LINDSAY, ONTARIO, May 26, 2009—Post-secondary graduates in the Lindsay area will gain valuable work experience in their chosen fields thanks to Government of Canada support for a local employment project. Mr. Barry Devolin, Member of Parliament for Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock, 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. Devolin. “Our government is proud to support projects that offer young people the opportunity to develop the skills and work experience they need to reach their potential.”
The GAMIING Nature Centre, through its Eco-system Management and Marketing project, helps post-secondary graduates make the transition from school by facilitating job placements related to their education. This project will receive $26,000 through the federal Career Focus program.
“This is a great opportunity for us to receive practical experience related to our post‑secondary studies,” said Andrew Kadykalo, Marketing Coordinator and one of the two participants hired through the Career Focus program. “Opportunities to gain direct experience at such a young age are few and far between, and we are both grateful for the opportunity to advance our education in our related fields.”
The federal government is working with the provinces and territories and other 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 Career Focus program 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.
The Career Focus 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, go on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca or visit your local Service Canada Centre.
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 GAMIING Nature Centre (GAMIING) is a not-for-profit charitable organization that focuses on education and hands-on demonstrations of ecologically sound practices related to lakes and lakeshores. The organization works with individuals, community groups and other interested parties to further understanding of and participation in practices that balance human needs with the needs of wildlife and natural lake ecosystems. Between April 13, 2009, and October 9, 2009, GAMIING will provide career-related work experience to two post-secondary graduate youth to facilitate their transition to the labour market. Participants will gain experience in forestry and native gardening, as well as in marketing, planning and development.
Career Focus is one of three programs under the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy that help young Canadians get the information, skills and work experience they need to make a successful transition to the workplace. By linking highly skilled, post-secondary youth with potential employers who can provide them with career-related work experiences, Career Focus helpsyoung Canadians acquire advanced employment skills and facilitates their transition into the rapidly changing labour market.
