of other community supports, allows the Saskatchewan Abilities Council to provide employment services through its Partners in Employment offices that meet the needs of people with disabilities across the province. These specialized services enhance our continuum of service delivery, which in turn helps people with disabilities achieve their full employment potential as citizens of our community.”
The federal government is working 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 Government of Saskatchewan values the work of community-based organizations like the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, who share our commitment to helping individuals with employment barriers succeed in employment,” said the Honourable Rob Norris, Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour. “We are committed to helping all people in Saskatchewan achieve their full potential and contribute to growth and prosperity in our province.”
The Opportunities Fund helps support 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 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 the Plan 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
The Saskatchewan Abilities Council provides rehabilitation, employment and recreational services to people with disabilities throughout Saskatchewan. Between May 3, 2009, and May 2, 2010, its Partners in Employment project will provide 65 persons with disabilities in Regina and Moose Jaw with a variety of employment‑related services, in order to help them find and maintain meaningful employment or return to school.
The Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the $30-million Opportunities Fund is designed to help 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.
