PORT RENFREW, BRITISH COLUMBIA, May 14, 2009—A local person with disabilities will get help to prepare for and obtain employment thanks to Government of Canada support for a local employment project. Mr. John Duncan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, 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. Duncan. “By supporting projects like this one, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence.”
The Pacheedaht First Nation will receive $2,304 under the Wage Subsidy component of the Opportunities Fund for a project that will allow the hiring of a person with disabilities as a Creel Surveyor to coordinate fisheries and harvesting information, and summarize data that will be shared with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
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 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 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 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 Pacheedaht First Nation has provided employment skills training to clients and persons with disabilities through various programs. Between July 2, 2009, and September 6, 2009, it will provide a 48-day work experience as a creel surveyor to a person with disabilities, in order to help that person prepare for, obtain and maintain employment.
This project is funded through the Wage Subsidy component of the Opportunities Fund, which helps Canadians with disabilities that have little or no work experience develop the skills they need to prepare for and obtain employment. Under the Fund, individuals must self-identify as having a permanent physical or mental disability that restricts their ability to perform daily activities, be currently unemployed and ineligible for assistance under the Employment Insurance program, be legally entitled to work in Canada, and require assistance to prepare for, obtain and keep employment or self‑employment. The Opportunities Fund is an important employment element of the Disability Agenda for the Government of Canada.
